• Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Here’s a great article on whitening that I found recently on the Dental Tribune. Be aware, there are some big words (have a dictionary handy!), but there is some good detailed information with pictures of the tooth whitening process.
http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/content/scope/specialities/section/cosmetic_dentistry/id/369
Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles
• Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Here’s a little bit more detail on our sedation dentistry, also taken from my website www.dds4smiles.com:
“Dr. Glenn L. Sperbeck and his dental team are experts in IV Sedation Dentistry. Together, they help patients overcome their dental fears through Conscious Sedation Dentistry (IV Sedation Dentistry). IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what’s going on. The drugs used for IV sedation can produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much, or perhaps even nothing at all, of what happened. Dr. Sperbeck will let you know how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. Until they are cleared, you will be asked to not drink alcohol, drive or work machinery.
“An IV sedation is administered by injection, either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of time it will take to complete. The onset of action is very rapid, and the sedation drug dosage is safe and tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. If you have a fear of injections, you will not be numbed until the IV sedation has fully kicked in. Dr. Sperbeck will wait to begin any dental procedure until after the anaesthetic has taken effect.
“Dr. Sperbeck and his staff are trained to recognize and notify applicable patients of all contraindications/health concerns.
“Dr. Sperbeck and his assistant have a Conscious Sedation Dentistry License from USC Dental School.”
I also have previous posts about my grandchildren, and how I was able to use IV sedation with them safely and effectively. If you have any kind of fear of going to the dentist, or fear of the whirring tools and any pain involved, try this. The appointment will whiz by!
Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles
• Monday, July 20th, 2009
(Taken from my website):
“A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss.”
Implants are great if you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth. I am a member and graduate of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Check out the website aaid.com for abundantly more information about dental implants.
Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles
• Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Veneers are an interesting option for improving the appearance of your teeth. There are many great advantages about veneers, yet some of their restrictions often cause people to search for other cosmetic enhancement options.
Veneers are almost like artificial teeth worn over your teeth. Hardy materials are customarily molded into the unique, perfect smile for you, and are permanently applied over your teeth. Veneers are permanent because the enamel on your teen must be sanded down in order for the veneers to function properly, and removing them is damaging to your real teeth.
Many advantages come with veneers, though, as their main purpose is to hide imperfections such as crooked, gapped, or discolored teeth. They are made out of a material that doesn’t change color over time and won’t even collect stains from coffee or tobacco. How long they last varies from patient to patient, even though they are made to be very durable and maintain good condition for many years. However, it is still best to ask your dentist how long yours would last if you are considering veneers for yourself.
You will also have to brush and floss regularly even though you have “fake teeth.” Keeping veneers clean helps them last longer. You will have to be careful because some foods aren’t recommended for you to eat if you have veneers, things like nutshells that must be cracked.
Veneers are great! Talk to your dentist for more insight to see if they’re right for you!
Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles
• Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
Ever say “Ahhhhh!” to yourself in the mirror and cringe at the unsightly metal in your mouth? Those unsightly metallic crowns or fillings can now be replaced with porcelain or resin; they’re tooth-colored! Metal fillings are also very bad for your health, and each day you take risks of mercury poisoning. If that filling or crown were to crack, the newly released mercury would be absorbed by your body (even swallowed in saliva) and it could be very harmful. Don’t wait around for that to happen!
Dr. Sperbeck, West Los Angeles