What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?

Digital dental X-rays do the same job as “old-fashioned” dental X-rays – they take images of your mouth – but digital X-rays capture those shots by emitting only minimum radiation levels.

In order for digital X-rays to be taken, a small sensor is carefully positioned in your mouth and connected to the processing computer. On command, the sensor captures images of your teeth, tooth structure, and jaw bones, being repositioned until all digital X-rays needed are complete.

This latest radiation technology is essentially like having a small digital camera snapping photos in your mouth. There is no fussing with film and development (or the chemicals that accompany such techniques) and you and your dentist are able to immediately see what’s going on within your teeth and jaw bones because the digital X-rays are stored on a computer. This makes for faster diagnosis, which is of great benefit to you as a patient – especially if you have pain, a cavity, or other oral health problem.

The Benefits of Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays reduce the amount of radiation that a patient is exposed to during the X-ray process. The radiation level is 80 to 90 percent less than that of already-low dental X-rays, making this radiation technology far safer than other forms of dental X-rays.

True to form with a holistic dentistry practice, digital X-rays also pose less of an environmental threat because they don’t require disposal of harmful waste and chemicals since images are captured electronically.

A dentist is able to use contrast when viewing and manipulating the digital X-ray images in order to see the state of your teeth and bones in even greater detail. This allows for an even more accurate diagnosis of oral health problems. Digital X-rays also make it easier to transfer X-rays between healthcare providers.

For answers to your questions about digital X-rays or holistic dentistry, contact Dr. Vladimir Gashinky’s practice in Millburn, NJ, to schedule your consultation. Dr. Gashinky uses the latest digital X-ray technology during regular dental cleanings and exams.

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Why Holistic Teeth Cleaning is Best

All dental cleanings are not created equal. Holistic dentistry practices often use a laser dental cleaning technique, which is a safer way to clean teeth. And patients report this type of cleaning as a much more pleasant and comfortable way to have their teeth cleaned.

Holistic teeth cleanings offer a greater measure of protection for your oral health. The conventional method of cleaning teeth typically begins with scraping plaque from the teeth with a metal instrument. However, this method can cut into the sensitive gum tissue surrounding teeth, which opens up avenues for bacteria to enter the blood stream. This portion of a traditional teeth cleaning can also cause a measure of discomfort to patients.

The Holistic Teeth Cleaning Process

Laser dental cleanings begin with a sterilizing laser that cleans and disinfects teeth around the sensitive gum tissue, killing bacteria without damaging the gums, thereby eliminating the creation of any pathways for unwanted microbes to enter the blood stream.

The next step in a holistic teeth cleaning involves the use of a scaler which uses high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque build-up from the teeth. Finally, the teeth are carefully and gently polished and rinsed to produce that smooth, just-cleaned feeling that everyone loves after a teeth cleaning.

Maintaining Your Oral Health

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, no matter how often you floss and brush, it is still important to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. There is plaque and bacteria that settle on your teeth that only dental-grade equipment can properly remove.

Opting for holistic teeth cleaning means you are doing your part to protect your oral health and oral immunity and eliminate any discomfort that can come from conventional cleaning methods. Learn more about why you should choose a holistic dentist, then contact our Millburn, NJ, office to make your appointment with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky.

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What Makes All-on-4 Dental Implants Different

All-on-4 dental implant treatment is exactly what it sounds like – four dental implants are used to support a full-arch prosthesis. This efficient treatment concept benefits patients tremendously, allowing for a quick solution and a new, beautiful smile faster.

In the All-on-4 restoration technique, the two outside implants are tilted, allowing for the use of longer implants, especially ideal for patients who are lacking bone volume, thereby reducing the need for vertical bone augmentation. The tilted implants can be anchored more securely, which improves the support and stability of the prosthesis.

Advanced Dental Implant Technology

The All-on-4 treatments are planned and performed using the advanced NobelGuide treatment concept which allows for careful and accurate planning and implant placement.

Cutting-edge software enables a dentist to gather precise diagnostics about the amount of bone available and determine the best method of implant placement through virtual technology based on each individual case.

NobelGuide also supports a minimally invasive flapless technique, and creates a surgical template that ensures a guided and exact implant placement.

A Flexible Dental Solution

Immediately after the placement of the All-on-4 dental implants, patients can have a provisional prosthesis screwed onto the implants. Final All-on-4 solutions are flexible and can include fixed prostheses, individual crowns cemented onto the framework, or removable solutions. Each dental implant patient’s case is evaluated to determine what the best option is for their particular dental needs.

If you are suffering with missing teeth, opting for the All-on-4 dental implant solution allows for shorter treatment times. You’ll have a dental solution sooner, and be confident about your smile from the moment your treatment is complete. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky’s holistic dentistry practice to discuss missing teeth and dental implant technology.

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The Lowdown on Gum Health

Gum disease is a common condition, but it isn’t well understood. There are varying levels of periodontal disease, some of which require extensive, long-term treatment.

The most important thing to remember is that the soft tissue of your gums is the gateway to the rest of your body. This is a good thing – nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water pass quickly and easily into the bloodstream this way.

Unfortunately, when your gums aren’t healthy, they allow detrimental bacteria to flow through, which has led some medical experts to conclude that gum disease and the accompanying inflammation can be tied to heart disease, stroke, and other inflammatory conditions.

Easy Tips to Maintain Healthy Gums

Healthy gums mean that your teeth are that much healthier; the gums provide the thick, supportive layer in which teeth reside. Complete the following care of your teeth and gums to help ward of periodontal disease:

• Brush twice daily. Don’t skip on tooth brushing! Brushing food particles away from your teeth is essential to preventing plaque build-up and the resultant cavities. Pay close attention to your gum line – removing these particles is a key to preventing the formation of bacteria and gum disease.
• Floss daily. For some reason, many people consider flossing a chore. It literally only takes a minute to thoroughly floss between all of your teeth. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best technique for removing food particles.
• Visit your dentist. Keep up with your regular dental cleanings. No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing, there is some plaque buildup that only professional tools can properly and adequately remove. Any potential oral health problems, gum disease or otherwise, will also be identified during the accompanying dental exam.
• Drink H2O. Drinking water helps flush food particles from between your teeth and gums, preventing the buildup of bacteria and the formation of plaque. This is one of the easiest things you can do daily to keep your mouth healthy.

Have concerns about your oral health? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky at his holistic dentistry practice to discuss gum disease and any other oral health questions you may have.

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Oral cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women. But the awareness of this common and fatal disease is far too low. It’s essential to promote methods of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is most often found on the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, or floor of the mouth. Less commonly, cancer is found on the lips and the minor salivary glands. While oral cancer does exhibit some obvious symptoms, what’s most important is asking your holistic dentist for regular oral cancer screenings – they are more familiar with warning signs and symptoms and their examination of your face, neck, and oral cavity will be more thorough than trying to gauge your own risks.

Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

• Discoloration: Oral cancer can present as white, red, or speckled areas on the gums, cheeks, tonsils, or the inside of your lips.
• Lumps: Swelling, thickening, or bumps in oral tissues may indicate oral cancer, as well as inflamed, agitated, or bloody areas.
• Erosion: Rough or sensitive areas of erosion can form along the gum line or inner cheek, typically the result of using smokeless tobacco.
• Sudden oral problems: Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing can indicate oral cancer, as well as throat soreness and a change in vocal tone.
• Pain: Mouth discomfort can signify oral cancer, but pain or discomfort in the throat, face, and ears may also be symptoms of oral cancer.

Of course, many of these symptoms could be indicative of a completely different and even a minor oral health problem, or other overall health issue. Only your holistic dentist can help you find out for sure.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Oral cancer typically occurs in patients over the age of 55. However, there has been a small rise recently in cases of oropharyngeal cancer linked to human papilloma virus (HPV) in white men and women which skews oral cancer risks toward a younger generation.

Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the strongest risk factors for oral cancer. In fact, smoking and tobacco use account for nearly three-quarters of all oral and throat cancers, not to mention its influence on the development of other cancers, emphysema, and heart disease. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, excess plaque and tartar buildup, and dry mouth, and many studies have indicated that smoking can negatively affect the success of dental treatment, including dental implants which are used to replace missing teeth.

Protecting Yourself Against Oral Cancer

As with all diseases, some people have several risk factors and never develop the disease, while other people have few or no risk factors and do develop the disease. The safest health option, no matter your risks, is to have regular oral cancer screenings.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky at his holistic dentistry practice to discuss oral cancer and any other oral health concerns you may have.

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The reality is that amalgam fillings release a mercury vapor each time you chew on them, which means your body is absorbing and inhaling this toxic vapor. Eighty percent of this vapor accumulates in the body’s tissues because our bodies are simply unable to effectively expel it. Experts stress that the amount of toxicity is too little to actually cause harm – but why take the chance?

Toxic Side Effects of Mercury

A known neurotoxin, mercury can impair cognitive skills and cause tremors and sleep disturbances in people with continued exposure, be it at low or high levels. Even the briefest exposure to mercury can be responsible for coughing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, impaired lung function, and negative effects on the central nervous system.

Mercury researchers have found that mercury from fillings can cause permanent damage to a child’s brain, immune system, and kidneys. Pregnant women and nursing mothers can pass mercury to their infants. Studies have even found a link between mercury and Alzheimer’s disease – rats exposed to mercury vapor developed tissue damage not unlike the tissue damage created by Alzheimer’s disease.

If a substance is toxic outside of the body, why would you even think about putting it into your body? Still, millions of people receive mercury fillings every year, and still more people are walking around today with amalgam fillings in their mouths.

True Mercury-Free Dentistry

The process for removing mercury fillings is a careful one. When amalgam fillings are heated, the vapors become even stronger and more toxic, which means it’s necessary to find a dentist who knows and practices the proper removal and disposal techniques for existing mercury fillings.

Mercury-free dentistry does exist, particularly in holistic dentistry practices where composite fillings are the norm. Tooth-colored porcelain fillings are a mercury-free, non-toxic alternative to amalgam fillings. It’s important to recognize the difference between mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry. A mercury-safe dentist may not practice the proper removal methods and may not be able to guarantee safety from excessive exposure to mercury.

At our Millburn, New Jersey, dental office, we practice mercury-free dentistry, properly remove existing amalgam fillings, without putting our patients in danger and without compromising the environment through the disposal of the mercury. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky to discuss mercury-free fillings and your health.

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The Invisible Braces

Invisalign^TM braces are virtually invisible. A state-of-the-art alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign^TM treatment consists of a series removable, comfortable aligners that gradually move your teeth. That means no metal wires, no brackets – no metal mouth!

The Invisalign^TM aligners are customized to fit your teeth and bite. Unlike the traditional metal braces that can make you self-conscious, Invisalign^TM are so clear and unnoticeable that most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Continue on with your job and social life as usual – your Invisalign^TM braces won’t get in the way of a presentation, meeting, or even a first date.

Invisalign^TM vs. Traditional Braces

You can’t go wrong with orthodontic treatment – a straight, white, beautiful smile can only benefit you personally, professionally, and physically. But some people simply don’t want to feel like they’re drawing attention to their mouth. The clear aligners straighten your teeth just like brackets and wires, but the aligners work faster. Invisalign^TM braces usually require less time to straighten teeth than traditional braces – that means straight teeth sooner!

One of the things many traditional braces-wearers complain about is the discomfort of their braces. Invisalign^TM are smooth – no pain, no pinching, no catching your lip or tongue on a bracket or loose wires poking you in the gum or cheek.

Undoubtedly, any wearer of traditional braces has at one point uttered a statement such as, “If I could just take my braces off while I’m eating.” With Invisalign^TM you can remove your aligners to eat, and also to brush and floss your teeth, making it much easier to keep your teeth healthy while undergoing orthodontic treatment. After all, no one ever said it was easy to clean food particles out of those tiny brackets.

The Affordable Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign^TM is not only considered convenient and comfortable, the cost of this type of treatment is typically less than traditional metal braces. At our Millburn, New Jersey, dental office, we provide a complimentary Invisalign^TM consultation and you can save additionally on the service with this ad. Make an appointment with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky to discuss how Invisalign^TM can work for your lifestyle and give you the straight smile you’ve always wanted.

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The Possibilities of Porcelain Veneers

There are a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can turn your noticeable-for-the-wrong-reasons teeth into a noticeable-for-the-right-reasons smile. Some people who are dissatisfied with the size of their teeth may need to upgrade their cosmetic dentistry work. There are many dentists that offer veneers, but if they are not highly trained cosmetic dentists this alteration can be less than ideal. Oftentimes, you will see people who have veneers on only their most prominent upper row of teeth – this can make the rest of your smile look off, broken down, or even unhealthy.

Porcelain veneers should be natural-looking and your cosmetic dentist should analyze and address your entire smile when carrying out this procedure. When this cosmetic dentistry solution is completed, it should appear as though you merely have a whiter, straighter grin – nothing fake or odd-looking about it. You want your teeth to fit your face, and well-fitted veneers make that happen. Porcelain veneers can be the right solution for people who are unhappy with their too long or too short teeth, or for people who are dissatisfied with their current set of veneers.

From Dentures to Dental Implants

Another culprit behind wrong-size teeth are poorly fitted dentures. Ill-fitting dentures are problematic in more areas than just appearance. If dentures are not adjusted properly, they can get in the way of speaking and eating – that is very noticeable to other people, plus the dentures’ improper placement can make the wearer self-conscious about dining out and even having a conversation.

There is a secure alternative to dentures – dental implants. Zirconia dental implants are a fairly new trend in holistic dentistry, taking the place of the standard titanium dental implants for a healthier option. Implants replace the missing teeth as well as the roots of missing teeth – or teeth that need to be pulled because of deterioration – and look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are designed to complement your appearance, not draw attention to it in a negative way.

Making a Major, but Subtle, Change

Well-done porcelain veneers and dental implants are barely noticeable. The goal is to seek out cosmetic dentistry that provides you with a new smile that is proportionate to the rest of your face. You want your smile to make you look refreshed, healthy, and happy. Make an appointment with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky at his Millburn, New Jersey, dental office to talk about smile reconstruction or cosmetic dentistry.

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Dental implants have become a very popular and common way to replace missing teeth. Some people, however, have concerns about titanium implants, the typical metal used to manufacture dental implants. A holistic dentistry practice that offers dental implants is likely to provide a healthier and less worrisome alternative: zirconia implants.

Zirconia Dental Implants – The Universal Implant

Many patients with missing teeth are anxious about the idea of having metal dental implants placed in their gums. Metal allergies are common, as is sensitivity to metal, which can make it seem like the problem of missing teeth can be impossible to solve with any measure of longevity or security.

Enter zirconia dental implants, metal-free dental implants that allow nearly any person with missing teeth to benefit from the technology of dental implants. The human immune system does not react to zirconia, which means there is little risk of allergic reaction to the dental implant.

The Strength of Zirconia Dental Implants

Classified as a ceramic, zirconia is a poor electrical conductor, which means it can withstand drastic changes in temperature, cold or hot. It is also believed that zirconia is also stronger than titanium – and there is little to no chance of corrosion – adding to the durability of this type of dental implant.

The metal-free implants are also resistant to the natural acids that are present and develop in the mouth, further protecting the implant. An inherent characteristic of the zirconia is its white appearance, which means it takes on the translucent properties of a tooth and serves as a natural complement to surrounding healthy teeth and make it a fine choice for aesthetic dentistry.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants feel, look, and function like a natural tooth. They make a smile appear healthier and enable the recipient of the implants to eat and speak normally and without concern. But beyond the cosmetic and functional aspects of the implant, it’s crucial to fill the spaces that missing teeth create in your mouth – tooth loss can cause bone collapse or increase the chances of losing more teeth.

Smile reconstruction, whatever its form, is individual. To find out what your customized smile plan should be, contact Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky at his Millburn, New Jersey, dental office.

The post Zirconia Dental Implants vs. Titanium Implants appeared first on Millburn New Jersey Cosmetic Dentistry.

Some foods are known to benefit the health of your mouth, like certain meats, cheeses, and nuts. Other foods, particularly those containing large amounts of sugar, can accelerate the deterioration of enamel and gums.

Are apples like nature’s toothbrush, cleaning teeth and benefiting the body at the same time? Or can the natural sugar in apples actually be as damaging as soda?

The Amazing Apple

The fiber-rich texture of the rough apple skin makes them a great method for cleaning teeth (though they certainly do not take the place of brushing and flossing!). Other crunchy fruits and veggies also have high water content similar to apples, which can help to neutralize acid that can be responsible for cavities and other oral health problems. The slight tang of an apple also increases saliva production which helps neutralize acid and protect against tooth decay.

Questioning the Apple

It is not universally accepted that apples are a boon to dental health, however. In a recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry, it was found that study participants who ate apples regularly were 3.7 times more likely to have damaged the dentine layer of tooth under the enamel. This increased erosion and damage is attributed to the acidity of apples.

A Final Word on the Forbidden Fruit

Ultimately, apples end up being both good and not so good for your teeth. The texture and water content do help clean and brighten your teeth. However, the natural sugars and acidity can do harm if apples aren’t eaten quickly – the longer your teeth are exposed to acidity, the more damaging it can be (which is why it’s never recommended to snack all day long or constantly sip soda).

After you crunch and munch that apple, and if you don’t have an opportunity to brush and floss soon thereafter, at least drink water to wash away any lingering sugars or acids, as well as any plaque the apple may have removed from your teeth.

Want to learn more about the most beneficial diet for maintaining good oral health? It’s time to visit a holistic dentist. Make an appointment with Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky – contact our Millburn, NJ, office today to schedule your consultation.

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