TEETH WISDOM / A GENERAL DENTAL INFORMATION BLOG

Dr. Joseph V. Columbus DDS Has Performed Thousands of Dental Procedures During His Career, Continually Updates His Dentistry Skills and Learns About New Products and Materials, and Is Happy to Share His Wisdom About Teeth With You.

Don't Lose 'Em - Use 'Em!

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

September 12, 2019

Kids are in school, the weather is getting cool, and before you know it, 2019 will be a memory.

Your dental benefits for 2019 will be a memory at the end of the year, too. - if you don’t use them, you lose them. That’s why now is the perfect time to check your plan, and then make an appointment.

Most dental plans pay 100% for at least two routine check-ups and cleanings per year. If you haven’t had both of yours in 2019, it’s time to make an appointment.

Dental plans usually pay 80% for common services such as fillings and root canals. If you think someone on your plan has a cavity, a badly decayed or infected tooth, or needs one of the other dental services your plan covers at 80%, don’t take all the money for those procedures out of your own pocket – make an appointment.

More extensive dental work, such as implants, crowns and dentures are often 50% covered up to a specified annual maximum. If work like that is on your agenda, let insurance pay for half if there are still benefits in your plan year. How? Just make an appointment.

By the way, for services that your dental plans only covers 80%, or 50%, an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account) is a great way to cover some or all of the costs, or cover needed services for which your dental benefits have run out.

Remember, though, that your FSA funds expire at the end of the year, too, so if you need dental treatment that will be paid all or in part from your FSA, now is the time to make an appointment.

HSAs don’t expire, but it’s better to use as much money you can from your dental plan to pay for needed treatment, isn’t it? Then you “fill in” the balance from your HSA. Our suggestion would be that, if you have dental benefits left, and an HSA, this is the right time to make an appointment.

Of course, at Columbus Dental Care, we feel strongly that prevention is best, and early treatment of problems this year keeps them from becoming bigger problems next year and in years to come. So…

Don’t lose any dental benefits or funding available to you for getting a better smile in 2019. Before the end of the year, come see us. All you have to do is make an appointment.

What Comes Out Should Go Back In!

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

August 8, 2019

Your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but there are times when one has to come out. Maybe more than one.

In my blog from April 5, 2019, I discussed wisdom teeth, and why they come out more often than not. But wisdom teeth are a special case. Here I want to talk about why one or more of your other teeth may come out, and a very common reason is because a tooth has become badly damaged, either from trauma or decay.

Accidents happen, and sometimes that means a tooth comes out, perhaps during the accident, or maybe a tooth gets irreparably broken, and extraction is the only option.

Decay also happens, because of adverse genetics, poor oral hygiene, or a combination of both. If tooth decay extends to the center of a tooth – the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are – this can lead to a very high risk of infection.

This can often be corrected with antibiotics and then a root canal procedure, but if the problem is too advanced, the tooth should come out, before gum disease and bone loss set in. This is periodontal disease, and can lead to the removal of even more teeth.

There are also not-as-worrisome reasons for teeth to be extracted: to prepare your mouth so that all teeth can be properly aligned by orthodontia; and sometime I, or a specialist, will remove a tooth that cannot break through the gum line because you don’t have enough room in your mouth.

So now a tooth is out. Maybe more than one. (In the case of wisdom teeth, probably all four.) If the extraction was done in advance of orthodontia, you know what to expect next. But what are your options in all the other cases?

First, I must stress that, except for wisdom teeth, which reside all the way back, any time a tooth comes out, it should somehow be replaced. If you don’t fill the gap left by a missing tooth, either your smile will be ruined, or you run the risk of problematic and probably painful misalignment of your remaining teeth, over time, and even possible bone loss. This is because you put tremendous pressure on your teeth when you chew, or even exert yourself, and that pressure causes movement.

Your options for filling the gap left by a missing, extracted tooth include:

Dental Implants

A dental implant is prosthetic device, often made of titanium, that I implant into your jawbone. Over time, bone and device become one, and then I affix a ceramic crown in the shape and size of the missing tooth, matched in color to your other teeth. And it acts and can be treated just like your natural teeth.

Bridges

A bridge uses two healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to act as anchors for a false tooth or teeth to be fixed in between. I usually make these teeth from ceramic material to match the size, shape and color of the tooth or teeth that came out, too, but every now and then I get a request for gold or some other alloy.

Dentures

Sometimes, all of your teeth need to come out, on the top, bottom, or both, to make room for dentures, which can be removable, or anchored to your jawbone with implants.

Dentures can be created for you before your teeth are extracted, or made for you after a period of healing. If you have decided ahead of time that you would prefer dental implants to secure your dentures, the implants can be placed the same day the extractions are done.

You don’t want to lose teeth if you can avoid it, but if a tooth is gone or has to come out, replace it as soon as possible. The longer you delay, the more difficult and expensive it will be. As always, I am here to discuss your best option.

Ways To a Whiter Smile

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

July 11, 2019

July is the month when we usually see the biggest displays of fireworks, but you can put on a fireworks display of another kind year-round… with a whiter smile.

Unfortunately, our teeth tend to become yellow or discolored over time, usually for one of two reasons:

• As we age, our enamel gets thinner due to abrasives in toothpaste, hard brushing, and acids from diet, or from an acid reflux condition.
• Our enamel develops little pits and micro-cracks, and they begin to pick up stains from the things that we eat and drink, like coffee, tea, wine, some fruits, etc.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get a brighter smile back, and I’ll start with the easy one: what you eat and drink, which can either help or hinder a whiter smile. If you absolutely cannot stay away from the culprits mentioned above, there are several foods that can help reduce their negative effects on your teeth. These include:

Water, of course, should be your first line of defense and offense for a brighter smile. It washes away food particles and staining compounds, keeps your mouth moist so that stains can’t “dry” in, and is beneficial in so many other ways.

Crunchy fruits and veggies such as apples, celery, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots “scrub” your teeth as you eat them, and are also great saliva producers. (Citrus fruits, by the way, act as nature’s mouthwash, keeping your breath fresher.)

The lactic acid in yogurt, milk and cheeses may help protect teeth against decay. The proteins in yogurt also bind to teeth and protect them from attack by harmful acids, and hard cheeses help remove food particles.

There are also a foods such as strawberries and apple cider vinegar that enhance the whitening properties of baking soda. Mash/mix to make a paste, and apply with your toothbrush.

What do we recommend at Columbus Dental Care when the right foods, baking soda, brushing, flossing and regular professional cleanings don’t get your smile as white as you want it to be? You have several options…

Whitening Toothpastes

These usually only remove stains on the surfaces of your teeth, and do not contain a bleaching agent. They may be all you need, but to get at the deeper stains, you need a bleaching product.

I will say, though, that using an enamel-building toothpaste can help re-mineralize your teeth, and help seal the micro-cracks in them which tend to pick up stains. Having me apply a dental sealant during your next appointment is also a good option for that.

Whitening Rinses

Like most mouthwashes, whitening rinses freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque. But they also include ingredients that whiten teeth. But because a whitening rinse is only in contact with your teeth for maybe two minutes a day, it may have less of an effect, and take many weeks to show results.

Whitening Gels & Strips

Clear peroxide whitening gels can be applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth, and may provide a result in a few days, but are not as effective as whitening strips.

Whitening strips are thin pieces of flexible plastic that are coated in peroxide. You attach the strips to the front of your teeth, and wear them about 30 minutes a day for two or three weeks. The length of this treatment is similar to that of the whitening trays, but the results typically don’t last as long.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching Trays

These are similar to the bleaching trays I use, except that, since they are not custom fit, they don’t hold the whitening gel against your teeth as well as custom trays, and they also can cause irritation of your gums and soft tissue by allowing more bleaching gel to seep out of the trays. Try to select a product with a tray that can be molded to some degree. You wear them for two or three weeks and the results may last up to 4 months.

Dentist-Supplied Bleaching Trays

Though it may seem self-serving, I strongly feel that the best option for many patients is the take-home whitening procedure done with my supervision. The trays used in this method are custom-fit to you from impressions we take, which maximizes the whitening gel’s contact with your teeth, for better overall results, and minimizes its contact with your gums, for less irritation.

You take the trays home with one of my safe, recommended whitening gels, and manage the whitening on your own, wearing the tray(s) anywhere from 30 minutes to few hours a day for one to three weeks, and the results can last 4 months or more.

The greatest advantage of custom-fit tray bleaching is that you can “re-whiten” as desired, usually in just two or three daily applications as needed, depending on your habits.

In-Chair Whitening

Your teeth may be made several shades whiter in a day by having an in-chair procedure done. Using our Zoom! in-office whitening system, which is safe, effective and very fast, I can get your teeth whiter in just over an hour. It’s not for all situations (see below), but a one time in-office whitening can work well and last several months.

One important thing to note: Everyone’s results will vary! The effectiveness of teeth whitening is subject to several factors, and if you expect “blinding white,” you may be disappointed.

If you have yellow tones to your teeth, they usually respond best. Brown and gray tones do not respond as well. Blue-gray staining caused by the antibiotic tetracycline is very difficult to lighten. If you have dark stains, or substantial restorations, you may be a better candidate for another option, such as bonding, veneers or crowns.

I am happy to discuss your best option with you. If you want a brighter, whiter smile, make an appointment, and let’s talk!

When a Dental Specialist Is Needed…

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

June 7, 2019

I am a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist. As such, along with the hygienists and dental assistants here at Columbus Dental Care, I take responsibility for your overall dental/oral health.

We provide the services that most patients expect: exams and cleanings; dental x-rays; taking care of cavities; and monitoring the continuing conditions of your teeth, gums, jaws, and everything inside and adjacent to your mouth, as you go through life.

I also perform many cosmetic and restorative procedures, including root canals, pulling teeth when necessary, placing dental implants, creating and installing crowns, bridges and dentures, whitening, and creating custom sports and TMJ appliances.

Sometimes, your dental condition, or that of a friend or family member, requires the services of a specialist. Dental specialists include pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, prosthodontists, and periodontists.

In many cases, I perform the same services as these specialists. If, however, I feel the complexity of your situation warrants the attention of someone with the additional specialized training to best address your needs, I recommend one.

What do these various specialists do?

Pediatric Dentists help your child stay on the path to a lifelong, healthy smile, providing routine exams and cleanings, and diagnosis of oral conditions associated with other diseases such as childhood diabetes. Pediatric dentists are particularly adept at making young patients feel comfortable, and often work closely with pediatricians to provide comprehensive medical and dental care, monitor the development of your child’s teeth, jaws and facial structure, and recommend other specialists, such as orthodontists, when needed.

Orthodontists correct teeth and jaws that are out of position. They fix overbites, under-bites, cross-bites, and straighten teeth that are crooked or misaligned. They also make room for teeth or fill in gaps in your smile by repositioning them. They may use braces, wires, elastic bands, aligners, palate expanders, or headgear as part of your treatment; and when it’s complete, you may also wear a plastic retainer for some period of time until your jaw bones have consolidated around the new configuration of your teeth.

Oral Surgeons have at least four years of post-graduate surgical experience in hospital environments, and specialize in treating problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaw. Oral surgeons commonly deal with wisdom teeth removals, facial pain, TMJ, cleft lips and palates, removal of tumors and cysts, and reconstructive surgery for trauma or aesthetic reasons. We will recommend an oral surgeon most often for removal of impacted wisdom teeth, or for complex dental procedure that require deep levels of sedation.

Endodontists are the root canal specialists, the dentists who know all about the soft interior pulp of your teeth. Although I perform routine root canals in the office, we sometimes recommend an endodontist for more difficult root treatments and procedures, especially if you’re seeing us late and infection has already set in.

Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of broken teeth with crowns, bridges, or dentures. Again, though I also have extensive experience and skills in these procedures, there are, very occasionally, times when I feel that someone with additional training or access to deeper levels of sedation is the proper choice. This is most likely the case with reconstruction following oral cancer or a traumatic injury to the mouth.

Periodontists are the gum specialists, and focus on treatment of diseases and conditions that affect your gums. Periodontists diagnose and treat gingivitis and periodontitis; perform deep pocket cleanings, hard tissue re-contouring, and minor surgery to resolve more severe gum conditions; and restore your gum tissue when needed due to disease or the wear caused by extensive over-brushing.

At Columbus Dental Care, we may recommend any one, or more, of these specialists at some point during your continuum of dental care, but…

If you see us on a regular basis – at least twice a year – for check-ups, cleanings and dental x-rays, chances are that your need to see a dental specialist will be greatly reduced and you’ll have a better smile for a lifetime.

Better Smiles Require X-Ray Vision

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

May 9, 2019

If you have ever been in a dental chair, you probably have had dental x-rays. Everyone who comes to see us has them at some point, whether as part of your regular regimen of dental care, or to help diagnose a problem.

Dental x-rays are an important tool – without them, there is just no way we can provide complete dental care, maintain your smile, or make it even better.

Dental x-rays are also the only x-rays most people ever experience, and we do everything we can to make that experience as safe and comfortable as possible, using the latest equipment and techniques.

First of all, the dental x-rays at Columbus Dental Care are digital. No more film, which means they are faster. They’re instantaneous, actually. Digital x-rays also reduce your exposure to radiation – up to 90% less exposure than that to old-style film x-rays!

We further reduce your exposure by covering your upper body with a lead-lined apron, and commonly also apply a lead-lined thyroid collar around your neck, recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.

We do caution, as do obstetricians, that if you can avoid having dental x-rays taken while you are pregnant, that it makes sense to delay them. If absolutely necessary, though, we can take extra steps to protect you and your baby.

The common form of dental x-rays are the four bitewings we use for initial assessment of your teeth and jaw, and to keep track of your teeth, gums and jaw over time. How often bitewings are taken depends on various factors, including age, lifestyle and other dental factors.

• Children usually need x-rays more often, because their teeth and jaws are still developing, and because their teeth are smaller, which allows decay to reach the inner part of teeth and spread faster.
• Teenagers need to be monitored for possible problems with wisdom teeth and sports injuries to the mouth and jaw.
• Adults with extensive restorative work, such as fillings, implants and crowns, have an increased risk for decay to develop under these restorations, where they can’t be seen with the naked eye.
• Patients with a high sugar intake are at an increased risk for developing cavities.
• Patients with periodontal disease (smokers are at particularly high risk for this) may need more frequent x-rays to monitor bone loss.
• Patients with dry mouth, because reduced saliva in the mouth reduces pH, which can contribute to the development of cavities.

You probably know the drill with bitewings: a tech places a sensor in your mouth, asks you to bite down, aims the x-ray head, asks you to hold still, leaves the room momentarily, you may hear a little click or hum, the tech comes back, and the process is repeated three more time. Easy! Even easier if you tell us about any discomfort you may experience or if you have a highly-tuned gag reflex. (Kids often do!) We have ways to keep your gag reflex at bay.

There are times when a more specialized x-ray is called for. These may include:

Periapical X-Rays: This type of x-ray takes a full tooth picture from the very top of the tooth (crown) to the very tip of the root. Periapical x-rays are usually taken when you are having symptoms with a specific tooth and can help us determine if there is an abscess, abnormalities in the surrounding bone structure, or deep decay.

Occlusal X-Rays: These x-rays are not very common, but are typically used to show the roof or floor of your mouth and to check for things like extra teeth, impacted teeth, abnormalities, issues with your jaw, and any solid growths, such as tumors.

Panoramic X-rays: A panoramic x-ray may be taken as recommended, but may also be taken by an orthodontist in preparation for braces, or by an oral surgeon in preparation for surgery such as extraction of your wisdom teeth.

By the way, most dental plans cover routine dental x-rays along with your routine dental exam. Every dental plan is different, though, so you should check with your insurance provider and/or HR representative for details on your specific plan. And check with us if you are having non-routine x-rays, so you can check about your coverage for those.

If you have questions or concerns about dental x-rays that are not covered here, please feel free to ask us the next time you come into Columbus Dental Care. We look forward to seeing you!

Be Smart About Your Wisdom Teeth

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

April 5, 2019

Recently, when I informed a patient that his wisdom teeth should come out, I had to laugh when he quietly exclaimed, “Stupid things!”

It does seem a little stupid, doesn’t it, calling teeth that almost always need to be removed “wisdom” teeth. Well, there is a reason they got that name, and there are several reasons why they usually need to come out.

Wisdom teeth normally begin to grow at around the age of puberty, and erupt from the gums between late teens and mid-twenties, a point in life at which most people realize they really aren’t smarter than their parents. Thus the name.

They are a third set of molars and, like your tonsils and appendix, they are vestigial, meaning that they were once useful to humans, but no longer are. Way back in time, when diets were much rougher and there were no knives and forks and spoons, human jaws were bigger, to accommodate the extra teeth needed to grind food down into more-digestible bits.

That’s not the case today, and over the millennia, jaws got smaller. Unfortunately, most wisdom teeth have lived on, but there usually isn’t enough room for them in your mouth. Out they must come!

Not removing wisdom teeth can result in several problems, some of them very severe:

• Because there is usually not enough room in the average jaw, wisdom teeth rarely come in normally. They erupt at odd angles, and also will push other teeth out of the way in a search for space.
• The roots of a wisdom tooth can grow around nerves in your lower jaw, causing discomfort, and making extraction more difficult; and the roots of your upper wisdom teeth can grow into your sinus cavities, causing sinus infections.
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth allow food to get in under the gums, where it can decay, leading to infections that are very difficult to clean and that can lead to deterioration of your jawbone.
• Left untreated for too long, infections resulting from impacted wisdom teeth can be life-threatening.

Fortunately, seeing us for regular check-ups and x-rays means we’ll know if your wisdom teeth are going to be a problem – not all of them are – and be able to tell you the best time to have them removed, to prevent future dental complications.

Removing wisdom teeth sooner rather than later is usually an uncomplicated procedure, not all that different from pulling any other tooth, done in our office under local anesthesia.

If you have a more difficult removal or impacted wisdom teeth, we may refer you to an oral surgeon, who will remove your wisdom teeth under sedation or general anesthesia. If the thought of that puts you off, then it makes sense to take our advice regarding the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed.

Either way, there is some good news… Recovery from wisdom tooth removal is usually no more than a few days to a week, and includes eating such things as oatmeal, ice cream, yogurt, and smoothies.

During recovery, care should be taken not to eat hard foods, strenuous physical activity should be curtailed, you should not use straws, and you should not smoke. You should be careful when brushing, too, so as not to dislodge any stitches that were needed nor to aggravate your healing gums.

Remember, regular check-ups will reveal whether or not, and when, wisdom teeth may become a problem, and it’s best to have them preventatively removed as early as possible.

If you are worried about wisdom teeth, I encourage you make an appointment, so we can take a look and discuss your options. It’s the smart thing to do!

Get Your Kids Into Brushing!

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

February 7, 2019

By the age children can tie their own shoes – usually at around 5 or 6 – there is another thing they should learn: brushing their teeth. When a child is taught a new skill at an early age, he or she is likely to continue this behavior throughout adulthood.

Here are some tips on how to make sure kids learn to brush themselves, and create a life-long habit of good oral hygiene …

Kids’ Choice

Picking the toothbrush that fits a kid’s needs is important. Toothpaste flavor is important, too. Let your child pick out the toothbrush and toothpaste, as long as both are up to ADA (American Dental Association) standards. Whether it’s a love for cars or cartoons, superheroes or princesses, bubblegum, fruit flavors or mint, your child will be more excited to brush if he or she got to choose and likes the choice.

A Family Affair

Your children learn from you, so set a good example. Brush your teeth in front of them, with good technique, and be sure to brush for the full dentist-recommended two minutes. If your children see that you’re brushing your teeth and enjoying it, they will want to brush. Do it together after breakfast, and again at bedtime.

Show and Tell

Show them how to brush, and check to make sure they are using the right technique to reach all of their teeth

• A toothbrush should be soft-bristled, and angles at 45 degrees towards the gums of the upper and lower teeth.
• Your child should gently move the toothbrush in a back-and-forth motion, with short strokes along teeth and gums. This technique should be continued along every tooth's interior and exterior surface in a similar way.
• The tip of the brush should be placed in an upright position to reach behind the front teeth on the top and bottom.
• Also have your child brush his or her tongue, with an in-and-out motion, to remove bacteria on its surface.

Remember, your child's toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if it gets worn out or frayed.

A Few Minutes of Fun!

There are lots of ways you can add some fun to the brushing experience.

• Kids can use their "super powers" or "magic wand" to brush their teeth and rid the world of "evil germs."
• Set a timer and use an upbeat kid-friendly song to let them boogie a little while brushing.
• Many children’s books and shows have segments about brushing teeth. Read a story in funny voices or let them listen to a show while brushing.
• Do your own play-by-play as your child brushes, and maybe let out a loud whoop when they finish.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Kids should start flossing when tooth surfaces are next to each other, and should floss at least once a day. It can be hard for children to wrap floss around their fingers and reach back in smaller mouths, so a flossing pick is a good alternative and will help get your child into the flossing habit early. And because you are trying to set a good example, perhaps this activity gets you back into a daily flossing habit, too!

High Five!

Stickers? "Well done!" A high-five? A choice of bedtime story or some other short activity? What will motivate your child to develop a healthy habit? Maybe you mix it up a little, so the reward eventually becomes a healthy smile in the mirror.

Stick to It

Establish a routine and pattern for brushing, so it becomes habitual and expected. You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more it becomes a habit the easier it will be to make sure your child’s brushing continues at least twice a day for life!

Though practicing good oral hygiene at home is vital to a healthy mouth, be sure to bring your child in for regular cleanings and checkups, too. Call us today if you need to make an appointment.

Wide Open w/ Your Dental Hygienist

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

Janaury 4, 2019

Twice a year (we hope at least twice a year, maybe more, depending upon your dental needs), you come to see us at Columbus Dental Care, to have a check-up and get your teeth cleaned by one of our friendly hygienists. You have probably had them do a little bit more, too, so you know there is more to what dental hygienists do. Do you know how much more?

The job of a dental hygienist is not just about your teeth – it is about your oral health, and how it relates to your overall health.

In addition to reviewing your oral history, removing plaque and polishing your teeth, dental hygienists:

• Check your gums for recession and signs of gingivitis
• Check your teeth for wear, cracking and other signs of clenching or grinding that may indicate TMJ
• Take dental x-rays and/or high-resolution photographs of your teeth and jaw structures, as indicated
• Do an oral cancer screening and check your jaw and neck for signs of tumors or other abnormalities
• Take impressions of teeth for fitting of dental appliances such as mouthguards and night guards
• Administer fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants
• Go over appropriate flossing and brushing techniques and suggest special brushes that can help clean hard-to-reach areas

You probably don’t give it much thought, but that your hygienist is a highly-skilled dental professional, and your first line of defense against any dental problems you may have, and that may be linked to other health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and cancer.

Your hygienist knows what is best for your mouth, and has spent many, many hours in classrooms and chairside, learning how to best take care of your teeth, gums and overall dental health. The learning doesn’t end with passing the licensing exam, either. In New Hampshire, hygienists must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years, to make sure they are up on the latest findings and techniques.

By the way, your hygienist knows when you are not telling the truth about flossing, because gums speak for themselves. Honesty is the best policy, so be open about your home care routine. Your hygienist knows how to get your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, and can help you get into a consistent routine.

The bonus? You get a better smile that should last a lifetime.

Protect That Smile!

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

July 27, 2018

So your teenager has perfect teeth. Maybe because nature has been good to her? Or perhaps because you have invested several thousand dollars to get his teeth into proper alignment? In either case, your child has nice, straight, properly-aligned teeth and a beautiful smile…

And he or she also loves to play sports.

Hockey, basketball, football, volleyball, lacrosse, soccer… no matter what the sport – even track and field or tennis – if you want to make sure that your child’s smile stays intact during sports activities, a sports mouthguard is a must-have.

There are two types of sports mouthguards: basic boil-and-bite, and custom mouthguards, which are molded from an impression of your teeth.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards aren’t bad, and maybe even an okay option for low-contact sports. You buy one, bring it home, boil it in water, and then your child bites into it to make a mouthguard. But…

If there’s a chance your child is going to take a stick to his or her face, knock heads, or get an elbow in the mouth, you’ll want the superior protection of a custom mouthguard.

Everyone’s mouth is different, and the best protection comes from a perfect fit. A custom mouthguard, taken from an impression of your child’s teeth and gums then formed at 100+ psi from strong, lightweight materials does the job properly.

A custom mouthguard, like the ones I fit at Columbus Dental Care, affords optimal comfort, protection, oxygen intake and ease of communication for your child. We can also customize the color of custom mouthguards, and even add your child’s jersey number to them, which is big plus in today’s Instagram-driven world.

Do they cost a little more? Yes. But they cost a lot less than a visit to me after a mouth injury suffered without a mouthguard will.

Your child’s smile is probably worth the investment.

A Better Smile in One Visit

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

June 18, 2018

Back in the day, the time it took to repair a decayed or damaged tooth was not that big of a deal. In the world of today, though, moving at the speed of the internet, instant news cycles and two-earner households with always-on jobs, that kind of time is no longer a viable option.

Good news!

Thanks to the advanced technology of our chair-side E4D laser-enhanced CAD/CAM system, I can give you a permanent, perfectly fit, all-ceramic crown, with no messy goop, less drilling, and fewer injections, in one appointment that usually takes little more than an hour.

At Columbus Dental Care, we create your crown on-site, perfectly laser-matched for size and shape to your old tooth from a solid piece of porcelain material that closely matches the composition of natural teeth, so it will be a good neighbor. We also match the color so that the new crown fits in aesthetically. It is then chemically bonded, saving as much of your healthy old tooth as possible.

The result is a strong tooth that can last for many years – and a better smile – all in one visit.

If you have a tooth that needs attention, and no time to take care of it, make an appointment at Columbus Dental Care, and let us take care of it in almost no time at all!

Fluoride Is a Tooth’s Best Friend

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

May 18, 2018

You probably know that the biggest trend in news today is “fake news.” And though the term is now being applied mostly to politics, the web is awash in fake news of all kinds, including lots of misinformation about one of the best treatments you’ll find for keeping your teeth strong and healthy: fluoride.

First introduced into a public water supply in 1945, fluoride is, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control "one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century."

Fluoride works to strengthen teeth in two ways:

• During the years that teeth are forming, fluoride that is swallowed helps to strengthen the enamel as the teeth are developing, making them more resistant to cavities.
• At all ages, trace levels of fluoride (from water or other beverages, and from fluoride toothpaste) mixes with saliva. Saliva neutralizes the acid made by the bacteria that cause the decay process, and the fluoride is absorbed by tooth enamel, which makes it stronger.

Many municipal water systems add fluoride, specifically because of its proven teeth-saving properties. But if you are on well water, you’re probably not getting more than a trace of fluoride, likely too little to provide a dental benefit. And Pennichuck, the water system delivering to most of towns in our Columbus Dental Care service area, does not add fluoride.

Because of this, it is vitally important for the health of your teeth, and those of everyone in your family, that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste with fluoride. I also strongly recommend a fluoride treatment during twice-a-year check-ups, especially for children and young adults, while teeth are still forming.

For the facts instead of the fake news, you can also click for more about fluoride. Once you have the facts, I’m sure you will feel the same way I do: that fluoride is effective. it’s safe, that thanks to fluoride there is much less tooth decay today than there used to be, and fluoride is a tooth’s best friend.

Come on into Columbus Dental Care, and have us make sure your teeth are well-protected with fluoride.

Get All Your Dental Benefits

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

November 20, 2017

In previous posts, I have discussed the fact that dental benefits do not always pay for all the treatments you need or want. And though I could go on and on about the idea that available benefits don’t dictate the care you need, I am going to turn things around on you this time…

Many people don’t take advantage of all the dental benefits they do have.

Most dental plans are what are called 100-80-50 plans. They pay 100 percent for a couple or routine cleanings and check-ups per year; 80 percent for basic things such as fillings or root canals; and 50% for more extensive work, such as implants, crowns, and dentures; all up to a specified annual maximum. You pay the rest out of pocket.

All of this is on a "use it or lose it" basis. If you don’t use your benefits by the end of year,
you lose them.

That means that you may miss out on the second cleaning, or the check-up that might have prevented a bigger problem if we caught it in time. Or, at the very least, getting some of the cost of a procedure paid out of your plan’s pocket instead of your own.

Small dental problems can quickly become big expensive ones, so if you have a check-up ‘owed’ to you on your current plan year, you should get it done. And if you need a procedure that is not fully covered by your plan, we suggest CareCredit which offers 0% financing for 6 or 12 months, as well as other financing options. You can find out more at Care Credit.

If you have questions about your plan, the services still covered in your current plan year, or about any potential in- or out-of-pocket costs for dental procedures you really should have done before the new year, please call our office.

Your dental health is our number one priority, and better smiles begin here.

Night Guards

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

May 17, 2017

Have you been told you grind your teeth? Many people don’t realize they do until their partner or a dental professional tells them.

Grinding, scientifically known as bruxism, happens mainly at night, while you are sleeping, and so unaware that it’s happening. And though it’s a way your body relieves the stress of the day, it can be extremely damaging to your teeth, put a lot of stress on your jaw joints, and cause pain or headaches when you wake up.

Dentists can help relieve these symptoms with night guards.

Night guards serve many purposes. One of the obvious reasons is to avoid further wear on the teeth. Sometimes the wear is so severe that, if untreated, one or more teeth can wear into the nerves, causing pain and then maybe abscess, and, eventually, the need for root canal therapy.

Even if it doesn’t wear that far, the pressure of grinding can cause fractures in the teeth, especially if you have old fillings. That can lead to the need for more expensive future treatment.

Another reason to wear a night guard is to protect the dental work you have already had done. Crowns and cosmetic veneers are made from very strong porcelain, but even the strongest materials can be damaged from excessive grinding. A night guard can help protect the investment you have already made, and help you avoid costly repairs and remakes.

Finally, for those who wake up with headaches and jaw pain, night guards can reduce or eliminate those symptoms, by allowing your jaw to move more freely while you sleep. This reduces the tension on the muscles that you use to move your jaw, and often results in less pain and fewer morning headaches.

There are many types of night guards and I can help you decide what type will best suit your needs.

One other thing… If you have an active lifestyle, especially if you are younger and engage in any type of contact sport, a custom mouth guard is the easiest way to protect your teeth from the need for expensive dental work, or to protect the work you have already had.

A custom, impression-fit mouth guard does a much better job than the so-called ‘boil and bite” versions, too, because it’s made with much sturdier materials and not made by a novice in the dental field (yes, that would be you).

Night and day, if you want to keep your better smile looking its best, come see us about night guards and mouth guards.

Your Dental Insurance Explained

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

March 15, 2017

Guess what is the most common question we get here at Columbus Dental Care? (I suspect every other dentist gets it, too.) It’s this one: Why doesn’t my dental plan pay for this dental treatment?

Now you know you’re not the only one, but it probably doesn’t make you feel any better. So let’s see, since knowledge is power, if I can give you a little power to make your dental plan better, if you can. Or at least get you out of the dark about your coverage…

There are many, many dental plans available, and having one can make it easier to get the care you need. But almost all dental plans are a contract between your employer and a dental insurance company, and very few of them cover all the procedures you might need.

Your employer determines how much it wants to spend on the premium to provide this benefit to you and your fellow employees. Your employer negotiates with an insurance company based on the premium your employer is willing to pay, and that determines the type and amount of coverage that your dental plan will provide.

Dental insurance companies employ many ways to minimize the amount of money that they have to pay out. Cost-control measures they use include:

UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable) Charges

This is the maximum amount your insurance company thinks a procedure is worth. UCR implies that there is a “standard” fee schedule, or ‘”going rate” for a dental procedure, which is not the case. The terms “usual”, “customary” and “reasonable” are misleading for several reasons:

• Insurance companies randomly set their UCR fees, which frequently do not match the actual fees charged by dentists in a given area.
• The UCR fees may stay the same for many years, because insurance companies may be slow to adjust for inflation or the changing cost of providing dental care, or advances (and even differences) in treatment.
• Every insurance company has its own formula that they use to set their UCR rates, and they are not required to disclose the method by which their UCR fees are determined.

Just because your dental bill is higher than the UCR of the insurance carrier does not mean a particular dentist is charging too much. It could mean that the insurance company has not updated its UCR fee scheduled, or that the data used to establish the UCR fee scheduled has been taken from a different location than the one you are in.

Annual Maximums

This is the maximum dollar amount a plan will pay in one calendar year. Again, the annual maximum dental benefit is determined by your employer in its contract with your insurance company. These allowances are lost at the end of the of the contract year and do not roll over to the next calendar year. If you don’t use them, you lose them. In many cases, these maximums have not been raised for decades.

Pre-Existing Conditions

You have certainly heard about this one. In the case of dental plans, as an example, your insurance may choose not cover to replace a missing tooth if that tooth was missing prior to your enrollment. This does not mean that the tooth does not need to be replaced. This is just another way insurance companies use to get out of paying for needed treatment.

Not Dentally Necessary

This clause in many dental plans gives the insurance company the option of refusing to cover procedures they deem not medically or dentally necessary. But an insurance company does not know you as an individual, and their view of “dentally necessary” may not coincide with the opinion of your dentist. You and your dentist should make your treatment decisions, not your dental insurance plan.

Plan Frequency Limitations

Some dental plans will limit the number of times that a particular procedure will be reimbursed. For example, most insurances will pay for 2 cleanings per year, but many people with gum and other issues would benefit from cleaning three or more times a year. (This, in the long run, should cost the insurance companies less than it does to repair the results of lax preventive care. But nobody ever accused insurance companies of thinking ahead that way.)

The “Preferred Provider”

During the last decade or so, dental insurers have increasingly promoted the concept of the “in-network” provider. A doctor who is in “in-network” has agreed to offer a significant discount to patients with that particular insurance. Some plans only pay “in-network” dentists. Other plans will allow the patient to see the dentist of their choosing, but reimburse the dentist at the discounted rate, and the balance not paid is your responsibility.

So what can you do?

At Columbus Dental Care, our primary goal is to help you establish and maintain excellent dental health. We also work diligently to help you obtain the most from your dental insurance by filing your claims on your behalf.

We often see patients with large-scale dental problems, and for these patients, dental insurance helps only marginally - they reach their yearly maximums very quickly. But putting off needed treatment can lead to bigger (and more expensive) dental problems. It’s important to address all aspects of dental disease in a timely fashion, regardless of what insurance will or will not pay.

It’s also important to keep in mind that there are good dental insurance plans, and not-so-good ones. If you are not satisfied with your dental insurance coverage, let your employer know.

The Causes of Cavities

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

February 15, 2017

We just came off one of the big candy holidays of the year – Valentine’s Day – and Easter is not far off. Easter is also a big candy holiday, which got me thinking about candy’s contribution to cavities.

Candy is a culprit, but there are many others, so here is my list of the Top 10 reasons for tooth decay:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: The biggest reason for tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. Dental plaque, loaded with acid-producing bacteria, forms very quickly and can start eroding tooth enamel on contact. If plaque is not removed daily, a cavity can get started and advance through the layers of the tooth, from the hard outer enamel surface, through the softer dentin, and finally to the nerve (pulp) center of the tooth. Brushing a minimum of two times a day and flossing regularly is the best defense for avoiding tooth decay.
2. Sugary Foods: Sodas, candy, cereals and most juices are loaded with sugar, which is also food for the acid-producing bacteria that hasten tooth decay.
3. Acidic Foods: Acidic foods and juices, and carbonated beverages, can damage the tooth enamel directly and immediately with their own acids. Juices and carbonated sodas are the biggest culprits.
4. Improper Nutrition: Foods high in sugar, foods high in simple carbohydrates and high in acids contribute to tooth decay. Eating a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, can help decrease cavity formation.
5. Crevices and Enamel Issues: Deep grooves in some teeth, especially the molars, can allow bacteria to hide and proliferate. Dental sealants placed in these grooves is a fantastic tool for reducing dental caries on the biting surfaces of teeth.
6. Dry Mouth: Saliva functions to help wash teeth, and clean and dilute the acidity in your mouth. People with dry mouth issues, usually due to genetics, medications, or old age, are more at risk for cavities. Chewing gum with xylitol can stimulate the mouth and help it be less dry, which helps fight cavities.
7. Grinding: Grinding of the teeth (bruxism) can cause fracturing of the tooth enamel, which increases the incidence of dental caries. A mouth guard worn at night (when most grinding occurs) can greatly relieve this problem.
8. Genetics: We inherit the shapes of our teeth, as well as the grooves previously mentioned. Crowded teeth, which can make brushing or flossing more challenging, is also an inherited trait which can contribute to more cavities.
9. Age: We all get old (hopefully), and with increased age there can be an increase in cavities as well. Recession exposes roots to the acidic oral environment and can quickly lead to root decay. Also, manual dexterity can compromise brushing, saliva production can decrease and medications can cause dry mouth.
10. Avoiding the Dentist: Routine dental visits are very important to prevent dental decay. Routine cleanings, oral hygiene instructions, early cavity detection, sealants, and fluoride application are just some of the many ways going to the dentist can prevent tooth decay from becoming a problem for you.
    

I encounter many of the problems listed above when I travel to Uganda to provide dental services to people in poor rural villages. Access to dental care, to toothbrushes and pastes, and even to clean water, can be very difficult there. Many Ugandans drink soda instead of water, because it’s safer. But not for their teeth.

Here in the US, we have clean water, an abundance of healthy foods, and dozens of brands of toothbrushes and toothpastes from which to choose. You also have me, Dr. Joe, and the entire staff at Columbus Dental Care always at the ready to make sure your smile is the best it can be.

Implants vs. Fixed Bridges & Removable Partials

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

November 18, 2016

A missing tooth might seem like just an inconvenience if it happens to be out of sight of your smile. Unfortunately, the truth is it can be devastating to your overall oral health in the future. 

Your teeth are in a delicate balance in their positions, and can move over time.

A missing tooth changes the balance, and that starts the uncontrolled movement of your teeth.  Some are lucky enough that the balance returns without much damage, but others are not. Shifting teeth can lead to too much force on the surrounding teeth, resulting in fractures of fillings or a tooth itself, leading to more extensive and expensive treatment.

Opposing teeth can also shift into the space left by a missing tooth,  creating areas that are difficult to clean. This can lead to gum disease and possible further tooth loss, not to mention problems with your jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing.

With all those possible outcomes, replacing a missing tooth can be the least-expensive way to save you a lot of problems and money down the road, and dental implants are the best way to that.

Fixed-in-place bridges and removable partial dentures still have their place in the possible treatment options for missing teeth, but dental implants, where possible, can give you a natural and more easily-maintained result.

With dental implants, a missing tooth or teeth can be replaced without having to work on the surrounding teeth, saving you the expense of maintaining those restorations for the rest of your life.

Dental implants won't decay, and once integrated into the bone (about 4 months after placement) they can last you a very long time and allow you to clean your teeth better. You can brush and floss an implant just like it was your natural tooth.

I strongly suggest dental implants as the best option to replace a missing tooth, in almost all cases. They can save you money down the road, with less maintenance and replacement over your lifetime. If you have a missing tooth, or need to have a tooth removed, come see me to discuss a dental implant replacement.

Don't Fear the Dentist!

Posted by Joseph V. Columbus DDS

August 8, 2016

I have been in dental practice for more than a quarter of a century, and so have seen an amazing number of changes in dentistry – in materials, technology, tools and procedures.

A couple of things haven't changed during the years I have been seeing patients, though: a lot of people are still afraid to see the dentist, and the average dental insurance benefit is still stuck at about a 1970s level of $1,000-$2,000 per year.

In the 1970s, that was often more than enough to cover the costs of even many "involved" cases, with cavities, perhaps an extraction, and multiple crowns. But today's technology hasn't come cheap, the cost of dental education has skyrocketed, office space can be very expensive, and so is maintaining your privacy against internet hackers.

Back to the first thing I mentioned that hasn't changed: fear of seeing the dentist. That used to be about pain. Now, it seems, it's more about seeing the dentist's bill, especially for those who have no dental insurance at all.

Fortunately, Dr. Joe and I both feel that no one should have to avoid the us due to fear of paying for our services. I have hundreds of patients without insurance, and go out of our way to offer the best dental care money can buy, as affordably as possible, with many options for payment.

There's also a silver lining (better yet, a tooth-colored lining) to our approach - good dental health doesn't have to be very expensive for most people.

Starting in childhood, a  couple of good check-ups with thorough, gentle cleanings, and an annual set of x-rays, is all many people ever need. Seeing us twice a year, every year, allows us to monitor your dental health consistently, and to make smaller, inexpensive corrections that help you to avoid serious, expensive problems later on.

Think of it this way…

I'll bet you maintain your vehicle. You gas it up once a week; get one or two oil changes a year, depending on how many miles you drive; have an annual inspection; and every now and then replace the wiper blades, or the tires, or the brakes. Maybe you have a fender bender and have to get things straightened out. And if you're lucky, you may keep that car five or ten years.

Well, if you brush and floss regularly (toothpaste costs a lot less than gasoline); see us for check-ups and cleanings twice a year; have an annual x-ray; and occasionally maybe get a filling, or a little bonding, or even need to get your teeth straightened out, they are likely to last you a lifetime.

Do you have a dental problem or concern you would like to have Dr. Joe write about in this dental blog? Send an Email to let us know, and we’ll do our best.