Dental Assistant

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 2

I don't have cavities so I can't have gum disease
Being cavity-free doesnít ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. Thatís because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it. Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that is reversible. When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at the dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

• Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
• Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
• Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

• Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
• Brush correctly and do not over brush
• Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
• Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help ñ do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment From Start to Finish

1.  A Deep Infection
Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity damages the tooth's root. The root becomes infected or inflamed.

 
2.  A Route to the Root
The dentist numbs the tooth. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber.

 
3.  Removing the Infected/Inflamed Tissue
Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. Then they shape the canals for the filling material. Irrigation is used to help clean the canals and remove debris


 
4.  Filling the Canals
The canals are filled with a permanent material. Typically this is done with a material known as gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals free of infection or contamination.


 
5.  Rebuilding the Tooth
A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. A crown, sometimes called a cap, looks like a natural tooth. It is placed over the top of the tooth.


 
 6.  Extra Support
In some cases, a post is placed into the root next to the gutta-percha. This gives the crown more support.


 
7.  The Crowning Touch
The crown is cemented into place.

The above article was found on Colgate.com

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Top Dental Symptoms: Mouth Sores

Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Top Dental Symptoms: Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler

Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Dental Emergencies

BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH COMES OUT
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

PERMANENT TOOTH THAT IS KNOCKED OUT
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child usually do not require emergency attention.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP, OR CHEEK
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes and if it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
 
Article appeared on www.Floss.com

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler
Highland Dental
3253 North Windsong Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Smoking - Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that.

"Using any form of tobacco can harm your teeth and gums in a number of ways," says Halpern.

"It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss."

Above article by: Kristin Koch, Health.com

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler
Highland Dental
3253 North Windsong Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Telephone: (928) 775-7433

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room.

Question: What do I do if I knock out my tooth? 
Answer: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.

Q: What if I crack my tooth? 
A: For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Q: If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it? 
A: If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Q: How do I treat a toothache? 
A: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Q: What if I think my jaw is broken? 
A: If you think your jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Q: How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth? 
A: For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Q: How can I avoid a dental emergency? 
A: There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

•   Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. 

•   Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. 

•   Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Above article from: www.MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Dr. Jerome Cutler Highland Dental

3253 North Windsong Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
(928) 775-7433