Discover Dental Care | Dr. Alberto R. Castaneda, DDS

Tooth Decay and Sugary Treats

2008-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Most Americans are aware that sugar and tooth decay are linked. What most people do not know is exactly why sugar causes so much havoc to a tooth. Here is a brief explanation:

Tooth decay and cavities are caused by bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is only one of thousands that occur naturally in the mouth. Streptococcus mutans has a special liking for sugar or sucrose. The more sugar a person eats, the more of these bacteria begin to grow in the mouth.

If you brush regularly, and especially after eating something sugary, you remove much of these bacteria and any residual sugar left in your mouth. If you do not brush, these bacteria will continue to reproduce and become part of the plaque that develops on your teeth. When this bacterium gets embedded in the plaque, it begins the process of eating away at your tooth enamel. The result: cavities.

You will significantly lessen your risk of developing cavities by not eating sugar. While the human body does not need sugar, most of us like to indulge on occasion. If you do, make sure you brush as soon as possible afterwards. This will go a long way in reducing your risk of developing cavities.

If you live in the Kansas City area and have further questions about sugar and tooth decay, or if you suspect you may have a cavity, please contact Dr. Castaneda today to arrange an appointment.

What are the Differences between Resin and Porcelain Veneers?

2008-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Porcelain veneers and resin are two entirely different tooth restoration techniques. Generally speaking, resin is used for minor repairs while porcelain veneers are usually reserved for teeth that need fairly significant repair. Here is a brief overview of what each repair option has to offer:

Resin – Also called dental bonding, this is a quick, easy repair option that requires minimal tooth preparation and no anesthetic. It is an ideal treatment for minor cracks, chips, and small areas of discoloration. Resin can be color matched to your teeth just like porcelain, but resin lacks porcelain’s translucence and durability.

Porcelain veneers – Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over your teeth. Teeth that have more significant wear, chips, cracks, discoloration, or other contour problems are often best treated with veneers. Porcelain rivals natural tooth enamel in terms of aesthetics, is very resistant to staining, and not susceptible to decay. Veneers require that a thin layer of tooth enamel be removed in order to place the veneer without adding to the bulk of the tooth.

We will need to examine your teeth to determine which treatment option is best for you. It may be the case that veneers are appropriate for some of your teeth, and resin for others. Either way, we can help you achieve the smile you deserve.

If you live in the Kansas City area and think you might benefit from either porcelain veneers or resin, please contact Dr. Castaneda today to arrange a consultation.

Dental Bridges

2008-10-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Losing a tooth can take quite a toll on your self-confidence. For this reason alone, most people who have lost one or several teeth will seek dental treatment right away. Dental bridges are one of the more popular treatments for these individuals. People lose teeth for any number of reasons. Auto accidents and sporting accidents are common causes, but many lose them due to illness, radiation treatments, or other unforeseen circumstances – and let us not forget poor oral hygiene.

While missing teeth are a cosmetic concern, they are also something that needs immediate treatment to preserve your general oral health. Missing teeth will eventually cause a host of other dental problems including:

Shifting of remaining teeth
Jawbone deterioration
Speech problems
Eating problems
Further tooth loss

There are three common types of bridges. The most common dental bridge consists of a false tooth attached to two dental crowns. These crowns are placed on the natural teeth that remain on each side of the missing tooth. This is the sturdiest type of bridge, and so we usually recommend it where it is appropriate.

Another type of bridge is the resin-bonded bridge. This is usually reserved for the front teeth. It consists of a false tooth that is connected to the adjacent teeth with a metal band and resin.

A third type of bridge is the half-bridge. As the name suggests, only one crown is attached to the false tooth. These are used when there is only one adjacent natural tooth available.

The bridge procedure usually takes three office visits, and can be done in under a month in most cases. If you live in the Kansas City area and are missing one or more teeth, please contact Dr. Castaneda today to arrange an appointment.

LVI Tenth Anniversary

2008-10-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Institute (LVI) is celebrating their tenth anniversary! LVI stands as the world premier post graduate dental institute in cosmetic and nueromuscular dentistry for attendees throughout the world.

Dr. Castaneda has attended multiple cosmetic and nueromuscular classes at LVI. He has completed all of the Core 1 curriculum in cosmetics, the Core 2 curriculum in advanced cosmetics, and the Core 5 curriculum in nueromuscular dentistry. He believes in making the staff as knowledgable as himself in the latest in cosmetic dentistry and takes at least one staff member with him to the training classes. With Dr. Castaneda's post graduate work, he is more than qualified for all your cosmetic needs.

We will keep you updated on new training and technology courses we attend!

Implants

2008-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last week a patient was seen with severe periodontal disease. He was at the point where the gum tissue was so infected that he was going to lose all of his teeth. Dr. Castaneda presented him with different options and they agreed that the best treatment would be an implant support cosmetic denture. Our patient was so excited about finally being able to feel confident about smiling again!

Dr. Castaneda and the patient came to the conclusion that a fixed upper implant denture would be best, because it is almost like having your natural teeth and the cosmetic effect would be optimal. We place the implants accurately by first doing a radiographic guide. A radiographic guide is done by taking impressions and sending those impressions to our lab expert. Then after the lab has made the radiographic guide, we send that with the patient to the oral imaging center for a CT scan. At the imaging center they create a 3-D model for our lab experts. The lab then uses that model to create a surgical guide. This ensures that we have the most accurate information to place the implant into the jaw.

After 4 to 6 months of healing the patient will be ready for Dr. Castaneda to place the implants. We will keep you posted on this as the case progresses.

Implants Therapy

2008-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Implants are comfortable, attractive and will help you regain confidence in your smile. They are an alternative to bridges, partials or dentures. Implants look and feel like natural teeth. An implant basically is an artificial root that anchors to your jaw bone. Titanium (the material we use for the artificial root) isn't recognized by the body's immune system, so it is not rejected as an implant. It integrates with the jawbone to give a firm support to the artificial replacement that it will support.

Ideal candidates for dental implants should be in good health, have healthy gums, good oral habits for the aftercare and healthy jawbone to support the implants.

Implant placement does require several steps over a period of time ranging from 3 months to over 1 year depending on your specific needs. Here are the steps followed for implant therapy

1. The implant is inserted into the jawbone and allowed to heal
several months

2. A post is attached to the implant and a mold is taken for
fabrication of a permanent crown

3. A permanent tooth (crown) is attached after all healing is
complete.

Implants can be an important part of creating the best functional and cosmetic results for patients. Unlike a bridge you can floss in between the implant crown much like a natural tooth.

If you are interested in more information about implants please contact us to schedule a free consultation!

What Makes an LVI Cosmetic Dentist Better?

2008-09-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that any general dentist can legally advertise as a cosmetic dentist? This may not sound like a big deal, but you may be surprised to hear that a general dental degree typically does not include any training in cosmetic dentistry. Why should you be concerned about this?

A great cosmetic dentist must have the eye and instincts of an artist as well as a solid background in functional dentistry. When it comes to enhancing your smile with procedures like porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, and dental implants, you do not want to choose just any ordinary dentist. A qualified cosmetic surgeon must do years of post-graduate training in order to master the techniques necessary to enhance your smile in a way that not only looks good, but also natural.

Perhaps you have seen pictures of smiles that look “fake.” Such fake smiles are examples of unsuccessful cosmetic dentistry. While any dentist can claim to have the skills, training, and experience to apply something like porcelain veneers, these fake smiles are proof that not all so-called “cosmetic” dentists can do the job right.

One way to ensure you are choosing the finest cosmetic dentist available is to look at his or her credentials. If your dentist’s educational background includes the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, then you know you have found a cosmetic dentist that will give you the results you want. LVI is the premiere post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training facility in the world.

If you are looking for an LVI trained and qualified cosmetic dentist in the Kansas City area, please contact Dr. Castaneda today to arrange your consultation.

ViziLight

2008-09-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

We performed another ViziLight oral cancer screening today, but with different results. We preformed the screening on a gentleman in his late fifties who is a cigar smoker. When using the specially designed light a suspicious lesion was detected on the inside of his lower lip. We referred him to an oral surgeon to look at the area as soon as possible to rule out oral cancer. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler. For more information regarding an oral cancer screening using ViziLight contact us.

Our Hygiene Philosophy

2008-09-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

The hygiene department is the first step toward good oral health. It provides a solid foundation for all future restorative treatment. Also, good oral health has been related to improved overall health.

Our philosophy is to achieve optimum oral health, beautiful smiles, and enhanced lives through progressive procedures by our caring, friendly team. We want to empower patients through education to become active participants in their oral care and provide the necessary tools for them to do so.

The Soft Tissue Management Program is one step in a continual process. It is designed to provide, in understandable terms, a description of their periodontal health, required treatment, and after-treatment care necessary for their condition.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call!

ViziLite Plus

2008-09-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today we did an oral cancer screening using ViziLite Plus. The woman was in her 70’s and had a family history of cancer. Luckily, her screening came back negative, but now she has piece of mind.

With the ViziLite Plus you rinse with a cleansing solution that taste a little like raspberry vinaigrette. Then, the hygienist and Dr. Castaneda will examine your mouth using ViziLite, a specially designed light technology. If a suspicious lesion is detected, it will be marked with T-Blue 630, a blue dye, and documented.

Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. That’s why we recommend an annual ViziLite Plus examination. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has been proven successful in identifying precancerous and cancerous abnormalities.

ViziLite Plus helps us identify oral lesions at their earliest stage of development. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful.

Are you at risk for oral cancer?

Increased risk

· Patients age 18-39 without lifestyle risk factors
· Sexually active (HPV 16/18)

High Risk

· Patients age 40 and older without lifestyle risk factors
· Tobacco users (any age, any type)

Highest Risk

· Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tobacco use/alcohol consumption)
· Patients with history of oral cancer

Vizilite Plus is just an example of how our office is dedicated to your complete oral health, and not just implant or cosmetic dentistry

Please contact us if you have any questions about ViziLite Plus or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

What is best dental hygiene routine?

2008-08-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

There are two major components in a good dental hygiene regimen. The parts performed at home every day, and the regularly scheduled preventative visits to a dentist's office.

Tooth Care at Home
The most obvious portion of home dental care is brushing. Everybody knows to brush their teeth, but many people fail to perform this task properly. Brushing should occur after each meal or at least three times a day. Brushing at night before bed is especially important since germs can fester freely if given a chance. During brushing, the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue should all be included to knock out all the places where bacteria grow.

Flossing at least once per day is also essential to ensure that all food particles are cleaned from between teeth. Flossing should be performed before brushing so that the food particles are not simply moved from one part of the mouth to another, but are completely expelled from the oral cavity. A final rinse with a fluoride and germ fighting mouthwash will help eliminate any bacteria that were missed, and help strengthen dental enamel.

Oral Exam
At the semi-annual dentist visit, the oral hygienist inspects every tooth for loose or damaged fillings and built up calculus (tartar or plaque) deposits. The hygienist uses a variety of tools for testing and removing the calculus build up. They typically follow up with a good polishing and stern instructions on how to perform part A of the dental hygiene plan enumerated above.

If you have neglected part B in the dental hygiene routine for some time, and need a dentist in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda, who specializes is sedation dentistry, today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral exam.

Dr. Castaneda Attends Myotronics Seminar

2008-07-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dr. Castaneda will be attending the Myotronics 42nd Anniversary Seminar held in Seattle, WA on July 18-19. New materials and techniques for aesthetic and restorative dentistry have propelled the public interest in dentistry to new heights. Aesthetic, Restorative, or TMD, the common denominator influencing all major dental procedures is occlusion. Neuromuscular evaluation with Myotronics instrumentation provides the doctor with additional information to aid in optimizing diagnosis of the occlusion that leads to more predictable and durable treatment. Dr. Castaneda will return from this seminar with a vast amount of knowledge to share and implement.

A smile is worth a thousand words

2008-07-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

We had a patient come in with a missing front tooth. It was knocked out when he was 16 years old and on vacation. We were able to make a bridge instead of a partial. We only had to take tooth structure from the back of the tooth . He had never been given that option before. He left the office smiling!

Veneers Dazzle Patient

2008-07-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

The patient came into our office desiring cosmetic treatment with sensitive teeth and a history of drinking soda and iced tea with lots of sugar. Her goal was to have the perfect smile with veneers. One of her fillings had fallen out. The patients teeth were so sensitive that she requested we only use plastic instruments on her. We used the Diagnodent Laser cavity detector. We discussed with the patient the option of composite veneers verses porcelain veneers. We offered cosmetic imaging so that the patient could see what she would look like with veneers. It will definitely be a life changing and dramatic transformation!

Inlays, Onlays, Crowns: How They Differ

2008-07-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Poor dental hygiene today leads to greater monetary expense tomorrow. A lifetime of proper brushing and flossing will preserve teeth as long as they are needed, but let those habits slip and tooth decay occurs. Extensive decay leads to restorative dental procedures such as inlays, onlays, or crowns.

Inlays are a restorative treatment used to treat damaged areas of the tooth inside the cusp of the tooth. Stronger than silver fillings, the inlay is bonded directly to the tooth to strengthen it and provide a more aesthetic appearance. Onlays are basically the same as inlays, except some portion of the onlay is fitted over the cusp of the tooth and is more exposed when biting. Inlays and onlays are considered to be more conservative options than their cousin the crown is.

Crowns or caps replace a significant amount of tooth material due to decay or breakage. In order to apply a cap, much of the original tooth is removed. The cap is created to fit the bite of the alternate tooth and is cemented into place. All three restoratives can be made of gold, dental porcelain, or composite resin depending on the patients needs.

In most offices, two visits are required for inlays, onlays, and crowns. The dentist prepares the tooth and makes impressions for the restorative during the first visit. A temporary is placed and the impressions are sent to a dental lab to be custom made. In a few weeks, during the follow up visit, the inlay, onlay, or crown is cemented permanently in place. In some offices, the processing time is reduced because the fabrication is performed during a single visit.

If you have neglected preventative dental care and need same day restorations in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda, who specializes in sedation dentistry; go online to schedule an appointment today.

porcelain Veneer

2008-06-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a very rewarding day at our office. Our patient finished her treatment today.When she first contacted our office, she felt as if she could not smile because she was embarrassed to show her teeth. We completed her smile makeover in 3 appointments. She participated in choosing the perfect smile for her, she chose the size and color of her new smile. It is so rewarding for our team to make a difference in someone's life and to give them the confidence to smile again.

Posted by Karen, Office Manager

What Can Implants Do?

2008-06-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

In James Michener's novel Centennial, Michener tells of an elderly Native American who lost his final tooth. Since he could no longer eat the tough jerky of the warrior and was reduced to eating the softer pemmican, he decided it was better remove himself from the tribe and die in the wilderness. Fortunately, in modern times losing one or more teeth isn't the death sentence it used to be.

Thanks to modern technology, the entire tooth, root and all, can be replaced with a titanium implant and ceramic cap. The tooth portion is made out of tough ceramic called porcelain, which mimics the translucent qualities of natural tooth enamel. The root portion is made of titanium metal, which is well received by the body. Titanium is used in many surgical applications.

After a period of several months, the bone ossifies around the rough edges of the titanium screw, making the implant extremely stable. The new implant not only replaces the missing tooth, it stabilizes the neighboring teeth by filling the void where the extraction occurred.

If you suffer from tooth loss, and live in the Shawnee area, don't give up; contact Dr. Castaneda today to schedule an appointment and find out more about dental implants.

Identifying a Good Cosmetic Dentist

2008-05-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

When looking for a qualified cosmetic dentist, a good place to start is with your general dentist whom you visit regularly. Many of the procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist may be outside of the scope of your current dentist's practice, and he or she may have somebody they recommend. It is important to get all regular dental work taken care of prior to visiting a cosmetic dentist. Most cosmetic treatment should be performed on a relatively healthy mouth.

Another good resource is to check with family members and friends who have undergone cosmetic dentistry treatments. Each practitioner is different and has a different chair side manner. Ask people you trust whom they would refer. When you visit the cosmetic dentist, he or she should be willing to show you some before and after photos of similar cases. If you like the results, that can go a long way in deciding which dentist to choose.

Finally, you should look for a dentist who is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Members of this group must maintain a level of training and competency in order to retain their accreditation.

If you are seeking a cosmetic dentist, specializing in sedation dentistry and same day restorations, in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda today and schedule an appointment.

Replacing old amalgam fillings

2008-04-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

Now that the panic created in the '90s over mercury levels in amalgam fillings has calmed somewhat, a more rational evaluation of the perceived problems can be adopted. It is concluded that the amounts of mercury vapor releases from dental amalgam is in such small quantities as to be harmless, even in a mouth full of dental work. That said many people might still desire to have all such work revised with the latest filling alternatives containing no trace of mercury.

In most cases, removing all existing amalgam fillings and replacing them with a composite alternative is not worth the associated risks. The only medical benefit is in the patient's own perception of safety. Meanwhile, real risks of infection and problems with local anesthesia outweigh any actual benefits from removing amalgam filling that contain trace amounts of mercury.

However, poorly created fillings, or fillings mixed with too much mercury may justify replacement. It is best to consult with a trusted peridontist, cosmetic dentist, or oral surgeon to find out if current amalgam fillings are defective in any way. If removal and replacement is recommended, or desired by the patient for aesthetic reasons, the procedures can still be effectively completed. The benefits of sedation dentistry make the prospect of replacing all old fillings with new ones, if not exactly a pleasure, at least more palatable than when the original work was performed.

To find out more about amalgam filling replacement using composite fillings in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda today.

Three Types of Bridges

2008-03-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

When a tooth goes missing, it puts the teeth around it in danger. A gap in the tooth structure makes the teeth around it unstable and may alter the bite (occlusion), cause shifting of other teeth, or even induce TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). In many cases, a dental bridge replaces the missing tooth. A cap or crown is placed on the two teeth surrounding the gap, anchoring a porcelain tooth in between called a pontic. There are three basic types of bridge options.

Conventional bridges and cantilevered bridges require extensive preparation of the supporting teeth. Each adjoining tooth is ground down enough to support a dental crown. A resin-bonded bridge is often used for the front teeth. This option requires less preparation of the supporting teeth, but is contra-indicated if the supporting teeth have extensive dental fillings.

Traditionally, with all types of bridges, two appointments are necessary. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the supporting teeth as needed to take the crown. Impressions are made and sent to the dental lab. Temporary caps are placed on the support teeth while the bridge is made. During the second visit, the bridge is bonded in place. Some offices using in-office fabrication can create the dental appliance the same day.

If you need bridgework or are seeking a cosmetic dentist, specializing in sedation dentistry and same day restorations, in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda today and schedule an appointment.

Welcome

2008-01-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the cosmetic and family dentistry blog for Dr. Alberto R. Castaneda, DDS.