The
Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, not
decay. It may be unnoticeable right up to the point of
losing your teeth. Symptoms are bleeding gums from brushing
and flossing, and loose or shifting teeth. If treated in the
early stages, the infection can be controlled and reversed
with nonsurgical methods.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to
Heart Disease and Even Stroke
Medical research has reported an astounding discovery: gum
disease and serious health conditions such as diabetes,
stroke, and heart disease are linked. With 8 out of 10
adults having some stage of gum disease, dentists consider
this problem to be an epidemic. It has a more far-reaching
effect than losing your teeth. The bacteria from the gums
travel in the bloodstream, affecting major organs and their
state of health.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies
found periodontal infection may contribute to the
development of heart disease, increase the risk of
premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to
people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes
and respiratory diseases.”
Now
the Good News
Periodontal (gum) disease can successfully be controlled
with nonsurgical methods if treated in the early stages.
Once it is advanced, surgery is necessary. Both procedures
are generally covered by most dental insurance plans.
What’s So Bad about Losing a
Tooth?
Teeth can be lost because of trauma or injury, but the main
reasons are gum disease or decay. Losing even one tooth can
cause other teeth to shift – which is a bigger deal than it
might seem. Missing teeth do not allow proper chewing,
resulting in obtaining fewer nutrients than you should. You
may favor softer foods because they are easier to chew.
These foods are not as nutritious and may have a higher
calorie content, which results in weight gain. Speech may
not be as clear as with a full set of teeth. Your facial
appearance may change to a “sunken” look. The best way to
treat missing teeth is with dental implants. They look so
natural and function so completely, they seem as if they are
your real teeth.
Family Dental of Spokane Valley
Craig Ellsworth, DDS
826 North Mullan Road, Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 924-1580
FamilyDentalOfSpokaneValley.com
Dental
Care in Complete Comfort with Sedation Dentistry
If going to the dentist has been a terrifying experience for
you, we offer conscious sedation dentistry for the dentally
challenged. You will no longer have to go through all the
fears and anxieties, but be relaxed throughout any
treatment.
It is easy and works effectively. One hour before your
appointment time, you take just one pill. Once you are in
the dental chair, you are relaxed and continue to progress
to a deeper level of sedation. You are not completely “out”
and can respond to any questions the doctor may ask. After
the procedure is over, someone drives you home, and in about
an hour you are back to normal.
You
are not completely put under as you would be for surgery.
Some patients have a greater fear of being unconscious and
losing control of perception. But conscious sedation lets
you be comfortable and relaxed during the procedure without
being put out.
This sedation works well for those who simply can’t get
numb. And for those who need to accomplish more work in one
visit, conscious sedation allows for longer appointment
times.
Family Dental of Spokane Valley
Craig Ellsworth, DDS
826 North Mullan Road, Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 924-1580
FamilyDentalOfSpokaneValley.com
Preventing Child Tooth Decay –
the Easy Way!
Children often do not do a good job of caring for their
teeth. They may not reach the contours of back teeth, which
results in a build-up of bacteria and acids leading to
plaque and decay. Even the smallest amount of decay is
permanent damage that requires a filling.
Fortunately, there is a way to help prevent this occurrence
of decay. One application of dental sealants does the trick.
After the teeth are sterilized, a clear, thin plastic
coating is brushed on to the surface of each tooth.
Dr. Ellsworth uses a curing light to bond the sealant to the
tooth. And that’s the whole procedure! It is painless,
quick, and easy, with no shots or drills. The whole tooth
remains intact, and this treatment will be the best
prevention for both children and teenagers in helping them
to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
Family Dental of Spokane Valley
Craig Ellsworth, DDS
826 North Mullan Road, Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 924-1580
FamilyDentalOfSpokaneValley.com
Starting Early with a Full
Range of Orthodontic Options
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that
children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At
this age, the mix of baby and permanent teeth will show
growth and development patterns that will allow Dr.
Ellsworth to identify any teeth or jaw disharmony. The
earliest detection and correction will save you thousands of
dollars. It also helps to eliminate any extractions of
permanent teeth during teen years. Dr. Ellsworth can focus
on crowding in front teeth and crossbites in back teeth and
disharmony between upper and lower jaws. These problems can
be corrected easier in only 6 - 18 months.
When teeth are corrected during a child’s early years
(referred to as interceptive orthodontics), your child will
have a completely functional and beautiful smile before
reaching the important milestones of high school – plays,
dances, and yearbook photos!
Family Dental of Spokane Valley
Craig Ellsworth, DDS
826 North Mullan Road, Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 924-1580
FamilyDentalOfSpokaneValley.com
