Prevent Dental Decay With Dental Sealants

Proper dental care begins with brushing and flossing, but unless you schedule regular appointments with your Dentist in Cameron Park, you could be asking for trouble, especially where your kids teeth are concerned.

Your Cameron Park Dentist Dr. Michael Walden from Cameron Park Dental Care recommends that you schedule your child’s first dental appointment when the first tooth appears even if your son or daughter is under the age of one.

During your child’s first visit, your Dentistin Cameron Park will get to know your son or daughter, examine his or her teeth, and look for tooth decay, gum problems or discoloration. With regular checkups, your kids could grow up with no problems, but even kids that brush and floss can be prone to tooth decay, and if that happens to your kids talk to Cameron Park Dental Care about dental sealants.

Dental sealants are applied to the fissures and pits in your molars and the premolars of your kids and teenagers. These deep groves are the reason that 75 percent of dental decay occurs. Because the pits and fissures are difficult to clean, they are very susceptible to cavities. Dental Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the premolars and molars giving the teeth an easy to clean, smooth surface that can last for years.

Children, tweens, teens, and adults are all good candidates for dental sealants. Occasionally your Cameron Park Dentist may even recommend dental sealants for your kid’s baby teeth.

Children and teenagers can be good candidates for sealants as soon as the first permanent back teeth begin to appear. Dental sealants are also good during the cavity prone years from ages 6 to 16.

Adults can also schedule an appointment with a Cameron Park Dentist for dental sealants if the surfaces of their teeth are free from tooth decay and have depressions or deep grooves.

Your Dentist in Cameron Park will apply a sealant to each tooth after thoroughly cleaning and drying the area. Once dry your Cameron Park Dentist will apply a solution to the surface of your tooth that helps the dental sealant bond to your tooth. After they are rinsed and dried the sealant material is painted on the enamel of your teeth in order to cover the depressions and deep grooves. The sealants will harden either with a curing light or automatically.

Sealants can protect your teeth and the teeth of your children for years, but not without regular checkups from your Cameron Park Dentist as dental sealants can chip and wear. Schedule an appointment today with Cameron Park Dental Care and find out if you and your children are good candidates for dental sealants. 

Restorative Dentistry with the Best Dentist in Cameron Park

Cameron Park Dentistry can help you restore your smile back to the way it used to be. Schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Cameron Park and you will have taken the first step towards dental restoration.

According to your favorite Cameron Park Dentist tooth decay has started to diminish because of fluoride, new dental techniques, and products. With that being said, your Cameron Park Dentist will tell you that tooth decay still does exist. Regardless of your age, you can be susceptible to infection, decays, breakage and all sorts of tooth and gum issues, but because of the best Dentist in Cameron Park, there is something that you can do about it.

Thanks to your Cameron Park Dentist and modern technology, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Walden to discuss dental restorations. Ask your Cameron Park Dentist about onlay restorations, inlay restorations, composite fillings, fixed bridges, dentures and partial bridges and caps. Dr. Walden will be able to restore all of your teeth back to their normal function, appearance, and shape.

An inlay restoration consists of fillings that are custom made by your Cameron Park Dentist. The inlay restorations are made of tooth-colored porcelain, gold or a composite material. Your Cameron Park Dentist will permanently cement your new inlays into your tooth.

Onlays are similar to inlay restorations and are the perfect alternative to caps and crowns because less of the actual tooth is removed. Onlays are not permanent and may need to be replaced although they are extremely durable. Onlays are useful for fractured or broken teeth, decayed teeth, large fillings, fractured fillings, or cosmetic enhancement.

Some of the reasons to consider restorative dentistry include smile enhancement, gaps between your teeth, tooth loss prevention, dental pain, bite correction, missing teeth replacement, repair decayed and damaged teeth, and to restore chewing and eating habits back to normal. These are just a few of the reasons to consider restorative dentistry with Dr. Walden and Cameron Park Dentistry.  

The best Dentist in Cameron Park will discuss your available options and recommend the most logical solutions for the health of your mouth and your wallet. Dr. Walden will provide you with the professional care and expertise that you have come to expect from your favorite Cameron Park Dentist.

Make an appointment today for a no obligation consultation for restorative dentistry with the best Cameron Park Dentist, Dr. Michael Walden. 

Bleeding Gums Could Be a Sign That You Need To See a Cameron Park Dentist

For more than 20 years, Dr. Michael Wadden has been practicing dentistry and opened his Cameron Park Dentist office fifteen years ago. Dr. Wadden is committed to providing his patients with the most comfortable and caring experience for all procedures including cosmetic dentistry, Cameron Park Dentist exams, cleanings and restorations.

The best Cameron Park Dentist is just a phone call away, and if you have been dealing with bleeding gums, it is time to make an appointment with a professional Cameron Park Dentist. According to Colgate, bleeding gums could be a sign of Periodontal Disease, but the only way to be certain is to schedule a thorough exam with the best Cameron Park Dentist in the Sacramento area.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Your Cameron Park Dentist, Dr. Michael Wadden, will tell you that periodontaldisease is usually cause by lack of brushing and flossing. If you do not brush or floss your teeth regularly, plaque will begin to build up on your teeth. This plaque will eventually harden and become what is known as tarter. Advanced stages of periodontal disease can cause chewing problems, bleeding gums, and in some cases, tooth loss.

Your Cameron Park Dentist will determine if in fact you are suffering from gum disease by giving you a periodontal exam. Unlike some Dentists in Cameron Park, Dr. Wadden always performs a periodontal exam during a regular checkup. During your exam, your Cameron Park Dentist will use a small probe in order to measure the space between your gums and your teeth. Healthy pockets, technically known as sulcus, should not bleed if there is a depth of less than three millimeters. If the pockets are deeper, it is a sure sign of periodontal disease. Depending on the depth of your pockets, you could fall into one of three categories, Gingivitis, which is the first stage, Periodontitis, the second stage, and finally Advanced Periodontitis.

The last thing you want to risk is losing your teeth, which could very well happen if you let your bleeding gums continue without scheduling an exam with your Cameron Park Dentist. Don’t wait until it is too late and call Dr. Wadden, or schedule an appointment with the best Cameron Park Dentist online today. 

Cameron Park Dentist Discusses Dental Crowns

Many types of cosmetic and restorative procedures and treatments are being discussed online and in the news today. So it’s understandable that there might be confusion about which treatment best suits your situation - dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures. Today I’d like to speak to you specifically about crowns, their uses and benefits.

What is a dental crown? 
Dental crowns ("caps") are one of dentistry's most versatile types of restorations used by Cameron Park Dental Care. Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface. There are several types of crowns but porcelain are the most popular.  They are highly durable and will last many years. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth. 

When is a dental crown used?

A crown may be used to strengthen broken, fractured teeth, cover large or fractured fillings or for cosmetic enhancement. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores it to its full function.

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment at the Cameron Park Dental Care includes taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create a temporary crown as well as your permanent custom crown.  We prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Your temporary crown is then placed.

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure that spacing and bite are accurate. You will receive instructions for care and cleaning before you are sent home with a beautiful, enhanced smile.

Cameron Park Dentist Discusses: When Hot and Cold Temperatures Really Hurt

Have you ever taken a sip of a cold beverage, expecting refreshment, only to wince in sharp pain? Has a warm cup of tea been the source of unrelenting toothache? If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms when dealing with temperature, it is likely that you suffer from sensitive teeth. Dr. Wadden, a Cameron Park Dentist, wants to help you understand why your mouth is reacting to environmental temperature shifts.

There are numerous reasons why people experience sensitivity in this way. More specifically, and usually the most likely culprit, is that the root is exposed at the base of the tooth. It is there that millions of tiny tubes (called dentin), which are connected to nerve endings, are exposed to the elements. Gum recession, teeth grinding, aggressive brushing techniques, and acidic drinks all contribute to exposed gums and ultimately sensitive teeth.

Dr. Wadden says thats some people don’t realize they’re brushing too hard, thus affecting tooth sensitivity through enamel erosion and gum wear. Your most loved beverage -- coffee, tea, juice, wine, and popular energy drinks -- are also putting the condition of the tooth’s enamel and the dentin in a vulnerable position.

If you’re experiencing severe sensitivity, talk to Dr. Wadden about bonding the problematic areas. This is essentially a very fine varnish your dentist applies to the tooth. It's not a permanent fix, though. In the meantime, consider brushing gently, reduce your acidic beverage intake, and be aware of any tooth grinding you may be experiencing.

Cameron Park Dentist: Energy Drinks Are Bad For teeth

Many people believe energy drinks are useful consumable items that get them through the day. However, studies are suggesting that although energy drinks give people a short burst of productivity, they actually contribute to declining oral health.  Many people believe that an energy drink is a healthier alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. Specifically, the study shows that ingredients contained in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel which leads to increased risk of developing cavities.

The ABA led the research team, where 13 “sports” drinks (like gatorade) and 9 “energy” drinks (like Red Bull) were tested for their acidity. They tested six drinks for their effects on tooth enamel and found both types caused damage. Energy drinks, however, were twice as bad. Damaged tooth enamel cannot be fixed.  This study was published in the journal, General Dentistry.

The samples of enamel were immersed in the  test drinks for 15 minutes. The samples were then  to artificial saliva for two hours. This process was repeated four times a day for five days. The beverages were replaced with fresh ones every day. This process was developed in order to simulate real life, since people tend to consume these drinks throughout the day. The research shows that enamel loss was evident after five days of exposure!

If you’re an avid energy drink/sports drink user, then it would be wise to dilute the liquid with water in order to minimize the harmful effects to your teeth. Dr. Wadden, a Cameron Park dentist, suggests discontinuing use of  these beverages as a source of energy and instead, make healthy changes to your sleeping and dietary habits. You’d be surprised to find out that little steps will make you feel healthier, refreshed, and less dependent on stimulants.

Cameron Park Dentist Discusses Flossing Excuses

Believe it or not, a recent survey has found that only 49% of Americans floss daily and 10% of Americans don’t floss at all. These rough estimates are quite unfortunate, given howimportant flossing is to your oral hygiene routine. In fact, dentists agree that flossing is more important than brushing in the fight against periodontal disease, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss. People joke about how the only time they floss is when they’re due for their annual check-up. Cameron Park dentist, Dr. Michael Wadden, wants his patients to know that he can tell if you’ve been a long-term flosser or not.

And, he wants you to put an end to your excuses for not flossing regularly. The main “culprit” people cite for not flossing is that they don’t have time. Although effective flossing does require a bit of time (about 3 to 5 minutes), Dr. Cameron says that even 60 seconds of flossing is better than zero seconds of flossing. The key here is to make flossing a daily habit.

Other excuses vary from not knowing how to floss, not having enough dexterity to floss, or having dental work that makes flossing impossible, or that food doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. If it’s lack of knowledge that is keeping you from flossing your teeth, take a look at this video that clearly illustrates how to properly floss. Also, if you have dexterity constraints, consider a floss holder. These disposable plastic Y-shaped devices (some equipped with a spool of floss) hold a span of floss between two prongs to allow one-handed use. Furthermore, flossing doesn’t rid your mouth of food detritus, it gets rid of dental plaque, the very thing that causes gum disease.

Another oft-used excuse is that flossing can be painful for some. Bleeding while brushing and flossing is the precise condition flossing aims to prevent. The good news is that once you regularly floss and brush, these symptoms subside. If they persists, it is wise to contact Dr. Wadden at his Cameron Park office to figure out what is going on with your oral. Remember, brushing and flossing regularly is how you prevent periodontal disease!