Menu

dental care

what-to-do-before-a-tooth-extraction

What to Do Before a Tooth Extraction?

, , , , , , , , ,

Tooth extraction is generally not thought of as a pleasant experience. In fact the mere use of the term “tooth extraction” can conjure up the thought of pain, swelling, and discomfort; and probably that’s why people often try to avoid or defer the process for as long as possible. But a loose, broken,  damaged or decayed tooth may require your dentist to perform a dental extraction. However, a tooth extraction procedure can be simple, straight-forward and pain-free with the right dentist.

While your dentist will walk you through the list of do’s and don’ts before and after your tooth extraction treatment, here are some pointers that will help you prepare for the tooth extraction surgery and will make the process more comfortable and successful.

Fast the night before surgery

While your doctor would let you know the exact time you need to fast before your tooth extraction procedure, ideally you should not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the surgery. Also, you need to stop smoking 12 hours before and one-day post surgery.

Let your doctor know about your medical history

Make sure your doctor knows about any medical conditions you have well in advance to avoid any complications during your the tooth extraction procedure.  For example, congenital heart disease, bacterial endocarditis, liver disorder, artificial joint replacement, impaired immune system, diabetes or allergy to a particular medicine.

Take your medicine as directed

If your doctor has prescribed medicines to be taken before performing your tooth extraction, make sure to take them on time. These are usually pain relief medicines or steroid drugs that will help reduce inflammation and pain during and after the procedure.

Dress comfortably

Dress in clean, comfortable attire on the day of surgery and remove your jewelry. You should limit or restrict wearing makeup.

Be  accompanied

If possible, it is always best to have a friend or family member with you.  Your companion should drive you home after the surgery — especially if you are on anesthetic sedation medication. Having someone with you can also help relieve preoperative anxiety, and they can provide ‘aftercare’ to help you recuperate after the procedure.

Follow these tips and prepare for your tooth extraction like a pro.  At Bellevue Dental Health, Dr. Libbi Finnessy performs all kinds of tooth extractions with compassion and personalized care. For more information, call us at   425-641-3311 or visit www.bellevuedentalhealth.com and get the highest quality and most caring treatment for your teeth.

How-to-prevent-bad-breath

What causes bad breath and how to prevent it?

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bad breath, also known as halitosis or malodor, can be embarrassing at best and crippling at worst. It can even ruin relationships. While most of us have bad breath at certain times, like when we get up in the mornings. Persistent bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth throughout the day, leading to inflammation. This releases bad odors or gases that smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, or worse! In this article, we’ll talk about what causes bad breath and how to prevent it…

Causes of Bad Breath

While there are no statistics on what percentage of the population has bad breath, a considerable portion of the population has or will have bad breath at some time in their lives. The best way to find out if you have bad breath is too. Ask your friends or family members for feedback. This will help make you aware of the problem so you can figure out how best to address the problem.

Bad breath can occur due to several reasons. Studies show that 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source, that is, from something within your mouth and teeth. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath, as well as trapped food particles, cracked fillings, and unclean dentures.

Other medical reasons for bad breath include diabetes, liver disease, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory tract infections. Other causes also include acid reflux, postnasal drip, and chronic dry mouth.

How to prevent bad breath

There are several ways you can prevent bad breath. If you have medical reasons for your bad breath you should promptly treat those. However, if your bad breath is due to oral causes, here are a few things you can do…

1)   Visit your dentist regularly: Keep your scheduled dental appointment once in six months, or at least, once a year. Good oral hygiene is key to fighting bad breath. Dentists recommend that you brush and floss at least twice daily to reduce the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Dentists may also recommend using an electric toothbrush since most electric toothbrushes have timers, which helps ensure that you brush your teeth for the right length of time. You can also use certain mouthwashes and mouth rinses that help fight cavities, remove plaque, and prevent bad breath. Additionally, you should use an antibacterial mouth rinse that kills bacteria, rather than simply using a cosmetic mouthwash that just focuses on freshening your breath.

2)   Watch what you eat: What you eat affects your breath. This is because as your food is digested, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and is then expelled by your lungs when you breathe. You should concentrate on eating a healthy diet and balanced meals. Extreme fasting or very low-carb diets can trigger you bad breath as well. Raw carrots, celery, and apple slices are good to have, while odor-causing garlic and onions should be eaten in modest quantities.

3)   Drink a lot of water: Drinking a lot of water can clean the debris in your mouth or between your teeth. Drinking a lot of milk can also reduce bad breath. You should, however, avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.

4)   Don’t drink too much coffee: While coffee can be a great pick-me-up, its smell can be difficult to get out of your mouth. Instead of coffee, consider drinking herbal or green teas. However, the tannin in tea is also known to stain teeth, so its best to drink both coffee and tea in moderation.

5)   Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and snuff can cause terrible bad breath. And this lasts for hours, sometimes even continually. In some people, it is worse than in others.

6)   Cut back on alcohol Intake: Alcohol can lead to a dry mouth, also called xerostomia. This is one of the causes of bad breath. Too much wine, beer, and hard liquor can cause bad breath for eight to ten hours after you finish drinking.

7)   Chew sugarless gum: Chewing sugarless gum about 20 minutes after a meal can increase the flow of saliva in your mouth, thereby helping to clean debris, bacteria, and plaque, all of which cause bad breath. Not only is this cleansing, but it can also fight cavities.

8)   Use breath mints carefully: Sugar-free mints are great for a quick fix, but they mask bad breath and do nothing to remove harmful bacteria. In fact, if you eat breath mints regularly, the sugar in the mints can remain in your mouth and teeth, and worsen your bad breath.

These are some of the causes of bad breath and ways treat it. At Bellevue Dental Health, we can advise patients on how to prevent bad breath and also how to treat it effectively. With regular dental visits, and good oral care you can nip the problem of bad breath in the bud and prevent it from getting out of hand.

The team at Bellevue Dental Health takes the time to understand your oral health concerns and will treat you holistically with personalized care. So, the next time you think you need a professional dental cleaning or treatment, visit Dr. Libbi Finnessy at Bellevue Dental Health for the best and most caring treatment for your teeth.

For more information about preventing and treating bad breath, contact Dr. Libbi Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at contact@bellevuedentalhealth.com or visit our website at www.bellevuedentalhealth.com.

great-tips-for-a-brighter-smile

Great tips for a brighter smile

, , , ,

Your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. Your smile also forms a lasting impression. Your smile tells people certain things about you that you may not even be aware of. So, it’s helpful that you have a bright and beautiful smile. In this article, we’ll talk about some tips for a brighter smile…

  1. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and often: You need to brush and floss at least two times a day, ideally three. Use a strong toothbrush and floss to get to those corners that are hard to clean. Also, if you do not floss regularly, you may actually be missing 35% of each tooth surface.  If you hate flossing, either get over it and “man-up”, or alternatively, consider using a WaterPik water flossing device instead.
  2. Consider using whitening toothpaste and occasionally teeth whitening strips: You can use a toothpaste with whitening agents to brighten your smile. While whitening strips and gels are great to get whiter teeth, don’t just use any strip or gel. Use those with a seal of approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). While there are literally dozens of whitening strips and gels, many will only remove surface-level stains. For products that will whiten your teeth over the long term, you need to consult with your local dentist.
  3. Be careful what you eat: When you consume acidic beverages like coffee, you can stain your teeth. You can also stain your teeth with most sodas and carbonated beverages. On the other hand, when you snack on hard, raw fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, it helps produce more saliva. Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria from between your teeth. It also battles the effects and stains of acidic foods and beverages keeping your teeth looking white. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary sodas and beverages.
  4. Rinse your mouth after every meal: Even if you do not brush after every meal, do rinse your mouth with water. You can also use a mild mouthwash to wash away bacteria and the remnants of your meal. Even certain healthy foods like dark-colored fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and beetroots, can stain your teeth so rinsing after every meal is important.
  5. Talk to and visit your local dentist: You should visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and get your teeth professionally cleaned and whitened regularly. If you want to know which whitening products are best for you, consult your dentist for tips.
  6. Use Braces or Invisalign®: If you have crowded or crooked teeth, you should consider Invisalign®. These are invisible braces, being clear plastic aligners designed to straighten your teeth over a period of 9 to 18 months. You can also use regular braces to straighten your teeth. You should consult with your dentist to determine the right solution for you.
  7. Insert Dental implants: If you have one or more missing teeth, you should consider inserting dental implants. These can help restore your smile in the way that other options for missing teeth may not. Ensure that you consult with your dentist and cosmetic dental surgeon to find out if you are the right candidate for the insertion of dental implants.

These are just some tips for that bright and happy smile. AtBellevue Dental Health, we specialize in helping create that perfect smile with both general and cosmetic dentistry options. Dr. Finnessy’s philosophy on dentistry is incredibly care-based. She treats each patient holistically and works with them to address their individual needs.

Dr. Finnessy believes in continuing dental education so that her patients get the most technologically advanced and up-to-date dental care. So, the next time you’re worried about having that perfect smile, or need to consult with a trusted dentist for any reason, consult with Dr. Finnessy at Bellevue Dental Health and rest easy, knowing you’re in the best hands!

For more information on getting that perfect smile, consult Dr. Libbi Finnessy at 425-641-3311 or go to our website https://www.bellevuedentalhealth.com for more information.

best-dental-implants-in-bellevue

Best Dental Implants in Bellevue

, , , , , , , , , , ,

If you live in Bellevue, on the Eastside, or even in Seattle, it helps to know which dentists can best help restore your smile… if need be.

If you need dental treatment, especially dental implants, it is important that you choose the right dentist in Bellevue. Dr. Libbi Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health is one premier dentist performing dental implants on the Eastside. She can work with you to restore lost teeth with dental implants. She also practices a full range of smile-enhancing general and cosmetic dentistry.

Dental implants are often the “go to” option if you have lost teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other reasons. At Bellevue Dental Health, Dr. Finnessy can replace your lost teeth through inserting dental implants, so that you can gain fresh confidence and restore normal tooth function.

But what is a dental implant? Well, a dental implant is a cylindrical tapered post made of titanium that works as a substitute for a tooth’s root.

A dental implant is then placed in the jawbone so that it can fuse with your natural bone and become a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural teeth.

Dental implants are often the best treatment for missing teeth when you are being treated by an experienced dentist, such as Dr. Finnessy. You may be eligible for dental implants if you:

  • Are in good general health;
  • Have one or more missing teeth;
  • Do not suffer from any chronic illness that can interfere with healing;
  • Have a jawbone that will support dental implants – otherwise, bone grafting may be needed in certain cases.

You should consult Dr. Finnessy at her Bellevue dental office. She will work with you based on your dental history, needs and goals, to determine if you are the right candidate for a dental implant. She will also help you determine which type of dental restoration is right for you.

Bellevue Dental Health believes in a treatment philosophy that is incredibly personalized and care-based. Dr. Finnessy is one of the best dental implant specialists in Bellevue. She treats your overall health and listens intently to your needs and concerns. She brings her unique warmth and sense of humor to even the most routine or complicated dental procedure, and dental implants are no exception.

Dr. Libbi Finnessy and her staff employ the latest technology to enhance the quality of your dental care. For example, they use a 3D scanner for making fast, precise digital dental impressions. With a 3D scanner, they can ensure that they insert dental implants that have an exceptionally well-planned and perfectly executed fit and finish.

The experienced team at Bellevue Dental Health have several years of combined experience in the dental field. They don’t just treat you as any other patient, but as a family member and friend. Dr. Finnessy cares for you as a whole person and not just as a number or a patient.

Dr. Libbi ensures that her office is not the typical, sterile space, but is a warm and welcoming environment, where patients feel comfortable, even as they undergo their dental implant procedure. So, if you need the best dental implants in Bellevue or on the Eastside, visit Dr. Finnessy at Bellevue Dental Health for the best treatment possible!

For more information about the best dental implants in Bellevue, contact Dr. Libbi Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at contact@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

blog

How does gum disease affect systemic health?

, , , , , , ,

For several decades, medical specialists have concentrated on treating diseases affecting their respective specialities. Similarly, dentists have treated gum disease to augment oral health. However, recent research shows that oral health significantly impacts systemic health. Which simply means that gum disease causes other diseases ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The evidence for this link between gum disease and systemic disease is so strong that increasingly, cardiologists are asking their patients about oral health and dentists are asking their patients about systemic health.

Chronic inflammatory dental conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease can adversely affect systemic health. It was previously thought that this was due to bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging major organs. However, it is now thought that chronic inflammation of the gums can cause inflammation in varied, different parts of the body. Given below are some systemic diseases that can be caused by gum disease and vice versa.

1)   Gum Disease and Heart Disease: Over the years, it has been found that people with poor gum health have been known to have poor heart health, including greater risk of heart attacks. Scientists have found that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the increased risk of heart disease. Periodontal disease can also worsen existing heart conditions, such as infective endocarditis.

2)   Gum Disease and Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you are more likely to have gum disease, and vice versa. Periodontal disease is often considered to be a side effect of diabetes. Also, severe periodontal disease can cause a significant increase in blood sugar.

3)   Gum Disease and Dementia: Gum disease also raises the risk of dementia later in life. Researchers have also found that gum disease may be associated with mild cognitive impairment, such as memory problems, making daily activities more difficult. A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease scored very low on memory tests and calculations.

4)   Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease, marked by inflammation and painful joints. People with RA are more likely to have periodontal disease, as chronic inflammation is common to both conditions. Although scientists have not found evidence that one causes the other, a 2009 study found that patients with a severe form of RA had less pain, swelling, and morning stiffness after their periodontal disease was treated. Also, people with RA are more likely to have periodontal disease with more missing teeth than patients without RA.

5)   Gum Disease and Premature Birth: Studies that have attempted to link gum disease and premature birth have had conflicting results. Some show that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver a preterm baby, whereas other studies do not show a definite link. Research is still ongoing. However, other research has also shown that treating gum disease in pregnant women helps them carry their infants to term. Also, one recent study showed that pregnant women who completed periodontal treatment before the 35th week were more likely to carry their babies to term.

6)   Gum Disease and Respiratory Problems: Bacteria that are present in the oral cavity may be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Also, patients with poor oral health were more likely to suffer from other respiratory problems than those with optimum oral health.

7)   Gum Disease and Stroke: There is also a possible link between gum disease and stroke. Patients diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to have an oral infection when compared to patients in a control group.

8) Gum Disease and Osteoporosis: Bone loss is a feature that occurs in both periodontal disease as well as osteoporosis. Also, many studies have found a strong link between periodontal disease and estrogen deficiency. The latter is one of the main causes of osteoporosis.

9) Gum Disease and Cancer: While the link between gum disease and cancer is still unclear, researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer. They were also 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more like to develop blood cancer.

At Bellevue Dental Health, we pride ourselves on caring for your oral health. If you suspect that you have gum disease, you should visit us for a detailed consult. If needed, we can treat gum disease, as well as educate you regarding potential treatment options and risks.

Check-ups with a qualified dentist, such as those at Bellevue Dental Health, should be undertaken on a regular basis, to help prevent gum disease and the risk of other systemic diseases.

For more information on gum disease, and its prevention and treatment, consult Dr. Libbi Finnessy at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.comor go to our website https://www.bellevuedentalhealth.com for more information.

is-bonding-as-good-as-veneers

Is Bonding as Good as Veneers?

, , , , , , , ,

Everybody wants that million-dollar smile. And cosmetic dentistry attempts to achieve just that. The two techniques that can be used to improve your smile are dental bonding versus dental veneers. While both can mask imperfections in teeth and can improve your smile, they are very different approaches. Below is a brief overview of the differences between dental bonding and veneers.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the fronts of teeth, somewhat like artificial fingernails. Veneers can cover up gaps between teeth and can hide crooked, stained, and misshapen teeth. Veneers are difficult to stain, thereby resulting in that perfect smile.

In order to place the veneers over your teeth, your dentist will first remove some enamel to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. Then a molded image of your teeth is sent to the dental lab, where veneers are made to fit exactly over your teeth. After this, the veneers are applied to the natural teeth with adhesive material.

There are two types of veneers: Porcelain (indirect) veneers and Composite (direct) veneers. The porcelain veneer is created in a dental lab and requires about two visits to the dentist.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry technique that uses composite resin to mask imperfections in your teeth. It is perfect for someone who only needs minor touch-ups to their teeth. The resin is matched to the color of the patient’s teeth and applied freehand by the dentist. It is like putty and can be molded and shaped to cover up any and all imperfections. After this, a high-intensity light hardens the material, which is then finely polished.

While dental bonding does not have the translucent look of veneers, it can make chipped, discolored, or short teeth look better. Bonding can also be used to protect part of the tooth’s root that is exposed when the tooth recedes. No tooth preparation is needed for dental bonding.

Many people choose bonding over silver fillings because the former looks more natural and the material can be matched to your natural tooth color. However, bonding costs more than silver fillings, about US $300 to $600 per tooth.

How to look after your teeth after dental veneers or dental bonding

Veneers and dental bonding materials are not as strong as natural teeth, so dentists recommend that you avoid biting your nails, opening nuts with your teeth, or chewing on pens, ice, and other hard objects. This could result in veneers and dental bonding material chipping or falling off. With proper care, dental bonding usually lasts two to five years while veneers last substantially longer, for about, 10 – 15 years or more.

Bellevue Dental Health specializes in both veneers and dental bonding. Dr. Finnessy practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry. Bellevue Dental Health can correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems and can help you redesign and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

So, if you have cracked, chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, do yourself a favor and contact Bellevue Dental Health for a consultation. They will work with you to create the perfect smile using the procedure that’s right for you.

For more information about dental veneers and dental bonding, contact Dr. Libbi Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

smoking

How Smoking Effects Your Teeth

, , , , , , , , , ,

We’ve all heard about the detrimental effects of smoking on your health. However, did you know that smoking also adversely affects your oral health? Well, it’s true! Smoking causes many oral health problems and the longer you smoke the more severe these problems become.

With there being about 36 million smokers in the United States, (according to the Centers for Disease Control), this amounts to about 15% of the population. That’s a huge number of people risking their oral health by smoking. So, how exactly does smoking affect your teeth? That’s what we’ll talk about in this article…

  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for oral cancer: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause cancers of your mouth, tongue, lips, gums, and throat. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. An estimated 80% of them are smokers. If you are a smoker as well as a heavy drinker, your risk for oral cancer substantially increases. I screen all of my patients at their dental appointments for oral cancer. It often begins as a white or red patch in the mouth and is not symptomatic. It later can be accompanied by difficulty chewing or swallowing, numbness in the jaw, and pain in the ear. If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, visit your dentist, as the earlier oral cancer is detected, the more effective will its treatment be.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for gum disease: Smoking adversely affects your gums in two ways. If you smoke you are more likely to produce more bacterial plaque in your mouth, which puts your gums under steady attack. Second, smokers have lower oxygen levels in their blood, therefore delaying healing. This means that when your gums become infected, your body is less likely to be able to deal with it. Gum disease progresses at a very rapid rate in people who smoke. Losing teeth is a very real consequence in people who are heavy smokers.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for cavities: Due to the plaque and gum problems caused by smoking, smokers are at higher risk for tooth decay. If you smoke, you’re putting your mouth at risk for cavities three times more than non-smokers.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for bad breath: Smokers have a greater incidence of halitosis or bad breath. This is because about 4000 chemicals pass through your oral cavity every time you smoke. Many of these end up collecting on the surfaces inside your mouth. Smoking also contributes to bad breath by drying out your mouth. This can trigger gum infection and can irritate your sinuses, resulting in post-nasal drip.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for stained teeth: Smokers typically have stained teeth, with unattractive yellow stains that tar and nicotine leave on your teeth. Over time, this discoloration can leak into tiny cracks in your tooth enamel, leading to permanent discoloration and staining.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for delayed healing: Smoking results in the increased possibility of tooth extraction and oral surgery. However, at the same time, it results in delayed healing and slows your body’s ability to recover from these procedures. It also lowers the rate of successful dental implant procedures. The more you smoke, the more vulnerable you are to developing further complications.
  • Smoking puts you at greater risk for altered taste and smell: Smoking results in an altered sense of taste and smell. This interferes with your enjoyment of food and is also likely to make you add more salt or sugar to your food to make the taste stronger. Research shows that about one in five smokers have a less precise sense of taste and smell. However, this can be reversed if you stop smoking.

So, now you know how smoking can adversely affect your teeth. At Bellevue Dental Health we can help you manage the effects of smoking on your teeth. We work individually with each patient and take a detailed patient history to determine what treatment options each patient has.

If you are a smoker be sure to have regular dental care and a regular exam. As always, we are here to help at Bellevue Dental Health!

For more information about a dental consultation and different dental procedures,
contact Dr. Libby Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

healthy-cooking-sweet-tooth

Healthy Cooking for the Sweet Tooth

, , , , , , , ,

Most of us have a sweet tooth that shows up, more often then we like. We, as dentists, are often asked by our patients what would be considered healthy foods that they can eat while occasionally indulging our sweet tooth. While we are often told that indulging that sweet tooth is most often a no-no, there are foods that we can eat that are healthy, even as they satisfy your sugar cravings. In this article, we’ll talk about some of these foods.

  • Dark chocolate: You can whip up several recipes with dark chocolate. This is not as bad as you may think and some consider it good for the teeth even effective at fighting cavities, plaque, and tooth decay in the mouth. Compounds in dark chocolate may even be effective at fighting cavities. Some of the more popular recipes that you can whip up using dark chocolate include chocolate milk, Café mocha, and peanut butter and chocolate pretzels. You can even create a healthy and delicious chocolate pudding in a jiffy and so also, a satisfying hot chocolate drink. You can even create a trail mix, which is a healthy mix of nuts like almonds and pistachios, with a dark chocolate pieces. If you want to be even more creative, you can make Choco-nut popcorn, with 1 tablespoon melted peanut butter or Nutella, and a dusting of shaved chocolate or a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
  • Fresh fruit and other fruit dishes: This is one of the simplest offerings to satisfy your sweet tooth. Fresh fruit offers natural sugar to satisfy your cravings and also provides nutrients and fiber. You can also create other recipes using fresh fruit, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, frozen chocolate banana, an all-fruit popsicle, banana ice cream, sorbet, and baked apple.
  • Yogurt Parfait and other yogurt recipes: Yogurt is one of the healthiest dishes you can eat and is also very good at satisfying those sweet cravings without hurting your teeth. Some yogurt recipes you can whip up include yogurt parfait, which is plain Greek yogurt with your choice of topping. The latter could include granola, nuts, and fruit with a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings to boot. Other yogurt recipes include Nutella yogurt dip with fruit. This is a healthier take on chocolate fondue. You need to mix Nutella with Greek yogurt and use it as a dip with fresh fruit or with low-sugar cookies or crackers. You can also make and eat Frozen Greek Yogurt Drops. This consists of combining non-fat plain Greek yogurt with half a cup of frozen berries and stirring it until the fruit has broken down and the mixture has an even consistency. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop a bit of the mixture onto the sheet, leaving space between the drops. Freeze for a few hours and then store till you are ready to eat.
  • Smoothies: These are easy to make and taste even better, whether they are for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some smoothies include recipes such as Oaty Banana, Peachy Oat Smoothie, Banana Java, Strawberry Banana, Orange Crush, and so on. As you can imagine, you can create any number of recipes for smoothies, by combining ingredients in a creative way.
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and other bread recipes: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a classic recipe that satisfies many a sweet tooth in a healthy way. Take a slice of whole wheat bread and spread peanut butter as well as any fruit jelly you like, such as grape or strawberry. This not only provides sweetness, but also protein and a bit of fiber to boost. You can also make and eat Cinnamon Toast by toasting up a slice of whole-grain bread, adding a half teaspoon of butter, a quarter teaspoon of sugar, and as much cinnamon powder as you want.
  • Cereal and milk: Opt for a healthy, high-fiber, whole-grain cereal and sweeten with a little honey or cinnamon. Again, you can create as many recipes as you like by being creative. You can also combine chocolate with cereal and milk for a sweet but healthy treat. Kick-start your day with cereal and milk and satisfy that sweet craving.
  • Pudding: You can create a pudding with any flavor you desire, such as chocolate, vanilla, pistachio and the like. You can add these flavors with skim milk and then top with berries or other fruit, for added fiber. You can also create Fruit and Cottage Cheese pudding. You can do so by mixing fruit and cottage cheese and then mixing in a teaspoon of chocolate or cocoa powder and a drizzling of honey.

 

These are some easy-to-make recipes for healthy dishes that will help satisfy your sweet tooth, without hurting your teeth. Whip these up and enjoy, content that your teeth are in good shape with these recipes.

For more information on healthy foods as well as other dental questions, contact Dr. Libby Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

dental-phobics-ways-ease-dental-fears

Dental Phobics: Ways To Ease Your Dental Fears

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you avoid going to the dentist until you absolutely have to? Do you tense at the thought of a cleaning appointment? Do you experience intense fear when in the dentist’s chair? If you’ve answered “Yes” to these questions, you are a dental phobic and let me try to help you.

Dental phobia is more common that you think. In fact, it is one of the top 10 fears that people experience. Some studies have concluded that 75 percent of people experience at least a little fear regarding dental visits and that 10 to 15 percent experience intense fear that prevents them from seeking dental treatment. Also, about 8% of Americans avoid dentists all together due to fear.

There are various reasons that patients can suffer from dental phobia. These could range from a bad dental experience you may have had as a child to a pre-existing anxiety disorder. It could also be due to a feeling of lack of control or a biological mechanism. The latter is because our ancestors had a deep-seated desire to protect their noses and mouths, as this helped them survive predators. We have evolved since then, but we still have that deep-seated desire to protect our mouths and noses.

So, what can be done about the dental phobia? Well, there are certain tried and trusted techniques that can help you cope with your fear. That’s what we’ll talk about in this article…

  1. Involve your dentist: The most important solution is to choose a dentist is who will listen to your fears then talk to them about a strategy to overcome it. They need to know that you suffer from dental phobia so that they can work with you to help you overcome your fear. We, at Bellevue Dental Health, listen to our patients who are dental phobic and ensure that we talk to them in detail about the treatment needed and do not rush them in any way. Visit us here.
  2. Acknowledge that you suffer from dental phobia: This is the first step on the way to overcoming your fear. You need to accept that you are afraid of dentists but acknowledge that there are friendly dentists that can help you!
  3. Seek professional help if you need it: If you have a mild anxiety disorder you can cope with it yourself. However, if you suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you need professional help. This is especially the case if you are having dental implants, oral surgery or a more extensive dental treatment plan.
  4. Seek distraction when in the dentist’s chair: I have found that when I have patients listen to their favorite music while in the dentist’s chair or watch TV in the office, the distraction makes a huge difference. Try anything that will take your mind off the procedure.
  5. Try breathing and relaxation techniques: Doctors recommend relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing, which means taking a long breath, holding it, and then releasing it very slowly. This will slow your heartbeat and relax your muscles. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in turn.
  6. Review with your dentist which sedatives are available and appropriate: The vast majority of patients I see with dental phobias do well with some TLC. However, for those that don’t, we can use other methods such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or even intravenous sedation (with a specialist).
  7. Bring a family member or friend with you: Most patients go to dental appointments alone. However, if you bring a family member or friend with you, they can help distract you away from your fears. Knowing that someone is there waiting for you can help you cope with your dental phobia better.
  8. Use noise-cancelling headphones: With these headphones, you can cancel out all the noise in the dentist’s office that can cause anxiety. This can include the sound of a drill or any other instruments. This will help you in relaxing that tad bit more and help ease your fear.
  9. Visit a psychologist: If you still cannot overcome your dental phobia with these simple techniques, you may need to see a psychologist. The latter will provide specialized treatment and intervention to help you cope with your dental phobia.

 

So, now you know how to deal with dental phobia. It’s helpful to remember that you are not the only one suffering from dental phobia. There are many like you out there. So, do recognize that fact and work with your dentist to overcome your fear…Here’s to comfortable and fear-free dental visits!

For more information on dental phobia and how it can be overcome, contact Dr. Libby Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

benefits-implant-versus-bridge

Benefits of an Implant versus a Bridge

, , , , ,

I frequently talk with patients after they have had a tooth removed about their options to replace the gap. They don’t know whether to pursue an implant or a dental bridge. The most common questions they have are “what is the best option and which is the most expensive?” Since these are so commonly asked I thought it would help to answer these questions as well as the benefits of an implant versus a bridge here.

What exactly are Dental Implants?

Definition: A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone and allowed to fuse for several months before a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture prosthesis is later placed . The biggest benefits of an implant is that more tooth structure can be preserved with the usage of implants since the adjacent teeth are not drilled.

Advantages Disadvantages
Adjacent teeth are not affected Minor surgery required
Does not decay Minor surgery required
Reliable, aesthetic More expensive
Doesn’t develop gum disease Healing time required before permanent teeth replacement.

 

Implants are a good option if you have lost teeth due to an injury or decay. Your dentist will wait a process called as osseo integration, to form an intimate bond between the titanium used and surrounding bone and this is the reason we have to wait. The success rate of dental implants is very high and they are commonly done in many dental and surgical offices.

 

Now, Dental Bridges-

Definition: These bridges are used to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. It gets its support from natural teeth or the implants on either side. It is made of two or more crowns for the teeth on each part of the gap. The anchoring and the false teeth that lie in between are called as abutment teeth and pontics respectively.

Advantages Disadvantages
Functional, predictable Requires enamel removal of adjacent teeth
Less costly Adjacent teeth’ crowns must be redone
Less time for final results Root canal required if nerves are affected
  Potential problem of tooth decay
  Gum disease can develop
  Lesser longevity than dental implants

 

Types of Dental Bridges

 

Traditional bridges

These are made of either ceramic or porcelain material fused to metal. This bridge is created by a crown for the tooth or by implants on either side of the gap, and the pontic (false teeth) lies in between.

Maryland bonded bridges

The false tooth is fused to the metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin which is hidden from view. This resin bonded bridge is made of porcelain fused to metal or plastic teeth supported by a metal framework. The pre-existing teeth on both the sides of the gap are bonded to the metal or porcelain made wings on the bridge. These bridges are often used in the areas of your mouth that are under less stress such as your front teeth.

Cantilever bridges

These are an excellent solution when traditional bridges can’t be used. These bridges are most often used when abutment teeth are located on only one side of the missing tooth or in areas of the mouth that are under a lot of stress. The layout is different even though this bridge uses the same number of dental crowns.

 

Implant vs Bridge

Key Aspects Implant Bridge
How long does it last? 15+ years 5-7 years
Long-term dental health Little to no bone/gum loss Some bone/gum loss
Oral Hygiene maintenance Brush & Floss normally Needs special floss & brush
Appearance matters Best Possible Aesthetics Very Natural in appearance

 

The final verdict is implants have a very high long-term success rate. But unique situations call for a choice between the two (and every patient is unique), for which you would need to consult your dentist. I hope this review has been helpful.

 

For more details on the benefits of implants versus dental bridges, feel free to contact me Dr. Libby Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health at 425-641-3311 or at info@bellevuedentalhealth.com.

Load More