Dr. Lazare's the Patient's Guide to Dentistry

Dr. Lazare’s

THE PATIENT’S GUIDE TO

DENTISTRY

By: Marc Lazare, D.D.S.

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© Copyright 2011 Marc Lazare, D.D.S.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4269-5736-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4269-6140-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4269-6141-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011904287

Trafford rev. 01/18/2013

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Dr. Lazare’s

THE PATIENT’S GUIDE TO DENTISTRY

Table of Contents

Dedications and Acknowledgements

Preface: The Facts - It is important to know the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth

Chapter 1: Cosmetic Dentistry - A smile increases your face value

• Bonding

• Enamel Reshaping

• Smile Makeovers

• Veneers

• Lumineers

Chapter 2: Teeth Whitening - Show those pearly whites

Chapter 3: General Dentistry - Dentistry 101 – The Basics

• Bridges

• Crowns/caps

• Dentures

• Fillings

• Inlays/Onlays

• Mouth Guard

• Night Guard

• Occlusion (bite)

• TMJ (temporomandibular joint)

Chapter 4: Implant Dentistry – We can re-build you better and stronger

Chapter 5: Periodontics (Gum Disease) - What you need to know to keep your teeth for a lifetime

Chapter 6: Endodontics (Root Canal) - Understanding the root of the problem

Chapter 7: Orthodontics (Braces and Invisalign) – What it means to get wired…

Chapter 8: Pediatrics (Children’s Dental Care) – If you have kids, read this

Chapter 9: Geriatrics (Elder Care) – Important info for those getting long in the tooth

Chapter 10: Oral Surgery – It’s like pulling teeth…

Chapter 11: Oral Cancer, Lesions and Growths - No joke here. What you need to know

Chapter 12: Medical Conditions - As they relate to your dental health

• Autism

• Cancer

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

• Herpes

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Pregnancy

• Tobacco Use

Chapter 13: Fear, Anxiety and Pain Control – Take three deep, cleansing breaths and read on

Chapter 14: Dental Emergencies – There is never a good time to have a dental emergency

Chapter 15: Preventative Care – A little goes a long way

Chapter 16: Nutrition and Diet – The importance of having a strong, healthy foundation

Chapter 17: Home Care – It’s in your hands now

Chapter 18: Miscellaneous - Important Dental Topics in a category of their own

• Bad Breath (Halitosis)

• Canker Sores

• Cracked Teeth

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

• Oral Piercings

• Sleep Apnea

• Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

• Tooth Sensitivity

• Glossitis and Geographic Tongue

Chapter 19: Alternative Dental Care – Open your mind before opening your mouth

Chapter 20: Keeping Costs Down – The 10 best ways to keep dental costs down

Chapter 21: Choosing a Dentist - Take the time, Do your research

About the author: Dr. Marc Lazare

Dedications and Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to my family, without whom my life would have no meaning. To my parents Allan and Arlene, thank you so much for all of the love, education and unconditional support throughout the years. Everything I am I owe to you. To my adoring wife Amanda, I love you so much and am so proud to have you by my side. To my two amazing children Hunter and Sydney (who I promised would get the first copy of this book), you both have taught me what it is to love with every fiber of my being. I also want to acknowledge my sister Lauren, my nephews Devin and Justin, my mother-in-law Diane, and my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, brother-in law and father-in-law. I also want to thank my friends and wonderful patients for all their support throughout the years, and give a special mention of appreciation to my loyal and dedicated staff, for they are a part of my family too.

I want to also give a special acknowledgement to my father, Dr. Allan Lazare, a renowned periodontist and inventor, who was my inspiration for becoming a dentist (even though my mother knew it was the right decision), and inspired me to invent dental products and author a book just as he did. I want to thank you for making this book possible and for your love and guidance as I continue to navigate through my life’s journey.

This book is also in loving memory of my grandparents Helen and Jacob Lazare and Martha and David Levin, who have influenced my life in so many ways.

Dr. Lazare’s

THE PATIENT’S GUIDE TO DENTISTRY

Preface:

Fun Fact…

A smile is our most powerful expression. It can turn any negative moment into a positive one in the blink of an eye.

The Facts

It is important to know the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth

The world of dentistry has changed, and there is a great deal of confusion, conflicting opinions, and misinformation out there in the media. Fear of dentistry and lack of understanding about modern dental procedures have resulted in many people failing to take advantage of the dental care necessary to help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

With the onset of dozens of beauty and makeover TV shows and the attention that is given to those who have undergone these procedures, the average person no longer wants an average smile. The terms veneers, porcelain crowns, bridges and implants have entered into the common vernacular. People want to be more informed and more esthetically conscious. Every person is a dental patient. Everyone has a vested interest in learning their options and understanding what the latest technology has to offer them.

There are many questions people have about dental care. There are terms that they have heard mentioned but aren’t quite sure what they are. They have heard about advances in dental technology and various treatments but don’t know who to ask about them. Their dentist is often too busy to present all the different choices one has, and doesn’t have the time to explain in detail what needs to be done. People have a fear of the unknown and a fear of dentistry is common. We all are concerned with doing what is best for us while trying to keep costs down. There are many aspects of basic dental care we do not understand. The idea of when to see a dentist and if I go will I have pain are just some of the universal concerns. Here, in one book, are the answers we need.

This book includes:

50238.jpg Everything you need to know about improving your smile

50241.jpg What everyone should know to help keep their teeth for a lifetime

50244.jpg What to do when there is a dental emergency (when home or traveling)

50246.jpg The 10 best ways to keep your dental costs down

50248.jpg The best ways to minimize your pain, fear and anxiety

50250.jpg All the important information you should know about your children’s dental care

50252.jpg Knowing what all of your options are when missing one or more teeth

50254.jpg What you should know about tooth whitening

50256.jpg Understanding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer

50258.jpg A summary of alternative dental therapies

50260.jpg How to choose a good dentist

50262.jpg What you should know about gum disease (causes and treatments)

50264.jpg How to prevent bad breath

50266.jpg An explanation of root canal treatment

50268.jpg Orthodontics (braces, invisalign, palatal expander, retainers, etc.)

50270.jpg A description and comparison of all types of dental restorations including veneers, bonding, Lumineers, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, tooth colored fillings vs. silver fillings, etc.

50272.jpg Important things you should know about oral surgery

50274.jpg Implant dentistry (who is a candidate and what is involved)

50276.jpg The importance of diet and nutrition in dentistry

50278.jpg Geriatric dental care (elder care)

50280.jpg Understanding how certain medical conditions can affect your oral health (such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, herpes, etc.

50282.jpg The effects of tobacco on gum disease

50284.jpg Information about dental care during pregnancy

50287.jpg What you should know about dental X-rays

50289.jpg How to treat many common dental complaints including TMJ pain, tooth sensitivity, cracked and broken teeth, grinding, clenching, swellings, bleeding gums, etc.

50291.jpg What is a cavity, how do I know if I have one, and what can I do about it

50293.jpg When do baby teeth erupt and when are they lost and replaced with adult teeth

This book was written by the creator of the popular Dental Expert and Pediatric Dental Expert app for the iPhone and iPad, Dr. Marc Lazare, who has gathered information from the top dental experts in their fields to answer the most frequently asked dental questions in all categories of dental care. The Patient’s Guide to Dentistry is the ultimate guide to everything you would like to know, and everything you should know.

Dr. Marc Lazare is a world renowned lecturer, dental columnist, featured author in numerous dental journals, teacher, consultant, inventor of two of the top instruments used in cosmetic dentistry, and president of Cosmetics Innovations, Inc. He is an acknowledged authority on cosmetic dentistry and described in news articles as "dentist to the stars". Dr. Lazare practices in New York, while lecturing to thousands of dentists around the country.

Chapter 1: Cosmetic Dentistry

(Bonding, Enamel Reshaping, Lumineers, Smile Makeovers, Teeth Whitening, Veneers)

Fun Fact…

Did you know it takes 26 muscles to smile?

And 62 muscles to frown?

The Importance of a Smile

A smile increases your face value

There has been a paradigm shift in dentistry in recent years. A new attitude towards the dentist has emerged, with patients having less fear of treatment and becoming more receptive and excited about doing work that will result in a more esthetically pleasing smile. People used to visit the dentist because they had to, not because they wanted to. Now all of that has changed. People want their teeth whiter, straighter and more beautiful, and they want it done quickly. After all, a smile and a handshake are what create the first impression. A smile and a handshake start every business meeting, every job interview, and leave a lasting impression on a first date. With each passing day, more and more patients are able to recognize how the transformation of a smile can change a life. They know that it will help them or their loved one to land that job, find that special someone, or just give them that extra edge in business and social networking. Individuals are additionally motivated by what they see on television, in the movies and on the pages of magazines. They can appreciate how a beautiful smile can take years off of one’s appearance, increase self-confidence and make that person more approachable and distinguished. In fact, often times family members, friends and co-workers have undergone similar smile rejuvenations, which only serve to motivate that individual even more.

Esthetic dentistry is all about creating one’s image and inspiring self-confidence. Patients are a lot more critical of themselves and their appearance these days. With this heightened public awareness, esthetic dentistry is becoming recognized as a necessary treatment for keeping people looking beautiful and healthy. With our minds being educated and our bodies being exercised, what better way is there to communicate how we feel than with a beautiful smile? People simply want to look their best, and once properly educated about their options, will more than likely want to beautify their smile. With in-office tooth whitening and porcelain veneers, all of that is not only possible, but often done non-invasively and painlessly. In just a couple of visits a smile can be fully transformed. By reshaping the teeth we create the illusion that the teeth are actually straight and in the proper position. Why should one have to go through life hiding their teeth and being self-conscious about their smile? A reconstructed smile will add confidence and help to create a more youthful appearance. Is the cost a factor? Maybe, but what greater investment could one make than in themselves.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bonding

Question: What is bonding?

Answer: Bonding uses composite resin to restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps, fix cavities and reshape or recolor your smile. The same material used for bonding is used for making tooth colored fillings, which appear more natural. Your dentist applies the resin and sculpts, colors and shapes it to provide a pleasing result. A special light, operating at a specific wavelength, hardens the material, which is then adjusted and polished. Bonding differs from veneers in that bonding can be done within a single visit, while veneers require a dental lab to manufacture the restoration. Additionally, bonded restorations are much less expensive then veneering, since there are no lab costs involved. Bonded restorations are usually very conservative when it comes to reducing tooth structure, and can also be used to protect over exposed root surfaces in order to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Question: How long does bonding last?

Answer: The answer depends on what the bonding was used for, where in the mouth it was placed, and how well it is cared for. If you place bonding on the biting edge of your front tooth, and like to chew on pen caps or bite your nails, then that bonding is not going to last long. Bonding will usually last for several years or more before needing repair, however, in some areas it can last for many more years with the proper care. Acid reflux and over imbibing in alcohol can weaken the bonded restorations. Teeth grinding can wear down these bonded restorations, but severe teeth grinding will also wear down your own enamel, along with silver fillings and porcelain restorations. With the proper care, bonding is a wonderful way to restore and improve your smile.

Question: Why do teeth get discolored?

Answer: There are many factors that can affect the color and appearance of your teeth. There are some people who are just born with teeth that are naturally more yellow than others. For example, many blondes and redheads have teeth that tend to be a little bit more on the yellow side due to their genetic makeup. Teeth will also become more yellow and gray with age. This occurs because over many years the enamel (the hard, white outer layer of a tooth) starts to wear down, becoming more transparent, and allowing the yellow color of the underlying layer of tooth structure (dentin) to show through. Additionally, there are many other ways that teeth can discolor or stain over time. These can be broken down into two categories: Extrinsic and intrinsic staining.

• Extrinsic stains are the stains that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of years of consuming coffee, tea, red wine, colas, teriyaki sauce, fruit punch, vegetable juice, highly pigmented foods, and of course, tobacco use. The accumulation of tartar (from the plaque that hardened) will also cause teeth to appear discolored. Superficial extrinsic stains can be readily removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings. Deeper stains will need to be bleached out.

• Intrinsic stains come from the discoloration of the actual tooth. If someone was given the antibiotic tetracycline during the time when their teeth were forming, chances are they would develop a dark yellowish, brownish banding around the teeth. Excessive ingestion of fluoride can result in fluorosis, which is evident from the white spots that develop on the teeth. Additionally, tooth trauma can result in a color change to the tooth, due to the nerve becoming damaged.

Enamel Reshaping

Question: What is enamel reshaping (enameloplasty)?

Answer: Enamel reshaping is the reshaping and contouring of the enamel (outer layer) of the teeth to remove sharp edges and uneven characteristics of the teeth, and to give the illusion that the teeth are straighter than they really are. This reshaping of the tooth’s enamel lends to an improvement of the overall appearance of a smile, correcting the flaws that catch one’s eye, such as a tooth that is longer than the others, or an obvious overlapping or rotation of the teeth due to crowding. Enamel reshaping is a conservative process, often combined with some bonding, does not require any anesthesia, and is relatively quick and painless.

Question: Is enamel reshaping harmful to the teeth?

Answer: Enamel reshaping is a very conservative and simple cosmetic procedure, but does remove some of your tooth’s enamel, which cannot be replaced. In many respects, enamel reshaping, when combined with teeth whitening and conservative bonding, can be the fastest, least invasive, and least expensive way to have a smile makeover. Granted not everyone is a candidate for this procedure, and many will require a more comprehensive smile makeover to achieve their goals (such as veneers, braces, implants, crown and bridge work, etc.). Often times, enamel reshaping is the intermediary step before committing to a full smile makeover.

Question: Is everyone a candidate for enamel reshaping?

Answer: While many people may be able to benefit from some degree of enamel reshaping, careful case selection is necessary to determine if this procedure is viable for the patient. Many times enamel reshaping in indicated for those people who want to soften the vampire-like points of their canines, or soften and round off sharp, pointy edges, or shorten teeth that