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Digital dentistry is the use of digital technologies or devices in order to carry out dental procedures. Here, dentists use computer-controlled devices instead of the traditional mechanical tools.

Benefits of the technologies

There are many benefits that come with digital dentistry technologies. Some of the benefits include:

Efficiency: the technologies make it possible for dentists to easily capture all of your dental information. For example, your radiographs, insurance information, CAD/CAM system, digital impressions and any other details are easily kept in the database.

Since the information is stored electronically, different dentists are able to access your information at the same time. The desk staffs are also able to access your information and update it. This ensures that your records are updated and you get the right medication for your condition.

Better diagnosis: since the devices used are high tech, they are able to detect oral diseases at a very early stage. Early detection means that you get early treatment which means lower cost on your side.

Better cure: since the dentists are able to see the teeth better, they are able to provide you with better service. The digital tools also function better than the mechanical tools which contributes to better service. For example, if you want your teeth to be cleaned, they get whiter more than when they are cleaned mechanically.

Technologies used

There are many technologies used in digital dentistry. The major ones include:

Digital radiography: using this technology, dentists use lower radiation, spend more time on both extra oral and intraoral processes, and have better images. This results to the dentists producing better results.

Although, the technology already has many benefits, there are still many developments being made in the area. These developments include: wireless sensors, caries diagnosis and integration of the system with tablets and voice.

According to experts in this field, future radiographic devices will use algorithms that are based on thousands of patient radiographs. These new devices will be able to diagnose patients and give suggestions to dentists.

CAM/CAD: the technology is used both by clinicians and in the laboratory. Dentists and other staff members who have used it say that it's faster, consistent, accurate, and economical. There are many developments still made on this technology where dentists hope that future devices will be able to accurately predict the outcome of a given dentistry procedure.

Dental lasers: there are many small, cordless, portable, low cost dental lasers that are used in periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics and dental surgery. Although, most of the dentists are using cordless lasers, there are still many others that are using corded versions. It's good to note that the corded versions are as effective as the cordless versions.

Conclusion

Dental surgery is definitely the future of dentistry. As a patient you not only have perfect results, the dental procedures are also done fast thus you spend less time in the dentist's office. Next time you need a dental procedure you should go to a dentist using digital dentistry technologies, will you?

Each and every day we wake up and begin a morning ritual which invariably includes a glob of toothpaste, a quick run of the tap and two minutes of furiously working a toothbrush around our mouths. It's an essential part of the day, but more and more people are starting to talk about tooth oil and its links to better oral health and hygiene. Whilst its resurgence might be recent, it's actually an ancient tradition that's fighting its way back into the public consciousness through word of mouth and positive results. So, what is tooth oil, and how can it make your mouth a healthier place?

Tooth oil, or oil pulling, as it's sometimes known, is a tradition which can be traced back to ancient Ayurvedic medicines, dating back 3,000 years. Perhaps the most basic explanation of oil pulling is that with around a tablespoon of specialist dental oil in your mouth, you begin the procedure of pushing and pulling the oil around your mouth, between your teeth and underneath your tongue. It's through this action that the tooth oil can get to work.

Tooth oils work because most microorganisms that live in your mouth consist of just a single cell, which are covered in a fatty membrane which keeps them protected. When these fatty cells come in contact with oil, they naturally adhere to one another, and with the pushing and pulling motion of your mouth, gently rids your mouth of the harmful bacteria and collects them in the oil. After you've done, simply spit out the oil and rinse your mouth. It's an idea so simple you wonder how it ever fell out of popular usage.

Those that have tried dental oil report whiter teeth, reduced gingivitis, decreased sensitivity and the alleviation of halitosis (bad breath). Whilst not enough studies have been carried out to back up all of these claims, there's no doubt amongst dentists that tooth oil and oil pulling lessens bacterial load in the mouth and helps to promote a healthier mouth.

Indeed, because of the natural, common sense nature of tooth pulling, there are no downsides to the procedure. Not only that, it's backed by 3,000 years of wisdom and some very basic modern science. These days, companies produce specialist tooth oil, which combine oils to provide you with an unparalleled cleaning experience. However, it should be noted that tooth oil and oil pulling is not a direct replacement for brushing your teeth, and should be used in conjunction with a regular brushing routine.

If you brush your teeth twice a day religiously with fluoride toothpaste, good for you! You’re taking an important step toward preventing cavities and tooth decay.

But while brushing your teeth every day is important, doing so isn’t going to prevent cavities. Why not? Read below.

1. Brushing your teeth does get a good amount of plaque from your teeth, but it can’t get all of it.

Why can’t it get all of the plaque that builds up on your teeth? Because brushing with a toothbrush can’t get between your teeth! That’s why it’s important to floss at least once a day. (It’s best to floss and brush at the same time, but you should floss at minimum once a day).

In fact, if you’re ever stuck on a desert island, make sure you have floss with you because if you don’t have a toothbrush, your tongue can get a good amount of bacteria off your teeth, but your tongue can’t get between your teeth. So if stuck between flossing and brushing, floss! (But you’re more than likely not on a desert island or far from a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, so there’s no excuse: brush your teeth!)

1.    2. We eat so much sugar, it’s a wonder our teeth aren’t completely cavity-riddled.

The American Heart Association reported in 2014 that the average American eats about 20 teaspoons of sugar each day, an amount more than double what we should be consuming. (According to the American Heart Association, women should consume less than six teaspoons a day and men should consume no more than nine teaspoons.)

You may think that you’re safe because you rarely eat sweets, but so much of the food we eat today has a ton of “hidden” sugar in it. One tablespoon of ketchup, for example, has four grams of sugar (more than in a chocolate chip cookie)!

Tooth decay starts when sugary or starchy foods and drinks stay on our teeth and then interact with the bacteria-producing acid that’s on our teeth to dissolve our tooth enamel. Once the enamel is worn down, the inside dentin layer of our tooth becomes exposed, leading to a cavity.

And it doesn’t take long at all for sugars/starches to start teaming up with the bacteria to start dissolving our tooth enamel: if you eat frequently (snacks) between sessions of brushing, the sugars remain there and can keep a thin layer of acid on your teeth, allowing for plaque buildup.

So the best thing to do is to brush your teeth each time you eat. That’s probably not possible, but that’s why it’s best to cut your way back on your sugar/starch intake.

2.   Visit your dentist at least twice a year to get rid of the plaque brushing and flossing didn’t remove.

Plaque buildup will lead to tooth decay. End of story. Since brushing and flossing won’t get all of it from your teeth (because even the best of us skip sessions every now and then), it’s important to visit your dentist’s office at least twice a year to get that remaining plaque removed from your teeth.

Image courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Plaque is one of the most common dental problems, affecting thousands of people across the UK, here are three great tips to reduce and remove all plaque at home. In studies carried out in the 1990s, it was revealed that 7 in 10 adults had plaque on their teeth. In the vast majority of cases, it's not a serious condition, but if left untreated for an extended period of time, it can result in bad breath, discolouration of the teeth and even gum disease.

It's likely that you'll be familiar with the term 'gum disease', but perhaps not quite so familiar with the effects of the condition. If you don't address the problem, you could find yourself experiencing a wide variety of dental problems; including painful, inflamed gums, smelly breath, pus coming from the gum and in severe cases, you may even lose the affected tooth.

Getting rid of plaque At Home Is Easy

It's fairly easy to see if you've got plaque; as you'll be able to quite literally scrape it away from your tooth, using either your fingernail or a specialist dental scraper. However, as any dentist will tell you, a simple scrape is not good enough, especially with those hard-to-reach back teeth!

Conventional advice dictates that a visit to the dentist is what you need in order to address the problem successfully. However, you may be able to treat the condition yourself at home, using one of three 'secret' plaque-removal methods; which helps save time and money in the long run.

Secret Natural Methods of Getting Rid of Plaque

Of course, if you're more comfortable going to the dentist, then that is the course of action you should take. However, if like many others, you're slightly dentist-phobic, you may want to try one of these excellent DIY treatments at home. Best of all, they only include natural ingredients, making them completely safe to use.

Treatment 1: Walnuts

Walnuts not only taste great, but they're also incredibly good for your teeth. Even when eaten they offer great benefits; as they're rich in folic acid, iron, thiamine, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, zinc and magnesium.

However, this treatment doesn't require you to eat them, but to wash your teeth with them! Here's how to do it.

You will need:

Approximately 30g walnuts

Water

How to prepare:

Put the walnut husks into a saucepan. Add water, and then cook the mixture for about 15 minutes or so on the hob. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then soak your toothbrush in the mixture and clean your teeth thoroughly for five minutes. The result? Your plaque will be greatly reduced.

Treatment 2: Sunflower Seeds and Linden Flower

Sunflower seeds and linden flower are wonderful for your teeth. Here's how you use them.

You will need:

4 tablespoons of sunflower seeds

4 tablespoons of linden flower

1 litre of water

How to prepare:

To make your plaque-busting mix, simply add all the ingredients into a saucepan, and cook on the hob (on a gentle heat) for around 30 minutes. Then wash your teeth in the mixture, preferably after eating.

Treatment 3: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is incredibly good for removing plaque, but be warned, it is potent! As a result, we recommend only using once a week.

You will need:

Apple cider vinegar

How to prepare:

This one requires no preparation. Simply soak your toothbrush in the vinegar, then brush your teeth as normal. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly; to ensure that no vinegar remains on your teeth, as it can damage your enamel.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

As part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle it is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums, the only sure way to do this is to visit a dentist regularly. But we help these three ideas help keep the bills to a minimum.

Winter is usually associated with warm soup, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. But it’s also a time for colds and mouth sores. Here are ways you can protect your mouth from adverse conditions during the winter.

How Temperature Affects Health

Colder temperature can cause dry and chapped lips, which can create discomfort while eating or laughing. Catching a cold or virus can be even worse because it can lead to mouth ulcers. Many people react by turning to warm foods. Unfortunately, when vegetables reach too high of a temperature they can lose their nutrients. You are actually better off eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables, because they will help strengthen your immune system, which is the key to a speedy recovery.

How to Stay Healthy in Winter

Your best strategy for preventing colds, viruses and mouth ulcers during winter is to adhere to proper oral hygiene and sticking with a vitamin-rich diet. Drinking plenty of water and using a protective balm are also very helpful, along with visiting your dentist regularly. Make sure you use a high quality toothbrush. If it’s several months old and has been used daily, then it’s time to switch to a new brush.

The foods you eat will have a huge impact on your health during the cold months. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which do more than guard against winter health issues. They contain antioxidants, which help fight various illnesses, including cancer. They are also much healthier than fast food or frozen dinners. Foods that are rich in vitamins A, C and E are wise choices, all year round.

Keep in mind that vitamin deficiencies can lead to mouth ulcers and other health conditions. If you have persistent mouth ulcers lasting longer than ten days, contact your dentist immediately.

Medicine, like many other branches of academics has always been reinventing and improvising itself by each passing day. One such branch of dentistry which has attracted many young students to take up dentistry as their stream of study is the branch of Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry consists of any work which helps in improving the appearance of a person's teeth and/or gums. Dentistry, today, is not restricted only to the extraction of teeth and filling but includes a wide range of treatments which help in making the teeth look beautiful and attractive.

Further Classification

There are two special sub-branches in Cosmetic Dentistry, namely, Prosthodontics and Orthodontics respectively. While Prosthodontics, which is also known as Dental Prosthetics or Prosthetic Dentistry and deals with the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance of the patients like treating patients with missing or deficient teeth; orthodontics deals with specifically with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of wrongly positioned teeth and jaws. Medical practitioners dealing with this subject matter are known as Prosthodontists and Orthodontists respectively. There are many affordable dentist who provide all kinds of dentistry.

Treatments Offered

Some of the treatments which are or get covered under this branch of dentistry are:

• Whitening of teeth or teeth bleaching as it is also known as is a popular procedure which helps in lightening discolored teeth; 
• Tooth re-shapening which helps in removing the enamel of the tooth in order to improve the appearance of the tooth; 
• Bonding, which is a process in which enamel like dental composite material is used on the tooth's surface and is then sculpted to shape and polished. 
• Dental bridges which help in fusing the gap left by missing teeth with the help of porcelain crowns; 
• Dental implants which are nothing but prosthetic replacement for missing teeth; 
• Gum Lift procedure helping in raising and sculpting the gum line; and 
• Bite Reclamation, by which the vertical dimension of the patient's teeth can be reclaimed and any unwanted wrinkles can also be removed.

Raw Materials

Previously, for dental fillings and such other tooth restoration methods, gold, amalgam and other metals were used as an affordable dentist treatment, which were veneered with porcelain. However today, dental work is entirely made out of porcelain or other composite material which gives natural teeth like appearance to the entire set. This is one of the reasons why dental surgeons today, are increasingly opting for porcelain based fillings.

Your teeth are your precious assets. They are the most exposed bones of your body and hence, it is extremely vital for you to take care of those 32 lovely set of pearls which have been gifted by God. Today, science has advanced so much that it can help you in practically almost every single way in correcting any irregularity which you may be suffering from as far as your teeth are concerned. So go ahead and treat yourself to a beautiful set of sparkling white set of teeth and be an owner's pride and a neighbor's envy.

Gum disease - what to do

A regular visit to a dentist will help you with:

• Prevention of gum disease - early detection is vital and avoids later more complicated and expensive treatment.

• Clean teeth - the hygienist will properly clean and free teeth from plaque and tartar build up

• Minor infections can be identified and treated before they become overly problematic

What is a gum disease?

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It occurs when food particles get caught between the teeth and bacteria forms and causes an infection in the gums. It may start with a small pain or sensitivity in the gums, and if not treated can become a much more painful infection. Simple gum disease is not limited to the mouth only. It can lead to many other severe diseases like cancer, diabetes and digestive system problems.

Symptoms

These are the most widely observed symptoms when one suffers from periodontal disease:

• Painful and bleeding gums

• Tooth loss because the gum loses its strength

• Flossing and brushing gets hard because the gums bleed

• Sores in the mouth

• Swelling of the gums

• Halitosis (bad breath)

Causes

Periodontal disease is caused by improper oral care. Similarly, oral hygiene and general health and wellbeing also suffers when you are careless about it.

A few widespread causes of gum disease are:

• Improper technique or irregular brushing

• Not flossing well or often enough

• Smoking

• Large scale alcohol consumption

Basically gums are affected when you do not brush your teeth properly. When the food is eaten, the small particles get stuck in the gaps between the teeth. When you don't floss, they remain there. This leads to the formation of the bacteria between the teeth. The bacteria will corrode the teeth and affect the gums.

Prevention and precautions

There are lots of ways to prevent gum disease.

· Inter dental cleaners have small bristles which are best to remove away the plague from the teeth gap. They are somewhat like a toothbrush in structure and work in a similar way between teeth.

• Eat a healthy diet. Try to lessen the intake of sugary food and drinks. They are really harmful for the teeth and oral health.

• Cut down or quit smoking. This will benefit oral health and general overall wellbeing.

• Brush and floss regularly after each meal or at least twice a day.

• Visit the dentist regularly, 6 monthly is recommended, as this is the best option.

It is imperative that we eat healthy and maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. But still there are nearly 60% people who do not do it which results in multiple tooth diseases. So today we will discuss about tooth pathology - different conditions of teeth. You will be a bit confused with the word Tooth Pathology but it is a very familiar term and has nothing to do with the test laboratories. Tooth Pathology is a term that is used to describe any dental condition that is either congenital or acquired. So you can call it as a Tooth Disease or Tooth Disorders. At times the congenital tooth disease is called as tooth abnormalities. You'd be surprised to know that this is one of the most common diseases found amongst the humans. So ideally Tooth Pathology is just a dental condition which comprises of all the diseases which our tooth goes through in its lifespan.

Dentists are trained to treat, prevent and provide diagnosis for these diseases because the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Dental Pathology are the basis of dentistry. Furthermore dental-hygienists and other sub specialists are involved to give you a smile makeover or even a dental makeover.

As mentioned before tooth pathology comprises of either Congenital or Acquired so come let us take a look at what type of dental conditions fall in the category of Congenital or Acquired diseases:

Congenital Disease: At times called as Tooth Abnormalities, the person suffering from this disease is likely to be affected by Anodontia. It is a rare genetic disorder in which the patient does not have any teeth at all. In typical dentistry terminology this is also referred as Anodontia Vera. This disease is attached with the group of skin and a nerve syndrome which is called as Ectodermal Dysplasia. The only treatment that is prescribed for a patient suffering from this disease is Prosthetic Replacement of the missing teeth. The replacement of teeth is a successful treatment as it ensures that the patients get their natural looking teeth. There are different categories of Congenital Disease. One is when a patient doesn't have teeth called as Hypodontia and the other is when a patient has more than usual number of teeth called as Hyperdontia.

Acquired Disease: Pretty much different from the congenital disease, acquired condition comprises of Dental Caries popularly known as cavity or tooth decay and Dental Abscess. These two are the most common diseases. Cavities are caused by the unwanted guest that rests peacefully in our mouth - Bacteria. They use foods that have sugar or starch and produce acids which erode the structure of tooth thereby causing damage to enamel. Dental Abscess is caused by the pus which gets accumulated in teeth and gums because of the bacterial infection. The cause of dental abscess is consuming foods rich in sugar and starch however if proper oral hygiene is maintained this situation can be avoided.

While some diseases are inherited there is nothing much that can be done about them apart from undergoing surgery. But for the acquired diseases we need to follow proper dental hygiene.

If you have just relocated, there are a few things that you may need help for. You are starting to settle into your new home and you are now establishing your routine at your new office. You have just finished unpacking the boxes at your place and you have enrolled the kids at their new school. You are still adjusting to your life in the new place and everything is new but you are getting there. You may still have a lot of tasks to tick off your to-do list but with time and with the help of the locals, you can certainly find what you are looking for.

One such task is finding an international dental clinic. People who know a few in their community may find this task easy, but what if you do not know anyone who can give you a recommendation? More often than not, when people move into a new city or country, finding a dentist is one of the last things on their to-do lists. Often, finding a dentist becomes a pressing concern only when a family member suffers from a dental condition.

Begin your search for a dentist in a new location would be the referral services offered by local dental associations. The main advantage of this is that you will instantly gain access to a list of reputable dental practices that you can check and do research on. Alternatively, you can ask for recommendations from the people in your community. For example, if you are looking for a dentist for your kids, you can consult the personnel in your child's school clinic or even the parents of your kid's classmates.

The advantage of this is that you can hear the personal experience of these people, which you can factor into your decision-making process. After narrowing down your list of prospective dentists, you can schedule a visit. Make sure that you bring the proper documentation of your family's dental history.

It is also worthwhile to inquire about the services and the prices of these services during your initial visit. During your initial visit to the dentist, make sure that you observe how comfortable you are inside the clinic. Notice how the staff treat and respond to the clients in the waiting area. Simply put, you should feel comfortable and at ease during your visit.

PPO dental insurance is considered as one of the most popular dental insurance plans available in the market right now, not only because of its affordability. PPO dental plans are also flexible. PPO plans would be able to meet the needs of the plan holders, without sacrificing the quality on dental care that the plan holder would be getting.

PPO dental plans are flexible since members can get dental services from dentists even if they are not part of the dental provider's network. However, when getting dental services from a dental provider outside of the insurance company's dental network, the member is unable to enjoy full benefits and discounts.

For example, preventive care is usually covered 100% by PPO dental plans. But if the member prefers to undergo preventive dental services from a dentist who is not a network member, the plan holder is likely to pay for the visit. The discount could be smaller or there could be no discount at all.

Some plan holders, find this very limiting. There are patients or plan holders, even if they prefer getting dental services from in-network dentists, are still apprehensive because of limited experience with these in-network dentists. In addition, there are some PPO dentists who would refuse plan holders especially when the dental services that the plan holder wants cannot be reimbursed.

It is also common for PPO dental coverage to have deductibles, like a medical insurance. The deductibles can be small, but if you are paying for a family coverage, then that small amount could still result into bigger expenses. There are also annual caps. The PPO plan could usually cover around $1000 to $1500 of dental expenses in a year.

The downside of PPO plans may not be as significant compared with the benefits of getting dental insurance. But it is important to understand the pros and cons of dental plans, in order to understand which best fits you and your family's dental needs.

Teeth are lost because of trauma or disease. Trauma may come in the form of an accident or excessive biting forces. Disease is generally tooth decay or periodontal disease [gum disease] but there are other categories such as cancer and various neoplasm's of the jaw that may result in tooth loss. Studies show that more than 50% of the population have one or more missing teeth. Trauma commonly causes the loss of a single front tooth. The effect this has on a persons' well being is obvious. Fortunately an experienced dental implantologist can usually remove the remaining root, place a dental implant, and secure a new tooth to that implant in one visit of an hour or two. The loss of a single tooth in the back is usually caused by tooth decay or periodontal disease. Sometimes this can be treated just like front teeth but for various reasons it is often more time consuming.

More often than not the treatment for a single missing back tooth is as follows: 

1. Extraction of the damaged tooth and grafting of the root sockets. Wait 4 months then
2. Placement of a dental implant to replace the root of the single missing tooth. Wait 4 to 6 months then
3. Placement of an abutment on the dental implant and record taking for the fabrication of a crown to replace the single missing tooth. Wait 3 weeks then
4. Permanent attachment of the abutment to the implant and cementation of the crown to the abutment. TREATMENT COMPLETE

The need for replacing a single missing tooth in the back is often times not as intuitively obvious as the need for replacing a single missing tooth in the front; but it is important. Teeth are very movable. We've all witnessed an Orthodontist putting tension on a tooth with a small rubber band and moving it where ever he wants. Each tooth in the mouth has a position and a purpose. When there is a single missing tooth the body's natural reaction is to drift adjacent teeth into the void that is created. Over time a single missing tooth may actually cause a change in the position of every other tooth in the mouth. Malocclusion may then develop contributing to TMJ [tempromandibular joint] dysfunction, headaches, muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, food impaction between teeth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other problems. Because these problems don't always develop and because they may occur years after the single tooth is lost, people often times don't associate the loss of their tooth to the problems it caused. It is a shame that a single missing tooth is frequently ignored in light of the possible consequences but the development of dental implants for the replacement of a single missing tooth is encouraging many more people to seek early treatment.

Multiple missing teeth usually follows a single missing tooth. Each time a tooth is lost and not replaced it accelerates the process of losing more teeth. As multiple teeth are lost all of the problems associated with a single missing tooth are exaggerated. But there are additional concerns as well. Those would include but not be limited to:

1. Collapse of vertical dimension- As multiple back teeth are lost the mouth loses their support when we close causing the chin to get closer to the nose. This has the effect of deep folds at the corner of the mouth and thinning of the lips. It can easily age a persons' appearance by 10 to 20 years.
2. Collapse of facial structure-As multiple back teeth are lost facial support of the cheeks is lost causing a sunken in look. Once again the result is premature aging.
3. Bone loss- The bones of our upper and lower jaws have only one natural purpose; the support of our tooth roots. When the roots are lost the bone begins to melt away much as a muscle does that is not used. This results in further lose of facial support and can make the wearing of artificial prosthetics such as dentures impossible. It can also make the placement of dental implants more challenging.
4. Inability to chew foods properly-The mouth is the first in a series of organs designed to assimilate and digest foods. The more thoroughly we can chew the food the better the whole system works. Mom wasn't wrong when she admonished all of us to chew our food more slowly and thoroughly.
5. Inability to eat a healthy diet-As more and more teeth are lost it becomes increasingly difficult to eat a balanced diet. Important staples such as raw vegetables and nuts become impossible to eat and we lose out on the many vitamins and minerals they provide.
6. Inability to eat the foods we enjoy-Corn on the cob, ribs, steaks, fajitas, etc. become impossible to eat. Many people don't know how much being able to eat what they want means to them until it's too late.
7. Embarrassment-There is a social stigma associated with missing teeth. Many people simply quit smiling or hide their smiles with their hands. That is unfortunate because we know of very few people who lost their teeth because they wanted to. Each person has their own story and all of them or sad.

These are but a few of the problems that people face because of single and multiple missing teeth. Now, dental implants offer amazingly simple and dependable solutions. Dental implants for single missing teeth or multiple missing teeth are artificial roots made of titanium that replace the roots of natural teeth. For a single missing tooth one implant is placed and a crown is attached to it. The result is a natural looking tooth that functions and works just like the natural tooth that was replaced. Many people think that with multiple missing teeth that one dental implant is required to replace each tooth; that is not usually the case. For example if three teeth in a row are missing it is often possible to replace them with only two dental implants and a fixed bridge between them. With the amazing All on 4 protocol and entire arch [16 teeth] can be replaced with only four implants and a fixed bridge.

The placement of a dental implant is usually quick and almost painless for those who are candidates. One requirement is an adequate quantity and quality of bone. As mentioned previously when a tooth is extracted the bone that once secured its' root begins to melt away. Some studies indicate that up to 40% of the bone volume in that area may be lost in the first twelve months. Modern dentist with an understanding of oral surgery and implants place materials in the sockets where the tooth roots were to prevent this from happening. The result is a healthy site for the future placement of a dental implant. Dentist with a more advanced understanding of dental implants may actually place an implant into the socket when the tooth is extracted. When this can be achieved it is the best and simplest solution for preventing bone loss. But because many dentist do not understand dental implants and the protocols necessary for preserving bone, and because many patients take a cavalier approach to the loss of a tooth, sometimes there is a need for an implant but not adequate bone to support it. Modern implant designs minimize this as do implant placement protocols such as those of the All on 4 technique but they cannot eliminate the occasional need for more bone.

When there simply must be more bone, bone regeneration procedures are required. This normally incorporates one of many different types of materials that replace the lost bone volume and encourage the formation of new bone. With the advent of stem cell and bone morphogenic enhanced materials this has become far simpler and more predictable. What once required a maxillofacial and an orthopedic surgeon in a hospital setting can now be predictably performed by a well trained dental surgeon in his office. Once this new bone has matured, usually 4 to 6 months, a single or multiple tooth replacement dental implant can be placed just as predictably as if the graft had not been required.

Single Dental Implant Procedure:-

Steps for placement of a single dental implant in the site of a single missing tooth

• After conscious sedation is administered the placement site of the single missing tooth is infiltrated with local anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the soft tissue covering the bone in the single missing tooth site and an osteotomy is prepared. An osteotomy is the same thing as a pilot hole made prior to the placement of a screw in wood. Once the osteotomy is completed a single dental implant is threaded into it. Now we have a man made root where the natural root was. Just like a natural root this dental implant is beneath the gums and in the bone and cannot be seen in the mouth. A piece called an abutment is screwed into the single dental implant. The abutment provides the transition from the dental implant beneath the gums to a tooth above the gums. Impressions are taken of the abutment and they are sent to a dental laboratory
• In about three weeks a crown is returned from the laboratory and it is secured to the abutment with glue [cement]. You now have a new tooth that looks, functions, and feels just like a natural tooth.

Dental implants for the replacement of single missing teeth and multiple missing teeth have become as routine for dental implantologist as fillings are at your family dentist. For those with single missing teeth they offer an exceptional replacement solution that can help prevent future problems. For those who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth dental implants can give them back their smile, confidence, and self esteem. It can truly give them a second chance.

Dentistry, like other medical practices must be given ample encouragement to make it an effective as well as a lucrative option for dental healthcare professionals. With the internet emerging as the most influential medium in the last couple of years, most businesses are making desperate efforts to make an impressive online presence. Undoubtedly, in today's tough marketing scenario, without a considerable web-presence no company would even stand a chance against its competitors.

Today almost every other type of commodity can be found online - be it food, clothing, automobiles and so on. Why not dentistry? According to recent trends, online dental marketing is fast finding favor with dental professionals. 1-800-DENTIST the nationally recognized marketing base for dental practitioners in the US in its recent announcement indicated the growing trend of online referrals in dentistry. Further they expect that about 8 million consumers will access dental websites this year to look for dentists, to fix up an appointment, or to check relevant dentists' information. This alone validates the importance of having dental websites for dentists.

Now the most important question is how to boost your dental profession using innovative web-designs. Well, adding mileage to your online profile is not a simple task. Professional expertise is required to make dental websites effective. One primary task before designing dental websites is to conduct a comprehensive research online. After a preliminary search with keywords and key-phrases like "dental", "dentist","dental service" or "dentistry", you will get a comprehensive list of websites, most of which are either offering dental services or acting as referral to dentists. There are also outright marketing sites selling cheap oral healthcare products. All these exposure is required to sketch a blue-print of your dental website. With this first-hand knowledge, you will get a good idea on what is there to offer and hence you will understand what "more" to add while designing dental websites.

Today, finding relevant information on the World Wide Web is just a few clicks away - dentistry is no exception. To make your dental website stand out among thousands of other sites, a good design together with an equally impressive online marketing strategy is of utmost importance. If you happen to be a dental practitioner and wish to have your own site in place, consult an expert web designer to design your online portfolio. The homepage being the most visible part of the website, special care must be given while designing it.

Dental sites feature specific content which are directly related to dentists and dentistry. Therefore while designing, the content must be customized accordingly in order to draw more traffic to the dental websites. Design of the website, thus, stands out as being one of the most important factors in an effective dental marketing strategy.

For anyone looking for a job within a dental surgery, dental recruitment agencies represent the most obvious route to achieving success. For dental surgeries looking for dental professionals the most obvious and traditional route is also to advertise through dental recruitment agencies. But there are two main problems with this solution. Effectively the two real issues are time and money.

For those looking for dental vacancies in the UK the usual route is to enrol with a dental recruitment agency, provide your details and CV, and then sit back and wait. Depending upon the networking ability of the agency you could hear something back in a few days, or many weeks or months could go by. The trouble is that agencies have little motivation for working for you specifically, and they may well find themselves filling vacancies the easiest way, with less regard for individual needs.

With an agency you have no idea of what's happening, and you have little or no control over your success. Once you have enrolled and submitted your documentation then there's little you can do to expedite the process. But compared to posting copies of your CV to all local dental surgeries in the hope of a job being available, it's the easiest and best choice people have had, until now.

It's much the same picture from the point of view of the surgeries themselves. Because if they have a vacancy to fill it will be important for them to fill it quickly, and with the best person for the job. This necessarily means approaching dental recruitment agencies, but this can be an expensive process, costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year in recruitment agency fees. This expense can eventually limit the number of agencies surgeries approach, and the length of time adverts are placed with them. It also often means that dental surgeries will request details of a much lower number of potential candidates, in order to save both time and further fees.

Recruitment agencies themselves are often swamped with dental vacancies across the UK, as well as reams of applications from potential candidates. The process of doing background checks, qualification verifications and entering data into the computer as well as cross referencing candidates with available jobs and sending out letters of communication to both parties is time consuming. Time and money have been the real problems for all parties. But today a new solution is available which instantly solves both problems, removing the issue of time and removing the problem of money.

The internet has introduced a great many excellent ways for businesses to communicate both with each other and with clients, and many of the technologies have become popular with the general public too. With networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter more and more people are realising just how easy it can be to reach tie right people quickly. This concept has now resulted in the UK's first, and currently the only, dental network for dental professionals. This new facility has already had quite an impact on the way in which dental professionals and dental surgeries go about finding each other.

The new dental network is a simple concept, but it's through this simplicity that its strength lies. Dental professionals need only create a free profile and upload their CV, creating a profile page which is then publicly available. No personal identifying information is displayed, so information such as name, address, current employer and photographs are all hidden.

Dental surgeries can also register for free, and can either publish dental vacancies in the UK, or browse the profile pages of dental professionals, searching for specific skills or qualifications. Dental professionals can then either browse available dental vacancies, or wait to be approached by a surgery. In either case, if the dental professional is happy to, they can allow the surgery access to their identifying information, and proceed with an interview. With no fees and with a more direct approach allowing surgeries and professionals to reach each other directly rather than through a third party, dental recruitment agencies may well become a thing of the past.

Cookies, pies, candy and a host of other sweets seem to be everywhere during the holiday season. If you add in hectic schedules, grabbing something to eat on the run becomes the norm, which can cause your teeth to suffer before the season ends. This doesn’t have to be the case.

If you use a few of the following tips, you can still enjoy your bright smile once the holidays end:

1. Avoid Hard and Chewy Candies
   Candy canes, hard peppermints and chewy caramels all tend to cling to teeth long after the bulk of the candy is gone. It’s important to avoid these treats, even though it may be tough.

2. Drink Water
   Sodas are full of tooth-decaying sugar. Tea, coffee and wine — especially red wines — can also stain your teeth. You should opt for water whenever possible.

3. Eat Your Fill of Turkey and Veggies
   Turkey contains phosphorus and protein, and veggies contain a multitude of vitamins that are all good for tooth health.

4. Watch Stocking Contents
   Instead of filling a stocking with candy and treats, try filling it with toys, fruits and a special toothbrush!

5. Hum a Carol
   Try humming your favorite Christmas carol as you brush, and don’t stop brushing until it ends!

6. Pair Cheese and Alcohol
   Cheese neutralizes the acid in most alcoholic beverages, making the acid less tooth-damaging.

7. Stock up on Fruit
   This will help curb your sweet tooth and provide additional nutrients.

8. Eat on a Schedule
   Instead of nibbling all day, try eating at regular times and giving your teeth a rest between meals.

9. Use Scissors
   Avoid using your teeth to open packages.

10. Create Non-Food Centered Activities 
    Caroling, making a snowman, or playing board games are all family activities that help avoid food and save your smile.

There was a time, not too long ago, when dental prosthetics meant dentures or bridges, the prosthetic teeth themselves were always made of porcelain, and dental acrylics were not the essential part of a clinic's dental supplies that they are today. Going back even further, it was common to use ivory or horse and donkey teeth when fabricating dentures. Despite the common myth, however, George Washington never owned a set of wooden teeth, a rumor likely based in the fact that Washington's dentist's name was John Greenwood, and his products were sometimes referred to as Greenwood teeth.

In any case, the use of porcelain (sometimes called dental ceramic) has been popular for some time, since the material, being quite hard, is both durable and resistant to staining. The primary downside to porcelain - at least from the wearer's point of view - is that, being exceptionally hard, it is also quite brittle. This is especially problematic due to its tendency to crack under pressure, as well as the extreme wear that the material can cause to opposing natural teeth. Furthermore, porcelain prosthetics and veneers can be somewhat more expensive than acrylics, which is understandable, since the process involves sculpting the prostheses from a special clay, then firing the impression in a specialized kiln at 1,400o Fahrenheit (and, as even the most skilled potter can attest, in-kiln failures are a fact of life). Dental acrylics, however, allow the technician to create the prosthesis using a quick-curing powder/resin mix to fill the impressions taken; there's no waiting for a lengthy cure time or the availability of a kiln.

With the advent of and continual improvement to dental acrylic materials, not to mention the widespread availability of associated dental supplies, dental acrylics have become the de-facto standard for most clinics. Where the fabrication of porcelain dental prostheses had previously involved several visits to the dentist, the availability of dental acrylics made it possible for a functional and attractive replacement tooth or veneer to be available to the patient on the first or second appointment, separated by a day or so, rather than the week (or weeks) it had previously taken.

While the additional hardness of porcelain does provide for potentially longer wear than is possible with dental acrylics, the increased brittleness can result in the cracking and wear-related problems noted above, resulting in significantly higher repair cost and time than experienced when using dental acrylics. And given consumers' passionate embrace of economical solutions - not to mention their desire for instant results - dental acrylics have seen their popularity steadily increase over the years. Obviously, one result of this increased popularity has been a boom in the availability of acrylic-related dental supplies (and dental supply providers). There has even been a surge in the market for non-prosthetic dental acrylics, used to create whimsical cosmetic dental devices such as the false "fangs" popularized by the segment of the population currently interested in (some might say obsessed with) vampires and other "Goth" characters.

Although such uses by no means represent the mainstream or even a significant portion of the total consumption of dental supplies, they do demonstrate the simplicity of use that dental acrylics provide. And with the ongoing efforts to improve the characteristics of dental acrylic materials, such nonessential applications could well become even more widespread, to the point where it becomes no more difficult to fashion cosmetic dental devices than it is to apply make-up. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, it will even be quite feasible and affordable to modify one's smile for a special event, and immediately revert back to whatever is "normal" when the event is over. The possibilities are exciting, and the benefits to individuals seeking dental prosthetics are obvious.

Dental recruitment is at its highest peak yet with more people training in the various branches of the dentistry profession, whilst at the same time dental surgeries are expanding in order to be able to both meet the increased demand for cosmetic treatments as well as the range of treatments available. For anyone considering a career in dentistry the dental recruitment statistics at the moment show clearly that this is a good choice, but what opportunities are there?

Not everyone wants to be a dentist, but the dental industry is quite varied, and as more techniques and treatments become available, and as more people are enquiring about cosmetic treatments, the range of jobs and the demands of those jobs changes rapidly. We used to see our dentists just for six monthly checkups and when anything went wrong such as toothache, a chipped tooth or other tooth or gum related emergencies.

But today the role of the dentist has changed massively, with many more of us now seeing them for a whole range of cosmetic treatments. These treatments range widely from teeth alignment procedures involving braces and aligners to replacement teeth, ceramic teeth and ceramic fillings, invisible fillings, bridges and veneers to name just a few. Obviously teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments at the moment, and the range of methods of delivering this treatment is still growing.

So the opportunities within the field of dental recruitment are diverse, and plentiful. But what types of career or position are actually available at the moment to anyone thinking of moving in to dentistry as a career?

Dentist

Obviously the first and the most obvious role is that of the dentist itself. The dentist will be responsible for leading the entire dental care team, as well as usually being the first person responsible for diagnosing problems and identifying the most suitable treatments. Surgical procedures will be carried out by the dentist as well as offering a range of appropriate advice to patients.

Dental Nurse

But another role within the surgery is that if the dental nurse. Dental nurses assist dentists, primarily looking after patients during surgery and treatment, as well as supporting most of the work carried out in the surgery.

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists help to provide advice and services which aim to prevent tooth decay and damage, thereby reducing the need for patients to see the dentist. Their role is to offer advice, guidance and education to people regarding oral health, helping to prevent the onset of tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental Therapist

Another popular role within dental recruitment at the moment is that of the dental therapist. Dental therapists carry out a number of the more straightforward treatments such as simple fillings or basic tooth extractions. Often dental therapists work with children, older patients or those patients with special needs, as well as offering a range of dental hygiene and oral advice to patients about oral hygiene.

Dental Technician

A fifth role which dental recruitment agencies are seeing a notable rise in demand for is that of dental technicians. A dental technician is the person behind the scenes who manufactures and crafts a range of products for use by the dentists for patients. This includes things like dentures, crowns, bridges and braces, and demands a high level of skill and attention to detail.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, dental recruitment agencies are certainly seeing a very high level of demand, and of interest, and now is one of the best times to be considering pursuing such a career. Whether you choose to be a dentist, a dental nurse, a dental hygiene, a dental therapist or a dental technician, the reward is always a great smile!

Dental hygienist salary can vary depending on where you get the job, what type of location or venue it is, and how much experience the job seeker has at being a dental hygienist.

What is a dental hygienist? 
A hygienist cleans teeth, treats dental diseases, and does all kinds of preventive oral hygiene procedures. They work usually with a dentist or a doctor and provide these services through that person. There are many types of locations and situations that you can work as a hygienist and earn a dental hygienist's salary.

The hygienist does things such as clean deposits on teeth, cleans stains, cleans under and around gums, and looks for signs of oral cancer by checking for swellings, etc. They may also be required to teach good oral hygiene at schools or to community groups in assistance with the dentist. They must like being around people and be a creative type person for best results.

Other Duties 
Other things a hygienist may have to do is things like prepare tests, help the dentist by handing him tools, doing x-rays, administer fluoride treatments, and other similar duties. Once again, it all depends on the type of place you get a job.

Where do dental hygienist's usually work? 
Nearly all hygienist's work in a dentist's office, with the average salary being around $68,000. The second most common place to get a dental hygienist type position would be in a doctor's office. You can also work for the government or other places.

The annual salary of these types of positions is around $63,000, so is a bit lower than the ones who work with dentists. Some dental hygienists actually work in some sort of employment service and they average a salary of around $65,000.

What states are best for dental hygienist work? 
The smallest amounts of dentists on average work in the state of Alaska, but they are also the ones that average the highest salary, which can run over $90,000 a year. The next highest salary is earned in California, which is also above $90,000 on average. In contrast, the state with the most dental hygienists is in Michigan, but they pay the worst at only an average of about $59,000 a year.

Some other examples of the amounts of dental hygienist salary that some states have paid are Washington State has an average of around $87,000 per year, and Nevada has been known for paying more than $80,000 a year as well, along with the District of Colombia being listed as paying more than $86,000.

One thing to remember, however, is that if the salary sound like it is a lot, you also have to check the cost of living in the area to see if it is actually enough. For example, the cost of living out west is higher than some other places, so a salary of over $80,000 there may not really be that much. These are things to remember to check when checking out dental hygienist salary while job hunting.

Why is the job of dental hygienist a good one? 
Many people get into the work of being a hygienist because it has good employment possibilities, good benefits; and nice places to work. The benefits that might be offered to those who work as a hygienist can vary from getting a paid vacation to getting health or dental insurance along with your dental hygienist's salary. Some jobs may even give bonuses for a job well done. It also depends on if you work full time or half time or if you work at a big hospital or a small dental office. All of these must be considered for when you choose where you work as a dental hygienist.

What schooling is needed? 
In order to become a hygienist you need to get a degree. Plus, if you can find a way to get some sort of experience, that can add thousands of dollars to what you can expect to get with a dental hygienist salary. In fact, the level of education and training, as well as experience can affect the amount of money you get paid quite a bit. For instance, if you got your dental degree at a vocational institute or junior college instead of getting a bachelor's degree, your hygienist salary will be much less.

To get into a dental college program, you need a high school diploma and have to pass a test. There are some dental programs that require a year of college too, but it depends on the school you want to attend. You should also make sure the dental school is on the approval list of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Then, you also must get a license and pass a test for your state of employment.

The tests vary depending on the state. They are given by the American Dental Association's (ADA) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations via a state or regional testing facility, so check your area for places to take your test. Once the test is passed, you can work as and earn a dental hygienist.

If you aspire to get into this job field, then you should be determined to do well in your training program and remember that the ticket at the end will be a good paying job that has a good outlook in the future for positions to be open. If you do well and get good grades and can manage to get some prior experience through volunteering or other ways, then you should be well on your way to a career as a dental hygienist.

All in all the job of hygienist is considered to be a good paying job. It all basically depends on the size of the state, the office or hospital environment, your degree and several other factors as to what money you ultimately get paid for a dental salary.

Some consider the dental hygienist as just a maintenance assistant in the dental office, but the position is an important one. A primary duty of the dental assistant is to prepare teeth so the dentist can better treat the patient.

This is an important part of dental care, and provides a healthy condition after dental work is performed.

Dental Patient Education

One of the most important parts of the assistant position is to educate patients on how to maintain their teeth to reduce the amount of corrective dental work they will need. This includes pointing out why their teeth may be in a condition necessitating the need for dental work and what they can do to prevent extensive dental work in the future.

The dental assistant works for private practices in most cases, but openings are often available in clinics, dental schools, hospitals, and research facilities. The scope of work of the dental hygienist has much to do with the state in which the dental services are performed.

Job Duties for the Dental Hygienist

Expanded roles for dental hygienists in some states include:

* Giving anesthetics to patients

* Polishing and smoothing metal restorations

* Removing or placing filling materials, including temporary ones

* Preparation of diagnostic and laboratory tests for dentist evaluation

In most states, the hygienist is responsible for:

* Assembling information and past history from patients

* Giving a close examination to identify current problems and checking for any potential problems or abnormal dental situations

* Making dental molds for evaluation purposes

* Taking and reading dental x-rays

* Teaching good dental health procedures to patients

* Placing preventative sealants or fluoride on teeth

* Cleaning the teeth of plaque, tartar, and stains

Dental Hygienist Education Requirements

An associate's degree is sufficient for many of these dental positions and can be acquired at most technical or community colleges. A four-year degree from an accredited college for dental hygiene is another option, which can lead to a bachelor's degree. The bachelor degree curriculum has more instruction in the humanities and covers courses for nutrition, sociology, psychology, English, and speech, among others.

After graduation, applicants must still pass a written and clinical state examination for the state in which they practice. Most states require passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination along with the state exam.

As you can see, the dental hygienist is more than just a smiling face to greet you at the dentist's office. The importance of the position makes it critical to the success of a dental practice.