Dentist Jefferson City Blog

Oct 24 2020

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

A growing body of research linking periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that taking care of our teeth may also be a really good way to take care of our joints. Researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis, the same bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease, can also be found in the knee joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Oral Health Problems Don’t Remain Isolated In Our Mouths

There are significant links between our oral health and our whole body health. The connection between gum disease and RA isn’t the only evidence studies have found of oral bacteria migrating to other parts of the body. Gum health has also been linked by some researchers to many other systemic conditions including diabetes, heart health, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The Common Thread

RA is an inflammatory immune disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in your mouth may release an enzyme which makes the residue of certain proteins in your body appear to be foreign intruders. If you have RA, this can cause your immune system to attack your own body.

What Can You Do?

When monitoring the health of our bodies, a great place to start is with our mouths. The simplest of things can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and spreading throughout the body.

· Brush once or twice each day.

· Floss daily.

· Use an Oral Rinse every day

· Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper

· Schedule regular cleanings and exams (remembering that you may need more frequent appointments if you have signs of gum disease).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Dental Hygiene More Difficult

Do you have RA? Or, does someone you care for (an aging parent, for example) have RA? Don’t forget that it may be harder for people who suffer from RA to do simple things like properly and thoroughly brush teeth. And, flossing can be even harder because of limited hand flexibility.

If you’re in a position where you need to assist someone with RA (or yourself), please let us know! We can help you brainstorm alternate methods for oral health care that will help.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

Oct 24 2020

State Of The Art Dental Technology In Jefferson City Practice

Like other industries, technology has changed the experience of dentistry for both patients and practitioners. At Stadium Dental Center, we’re not into technology for its’ own sake—but when it allows us to provide your care more comfortably, quickly, and cost-effectively, we’re eager to adopt it. Here are some ways dental technology is in use in our Jefferson City office.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays can help us identify conditions affecting your mouth, such as cavities and bone loss. These images are invaluable in complete diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

What makes digital X-ray images preferred over traditional ‘wet film’ X-rays is the vastly reduced radiation dosage you are exposed to (equivalent to what you receive being out in the sunshine for short periods), the time savings in processing, and the ability to be viewed on a computer screen, where they can be adjusted for contrast and brightness—allowing for optimal diagnosis. An additional benefit is the elimination of chemicals used in wet film processing.

Digital Photography

With digital photography, conditions we may find in the mouth such as fractured teeth, receding gums, and broken restorations can be displayed for you to help you better appreciate and understand the condition of your teeth and associated treatment recommendations. We can visually depict proposed treatment results on a computer or TV screen before work is begun so you can have a clearer sense of what to expect when your work is completed.

3-D (Cone-beam computed tomography) imaging

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can help us plan for dental implants, evaluate abnormal teeth, and diagnose hidden dental trauma or unusual pathology. This low-dose imaging technology operates like traditional panoramic X-ray machines, capturing image data that provides a 3-D view of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat. Though not routinely needed for most of our patients, we can obtain these high-tech studies when necessary for our patients.

CAD/CAM technologies

The traditional process to make a permanent crown involves many steps performed by the dental treatment and dental laboratory teams. Many, perhaps most, of the dental crowns we deliver are now produced using computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies. Later this year we’ll begin using an intraoral camera to scan in the shape and relationship of your teeth to speed up this process further and reduce our reliance on sometimes unpleasant but necessary intraoral impressions.

Dental Lasers

Lasers are everywhere these days, including in our Jefferson City dental office. We’ve found our intraoral laser very useful in treating canker and cold sores, gum disease, and removing soft tissue because of pathology or surgical needs. We can reduce symptoms and shorten healing times associated with a number of dental therapies by using the intraoral laser as well as control bleeding and reduce the quantity of bacteria in diseased gum tissue.

Oct 24 2020

Your Smile May Be Your Greatest Job-Hunting Asset

YES, REAL RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP over time. We all know that. But there are certain situations where an incredible first impression goes a long, long way. One of those times is when you’re advancing your career and interviewing for jobs.

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

A recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests that half of adults absolutely remember other people’s smiles after having been introduced to them. That’s far more than the 9% who will remember a new acquaintance’s clothing. Cool, lime green shirt (above)… But your smile will impress even more!

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

Your smile can have a direct impact on your career opportunities. A 2007 study simulating job interviews showed that people were more likely to be offered jobs—and offered higher starting salaries—after they had whitened their teeth. Subjects were also perceived to be more professional and more confident after teeth whitening.

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

It may not always seem fair, but people make assumptions based on one’s smile. The beauty is that, armed with knowledge (and an awesome dentist), YOU can take charge of the way people perceive you in professional situations such as interviews.

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

Sometimes getting past first impressions with flying colors gives you the chance to let the “real” you come through. After all, that’s the most important part. Here’s some additional job hunting advice:

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

The most important aspect of a great smile isn’t whether or not you have perfectly straight teeth or a perfect smile. It’s all about the confidence your smile brings. If there’s anything causing you to be self-conscious about your smile, talk with us. We can walk you through some ideas, and create a plan to fix the situation if you’d like. Bringing out the best in our friends, one smile at a time, is what we do!

Thank you so much for trusting Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri with your dental health. Good luck in your pursuit of that new job opportunity!

Oct 24 2020

Don’t Know Much About Dental Extractions?

At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, MO we do our best to preserve your natural smile but circumstances may lead you to choose to remove one or more of your teeth—what we call a dental extraction.

Why are teeth extracted?

Teeth are most often extracted because disease and/or damage have left the tooth beyond salvage without–or maybe even with–“heroic” efforts. Patients suffering from periodontal (gum) disease also may have extractions to remove loose teeth.

Dental extractions also may need to be done as part of orthodontic treatment plans. In order to properly align your teeth, your orthodontist may recommend extraction to provide the room needed to accomplish this goal. Another reason for extraction involves teeth that are impacted—meaning they’re unable to emerge through the gumline. This condition, left untreated, may lead to future dental problems.

What happens in extraction procedures?
We begin by numbing the area around the extraction site. No dental extraction will begin before the numbing has taken effect! Sometimes sedation or nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’) help with relieving anxiety and increasing comfort if you request one of these options.

When extracting an impacted tooth, we retract the gum tissue and remove bone to expose the tooth. While a tooth is usually removed in one piece, it’s sometimes faster and easier to “divide and conquer” hard-to-remove teeth in separate segments.

After completing the dental extraction, a gauze pad is placed over the socket to control bleeding. Sometimes we’ll stitch gum tissue around the extraction site to help it heal quickly.

Are there any risks associated with dental extractions?
Tooth extractions are a common surgical experience so, as with most surgeries, there is a slight chance of post-treatment infection. Before having your extraction, advise us of any medications and conditions you may have. Your medical history will guide us in creating the pre- and post-treatment plan best suited to your needs. We’ll advise you if there are specific anatomic risks related to certain extractions.

What should I do after a dental extraction?
To have the smoothest recovery, you should follow the post-extraction instructions outlined by your Jefferson City dental team. To reduce post-extraction pain and swelling, we prescribe pain medication and the use of ice on the affected area. We may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent the extraction area from becoming infected.

Gently (!) keep the extraction site clean. We recommend that you avoid smoking and drinking milkshakes from a straw within the first 24 hours after an extraction. This isn’t the time to stop brushing and flossing your teeth, but take care near the extraction site to avoid irritating it. We recommend that you rinse your mouth with tap water or a homemade salt-water solution. Swish gently to avoid dislodging the blood clot present in the extraction site.

If you experience any symptoms, such as uncontrolled pain, increased swelling, nausea or vomiting, redness or discharge from the extraction site, or shortness of breath, contact Stadium Dental Center immediately. These symptoms could indicate treatment complications needing our urgent attention.

What about tooth replacement after dental extraction?
Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend replacing extracted teeth with implants, dentures, or a bridge. We’re happy to discuss your situation so you can learn more about your available options.

Oct 24 2020

Six Important Toothbrush Care Tips

OUR TOOTHBRUSHES fend off plaque and bacteria, help keep our teeth sparkling, and leave our mouths feeling squeaky clean! But how squeaky clean is your TOOTHBRUSH–will your toothbrush care help you have a super-clean checkup?

Toothbrush DON’Ts

Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed, Dark Space
A moist, enclosed environment (like a container or cupboard) is not a good place to keep your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in dark, wet conditions without circulation.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush (Gross)
When you share your toothbrush you share bacteria, including bacteria that can cause dental decay and periodontal disease.

Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet
Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down. Enough said.

Toothbrush DOs

Replace Your Toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed. This not only ensures that it cleans your teeth better, but it eliminates the bacteria buildup issue. If you’ve been sick or are recovering from a cold, consider changing your toothbrush.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Using It
Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after each use. Rinsing it washes out debris and bacteria left behind. You can also deep clean it by swishing it around in mouthwash.

Keep Your Toothbrush Dry
Store your toothbrush upright in the open air. This allows it to dry out and not develop mold.

Care For Your Toothbrush And It Will Care For You
Keeping your toothbrush clean will help both your overall health and your oral health. Where do you keep YOUR toothbrush? If your toothbrush care follows these tips, having a clean checkup is much more likely.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

State Of The Art Dental Technology In Jefferson City Practice

Your Smile May Be Your Greatest Job-Hunting Asset

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

Don’t Know Much About Dental Extractions?

Six Important Toothbrush Care Tips

Affordable Family Dentistry Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats

Schedule an Appointment

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

Affordable Family Dentistry Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats

Connect With Our Dentist

Schedule an Appointment