Most of my San Diego patients don’t think of their gums until they cause pain or discomfort. Other than chronic periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, gum recession is one of the top reasons that patients come to my office. When your gums recede, they…
Read more »How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a long-term solution for San Diego patients missing one or more teeth. Unlike other dental procedures, placing a dental implant will provide patients with a lifetime replacement for their missing teeth. Dental implants include three parts: Implant: A small titanium screw that…
Read more »Achieving Success with Dental Implants: Part 2
Dental implants are now in wide use all over the world and are often considered the standard of care for the replacement of missing teeth. It is estimated that over 5.5 million implants were placed in 2006. According to a recent report by GBI research,…
Read more »Achieving Success with Dental Implants: Part 1
Dental implants are becoming increasingly common and scientific meta-analyses have demonstrated 97-99% long term success rates. However, there are some basic principles and guidelines clinicians should follow to achieve high predictability and long term stability. In addition to appropriate medical screening of patients, treatment planning,…
Read more »How Effective are Locally Delivered Antibiotics?
By Tina Beck-Mayo, DDS, MS Locally delivered antibiotics are flourishing in the commercial marketplace. Flip through any dental magazine and you will see a barrage of marketing in regard to these products. The manufacturers lead us to believe that these are the magic bullet we…
Read more »Sensitive About Sensitivity?
By Tina Beck-Mayo, DDS, MS What do you do when a patient complains about root sensitivity? Do you have a desensitizing protocol? Here are some tips. First, it is important to recognize the cause of root sensitivity: Exposure of dentinal tubules allowing cold temperatures to…
Read more »The Problem with Wisdom Teeth: Leave Them in or Take Them Out?
By Tina Beck-Mayo, DDS, MS Do you recommend that young adults have their wisdom teeth extracted? Do you believe in “prophylactic extraction,” or do you prescribe to the theory that they’re OK for now, so let’s just leave them? If the latter, then the next…
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