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Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist for Your Smile Makeover

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:29:48 GMT

Transforming your smile can be one of the most rewarding investments you make in your confidence and appearance. When it comes to selecting a cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, for your smile makeover, the decision is more than just finding a provider—it’s about choosing a trusted partner who understands your unique cosmetic goals, health needs, and budget. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of selecting the right cosmetic dentist to deliver the stunning results you deserve.

Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry in Sarasota, FL: What’s Typical and What’s Not

When most people consider cosmetic dentistry, they think about teeth whitening, veneers, or a complete smile makeover involving multiple procedures. However, it’s important to distinguish between purely cosmetic treatments and those that have a restorative or medically necessary component.

What’s Typically Covered vs. Not Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for dental work can be confusing. Typically, restorative procedures such as dental implants or crowns placed to repair the structure of a damaged tooth may receive partial insurance coverage. These treatments are often categorized as medically necessary because they restore function and oral health.

On the other hand, purely cosmetic procedures—for example, teeth whitening or veneers done solely for aesthetic reasons—are usually not covered by dental insurance plans. This is important to know when budgeting for your smile makeover in Sarasota, FL.

Understanding this distinction allows you to better discuss financing and treatment plans with your cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, so you can plan accordingly.

How to Maximize Insurance Coverage for Your Cosmetic Dentist Treatments in Sarasota, FL

Even though many cosmetic dentistry treatments are considered elective, there are ways to maximize your insurance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses:

Identify Medically Necessary Procedures: If a dentist can demonstrate that certain cosmetic procedures improve oral function or address health issues, those treatments may be partially covered. For example, crowns placed to protect a fractured tooth may count as restorative rather than cosmetic.
Get Pre-Authorization: Before starting any treatment, ask your cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, to submit a pre-authorization request to your insurer. This clarifies what will be covered and helps prevent unexpected costs.
Combine Treatments Strategically: Coordinating your cosmetic work with restorative procedures can sometimes shift more treatments into the medically necessary category, increasing coverage chances.

Being proactive about insurance maximizes the financial feasibility of your smile makeover and gives you peace of mind as you invest in your appearance.

Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist in Sarasota, FL: What to Look For

Selecting the best cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL , is critical to ensure not only beautiful results but also a safe and comfortable experience. Here are key factors to consider:

Qualifications and Experience

Make sure your dentist has formal training in cosmetic dentistry beyond general dentistry certification. Look for credentials such as:

Advanced cosmetic dentistry courses or affiliations (e.g., American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry)
Years of experience performing smile makeovers
A strong portfolio of before-and-after photos demonstrating successful complex restorations.

Dr. Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, is a prime example of a highly qualified cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, with extensive experience and a commitment to personalized care.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Hearing from previous patients helps gauge satisfaction levels and the dentist’s ability to deliver results aligned with patients’ expectations. Search for reviews mentioning comfort, professionalism, and quality of results. This helps build confidence in your cosmetic dental provider.

Communication and Comfort

A cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, who listens carefully to your concerns and expectations can tailor treatments to your needs. During the initial consultation, notice if the provider explains procedures clearly, discusses options, and respects your budget.

Payment Alternatives and Financing Options: Making Your Smile Makeover Affordable

Cosmetic dentistry represents a significant investment, but many Sarasota, FL, providers offer flexible payment alternatives to make your dream smile attainable.

Financing Options

Many cosmetic dentists partner with third-party financing companies that provide low-interest or interest-free payment plans. These options allow you to spread out treatment costs over months or years, making budgeting easier.

In-House Payment Plans

Some offices offer in-house financing plans or discounts for upfront payments. Ask your cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, about available options to find one that fits your financial situation.

Comparing Long-Term Value vs. Upfront Costs

While some treatments may seem costly initially, investing in high-quality, durable restorations can save you money in the long run by minimizing repairs or replacements.

Discuss these considerations with your cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, who can help develop a financial plan aligned with your goals.

Schedule Your Consultation with Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA—Your Trusted Cosmetic Dentist in Sarasota, FL

If you’re ready to enhance your smile with a trusted cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, offers expert care tailored to your unique dental needs and cosmetic goals. From teeth whitening to full smile makeovers combining restorative and aesthetic treatments, Dr. Rutherford provides options that deliver lasting, natural-looking results.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more confident you. Your perfect smile makeover starts with the right cosmetic dentist—trust Dr. Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, to help you shine!

Emergency Dentist in Sarasota, FL: 5 Signs You Need a Visit

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:25:10 GMT

Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and knowing when to seek professional help is essential for protecting your oral health and overall well-being. At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, we provide prompt, compassionate care as a trusted emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL. Understanding which dental problems are urgent versus non-urgent helps patients make informed decisions and feel more confident during stressful situations. Call us today at 941-365-5235 to get immediate assistance.

This guide highlights five clear signs that you should schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL without delay.

Understanding Urgent vs Non-Urgent Dental Issues

Not every toothache or dental discomfort requires an immediate emergency visit. Differentiating between urgent and non-urgent dental problems can help patients make the right choice.

Urgent dental issues include situations where teeth, gums, or oral tissue are at risk of permanent damage or infection. These situations require prompt care to prevent further complications. Examples include severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses.

Non-urgent dental issues involve mild discomfort or cosmetic concerns that do not pose immediate health risks. These can include minor sensitivity, slight discoloration, or mild irritation that can wait for a routine dental visit.

Recognizing which category your dental problem falls into allows you to triage effectively and reduces stress while waiting for professional treatment.

1. Severe Tooth Pain

One of the most common reasons to contact an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL is severe tooth pain. Toothaches that are persistent, throbbing, or radiate to the jaw or ear may indicate deep decay, an infection, or nerve damage.

Patients experiencing severe tooth pain should avoid self-medicating with prolonged over-the-counter remedies and instead contact a professional. Immediate evaluation can prevent worsening pain and potential tooth loss.

2. Knocked-Out or Dislodged Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is an obvious dental emergency. Time is critical when a permanent tooth is dislodged, and immediate action can often save the tooth.

If a tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it without scrubbing, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and contact an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL right away. Dr. Gregory S. Rutherford and our team are equipped to quickly assess and attempt to re-implant the tooth to restore function and appearance.

3. Broken or Fractured Teeth

Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth can result from accidents, sports injuries, or biting down on hard foods. Even if pain is minimal, cracks can expose nerves, leading to infection if left untreated.

An emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL can repair or restore the tooth using bonding, crowns, or other advanced dental techniques, preventing further complications. Prompt attention reduces the risk of severe pain, infection, and permanent tooth damage.

4. Swelling or Signs of Infection

Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw can indicate a serious infection that requires immediate professional care. Dental abscesses can progress rapidly, causing fever, severe pain, and potential health risks if untreated.

At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, the team can evaluate swelling, prescribe appropriate treatment, and intervene quickly to stop infections from spreading. Swelling, particularly when accompanied by pain or pus, is a clear indicator to call an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL immediately.

For reference on dental infections, patients can review guidelines from the American Dental Association .

5. Uncontrolled Bleeding

Bleeding after trauma, extraction, or injury that does not stop after 15 to 20 minutes of gentle pressure is a serious concern. Uncontrolled oral bleeding can lead to significant blood loss and indicate deeper tissue damage.

An emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL can provide the necessary care to control bleeding, assess injury, and prevent further complications. Acting quickly in these situations is critical to maintaining oral health and overall safety.

How to Triage Dental Pain

Triage is the process of determining the severity of your dental issue and prioritizing care. To triage effectively:

Assess the severity: Rate your pain from mild to severe and note any visible damage.
Observe timing: Note how quickly symptoms appeared and whether they are worsening.
Check for systemic signs: Swelling, fever, or fatigue indicate a more urgent problem.
Call a professional: Contacting an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL ensures accurate guidance and rapid intervention.

By taking these steps, patients can reduce anxiety and ensure they receive care appropriate to their situation.

Seek Professional Care Immediately

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but recognizing the signs early is the first step toward protecting your oral health. Severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, fractures, swelling, and uncontrolled bleeding are all clear indicators that you should contact an emergency dentist in Sarasota, FL.

At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, our Sarasota-based team provides prompt, compassionate, and professional care for dental emergencies. If you experience any of these signs or are unsure about your dental condition, call us today at 941-365-5235 or visit our contact page to schedule an urgent consultation.

Taking action quickly not only alleviates pain but also helps prevent further complications, safeguarding your smile for the long term.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Dentures

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:08:26 GMT

Have you ever wondered if you’re caring for your dental prosthetics properly? If you are living with dentures, practicing the right denture care is essential to maintain your oral health and the longevity of your tooth replacements. Many wearers unintentionally make mistakes that can cause discomfort, infections, or damage to their prosthetics. At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, we are dedicated to educating our community on expert care techniques and how to prevent common mistakes while taking care of dentures.

Why Proper Denture Care Matters

Before diving into common errors, it’s important to understand why denture care is so critical. Tooth replacements don’t have the natural cleaning abilities of real teeth . Without proper hygiene, plaque and bacteria buildup can lead to bad breath, infections, or gum problems. Furthermore, inadequate maintenance may cause your prosthetics to wear out faster or fit poorly, affecting speech and chewing. Proper care preserves your oral health and protects your investment.

Using Harsh Chemicals That Damage Your Prosthetics

One common mistake in denture care is using abrasive household products to clean tooth replacements. Some people assume regular toothpaste or other cleaning agents are safe, but these can cause scratches and discoloration.

Abrasive toothpaste, bleach, or strong detergents harm the acrylic material, leading to rough surfaces that encourage bacterial growth. To clean prosthetics safely, use products specifically designed for denture cleaning. A soft-bristled brush with mild soap and water can also keep them clean without damage. Never use bleach unless advised by your dental provider.

Neglecting to Soak Tooth Replacements Overnight

A common oversight is not soaking prosthetics overnight. When not kept moist, they can warp and lose shape, leading to a poor fit and discomfort.

Soaking in a denture-cleaning solution helps maintain shape, remove bacteria, and prevent stains. Always rinse thoroughly before wearing your replacements again. Dry storage or air drying alone is inadequate for long-term care.

Follow your dentist’s soaking guidelines to ensure your prosthetics maintain their condition and fit.

Overlooking Gum and Mouth Care Alongside Denture Hygiene

Good oral hygiene with artificial teeth means more than cleaning the prosthetics—it includes caring for gums, tongue, and mouth lining. Many users mistakenly neglect this part, leading to a buildup of bacteria and food particles that create irritation or infections.

Always gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush or damp cloth before inserting your prosthetics. This maintains circulation and prevents problems such as denture stomatitis.

Proper denture care always includes attention to the entire mouth for a healthy and comfortable oral environment.

Skipping Regular Checkups and Adjustments

Skipping follow-up visits after receiving tooth replacements is another mistake. The shape of your gums and bone changes over time, so regular checkups ensure the best fit and detect any issues early.

Without professional adjustments, your prosthetics may cause sores, discomfort, or chewing difficulties.

For expert fitting and maintenance in Sarasota, trust Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, to keep your replacements comfortable and effective.

Improper Handling and Avoiding Professional Repairs

Dropping prosthetics or attempting home repairs can cause irreversible damage. Always handle your replacements over a soft surface or filled basin to prevent breakage.

If your tooth replacements crack or loosen, avoid DIY fixes. Consult your dental professional for safe repairs.

Professional care is essential to maintain your prosthetics’ function and longevity.

The Importance of Proper Storage When Not in Use

Another frequently overlooked aspect of denture care is how you store your prosthetics when they are not in your mouth. Improper storage can dry out and damage your dentures, shortening their lifespan and affecting fit.

Always store your prosthetics in a clean container filled with a denture-soaking solution or plain water to keep them moist. Avoid placing them in hot water or leaving them exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause warping or cracking of the material.

Keeping your d entures clean and properly stored not only preserves their shape and comfort but also reduces the risk of bacterial growth while they’re not being worn. Having a designated, hygienic storage container also prevents accidental damage, especially if you remove your prosthetics regularly for eating or sleeping.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Denture Care in Sarasota, FL

Your tooth replacements deserve the best care to keep your smile confident and healthy. Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, offers personalized, expert service to help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy lasting comfort. From daily hygiene tips to professional fittings and repairs, our team supports all your denture care needs.

Schedule your appointment today by calling 941-365-5235 or visiting our contact page . Experience how professional denture care in Sarasota, FL, can make a positive difference in your life and smile.

Teeth Whitening in Sarasota, FL: Crowns and Veneers Guide

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:40:45 GMT

If you’re thinking about brightening your smile, understanding how teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, interacts with crowns and veneers is essential. At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, patients often ask whether whitening treatments will lighten their dental restorations along with natural teeth. Knowing the facts can help you make informed decisions and achieve the best results. Call 941-365-5235 today to set up a consultation and get personalized advice on whitening your smile.

Do Whitening Treatments Work on Crowns or Veneers?

A common misconception about teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, is that it affects all tooth surfaces equally. In reality, whitening products target natural tooth enamel and bleach stains from it. Crowns and veneers, however, are made from porcelain or composite materials that do not respond to bleach. These restorations maintain their original shade regardless of whitening efforts.

This means if you have crowns or veneers, they won’t become lighter after professional or at-home whitening. People who do not realize this sometimes feel disappointed when their natural teeth brighten but their restorations stay the same color. This mismatch highlights the importance of clear expectations before starting teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL.

Understanding your options is crucial, so visiting a professional for cosmetic treatments helps align your goals with realistic outcomes.

How to Achieve a Consistent Smile with Restorations

When crowns or veneers do not change color, you may wonder how to get a uniform smile. Several options exist to address this:

Replace old crowns or veneers to match your new tooth shade.
Plan whitening treatments first, then have new restorations color-matched.
Use polishing techniques to remove surface stains from restorations.
Consult your dentist for custom shading on any future cosmetic work.

Working closely with your teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL, helps coordinate these treatments smoothly. This approach saves time and money by preventing color mismatches and multiple fixes.

Why See a Dentist Before Whitening?

Many people try over-the-counter whitening without guidance. But a professional visit ensures your safety and results. A teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL will:

Examine your teeth and restorations.
Recommend safe and appropriate whitening methods.
Monitor sensitivity or gum health during treatment.
Help create a plan to address crowns and veneers .

Scheduling an appointment with Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA is easy via the contact us page . This professional support improves your smile and protects oral health. Choosing Teeth Whitening in Sarasota, FL ensures the best care throughout the process.

Teeth Whitening Options to Consider

If you’re considering teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, there are several effective options to help you achieve a brighter smile:

At-Home Whitening Kits: Dentist-provided kits with custom trays and bleaching gel allow gradual whitening in the comfort of your home. When advised by a teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL, these kits offer convenience and controlled results.
In-Office Whitening: Professional whitening treatments performed in the dental office deliver quick, noticeable results using stronger bleaching agents. Your teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL can provide this service for a brighter smile in just one visit.
Whitening Toothpaste and Rinses: These products help maintain brightness by removing surface stains but don’t address deeper discoloration. A teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL can recommend if these are appropriate for your needs.

For the best and safest teeth whitening results, consult with a teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL to discuss your lifestyle and goals. Their professional guidance ensures a healthier, longer-lasting, and more radiant smile.

Maintaining a Bright Smile After Whitening

After teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, you’ll want to keep your teeth luminous. Here’s how:

Limit stain-causing drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine .
Avoid tobacco products.
Practice consistent brushing and flossing.
Schedule regular cleanings at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA.
Use touch-up treatments if recommended.

Maintaining a Bright Smile After Whitening

After teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, you’ll want to keep your teeth luminous and healthy. Consistently limiting stain-causing drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine helps prevent discoloration from returning. Avoid tobacco products, which can undermine your whitening results and harm oral health. Practice consistent brushing and flossing to remove plaque and maintain enamel strength. Schedule regular professional cleanings at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, to keep your smile fresh and bright. Additionally, use touch-up treatments as recommended to prolong the whitening effects.

Tips for Long-Lasting Brightness

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine not only preserves your natural teeth but also maintains the beauty of any dental restorations, ensuring a confident, long-lasting bright smile.

Who Benefits Most from Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening suits many people but is best for those who:

Have natural teeth stained by food or age.
Desire an affordable cosmetic boost.
Maintain good dental hygiene.
Do not have extensive restorations on front teeth.

If crowns or veneers cover much of your front smile, discuss other cosmetic solutions with your dentist.

Teeth whitening in Sarasota, FL, at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, can dramatically brighten your natural teeth safely. Understand that crowns and veneers do not change color with whitening, so alternate plans may be necessary for a harmonious look. Always consult a teeth whitening dentist in Sarasota, FL, before treatment. This ensures your smile looks even and radiant.

Call 941-365-5235 today to schedule your whitening consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile.

Top 7 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for a Radiant Smile

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:22:20 GMT

When it comes to achieving the smile of your dreams, cosmetic dentistry offers innovative solutions that enhance both aesthetics and function. At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , we specialize in advanced techniques that help patients across Lakewood Ranch, FL , feel more confident in their smiles. Whether you’re looking for minor improvements or a complete smile makeover, here are the top 7 cosmetic procedures to consider.

Teeth Whitening

One of the quickest ways to refresh your smile, professional teeth whitening removes years of stains caused by coffee, wine, tobacco, and aging. In-office whitening delivers brighter, more noticeable results than over-the-counter kits, leaving your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth to correct chips, gaps, discoloration, and even slight misalignments. Custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with your smile, veneers offer a long-lasting solution for dramatic cosmetic enhancement.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Ideal for small imperfections, bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps. It’s a cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative to veneers and is typically completed in just one appointment.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

If crooked or crowded teeth are affecting your confidence, Invisalign offers a discreet way to straighten your smile. These clear aligners gradually shift your teeth without the discomfort and visibility of traditional braces.

Dental Crowns

When a tooth is damaged or weakened, a dental crown can restore its appearance and function. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are custom matched to your natural shade, offering both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Learn more about how we use dental crowns in our Lakewood Ranch office.

Implant Restorations

Missing teeth can significantly impact both appearance and oral health. Implant restorations provide a permanent, stable solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. At our office, we specialize in implant restorations that help patients regain full function and beauty.

Dentures

Modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. Whether you need full or partial dentures, we offer custom-fitted solutions that enhance your smile and restore chewing ability. Dentures are a great option for patients seeking a cost-effective way to replace multiple missing teeth.

Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just improve your appearance, it can also boost your self-esteem, make oral hygiene easier, and even support better overall health. Every patient’s needs are unique, which is why we offer personalized cosmetic treatment plans at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA to deliver optimal results.

Ready to Enhance Your Smile?

At Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud to show off. Whether you're interested in whitening, veneers, or dental crowns , our team will guide you through a custom treatment plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

To learn more or to schedule your cosmetic consultation, contact our dental office or call us at (941) 365-5235 . Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA is Lakewood Ranch’s trusted destination for confident, beautiful smiles through expert cosmetic dentistry .

How Cosmetic Dentistry in Lakewood Ranch, FL Can Improve Your Oral Health

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:25:56 GMT

In today’s world, a bright and confident smile is more important than ever. Cosmetic dentistry in Lakewood Ranch, FL, offers individuals and families a chance to enhance their smiles while also addressing underlying oral health issues. While many people think of cosmetic procedures solely in terms of aesthetics, the truth is that these treatments can also provide significant health benefits that go beyond looks.

Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. From teeth whitening and veneers to dental implants and orthodontics, these treatments are not only transformative but can also address critical dental concerns. For residents of Lakewood Ranch, these services can lead to better oral health and improved quality of life.

Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

One of the most significant advantages of cosmetic dentistry is its ability to correct bite issues, which can lead to long-term dental problems if left untreated. For example, misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear, tooth fractures, and even jaw pain. By utilizing orthodontic treatments or dental crowns, individuals can achieve a more balanced bite. This alignment helps distribute bite forces evenly, reducing strain on your jaw and improving overall function.

Moreover, procedures like dental implants do more than replace missing teeth; they also restore the integrity of the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Implants act as artificial roots, preserving bone density and preventing future dental issues.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Another often-overlooked benefit of cosmetic dentistry in Lakewood Ranch, FL, is the improvement in oral hygiene practices. For example, individuals with gaps or crowded teeth may find it difficult to brush and floss effectively, leading to plaque buildup and gum disease. By addressing these alignment issues through cosmetic treatments, patients can maintain better oral hygiene, thus reducing their risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

Enhanced Confidence and Mental Well-Being

The psychological impact of a beautiful smile cannot be overstated. Individuals who invest in cosmetic dentistry often experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence. This newfound confidence can encourage better personal and professional interactions, leading to improved social skills and mental well-being. It's essential to recognize that a smile reflects not only your dental health but also your overall health and happiness.

Explore How We Can Improve Your Smile

For individuals and families living in or around Lakewood Ranch who are seeking cosmetic dental services, the benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Procedures available through cosmetic dentistry in Lakewood Ranch, FL, can lead to better oral health, improved hygiene, and even enhanced self-esteem. If you’re ready to explore how cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile and improve your overall well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out .

What You Need to Know About Gaps Between Teeth

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:59:58 GMT

Diastema, or gaps between the teeth, is a condition that affects many people, but there is more to this condition than you may realize. If you are looking for a solution for gaps between your teeth or have always wondered about the cause, this guide will cover everything you need to know to take the first steps toward a smile that you are happier with.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Gaps between your teeth can be the result of several different causes, and the condition will present itself differently depending on the cause. In some cases, gaps are the result of a developmental problem that causes the teeth and jawbone to be incorrectly sized. If the teeth are too small for the jawbone and mouth, there will usually be relatively even gaps between all teeth.

Single gaps or gaps in common places usually have more specific causes. A gap between the upper front teeth can be caused by overgrowth of the labial frenum, the tissue that connects from the back of the upper lip to the upper gum. In some people, this tissue grows downward and forces a gap between the two front teeth.

Certain habits can lead to gaps between teeth, especially during childhood when the teeth are still developing. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are two examples that place enough force on the teeth to cause them to shift and create gaps if the habits continue for an extended time.

What Are the Risks of Gaps Between Teeth?

The appearance of gaps between your teeth can affect your confidence and your satisfaction with your smile. Unfortunately, gaps are more than a cosmetic issue. If gaps between your teeth are left untreated, your teeth can continue to shift until problems arise, such as a misaligned bite. The forces from chewing or closing your mouth can lead to chipped and cracked teeth if they aren't properly aligned.

Gaps between your teeth also put you at greater risk of oral infection. Food particles can get caught in gaps between teeth, promoting the growth and spread of bacteria. Accelerated bacterial activity on the gums and teeth can lead to gum sensitivity, cavities, and bad breath.

In extreme cases, gaps between your teeth can pose a risk to your overall health. Bacteria can infiltrate the bloodstream through the teeth and gums and attack the rest of your body. People with poor oral health and oral infections are at a greater risk of heart disease and damage to other organs.

What Are the Treatments for Gaps Between Teeth?

Cosmetic dentists primarily use three methods for reducing gaps between teeth: bonding, veneers, and braces. Braces are most effective in childhood, although adult braces can be effective at correcting spacing and reducing gaps as well.

Bonding is a dental treatment method where material is added to the teeth to improve their size, shape, and spacing. A composite, tooth-colored resin is applied first as a putty, and then a UV light is used to harden the material. Bonding can make the teeth appear larger and in turn reduce the size of gaps between the teeth.

Like bonding, veneers are an additive method that hide gaps by slightly enlarging the teeth. Instead of a composite resin, veneers are caps made of porcelain or ceramic that go over the teeth. Veneers are more costly than bonding, but they are also a more permanent solution.

Modern dental techniques can restore almost any cosmetic imperfection with your teeth, so gaps between your teeth isn't something you have to live with. Visit Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , so we can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Should You Choose a Dental Crown or a Dental Implant?

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:02:04 GMT

Enamel is extremely hard. That is why your teeth can last a lifetime if you take care of them. But, thanks to modern dentistry, even if you break a tooth badly, you can save that tooth or even replace it. The two most common and reliable techniques to treat a badly broken tooth are dental crowns and dental implants. But how do you choose between them?

First, understand th at while dental crowns restore badly damaged teeth, dental implants replace badly damaged teeth. So you need to decide if your tooth can be saved or not.

If you are not sure whether you should restore your tooth with a crown or replace it with an implant, use the following advice as a guide.

Dental Crowns Need Tooth Structure

The first thing to look for when deciding between a crown and a dental implant is remaining tooth structure. Dental crowns attach to what is left of broken teeth. Although crowns essentially sit over the top of broken teeth, they still require some remaining tooth structure to keep them stable and sturdy.

This means that if your tooth is broken to the gumline or very little tooth remains above the gumline, a dental crown will have very little structure to hold onto. Retaining the dental crown, in this case, will be difficult.

Dental Crowns Need Intact Roots

Dental crowns also require that the root of a broken tooth be intact. Sometimes, teeth can break below the gumline, with the damage extending into the root. A dentist will be able to determine if this is so via an X-ray. A stable and intact root will provide a solid foundation for a dental crown. But if the root is cracked, it will weaken over time. As such, root damage rules out dental crowns.

Dental Crowns Take Less Time to Prepare and Place

If you do have enough tooth structure and intact root remaining, then a dental crown is a good choice. Keeping your natural root will ensure that your jawbone remains strong. And one clear advantage of dental crowns is that they only take about three weeks to prepare, with usually only two dental visits.

As such, if you need to restore your tooth quickly, then a dental crown is a good option, provided you have enough tooth structure and the root is intact.

But if your tooth is too badly damaged, a dental implant is the best option.

Dental Implants Need Sufficient Bone

Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in that they have a root. The roots of dental implants are titanium, a metal biocompatible with the human body. But because the titanium posts screw into your jawbone, you need to have enough remaining bone available to accommodate them. If you have enough bone, your dental implant should heal within a short time.

Sometimes, if a tooth is in poor condition due to damage or decay, the bone surrounding the tooth begins to deteriorate. This spells the end for the tooth, but this also means that you do not have enough bone for a dental implant. In this case, you will need a bone graft before a prosthodontist can place the implant.

A bone graft will add several months onto your healing time, but once complete, your jawbone will be strong enough to accommodate an implant.

Do you need to repair or replace your broken tooth? Then you need an experienced and reliable dentist who specializes in crowns and dental implants. Call Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, and we will help you decide whether a crown or dental implant is the best option for your broken tooth.

Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns: Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:47:15 GMT

Despite their hard enamel coatings, teeth can sustain damage due to accidents, decay, or age-related wear and tear. Fortunately, modern dental techniques offer patients several options for restoring portions of their teeth. Three such options include inlays, onlays, and crowns.

Differences in Form

Crowns, inlays, and onlays differ in the amount of tooth surface that they replace. A dental crown gets its name from the fact that it covers the entire crown of the tooth, from the fissures and chewing surfaces on top to just below the gum line. This complete coverage also causes people to refer to crowns as caps.

Inlays solely address cracks or decay in the fissures between the cusps of a tooth, much like fillings. Unlike fillings, however, dentists fabricate inlays outside the mouth instead of simply shaping the restorative material inside a drilled hole in the tooth.

An onlay covers both the fissures of the tooth and one of the cusps.

Differences in Function

Inlays, onlays, and crowns all restore a tooth's structure and function to some degree. The choice of restoration that your dentist recommends will depend mainly on the extent of the damage, the strength of the remaining tooth, and amount of tooth material that needs reinforcement.

Dentists often turn to inlays as the next step beyond fillings for the repair of large, deep cavities that standard fillings cannot correct satisfactorily. A form-fitted porcelain or composite inlay actually lends greater chewing strength of the repaired tooth while offering more durability than a filling.

An onlay can protect and strengthen a tooth in which at least one cusp has become cracked, chipped, or broken along the chewing surface. It serves as an intermediate measure to keep such damage from progressing to the point that it needs a crown.

Dental crowns provide the strongest functional reinforcement for broken, chipped, or cracked teeth. Unlike inlays or onlays, they can restore cracks or other damage that extend to the sides of the teeth (but not for cracks that extend into the roots).

Dental crowns also play roles in more extensive kinds of tooth restoration. For instance, an implant will include a permanent crown to provide a realistic smile and natural chewing function. Crowns also fill out the missing teeth in bridges.

Differences in Appliance

Inlays, onlays, and crowns all share certain similarities regarding preparation and installation. In all three cases, the dentist must make the tooth ready to receive its restoration. This process may involve cleaning out decay and shaping the tooth enamel.

If you need an inlay, you may find the enamel shaping process similar to that of having a tooth drilled for a filling. Onlays may require more extensive enamel removal from the surface receiving the restoration. Crowned teeth usually need reshaping of all enamel surfaces.

The dentist will take impressions of the tooth during this preparatory appointment. These impressions will go to a dental laboratory, which will create a restoration that fits the tooth perfectly. Whatever type restoration you get, you may need to wear a temporary restoration until the permanent version arrives.

Differences in Lifespan and Cost

The life expectancy of any tooth restoration hinges on many factors, from the type of procedure and the materials used to the care that the restored tooth receives from its owner.

Dental crowns, which typically take a lot of punishment from biting and chewing forces, typically last from five to 15 years before they start to wear out. Dental inlays or onlays may last much longer than crowns, although they may also need replacement eventually.

Crowns cost more than inlays or onlays due to the more extensive amount of work and material that goes into them. However, onlays made of gold or other expensive materials can sometimes rival crowns in this area.

Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, can help you choose the ideal tooth restoration for your needs. Contact our clinic today.

A Guide to Crown Materials

Tue, 26 May 2020 17:47:27 GMT

A crown acts as a shell for a damaged tooth. A dentist removes the broken or decayed portion of the tooth and places the crown over it to protect the remaining part of the tooth. When a dentist recommends you receive a crown, you'll have a choice regarding the material you desire. You should understand the material choices and the benefits of each one to make an informed decision.

What to Know About Dental Crown Materials

Your dentist will give you the option of the type of dental crown material. Common materials include:

Porcelain
Ceramic
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
Metal

Porcelain is a ceramic material created by a firing process. Porcelain has a translucent appearance. Ceramic is also a fired material that has the same color as your natural tooth, although it's not as translucent.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns consist of a metal coated in porcelain. The metal strengthens the crown while still giving you the natural appearance of a tooth. Metal crowns come in a variety of materials, such as gold, nickel, platinum, and chromium. They remain the color of the metal they consist of.

What to Consider When Choosing a Material

You have plenty to consider when choosing a crown material. Some of the most pertinent factors to consider include:

Appearance
Longevity
Strength
Cost

By considering these factors, you can make the best choice for your mouth.

Appearance

Porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal are the most natural-looking crowns because a dentist can craft them to match the color of your natural teeth. The porcelain crowns look the most like your natural teeth because they have a translucent appearance like your own teeth do. These are ideal for your front four teeth because of their appearance.

Metal crowns, on the other hand, look the least natural. They're very noticeable when you opt to use this material for a crown on your front teeth.

Longevity

Generally, a crown lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, certain materials don't last as long as others.

Porcelain and ceramic wear out sooner than metal, which is the most durable option, especially when the crown is on your back teeth.

Strength

If you want to choose the strongest crown material for all of your teeth, choose metal. Porcelain and ceramic can chip or crack more easily, especially if you grind or clench your teeth.

However, if you also worry about aesthetics, you may choose porcelain or ceramic for your front teeth. Then, you can opt for metal on your back teeth — the ones that endure the highest amount of pressure when you chew.

If you want both strength and a crown that looks like your original tooth, consider porcelain-fused-to-metal for your crown.

Cost

As you decide on the ideal material to choose for your dental crown, factor in cost. Price is even a concern if you have dental insurance. Insurance tends to cover only a part of the cost of a crown. You also have to consider your annual maximum.

Porcelain and ceramic usually cost more than metal. If you're looking to save money, you may want to consider metal for all of your teeth or as many of them as possible.

Allergies

Some people are allergic to a certain type of metal. If you had a reaction to a metal in the past, even if it was only when you wore jewelry, you should discuss this with your dental practitioner.

Crowns can protect your tooth from further damage, preserve your ability to chew, and give you back your confidence. You have a few options to choose from when deciding on a material, and you should compare these choices based on appearance, price, strength, and longevity.

Schedule an appointment with Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, serving Sarasota, FL, and the nearby region, by contacting us today to discuss your options for a tooth restoration.

A Patient's Guide to Six Major Dental Specialties

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:25:24 GMT

For most people, any doctor who provides dental care is thought of as a dentist. But, just as with your overall body health, a variety of dental health practitioners provide different services and have different areas of focus. How can you know which dental professional you need for which reasons? Here is a handy guide to dental specialties and when you might benefit from each one.

1. General Dentistry

Think of general dentistry like the family physician or general practitioner. This is the person who you see for annual or semi-annual checkups and the one who you would go to with general tooth-related concern or questions. They provide exams, cleanings, whitening, fillings, and relatively simple repair work. The general dentist would refer you to a specialty doctor if the problem calls for one.

Some specialty dental providers also perform services in general dentistry. In addition to benefiting from their extra training and experience, you have the advantage of an established relationship with your doctor when you need more specialized work done.

2. Orthodontist

The second most common dental practitioner for most Americans is an orthodontist. Stemming from the Greek word for straight, an orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth using the most modern methods.

While most people's experience with orthodontics comes as pre-teens and teenagers, orthodontists also treat many adults. An adult may not have had corrective orthodontia as a young person or their teeth may have misaligned over the years. In addition, an orthodontist often treats chronic ailments such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).

3. Endodontist

An endodontist is most often connected with root canals, which get a bad reputation but are actually important to help save teeth. The endodontist's specialty is the inner layers of teeth, primarily the pulp at the center. Pulp is what keeps the tooth healthy, and it connects teeth to the body through blood vessels and nerves. Diseases or damage to the pulp can permanently injure or kill a tooth.

4. Prosthodontist

While you may not have heard of a prosthodontist, this specialty works hard to give your smile a better look and feel. If you have broken, damaged, or missing teeth, a prosthodontist rebuilds them with replacement material. The doctor may design customized dental prosthetics that fit your needs — including bridges, crowns, veneers, and dentures. Some prosthodontists also repair jaw or facial damage.

5. Periodontist

Gum disease is a serious problem for Americans of all sorts, and it can even affect your general health. Severe gum disease allows bacteria to enter the body and increases inflammation. These problems are linked to health issues in the heart, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A periodontist might treat a case of gum disease or periodontitis with physical remedies like scaling or planing. In more urgent cases, they may also perform surgeries to deal with infected or damaged teeth.

6. Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon's work, as their name suggests, involves surgery. Surgery on the jaw and gums can be used to repair serious damage, birth defects, or treat cancerous growths. Sometimes, a particular tooth extraction is more complex than normal, so an oral surgeon might handle the delicate work necessary.

Whereas most people see their teeth and gums as a small but important part of the body, dental practitioners see these as a complex system that needs specialized care using different methods. Finding the right type of doctor protects your health, your smile, and your comfort.

Want to know more about specialty dental work? Have questions about a particular ailment? Need to get a checkup? Start with a visit to Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA . We will work with you to find the dental solutions you need to look and feel your best. Call today to make an appointment.

4 Things to Know About Dental Crowns

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:16:45 GMT

A dental crown is like a little cap that fits over a tooth. The crown covers and protects the tooth so that the strength, size, and shape of the tooth can be restored. Crowns also hold a dental bridge in place and can greatly improve the appearance of a tooth. When a dental crown is cemented to a damaged tooth, only the crown is visible.

In order to better understand this type of dental prosthetic, learn about four things to know about dental crowns.

1. Know What Materials Dental Crowns Are Made From

Dental crowns are from a variety of materials. The different materials in dental crowns each have their own specific advantages and disadvantages.

Dental crown materials include:

· Metal. Dental crowns of gold, nickel, or palladium usually last the longest. The downside to a metal dental crown is the appearance, which is why metal crowns are usually only used on the back teeth.

· Porcelain (fused-to-metal) . The color of dental crowns from porcelain easily matches with the teeth around them. A disadvantage to porcelain dental crowns is that the metal underneath it appears as a dark line.

· All-resin . This type of dental crown is one of the least expensive. A disadvantage of all-resin dental crowns is that, compared to metal or porcelain fused-to-metal, it is more likely to break.

· All-ceramic or all-porcelain . These dental crowns look like a natural tooth and are a good choice for front teeth. However, they are not as strong as other types of dental crowns.

When you choose a dental crown, you will have to pick the material that best suits your needs. If you are allergic to certain metals, you may not be able to choose a metal dental crown or a crown fused to metal.

2. Know How Much Dental Crowns Cost

Dental crowns vary greatly in price. On average, a dental crown costs about $1,300 . The cost of a dental crown primarily depends upon what type of material it is made from. For instance, an all-ceramic dental crown costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. Compare this to an all-resin dental crown, which costs about $300 .

Another type of crown called a provisional crown costs as little as $200. However, this type of crown is not recommended for long-term use.

When you get a dental crown, you will also need to pay for other procedures, such as x-rays, diagnostic casts, and core buildup. In most cases, if a dental crown is medically necessary, dental insurance will pay a portion of the cost.

3. Know About the Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The first thing a dentist needs to do before placing a dental crown is prepare the tooth that needs restoration. After that, the dentist will make an impression, which provides a precise model for the crown. The dentist either does this with a mold or with a digital scan.

You will most likely receive a short-term crown while you await the long-term one. This generally takes less than fourteen days. During the time you have a short-term crown, your tooth may experience more sensitivity to hot and cold. You will also need to avoid eating chewy or sticky foods.

Some dentists have equipment so that you can get your permanent crown in just one visit.

4. Know Who to Contact for More Information About Dental Crowns

If you would like more information about dental crowns , or you think you may need one, contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA. Dr. Rutherford has provided dental services in the Sarasota, Florida, area since 1992. We look forward to meeting all of your dental needs.

An Overview of Denture Relining

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:01:03 GMT

If your dentures aren't fitting like they used to, it may be time to consider denture relining. Denture relining is a process that your dentist can use to provide a new, more comfortable fit for your existing dentures without replacing them. Here is an overview of denture relining so that you know what to expect from the procedure and can have an informed conversation with your dentist.

Relining Procedure

Denture relining is usually a simple procedure that can be completed in less than an hour. When you visit your dentist, he or she will first examine your mouth to assess the level of irritation that is present. If significant sores or swelling is present from the poorly fitting dentures, the dentist may recommend a temporary reline while your mouth heals and allow you to return later for the permanent reline.

To perform a permanent reline, your dentist will first clean your dentures and sand away a small amount of material on the denture plate. After removing material in areas that are causing uncomfortable contact with your mouth, the dentist will then apply the soft or hard relining resin to the dentures. You will place the dentures back in your mouth and bite down gently to make an impression in the resin. Once the resin hardens, the reline is complete.

Soft Relining

Soft relining resin is one of two optional materials for use in denture relining. This resin is made of silicone and creates a softer, more comfortable base for the denture. Soft relining is the best choice for people with thin or especially sensitive gums, as there is less chance that irritation will develop in the future.

The downside of soft relining is that because the material is softer, it is also less durable than the original denture or hard relining resin. This means that you will require more frequent visits for relining than if you choose to use hard resin. Soft relines are a better choice for older patients who usually have thinner gums and more advanced recession of the gums and other tissues in the mouth.

Hard Relining

Hard relining is the standard for denture relining, as it is both long-lasting and comfortable for all but the most sensitive gums. Hard relining resin is made from acrylic that is similar in composition to the original acrylic of your dentures. With hard denture relines, you shouldn't expect to need your dentures relined more often than every one to two years.

The only potential drawback of hard denture relines is that they cannot always be completed on the day of your visit. While your dentist may be able to apply the reline, take an impression of your mouth, and harden the relining putty in one sitting, he or she may choose to send the impression to a dental laboratory for development. This will leave you without your dentures for a few days but is sometimes necessary to ensure the hard resin fits perfectly.

Relining Benefits

Denture relining resolves a number of issues that you may think would require replacement of your dentures. Sores, irritation, and general discomfort are the primary reasons that many patients consider relining. You may find that it is easier to chew with your relined dentures, and relining can also resolve slurs, lisps, and other speech difficulties caused by improper denture fit. Relining is also less expensive than an entirely new set of dentures.

Even if you maintain a perfect oral health routine, the shape of your mouth will change over time. Denture relining is the best way to update an old set of dentures so that they fit comfortably throughout your life. If your dentures don't fit like they used to, Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA can provide denture relining that will make them fit like new again!

3 Mouth Guard Alternatives for Bruxism

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:14:16 GMT

One dental problem a person may suffer from while they sleep is bruxism. Commonly known as teeth grinding, bruxism could result in chipped, worn down teeth, swollen gums, and other jaw problems.

A mouth guard is one of the more common solutions for bruxism, but there are alternative and advanced treatments to treat various forms of bruxism. If mouth guards are uncomfortable or do not help remedy the situation, consider these three alternative options to discuss with your dentist.

1. Occlusal Splints

One of the more similar treatments to a mouth guard is an occlusal splint. While a mouth guard prevents damage from teeth grinding, the use of a mouth guard does nothing to help correct teeth grinding.

The more advanced design of occlusal splint will help reposition the jaw muscles so the bruxism does not occur while you sleep. A dentist creates an occlusal splint with the use of a mouth mold. The mold forms around the teeth of the patient and will either be made with the top set of teeth or the bottom set.

An occlusal splint works well for patients who seek out mouth corrections. You may grind your teeth because they do not line up properly or because you have an overbite or underbite. The splint will protect the teeth from additional damage while your body learns the proper jaw and teeth placement to reduce grinding.

The care for an occlusal splint is very similar to a mouth guard. Most times, the splint comes in the form of a clean plastic mold and can be brushed and soaked in water to help remove germs and bacteria.

2. Botox Treatments

Much of the time, bruxism occurs because of tense jaw muscles and has nothing to do with the teeth themselves. The teeth often fall victim to the movements of the jaw. One way to help relieve tight jaw muscles is with Botox treatments.

Botox has expanded well beyond the world of cosmetic surgery and is often used with muscle problems. An injection directly into the jaw muscle will help the muscle relax and prevent the clenching movements often associated with bruxism.

Botox does wear off and a dentist may recommend that you have repeat treatments every few months. Over time, your body will naturally learn not to clench the jaw muscle because of the Botox treatment.

3. Biofeedback

Another way to help train your jaw to stop clenching is through biofeedback treatments. Biofeedback treatment for bruxism includes a small electrode that monitors jaw activity while you sleep.

The biofeedback technology has the ability to trigger a response when the technology senses the jawbones tightening. Your body will be alerted to stop the action either through vibration or sound. When you go to sleep at night, the device typically attaches behind the ear or on the back of the head.

Biofeedback conditions the body to stop jaw clenches through the intervention of the indicators. Over time, you will naturally stop your jaw from clenching while you sleep with or without the biofeedback device installed. The length of time needed to treat the condition depends on various factors.

The treatment could take weeks or months depending on the amount of time you grind your teeth and how your body responds to the treatment. A doctor can analyze the feedback and make adjustments as needed. For example, you may clench on one side of your mouth more and need extra adjustments for that side of your jaw.

Over time, the bruxism will be minimized. Treatments like biofeedback may be combined with occlusal splints to provide protection and treatment all at once.

To help treat your bruxism, contact us at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA . Not only will we help prevent bruxism in the future, but also we can repair any damaged teeth you may already have.

How Can an Auto-Immune Condition Affect Your Dental Health?

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:45:45 GMT

Many systemic conditions, such as diabetes, are known to affect dental health. But did you know that a variety of auto-immune conditions can cause dental problems as well? Although the specifics of each auto-immune condition may vary widely, many of them can have similar detrimental effects on your oral health.

Here are some of the ways an auto-immune condition could affect your dental health.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of several auto-immune conditions. Some patients with extreme fatigue could find tasks such as brushing their teeth and scheduling dental appointments difficult. Since both at-home and professional dental hygiene are critical for avoiding cavities and gum disease, fatigue can thus be a factor in causing dental issues.

One way you can make dental hygiene easier on yourself is to streamline the process with specialized tools. For instance, an electric toothbrush and a floss holder or water flosser may make cleaning your teeth each day an easier task.

2. Gum Disease

Because of the immune system involvement, an auto-immune disorder may actually help to start and progress gum disease. This makes sense when you realize that two major factors in gum disease are inflammation and infection by specific types of bacteria.

With an auto-immune condition, your immune system may overreact to the bacterial infection and actually create more damage to your gum tissues. And the more inflammation that develops, the more gums may pull away from the teeth and form deeper pockets for bacteria to live in.

You may need to come in to your dentist's office for more frequent cleanings and close professional monitoring of your dental health, especially if your gums show signs of inflammation or gum pockets.

3. Digestive and Nutrition Problems

Many auto-immune conditions come with food sensitivities, which can make healthy nutrition harder to achieve. Nutritional deficiencies can cause all sorts of problems with your dental health. Low levels of the nutrients your enamel needs can mean that your teeth are less healthy and resilient overall.

Some auto-immune disorders come with even more specific and severe digestive issues. For instance, if you've been diagnosed with celiac, your small intestine may be damaged and severely impaired from absorbing any nutrients. This can lead to vitamin D deficiencies, calcium deficiencies, and more, which can increase your chances of developing cavities.

Your dentist may be able to prescribe you a high-fluoride toothpaste to help shore up your enamel's defenses against cavities.

4. Dry Mouth

Sjogren's syndrome is an auto-immune condition that can cause dry mouth. Other conditions, some of which may be auto-immune conditions themselves, can also cause dry mouth. And dry mouth can also occur either as a symptom or as a side effect of a medication, which means dry mouth could be an indirect effect of another auto-immune condition.

Dry mouth (a lack of saliva) is unfortunate for your dental health because saliva has antibacterial and PH neutralizing properties, and it carries nutrients and minerals to the tissues in your mouth. If you notice dry mouth, talk to your dentist about a treatment such as a saliva stimulator or a replacement saliva product.

As you can see, being diagnosed with an auto-immune condition is not good news for your teeth and gums. However, now that you know what condition you have, you'll be able to take the necessary steps to preserve your oral health. Talk to your dentist about any additional treatments or prescriptions you might need.

Contact the office of Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , to schedule an appointment for your next cleaning or any other dental treatment you may require. We provide not only cleanings and fillings, but advanced dental treatments such as implant restorations, dentures, and even cosmetic dentistry.

The Dos and Don'ts of Caring for Your Dentures

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 02:20:14 GMT

Dentures can greatly enhance your quality of life if your teeth are damaged and causing you excessive pain. Although your dentist will try to save your natural teeth when possible, getting dentures is oftentimes a relief to dental patients. If you and your dentist decide on dentures, consider these important dos and don'ts for optimally caring for your dentures.

Do Get a Toothbrush Designed for Dentures

Although a soft-bristled toothbrush is typically safe for dentures, it's a smart idea to get a toothbrush that is specifically designed for dentures to optimally clean them. You can find a denture toothbrush at most drugstores. If you have any problems attaining one, your dentist will be able to help you get the denture care tools you need.

Don't Keep Your Dentures in Overnight

You should remove and clean your dentures every day. Never skip a day or leave your dentures in your mouth overnight unless your dentist has recommended it for your particular situation. The exception to this may be when your dentures are brand new. However, once your mouth adjusts, always take them out before you go to sleep.

Do Clean Your Mouth After Removing Dentures

Many people with dentures mistakenly think that they don't need to brush the inside of their mouth. Instead, they focus solely on cleaning their dentures after removal. However, you still need to clean your gums, tongue, cheek area, and the roof of your mouth. Bacteria and food debris can build up inside the mouth and still need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your mouth. Make sure than any remaining denture adhesive is removed. Swish with mouthwash, then massage your gums with a damp washcloth if you feel like your mouth needs it. If you have a partial denture, be sure to brush and floss your permanent teeth twice each day.

Don't Use Denture Cleansers in Your Mouth

Although it can seem like it would save time and effort to simply clean your dentures while they are in your mouth, always take your dentures out for cleaning. If you are short on time, wait and clean them properly. Denture cleaners are specifically formulated to safely clean your dentures outside your mouth only.

Do Rinse Your Dentures Thoroughly

One of the reasons that dentures shouldn't be cleaned in your mouth is that the specially formulated denture cleansers are powerful. They often contain harsh chemicals that can result in vomiting and sickness if you swallow them. Carefully rinse your dentures thoroughly every single time you clean them before you put them back in your mouth.

Don't Leave Your Dentures Out to Dry

When you remove your dentures, handle them carefully and always put them in liquid. The liquid you typically want to use is a denture cleaning solution. If you don't have any on hand and need to remove your dentures, immerse them in warm water. It may seem counterintuitive since many people feel that drying them out would be beneficial, but they may warp if they are left to dry.

Do Seek Help for Ill-Fitting Dentures

If your dentures are loose and overall don't fit your mouth, see your dentist as soon as possible. The bones in the mouth and your gums change over time, so your dentures may fit differently over time. Ignoring ill-fitting dentures can cause damage to your dentures and your mouth. You may experience sores, a burning sensation, and other pain.

Don't Skip Your Regular Checkups

Some people mistakenly think that dentures are their get-out-of-dental-exams free card. However, denture wearers need to keep regular dental appointments like everyone else. Your dentist will examine your mouth to ensure that all is well. Bring your dentures, too. Your dentist will examine them for any damage and offer a professional cleaning.

Finally, contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , today for a checkup to determine whether getting dentures is the best choice for your situation. Our caring team happily serves adults in Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

4 Unexpected Causes of Tooth Pain

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 22:04:36 GMT

Tooth pain can be aggravating and debilitating, especially when it affects your quality of life. Normally tooth pain is easily diagnosed and stems from a cavity, periodontitis, trauma, or other common dental problems.

Sometimes, however, no immediate explanation is apparent, but the pain is real. Here are four unexpected reasons your teeth might cause you pain.

1. Neurovascular Headaches

Migraine and cluster headaches are called neurovascular headaches because they are caused by changes in blood vessels of the neck and head. Pain you experience during a migraine headache can be transmitted along nerves to other parts of your body. This phenomenon is called referred pain.

Your teeth can experience referred pain during a headache. Referred pain can cause inflammation to spread to blood vessels near your teeth. Most often, your upper and lower premolars and upper canine teeth throb and pulsate during a headache, sometimes even after you no longer have a headache.

2. Excessive Exercise

Rigorous exercise evokes images of teeth-jarring activity or injuries that cause tooth trauma. Often athletes believe their tooth pain starts because of cavities brought on from drinking sugary sports drinks. However, one or more teeth might start to hurt because you exercise rigorously, but for an entirely unexpected reason.

One study found a link between athletes that work out heavily and high levels of tooth decay. The surprising culprit was saliva. As you exercise your mouth produces less saliva, which makes your mouth drier. Drinking water or other fluid does not actually replace the unique properties that saliva has. Less saliva means less protection for your teeth from tooth decay.

Additionally, the study showed that alkalinity of saliva increases as you exercise. Saliva is less able to protect your teeth when pH levels are off. In fact, very alkaline saliva weakens teeth and puts them at risk for plaque.

3. High Stress Levels

Stress makes you worry at night, brings on headaches and stomach aches, and even leaves you feeling depressed. But when you have a toothache that won't go away, stress is probably the last thing you think is the cause of your pain.

Another symptom of stress is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Stress can make you clench your jaw during the day and grind your teeth at night while you sleep. Long-termed bruxism inflames the muscles in your jaw, which radiates to your teeth. Over time, bruxism causes more damage than just sore muscles. Uncontrolled grinding wears away crowns, fillings, and eventually tooth enamel, putting your mouth at risk for infection.

4. Sinus Infections

A simple cold or flu can send bacteria into your sinus cavities where long-term infection eventually inflames your sinus region and places pressure on other regions of your face or head. Chronic inflamed sinus regions are referred to as a sinus infection or sinusitis. In addition to a fever, cough, headache, and runny nose, you might develop pain in your teeth.

The inflamed sinus region behind your cheekbones and on both sides of your nose is responsible for pain that radiates to your upper jaw and the sensitive roots of your upper teeth. Pain increases when you walk, bend over, or tilt your head in any direction. You may feel a continuous dull ache in several teeth rather than a sharp pain specific to one tooth.

When you experience any kind of toothache, visit your dentist first. He or she will examine your teeth to check for tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, infection, or other common dental problems that cause tooth pain. Don't put off a dental visit for tooth pain that diminishes your quality of life. Call Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , to make an appointment with a caring professional for your next exam.

How Tobacco Use Harms Your Oral Health

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 17:36:29 GMT

When medical professionals discuss the need to quit smoking with their patients, the emphasis is usually on how bad smoking is for the lungs and heart. Everyone knows smoking is an unhealthy habit, but many tobacco users are not ready to quit yet, or may be in denial about how tobacco affects their health.

Unfortunately, many tobacco users are not fully aware of how tobacco can damage their teeth and gums, as well. If you are a tobacco user, here is what you need to know about its effects on your oral health.

What Is in Tobacco Products?

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes as well as using smoking tobacco, sometimes referred to as chew or snuff, all adversely affect your teeth. According to the American Lung Association, cigarettes contain about 600 ingredients . When burned, the smoke contains more than 7,000 chemical compounds. At least 69 chemicals are known carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents.

And make no mistake about it — smokeless tobacco is not safer than smoking. Per the University of Rochester Medical Center, smokeless tobacco has more than 3,000 chemicals, 28 that can cause cancer. Smokeless tobacco also contains three to four times as much nicotine as a cigarette does.

Here are just a few of the chemicals found in tobacco products:

Acetone, used in nail polish remover
Arsenic, used in rat poison
Butane and hexamine, used in lighter fluid
Carbon monoxide, which is what car exhaust is
Naphthalene, used in moth balls

Obviously, these chemical compounds are not good for the human body, and that includes the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

How Do Tobacco Products Affect Your Teeth and Gums?

In addition to causing bad breath, tobacco product usage can severely damage your oral health.

Tooth Discoloration

Just as nicotine stains a smoker's fingers and coats their home, furnishings, and vehicles if they smoke inside them with a yellow film, nicotine stains your teeth as well. Instead of sparkling white teeth, a tobacco user's teeth are usually dingy and yellowed. Smokeless tobacco users may even have unsightly brown teeth.

Tooth Decay

Many chemicals present in tobacco products break down the enamel in your teeth. When these chemicals attack the protective enamel, the teeth are more vulnerable to decay from food and beverages, the harmful bacteria in your mouth, and from continued tobacco product use.

Gum Disease

Gum disease — gingivitis and periodontitis — occurs when bacteria create a sticky, colorless film called plaque over your teeth, which can then move below your gum line. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and you may notice inflamed and bleeding gums.

If gingivitis progresses, the bacteria will affect the bones that hold the teeth in place. Dentists call this periodontitis. This causes teeth to shift, become loose, or fall out. If they are badly decayed, the dentist may need to remove them.

Oral Cancer

Sadly, people who use tobacco products are not only at risk of lung cancer or heart disease, but also oral cancers as well. Tobacco products can lead to cancer of the lips, gums, mouth, tongue, and cheeks. Treatment of oral cancers can lead to permanent disfigurement.

How Can Dentists Help Tobacco Product Users?

Quitting these addictive products isn't easy. Your dentist can offer smoking and tobacco cessation tools, however. For example, some dentists prescribe drugs such as Chantix or Zyban, which help reduce cravings.

Tobacco product users should visit their dental hygienist and dentist frequently. The hygienist can remove plaque and tartar buildup as well as clean and polish your teeth. Getting your teeth cleaned soon after quitting can help motivate you to stay tobacco-free.

The dentist can assess your overall mouth health, check for any suspicious spots, and monitor for signs of gum disease. If you have loose or missing teeth, the dentist can recommend bridges, dentures, and other cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.

Are you concerned how your tobacco product usage may be affecting your teeth and gums? Would you like to discuss tobacco cessation or the cosmetic options available to you? Contact us today to see how we can help support you and restore your smile.

Proper Gum Health Care When You Have Diabetes

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 14:30:24 GMT

Those with diabetes can suffer from a variety of health issues, including potential problems with their gum health. Thankfully, you can take several steps to protect your oral health and ensure that your gums are healthy and in great shape for years to come.

1. Properly Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes is so damaging to your gums that you must have adequate control over diabetes to minimize oral health risks. For example, the Mayo Clinic suggests carbohydrate management methods to minimize your blood sugar levels. This step involves counting how may carbs you eat and balancing them with healthy foods, such as fruits, protein, fats, and veggies in each meal.

Exercise can also help to manage your type 2 diabetes and gum disease by reversing or even eliminating many diabetic symptoms. Regular checkups and health adjustments with your doctor and dentist also helps track the development of diabetes and gum-related health issues as they occur.

2. Brush Your Gums Regularly

Diabetes will decrease how well your body synthesizes sugar and may leave remnants of it in your mouth for extended periods. As a result, you must brush your gums a few times every day to protect their health. This step not only breaks apart damaging bacteria and plaque but also eliminates sugar in your mouth at the same time.

Brush your gums when you wake up and just before you go to bed. The University of Rochester Medical suggests a soft-bristled brush paired with a fluoride-based toothpaste. Lastly, they suggest that you hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and brush the gums with soft circular motions to get the best results. And if your gums bleed for several days while brushing, talk to a dentist right away.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Dry mouth is one symptom of diabetes that many people may ignore. This problem occurs — according to the Cleveland Clinic — because of elevated blood sugar in your body. However, some diabetes medications may also cause dry mouth. Unfortunately, a dry mouth can increase your chance of gum disease because you'll have less saliva to fight off bacteria and plaque.

Sugar-free gum is a straightforward way to manage this problem. Chewing gum will naturally increase saliva production and help fight off various gum diseases. You can also get the same effect from other types of sugar-free candies, such as many types of mints. Try to find brands that you enjoy and chew them at least once every few hours.

4. Floss Your Gums Regularly

Diabetes often causes the blood vessels in your mouth to thicken, which can decrease the number of nutrients you get to fight off various types of gum diseases. As a result, you may need to floss a few times every day to protect your gums by eliminating bacteria and food buildups that could trigger gingivitis and other diseases.

Colgate suggests flossing with 18 inches of floss wrapped around your thumb and index fingers. Curve the floss around each tooth, and slide it up and down to break apart plaque and go just beneath the gumline to get the best results.

5. Get Professional Dental Help

If you have diabetes, schedule regular visits with your dentist to get extra gum protection. For example, these professionals can clean your teeth and gums of bacteria that you may have missed. They can also work with your general health doctor to assess the severity of other diabetes-related dental issues.

So if you have diabetes and want to protect your gum health, please contact us at Gregory S Rutherford, DDS, PA , to get the help that you need. Our experts will identify any signs of gum disease and protect you from this problem healthily and constructively.

What to Expect When You Need a Root Canal

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 22:06:33 GMT

Root canal treatment, sometimes just called a root canal, is a treatment for teeth that are infected or severely damaged. During a root canal, an endodontist will remove the inner layers of your tooth, including the pulp, roots, and nerves. They will then fill the empty space in your tooth with a material similar to rubber. If you've never had a root canal before, here are four things you should know.

You May Need Additional Treatment

If you're lucky, your dentist will discover that you need a root canal by looking at your dental x-rays before your tooth starts hurting. Unfortunately, sometimes the first sign of trouble is severe pain. If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, and you experience tooth pain that persists even after taking over-the-counter painkillers, you probably have an infected tooth.

When your tooth is infected, the pulp inside your tooth is abscessed. This can lead to severe pain, and, left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to swelling. In some cases, a root canal alone is not enough to treat a tooth infection. If your infection is particularly bad, your endodontist might manually drain it by making a small cut in your gums before performing your root canal.

You Will Need to See a Root Canal Specialist

Root canals are a common procedure, but most dentists don't perform many of them on a routine basis. If you want the best care, seek an endodontist who specializes in treating patients with concerns like yours. An endodontist will be able to identify and treat each of your tooth's root canals, which will save you the pain and cost of another treatment.

While root canals may have been painful in the past, advancements in dentistry mean they don't have to hurt. Your endodontist will expertly numb your mouth using the proper dosage of anesthetic so you won't feel any pain during your treatment. When performed correctly, 90% of root canal treatments are a success.

You Will Need to Finish Your Antibiotics

Your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics after your root canal. This will clear up any lingering infection as well as prevent a new infection from forming. Make sure you take all your antibiotics according to the instructions on your prescription, even if your tooth feels fine. Failure to finish your antibiotics will likely kill the weakest bacteria, leaving stronger ones behind, which might lead to reinfection.

You Will Visit Your Dentist for a Dental Crown

After your root canal, you will likely need a dental crown to protect your tooth from damage. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are often more fragile than other teeth. At your first appointment, your dentist will take a mold of your treated tooth to ensure your dental crown fits. The dentist will also choose a color for the crown that will match the rest of your teeth.

Until your dental crown is complete, your dentist will install a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it from damage. Avoid eating anything that might pull your temporary crown free, since it doesn’t have permanent adhesive. Once your permanent crown is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth and ensure it fits. They will make any adjustments before attaching it permanently.

If you have experienced tooth pain and believe you need a root canal, don't hesitate to call our dentist today. We can examine your teeth and diagnose the source of your pain. Once your root canal is complete, Gregory S Rutherford, DDS, PA , will create the perfect dental crown to protect your tooth. Our practice specializes in prosthodontic dentistry, and we can help your smile look good as new.

5 Steps to Take If You're in an Accident That Damages Your Teeth

Mon, 06 May 2019 19:09:06 GMT

If you're in an accident that impacts your face, your teeth may be affected. Loose, chipped, or missing teeth can result from trauma to your mouth. If you've been in such an accident, prompt treatment will help you protect and restore your teeth. Do these five things if your teeth are damaged in an accident.

1. Leave Loose Teeth Alone

If you're lucky, your accident will have merely loosened but not fractured or displaced your tooth. Loose teeth often heal on their own, as the surrounding socket tightens around your tooth once again. In the meantime, avoid worrying the tooth with your tongue or fingers. Leave the loose tooth alone to the best of your ability, which will help speed the healing process.

If your tooth is still loose after a week has passed, call your dentist to make an appointment. They can determine the cause of your loose tooth and treat it using a splint. During the splinting procedure, your dentist will support your tooth by attaching it to adjacent teeth using a temporary adhesive.

2. Place a Lost Tooth Back in Its Socket

If your tooth is knocked out, you will need a way to safely transport it to your dentist's office. Placing your tooth back in its empty socket is the best method. Don't touch the tooth's root to avoid damage. If the tooth was on the floor, rinse it with clean water or saline before putting it in your mouth. Gently bite down on the tooth to hold it in place, taking care not to use too much pressure, which can hurt.

3. Make an Emergency Appointment With Your Dentist

Your dentist may be able to reattach your tooth if you're able to get to their office in a timely manner. The sooner you can get an appointment with your dentist, the higher your likelihood of retaining your original tooth. Most dentists are willing to schedule emergency appointments outside their normal office hours. Call your dentist's emergency number to see if they can schedule you in.

4. Repair Damaged Teeth

If your tooth is knocked out of your mouth, your dentist will likely need to perform a root canal at some point. Root canal therapy will remove injured blood vessels and tooth roots that can't be fixed. Your dentist will decide if they need to perform a root canal immediately or if waiting is the better option. Your dentist will splint your tooth to help it remain fixed in its socket.

If your tooth only has a chip, your dentist will likely use another method to fix your teeth. If the chip did not affect the underlying root structure of your teeth, a composite filling may fill the chip. For more severe breaks, as in the case of exposed roots, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. The dentist can apply the dental crown with or without root canal therapy, depending on your needs.

5. Consider a Dental Implant

If your dentist is not able to save your tooth after an accident, a tooth extraction may be necessary. During a tooth extraction, your dentist will remove any parts of your tooth that are still present beneath your gumline. Follow all your dentist's instructions following a tooth extraction to ensure proper healing.

Once your mouth has healed, a dental implant can restore function and protect the underlying bone structure of your jaw. Dental implants can also restore your smile's appearance, which may be of particular concern if you lost one of your front teeth.

If you were involved in an accident that damaged one of your teeth, seek treatment immediately. When you act quickly, your dentist will have the greatest chance of saving your tooth. Gregory S Rutherford, DDS, PA, provides implant and dental crown services to restore your smile to perfect health. Don't hesitate to call us in the event of a dental emergency.

3 Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 16:05:01 GMT

Before considering a cosmetic or restorative dental procedure, your gums should be healthy. While improper or infrequent brushing and flossing can cause gingivitis-related gum bleeding, some other factors might also come into play. Here are some reasons why your gums are bleeding that are unrelated to gingivitis.

1. Menopause

Menopause causes declines in estrogen. This hormone is essential for healthy bones and gum tissue in women. Unless your doctor has prescribed hormone replacement therapy, menopause may have a negative impact on your gum tissue such as recession, infection, and frequent or prolonged bleeding.

To help improve your gum health during menopause, consume more vitamin C-rich foods or take a low-dose vitamin C supplement. According to Plos One, not only can vitamin C help manage bleeding gums, it may also help slow the progression of further gum recession.

Talk to your dentist before you start taking vitamin C supplements because high doses can cause enamel erosion. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is very acidic and can weaken your tooth enamel or cause it to become thin. Healthy tooth enamel helps prevent bacterial invasion of your pulp, and when your dental enamel has weakened because of erosion, you may be at risk for an abscess or cavity.

Keep in mind that while hormone replacement therapy can both decrease menopause-related hot flashes, night sweats, and bleeding gums, your physician may not prescribe it if you have a personal or family history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Hormone replacement treatments that include estrogen may fuel this type of breast cancer.

2. Medications

Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause bleeding gums. Some medications impair the clotting ability of your platelets by decreasing platelet aggregation, while other medications may actually suppress your blood platelet count.

If your gums bleed in the absence of gingivitis, see your physician. He or she will determine if your bleeding gums are related to your medications or if you have a health condition such as anemia, a liver disorder, or hematological disorder.

It is essential that you and your physician determine the source of your bleeding gums because excessive oral bleeding may complicate your dental procedures. Here are some medications that can cause bleeding gums:

Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Blood pressure medications
Diuretics
Antihistamines

If your physician determines that your medications are causing your gums to bleed, a dosage reduction may be recommended. If lowering the dosage fails to control your bleeding, the medication may be discontinued altogether and replaced with a different one that is less likely to cause gingival bleeding.

3. Autoimmune Disorders

If you have an autoimmune disorder such as Sjogren's syndrome , your gums may bleed more than usual.

Certain autoimmune disorders can cause problems with your salivary glands, resulting in diminished salivary flow. This can cause a dry mouth and increase your risk for gum infections. When salivary flow is impaired, bacteria and fungi may accumulate inside your mouth, which saliva usually flushes away. The bacteria can cause gingivitis and other oral infections, raising your risk for bleeding gums.

Autoimmune disorders can also trigger an inflammatory response, which can result in gum inflammation and subsequent bleeding. While autoimmune disorders may be more common in women, men can get them too.

Before undergoing a dental procedure, make sure your autoimmune disorders are well-managed. In addition to an increased risk for bleeding gums, untreated or poorly managed autoimmune disease can slow healing after oral surgery or other dental procedures.

To learn more about our dental services such as prosthodontic care, implant restorations, cosmetic dentistry, or fillings, contact the office of Gregory S Rutherford, DDS , today to schedule your appointment.

What to Know Before You Get Dentures

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 02:58:04 GMT

Dentures have been around for a long time, and they make it possible for just about anyone to get a full smile. Depending on how many teeth you're missing, dentures can drastically improve the quality of your life. If you think dentures may be a good choice for you, check out these facts first.

Partial Dentures and Full Dentures Are an Option

Dentures come in partial and full-sets. If you are only missing a few teeth, partial dentures are the better choice because they can be used to replace a few teeth here and there. Dentists can even use some of your existing healthy teeth to help hold the partial dentures with metal wires, which attach around healthy teeth to stabilize them.

If you are missing all your teeth, or your remaining teeth need to be pulled, a full set of dentures is a great option. In some cases full dentures are less stable than partial dentures because they only use your gums to support the dentures.

Denture Use Has a Learning Curve

Getting dentures will eventually make it easier for you to eat and speak again. However, dentures do involve a bit of a learning curve as you adjust to your new teeth. In the beginning, you may still have to eat soft foods until you learn how to chew without moving the dentures. Even after you've mastered it, however, some foods are still best avoided — particularly sticky foods like caramel.

You'll also need to learn the new way to care for your teeth. Instead of brushing and flossing like you used to, you'll need special cleaners for your dentures.

You should also avoid wearing your dentures at night to prevent irritation to gums. Failing to keep your dentures or gums clean can lead to ulcers in the mouth, fungal infections, tissue overgrowth, and many other complications.

You May Need to Have Them Adjusted Soon

When you lose teeth, your smile is not the only thing that's affected. Slowly, your jawbone will begin to diminish. The jawbone supports your teeth, but if you have no teeth, your jawbone has little to do. Without stimulation, it atrophies like an unused muscle. While you may not need to worry about tooth loss anymore, you do need to ensure your dentures still fit.

The dentist crafts the dentures to fit your gums perfectly. However, if your jawbone shrinks, your entire mouth changes, and the denture may become loose, which makes talking and eating more difficult.

You can get an entirely new set of dentures if you have the money, but most patients choose relines, which can be done at home or in the dental office. They mold to the new shape of your jawbone to adjust your dentures.

Fixed Dentures Are Another Option to Consider

If you really want dentures, but hate the idea of traditional removable dentures, consider fixed dentures. With fixed dentures, titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. After the area heals, these posts are used to support the new dentures. The dentures simply snap into place, making them much more stable, especially when you eat or laugh. You can also remove the dentures for cleaning.

Another perk of fixed dentures is they use the jawbone for support. Titanium actually fuses to bone, creating a powerful hold for your dentures. Plus, the titanium stimulates your jawbone, so even if you have no natural teeth, the jawbone stays strong.

Missing teeth don't just affect your overall confidence; they can make eating and communicating difficult. Both removable and fixed dentures, however, can give you back control. For more information about dentures, contact us at Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, today.

The Surprising Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Teeth

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 03:26:08 GMT

Sleep apnea is characterized by frequent waking from sleep due to blocked airways and affects up to 10% of the adult population . Surprisingly, this under-diagnosed condition can affect the health of your teeth. Read on to find out more about this condition and how it can put your dental health at risk.

Are You at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain indicators place you more at risk. People more prone to sleep apnea:

Have excess body weight
Are over 40 years of age
Are usually male
Have another family member with sleep apnea

If you have a smaller jaw, sinus problems, or large tonsils that make you snore, you may also develop sleep apnea.

What Happens If Sleep Apnea Continues Untreated?

You might not remember waking up continuously throughout the night, but you will definitely notice symptoms the next morning. You might have a headache or a dry, sore throat. Despite a night of rest, you will still feel drowsy throughout the day from lack of quality sleep. You might even fall asleep repeatedly during the day. Less sleep also makes you easily irritable and possibly depressed.

If left untreated, over time these symptoms become more serious. The constant strain of forcing itself to wake up just to breathe takes a toll on your body. You are more at risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and diabetes.

How Is Sleep Apnea Related to Your Teeth?

Sleep apnea occurs when blocked airways deprive you of oxygen. Your body then forces you to wake up enough to take a conscious breath. This association with the airways ultimately has an impact on your mouth, jaw, and teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is often found in people that have sleep apnea. Many sufferers unconsciously grind their teeth in an effort to open their airways. Constant friction wears the enamel of the teeth and leads to tiny cracks, chips, and fractures that weaken your teeth and make them susceptible to decay.

Additionally, the motion of grinding places strain on the muscles and bones of your jaw. Over time you may experience chronic pain and jaw misalignment.

If undiagnosed sleep apnea makes you grind your teeth , any future dental work to improve or repair your worn teeth is at risk for damage as well.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction is characterized by pain and the inability to fully move your jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. You may already have pain in your jaw from teeth grinding, but sleep apnea can increase that pain to the level of TMJ dysfunction. Lack of sufficient oxygen from restricted airways intensifies jaw pain and headaches. Deprivation of good REM sleep further contributes to higher levels of pain in joints and muscles.

Periodontitis

Among the several causes of periodontitis, or gum infection, is chronic inflammation. You may visit your dentist regularly and brush and floss to control plaque, but overall inflammation can be present in the gums of your mouth as well. Tiny pockets form between your teeth and gums where saliva and food particles can quickly turn into plaque and bacteria.

Experts believe that sleep apnea causes a spike in inflammation levels already present in the body, including in the mouth where periodontitis can occur. Shockingly, one study found that 60% of periodontitis sufferers also had sleep apnea.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Differing severities of sleep apnea require different treatment options. Mild apnea may disappear if you stop smoking, change your sleep position, or lose weight.

If you have moderate or heavy apnea, you may benefit from a continuous positive air pressure, or CPAP, machine. CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of air into your nasal passages to provide much-needed oxygen.

Other types of treatment include a simple oral appliance that repositions your tongue and jaw to help you breathe better. Gregory S Rutherford, DDS, PA, can help you with dental problems caused by sleep apnea. Visit us today to learn how we can improve your oral health.

Snacks Could Be Bad for Your Teeth and Gums

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If you only snack on protein bars, yogurt, and veggie chips during the day or after exercise, change the way you eat now. Although the items above contain many essential vitamins and minerals, the snack foods also contain hidden artificial sugars. When left unchecked, artificial sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.

Here's how your snack habits affect your teeth and what you can enjoy instead.

Why Is the Sugar in Your Snacks Harmful?

Whether they’re protein-enriched bars or low-fat yogurt, the snacks you eat on a daily basis contain some type of artificial sugar, such as sucrose and barley malt. Even in small amounts, artificial sugar can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease) if you allow it to stay on your tooth enamel all day or night.

Your mouth is home to a host of microbes, or bacteria. Most of the microbes living on the soft and hard tissues in your mouth don't create issues for you. The organisms procreate, live, die, and repeat their cycles on a daily basis. However, some types of organisms can cause serious problems for you, including Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans can cause tooth decay by feeding on the sugar coating your tooth enamel. The feeding organisms create a soft and yellowish film called plaque. This film forms a slimy barrier over the surfaces of your enamel, along the line of your gums, and between the spaces of your teeth crowns.

Plaque isn't the only thing dangerous mouth bacteria cause in your mouth. The organisms also release an acidic substance when they feed. The acid attacks the surfaces of your enamel until it weakens and demineralizes it. Eventually, your tooth enamel develops small discolorations and holes (cavities).

Along with tooth decay, plaque can potentially lead to gum disease if it builds up around your gumline and hardens into tartar. Tartar gradually pushes into the spaces below your gumline until it inflames your gum tissue. Unlike plaque, you can't remove tartar with floss or a toothbrush. In most cases, a dentist has to use their expertise to remove tartar from your teeth.

You can protect your teeth and gums from the serious dental issues above by changing your snack habits.

How Do You Snack Without Damaging Your Teeth?

Instead of enjoying protein bars and snack chips, opt for natural fruit. Most fruit contains small amounts of sugar that may not be as damaging to your tooth enamel as the sugar found in snack bars and chips. Also, choose fresh or whole fruit instead of canned or processed products, which may contain artificial syrups.

Choose unsweetened yogurt and cottage cheese products for your dairy snacks. Although tasty, flavored dairy foods can contain excessive amounts of sugar and other artificial additives. If you choose flavored dairy items as snacks, only opt for products with all-natural ingredients.

You also want to stay hydrated during the day by drinking plain water. Although fruit smoothies, vegetable cocktails, and sports drinks taste great on a hot day, the beverages contain harsh acids that break down your tooth enamel. Water not only refreshes your palate, it keeps your gums, tongue, and teeth moist and healthy.

If you experience any issues with your teeth and gums after making the simple changes above, contact a dentist for care. A dentist can examine your teeth and gums for decay or inflammation and make the best recommendations or treatments for them. For instance, if you have cavities, a dentist can restore them with fillings and crowns .

Your busy lifestyle might make changing to healthy snack choices difficult. But with the right tips and dental help, you can protect your teeth and gums. If you have questions about your diet or dental health, contact the office of Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA for an appointment.

4 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Dentures

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 09:38:53 GMT

From an accident or injury to an underlying dental condition, such as tooth decay or gum disease, there are many ways you may lose one or more teeth. Living with an incomplete smile is possible, but missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak while decreasing your self-esteem.

If you are part of the 120 million Americans who is missing at least one tooth, you may restore your smile with dentures. Of course, dentures don't last forever, so there may come a time when they need to be replaced. This guide - and the help of your dentist - will teach you the signs that it's time to replace your dentures.

1. Dentures Are Loose

Your dentures are designed to fit in your mouth without any movement. This fit ensures you can chew and speak without any risk of the dentures shifting and causing embarrassment.

If your dentures feel loose or move around, consult your dentist. Other than the actual movement and feeling that they have started to loosen, you may hear a clicking sound when eating or speaking.

There are many reasons why your dentures will loosen over time. In most cases, changes in your mouth, other teeth, and gum tissue can affect the way your dentures fit.

Another reason your dentures are no longer fitting properly in your mouth is because the actual denture material has worn down. This deterioration is the next sign that a replacement is due.

2. Dentures Are Weak, Broken, or Stained

Improper care and wear and tear that comes along with age can weaken, break, and stain your dentures. Consider inspecting your dentures in detail periodically to determine if they are starting to deteriorate or appear stained.

If the denture material or the artificial teeth are chipped or cracked, your dentures should be replaced. Proper cleaning of your dentures will reduce the risk of discoloration, but if you are unable to remove the stains, consider replacing your dentures.

Inspect the base of your dentures, as well. Without a base that is in good condition, the dentures will not fit comfortably into your mouth. If the base is bent or warped, it is time for a replacement.

3. Dentures Cause Pain and Discomfort

Some discomfort is normal when you first start wearing dentures. Once you adjust to wearing them, your dentures should never cause pain or discomfort. If the dentures are painful to wear, there is an underlying issue with the quality or fit of your dentures.

If they are broken, warped, or not properly fitted to your mouth, the dentures will irritate your gum tissue, interior of your mouth, and even your tongue. This irritation can be painful and cause scratching and pinching until the tissue starts to bleed. The pain can be so severe, continuing to wear the dentures is no longer possible.

Also, many people develop canker sores in the area where the dentures are rubbing on the mouth or gum tissue. Although they are painful, canker sores can also be dangerous. Food residue and bacteria may build up in these sores, resulting in an infection that requires prescription antibiotics.

4. Dentures Are Old

The fit, look, and feel are important factors in determining when you need to replace your dentures, but their age also matters. Again, dentures are durable, but they are not meant to last forever.

Even if you are not experiencing any of the other signs of distress, most experts recommend replacing your dentures after five to seven years .

Dentures are a great option if you need to restore your smile to an appealing and functional state, but they will need to be replaced at some point in time. For more information on dentures, or to schedule a consultation for a replacement, contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA today.

5 Options for Whiter Teeth

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 09:36:31 GMT

Having a bright, white smile is important in this day and age, but many people struggle with routine or stubborn stains. Whether your stains are caused by trauma, poor hygiene, smoking, food or beverages, you can have whiter teeth. Check out these five options you should consider for whiter teeth so you know which is best for your smile.

1. Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments

Over-the-counter whitening treatments can be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy. They include:

Whitening toothpastes
Gels
Strips
Creams Trays

These are the most affordable options for whitening teeth, but they are slow to work, making them a poor choice if you want immediate results. The cheaper the product, the slower and less drastic the results. They may be great, however, for maintaining a whiter smile or reducing mild stains over a long period of time.

2. Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a great choice if you want excellent results fast. At-home professional whitening is an option, so you can get professional results in the privacy of your own home; however, treatment time is longer than in-office whitening. At Gregory S. Rutherford we offer custom bleaching trays so that our patients can whiten their teeth while sleeping.

3. Dental Bonding

Some stains are resistant to whitening, including:

Darkened dentin from trauma
Stains from certain antibiotics
Discoloration from overexposure to fluoride

In other cases, your teeth may simply be prone to stains because you have small chips or cracks in the enamel.

In this case, teeth bleaching may not be enough, but dental bonding can be used to hide any stain. With dental bonding, a special composite resin is placed on the desired teeth, and the dentist shapes the resin to look like the front of a natural tooth. Results are fast, and the resin is toothcolored, but it may not have the same properties as natural tooth tissue.

4. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular ways to correct stubborn stains because they look like natural tooth tissue. As with dental bonding, porcelain veneers are good if your teeth are resistant to whitening, and/or you have other cosmetic problems (chips, cracks, gapping, etc.).

Veneers can only be placed on front teeth, and they do not strengthen weak teeth. Veneers are more expensive than dental bonding, but they last a long time and are resistant to stains.

5. Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain dental crowns are like veneers, but they cover the entire tooth surface to hide any stain on any tooth, including back teeth. They can also correct many other cosmetic concerns, but unlike veneers, dental crowns strengthen teeth by giving them a new solid exterior to withstand daily wear and tear.

Dental crowns require a lot of healthy tooth tissue to be removed, however, so they may be best if you have cosmetic concerns and weak teeth. Porcelain dental crowns may need to be replaced in the future, but if your teeth are weak, they may be considered medically necessary by your dental insurance carrier.

Dingy, yellow and stained teeth make you want to hide your smile, but you can choose from so many whitening options, even if your stains are resistant to whitening. Get started today and have a whiter smile tomorrow.

For more information about how you can get a whiter and more attractive smile, give Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, a call today or shoot us a message to schedule your first appointment.

Signs of Exposed Roots and What to Do About It

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 16:20:53 GMT

One of the oral health problems you may face is an exposed root. Discover some of the signs of an exposed tooth root as well as what you can do about the issue. If you notice these signs, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Whether you have naturally sensitive teeth or not, one of the first signs of an exposed tooth root that you may notice is an increase in your tooth sensitivity, particularly with hot and cold temperatures. You might experience aching or a deep pain in your teeth when food or drink is too cold or hot but have no issues when it is lukewarm or room temperature.

Tooth sensitivity might also occur when you brush your teeth. If you suddenly notice that your tooth hurts when you brush it, particularly if you get close to the gums, this can be a telltale sign that you have an exposed root.

A Longer Tooth

Another potential sign of root exposure in your teeth is actually the way that your teeth look. If you notice that your tooth looks longer, you might have significant gum recession, which can lead to the root of your tooth being exposed.

While this can be a helpful visual indicator that something is amiss with your tooth, it is not the best sign that you have an exposed root. However, if you have sensitivity and your tooth looks quite different, you may have cause for concern.

Severe Pain

When the tooth root is exposed, this exposes the nerve attached to the tooth, and exposed nerves can hurt. Severe pain in your gums or tooth that occurs when you breathe in through your mouth, eat, drink, or do nothing at all is a sign that you should seek dental care right away. An exposed root is a common cause for such sudden and severe pain.

Treatment Options

The first step when you believe you have an exposed root is to go to the dentist. If you experience severe pain and your regular dentist is unavailable, find an emergency dentist near you to take a look. They can help determine the cause of your exposed root and recommend a treatment protocol.

Sometimes, switching to a toothpaste designed for tooth sensitivity is enough to relieve symptoms. Dentists can also provide medications that help with sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel, which can, in turn, protect the root.

If gum disease is involved in the exposed root, you may need special cleanings, antibiotic mouthwashes, and even oral antibiotics. For severe gum recession, your dentist may send you to a periodontist to have gum grafts and other treatments performed. Other treatments for exposed roots can include fillings, crowns, and other standard dental procedures.

Tooth extraction may also be an option if the tooth is not in good enough shape to repair. When your dentist recommends tooth extraction, they will also often offer a cosmetic dental prosthetic like a bridge, dentures, or even a dental implant to keep your teeth looking as nice as possible.

If you know these signs of root exposure as well as the available options for treating the condition, you can contact your dentist as soon as you believe you may have an exposed tooth root. The sooner you seek out care and treatment for your exposed root, the sooner you can alleviate your pain and discomfort as well as prevent this issue from affecting your other teeth.

Contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA , today if you have signs of an exposed tooth root and need treatment. We are ready to alleviate your pain and help you heal.

Tooth Pain? Don't Procrastinate Dental Care

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:55:40 GMT

Routine dental visits catch tooth problems before they become too serious. With cleanings and x-rays, you might only need the occasional filling once in a while for a small cavity. However, if you begin to experience tooth pain, especially if you haven't been to the dentist in a while, you should get your teeth evaluated sooner rather than later.

People might put off seeing the dentist because they hope the discomfort will resolve on its own. Others might avoid the dentist because of fear or because of a busy schedule, opting to treat the pain with over-the-counter medications. Here's why you need to seek immediate care.

Tooth Pain Is Hard to Pin Down

Tooth pain is common in the gums, the sides of the mouth, deep in the jaw, or even up by your ears. You might even think one tooth is hurting when, in reality, the tooth next to it is the one causing a problem.

Because tooth pain is hard to pin down without professional assessment, people can misjudge why they are experiencing discomfort. For example, soreness in the area next to the back molars is common with tooth injuries or advanced decay, but because that area has no teeth, you might assume it's just muscle soreness.

Because pain in the mouth can migrate or come and go, people also assume that the problem is not immediate. However, the nerves around the mouth are quite complex — you need a dentist to tell you what's causing the pain and how you can get rid of it. Common causes of pain include:

Abscesses. These are serious dental infections.

Old fillings. Over time, fillings can wear out or decay can spread around them.

Cracked teeth. The tooth will need professional repair. You might not even know your tooth is broken until your dentist examines it.

Bruxism. Your dentist can prescribe a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe from grinding damage.

Tooth pain can also occur with gum disease, and as gum disease processes, the health of your teeth suffer.

Tooth Problems Usually Get Worse, Not Better

People get used to things taking care of themselves, so they hope that tooth sensitivity will go away with time. Teeth, however, do not heal themselves.

Your teeth do have some mechanisms to help reduce the risk of decay, but once you have a cavity or another tooth problem, that problems will only get worse as you ignore it.

You'll start to notice that your pain is no longer manageable with simple painkillers. You might also experience difficulty sleeping or concentrating at work because the pain distracts you. As the problem processes, it gets harder to treat and requires more extensive dental work to restore your mouth to full health.

Procrastination Is Expensive

When tooth problems become more severe, they often require a greater degree of medical intervention. For example, basic gum pain might be an early sign of gum disease, which is often simple to treat with cleaning and hygiene improvement.

However, once gum pain gets worse and the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, you might need procedures like gum grafts. You might even need to have infected teeth pulled out and replaced with bridges, partial dentures, or implants. These are much more costly than simple fillings or root canal treatments.

Pain Will Eventually Affect Your Quality of Life

As tooth pain worsens, you will find yourself doing things to work around it. You could find yourself avoiding foods you used to enjoy, including very cold or warm foods, because these are more likely to aggravate pain. Even tougher foods like cooked steak and raw vegetables can be harder to chew over time.

No matter the cause if your tooth pain, you could also experience a persistent bad taste in your mouth, or you might have bad breath that never really goes away. These affect you and the people close to you. For more information on what could be causing your tooth pain, contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA.

The Best Tools to Tackle Gum Disease

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:09:50 GMT

Believe it or not, millions of adults in the U.S. have periodontitis, or gum disease. Some people think that gum disease just causes your gums to bleed while brushing or flossing; you may be surprised to learn just how much trouble this issue can cause.

The bacteria that cause gum disease can spread throughout your body and cause plaque to build up in your heart's circulatory system. Besides increasing the likelihood of heart issues, gum disease has been correlated with tooth loss, cancer, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.

Along with your trusty toothbrush, here are some disease-eradicating tools to put in your hygiene toolbox.

Water Picks

Water picks, or oral irrigators, are ultrasonic devices that blast streams of water. You can use a water pick to loosen plaque from your teeth. If you have gum disease, it's ideal to use a water flush debris below your gumline.

Water picks aren't a replacement from flossing, but if your gums are too sensitive or swollen at the moment, they can be a temporary remedy until you've healed.

Gum Massagers

When you’re injured or sore, one of the best modalities to heal properly is massage therapy. It may sound odd, but this same therapy can be applied to your gums. Some gum massagers actually exist on the market that you can purchase – with the go-ahead of your dentist, of course.

These tools have a soft rubber tip that can break up and remove debris from gum pockets. As a person develops gum disease, his or her gums tend to pull away from the tooth roots, thus forming gum pockets. While healthy gums adhere snuggly to teeth, gum pockets tend to fill up with bacteria.

Gum massagers can also be used to clean bacteria between teeth. These tools are safer than toothpicks since they don't pierce or tear gingival tissues.

Gum massage increases the blood flow. When you massage the tissue, circulation improves, meaning that your gums will be able to remove metabolic waste and heal more speedily. If your lymph nodes are swollen in your face, you may actually notice them getting smaller since massage can move along sluggish lymph fluid.

Mouth Rinses

A common complaint of gum disease is bad breath. Mouth rinses are fantastic at eradicating bad breath. Some patients get mouth rinse over the counter, but your dentist can also prescribe therapeutic mouth rinses. These prescription mouth rinses are stronger and often have chlorhexidine and essential oils to control plaque and reduce swollen gums.

Regularly Scheduled Cleanings

Whether you have severe or mild gum disease, remember to see a dentist regularly. Dentists give you the most important tool: preventative care. Here are two kinds of cleanings to consider for gum disease.

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is arguably the most common procedure out there and typically done during annual or semi-annual visits. Besides checking for cavities, a dental hygienist will measure your gum pockets during these cleanings. If your gum pockets are three millimeters or less, your gum tissue is likely in good shape. If you have gum pockets that are deeper, ask your dentist about scaling and root planing.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is also known as deep dental cleaning. Instead of just cleaning your teeth, the dentist will clean your gum pockets and below the gum line. This procedure usually takes at least two appointments so that the dentist can make sure all of the tissue is adequately cleaned.

During a deep cleaning, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic so you shouldn't feel pain. You may be a little sore afterward, but your gum tissue will be in much better shape.

Don't let your gum disease get out of control; use all of these tools for healthier gums. Contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, for an appointment today or for more information on correcting gum disease.

Want Healthier Teeth? Start With What You Consume

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:49:05 GMT

A healthy diet isn't just good for your body; healthier eating (and drinking) is better for your oral health as well. Discover the best foods and beverages to consume for stronger, healthier teeth and learn how to eat great snacks with minimal dental damage.

Of course, healthy eating should not replace regular dental appointments. Continue to see your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings and follow your dentist's recommendations for oral health care at home.

Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods and Beverages

The following are foods and beverages that make your teeth healthy and strong. Incorporate more of these items in your diet to give your oral health a boost.

Dairy

Your teeth thrive on calcium and protein, which are two main ingredients in dairy foods. The best dairy items for your teeth are low-fat cheeses and yogurts.

Cheese raises your body's pH level, which in turn can help your mouth fight off teeth-decaying bacteria. Yogurt is healthy as well, but stick to low-sugar yogurt and other unsweetened items. Less sugar is even healthier for your teeth and body.

Fish

Fish is rich in Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium more naturally, thus resulting in stronger tooth enamel. If you don't like fish, add cod liver oil to your daily diet — such as in a capsule — or consume eggs. Egg yolk is also high in Vitamin D.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables that have a hard crunch, such as carrots, apples, celery, and radishes, help clean your teeth as you chew. Remove plaque by adding raw fruits and vegetables that require ample chewing to your diet.

Milk

Milk can help lower the acid levels in your mouth (which can result in fewer cavities). Milk is also high in calcium and strengthens your tooth enamel. You can drink low-fat or full-fat milk; just watch the sugar levels in the dairy you drink to make sure you aren't consuming too much.

Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juice, particularly juice that contains spinach, kale, and other leafy greens, is a better option for you than sugary fruit juice drinks. If you prefer a sweeter juice, then opt for a vegetable-based juice that contains apple and carrot. Such drinks have a natural sweetness that won't cause damage to your teeth like juice with added sugar will.

Water

Drinking water does more for your oral health than you realize. When your body is properly hydrated, you produce more saliva, which allows your mouth to naturally fight off the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Avoid Tooth-Damaging Snacks

You can still indulge in snack foods and beverages (such as cola) without causing a lot of harm to your teeth. The key lies in snacking smartly. Chew sugar-free gum after you have a snack to help your mouth produce more saliva, but without all the sugar of regular gum to harm your teeth. Choose low-sugar or sugar-free gums, sports drinks, juices, and sodas.

You can also incorporate healthy snacks with your junk food: try dipping apple slices in caramel or eating chocolate along with a chunk of hard cheese. You get your sweet fix while eating something that your teeth won't be offended by.

Your oral health is important, and changing up your diet today can help keep your teeth in healthy condition. Make an appointment with our dental professionals at the office of Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, to learn more about food habits that keep your teeth healthy. We will take care of all aspects of your traditional and cosmetic dental concerns.

What to Do Before and After Getting Dental Implants

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Getting dental implants can be a life-changing experience. You'll be able to replace missing teeth with an artificial version that looks and feels like natural teeth. But while the surgery itself is in your dentist's hands, there is a lot you can do before and after the surgery to ensure its success.

Pre-Surgery Tips

Dental implant surgery requires more effort than simply showing up to your appointment. You'll need to do the following things prior to the day the surgery takes place.

Give Up Smoking

If you currently smoke, your dentist will want you to give up the habit before the date of your surgery. While your dentist may have a recommended amount of time, try to give up smoking for one week before and two weeks after your surgery date.

Smokers that have received dental implants are more likely to have them fail when they continue to smoke. You're better off kicking this habit for the time being if you want the surgery to be successful.

Arrange a Ride

The sedation that is used for dental implants will knock you out. While you may be able to drive yourself to the appointment, there is no way you will be able to drive home. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you to the appointment since chances are that you will not be coherent enough to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Do Not Eat Anything

The sedation will also require that you avoid eating and drinking before the procedure for about 8-12 hours so that you don't become nauseous after the procedure.

Post-Surgery Tips

Recovering from getting dental implants also requires that you follow a few simple tips.

Take All Medications

Your dentist will provide with instructions about what you should do after you return home from the dental implant procedure. Be sure to follow all their directions, which includes taking medications. You may be prescribed an antibiotic to fight off a potential infection, which requires taking the entire dosage

for it to be effective. An infection can cause your implants to fail, so take all the medication to help fight it.

In addition, it is a good idea to have those prescriptions ready to go if possible. If the dentist is going to give you a powerful pain pill, you'll want to get the pills immediately. Do not wait until you start to feel pain to have the prescription filled since you can take those pills before your initial pain medication wears off.

Use Ice Packs

You will have swelling around your jaw and face after the procedure, which is completely normal. You will need to take steps to reduce how much swelling is occurring though. Have ice packs ready that you can put on the surgical area. Simply rotate between having the ice on and off in short intervals over the first few days.

You do not want to use heat for treating the area. Ice works well to dull pain and reduce swelling since it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Heat is best for chronic pain and sore muscles.

Use a Salt Water Rinse

One key to a healthy recovery will be to keep the surgical site clean while it is healing. Do this by using a salt water rinse throughout the day. All you need to do is add a teaspoon worth of salt to a glass of water, mix it up, then swish it around your mouth before spitting it into your sink.

Speak with Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA, if you have more questions about care before and after getting dental implants.

Crowns, Implants, and Bridges: Which Do You Need

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you have a damaged tooth that's in need of repair, you may be wondering whether you should get a crown, an implant, or a bridge. The truth is that these are all very similar solutions to your problems, but your individual situation could make one solution a better option.

Crowns: The Best Option for Preserving Existing Material

If you have enough tooth material left, a crown can be an option. With a crown, most of the visible tooth will be removed, but the underlying tooth will still be left under the gum line. The tooth will then be reconstructed in a material like ceramic, so it looks like new.

Whenever the root system of a tooth is relatively healthy, a crown is usually the best option. The roots themselves may be removed through the process of a root canal (so the tooth does not feel any pain), but the physical structure of the tooth will remain.

For young patients in particular, a crown is almost always ideal. By preserving as much of the tooth as possible, the dentist can mitigate the possibility of a lot of additional damage later on. Natural tooth material almost always lasts much longer than synthetic, though of course synthetic material can also be replaced.

Implants: The Best Option for Replacing a Whole Tooth

Sometimes a tooth does not have enough material to save. In this situation, the tooth has to be removed completely. There are two options from here: either an implant or a bridge. An implant is almost always preferred.

Implants are screwed through the gum and the bone of the jaw, making them as strong as regular teeth. Because the implants are placed on a post, they are durable and they are long-lasting.

An implant will prevent other teeth from drifting, which can happen over time. When teeth drift, they can ruin a person's bite; a poor bite can cause additional wear on surrounding teeth and even lead to an eventual misalignment of the jaw.

But the downside to an implant is that they do tend to be the most expensive option. They require surgical procedures, such as drilling.

Bridges: The Best Option for Affordable Tooth Replacement

If you have a tooth or teeth removed, you may be able to replace them with a bridge. A bridge is a tooth implant that is not anchored into the jaw. Instead, the tooth is actually anchored on the surrounding teeth. Because they simply need to be anchored to the other teeth, they are generally more affordable and less invasive than an implant.

But bridges do have downsides. Though they can sometimes be more affordable than other options, they can weaken the surrounding teeth. They put a lot of pressure on the surrounding teeth, and if a patient is fairly young, this pressure could eventually lead to some damage.

Bridges are more likely to experience issues than implants, and they may need to be maintained and replaced in the future. At the same time, they will still prevent some tooth drifting and will maintain a person's bite.

Because the right solution for you is so highly dependent on the health of your teeth, it really needs a professional assessment. A professional will be able to look at the health of your current teeth and the health of your surrounding teeth and will give you advice on your best option. To get started today, contact the office of GregoryS. Rutherford, DDS, PA.

Risk Factors for Bruxism

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Bruxism affects 10 percent of adults in the U.S., according to the American Sleep Association. If you've never heard of bruxism, the medical name itself may be throwing you off. In plain English, bruxism is grinding or clenching your teeth.

This condition goes beyond a once in a while clench or a temporary stress-related gnash. Patients with bruxism consistently clench and grind their teeth while they sleep or unconsciously when they're awake. In the mildest forms, bruxism may not affect the patient's daily life or health. But moderate to severe bruxism can cause headaches, jaw problems, worn enamel, face pain, sleep disturbances, and chipped or damaged teeth.

Dentists and doctors don't have a clear picture of what causes bruxism, but they can treat it. Treatment requires a positive diagnosis by a professional (dentist or physician). If you think that you may have bruxism, you'll need an evaluation. Along with looking for specific symptoms and signs, the dentist will also ask about risk factors. Take a look at the top factors that may increase the risk of bruxism.

Genetics

Patients who have family members with the condition tend to also have it themselves. Genetics are behind more than a few medical conditions and health issues. Your parents, grandparents, and the rest of your family tree provide the building blocks for who you are. From your eye color to whether you grind your teeth, genetics provide a way to pass traits down through the generations.

Not every health-related concern is genetic, though. With that in mind, researchers have tested the idea that bruxism is a hereditary condition. A literature review published in the journal Oral Rehabilitation revealed that after reviewing recent research on the subject (of bruxism and genetics), the condition does run in families.

What does this mean for you? If one, or both, of your parents is a grinder and a clencher, you may have the problem too.

Medications

Side effects from prescription medications go well beyond headaches, tummy troubles, and a rash. Some medications, primarily antidepressants, raise the risk of developing bruxism. Common antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac have been known to cause bruxism in some patients.

Even though teeth clenching or grinding has been associated with antidepressant use, this side effect shouldn't sway you from using these types of medications if your doctor feels that they are beneficial and medically indicated. Depression is a serious disease that requires treatment.

If you develop medication-related bruxism, your doctor and dentist can work together to come up with an acceptable plan that alleviates your facial pain while still treating your depressive symptoms.

Along with prescription medications, substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can also raise the risk of developing (or worsen) bruxism.

This doesn't mean that using these substances will cause grinding and clenching. But there is research pointing to an association between the use of these substances and the dental-motor condition.

Stress

Your mental state may contribute to clenching and grinding. Stress and anxiety are common risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing bruxism. Your mental state itself doesn't cause the grinding. Instead, the way you handle excess stress is the likely culprit behind this condition.

Along with stress and anxiety, anger and frustration can also lead to bruxism. While an anxious or angry mental state raises the risk, the resulting grinding and clenching is typically a temporary problem. Learning how to handle stress or removing the stressor can also make the bruxism go away.

Do you suspect that you have bruxism? Contact Gregory S. Rutherford, DDS, PA for individualized treatments for your bruxism and any other dental conditions.