My" Bridge" feels loose.

Sometimes missing teeth are replaced with what is known as a “fixed bridge”. This type of restoration is cemented to prepared teeth on either side of the gap where a natural tooth used to be. The "weak link" in this type of dentistry is the cement. Over time the cement bond can weaken to the point that bridge becomes un-cemented to one of its supporting teeth. If this situation is not promptly corrected the tooth underneath the bridge will soon decay creating difficulties for the patient. If caught early the problem is easily remedied. If neglected there is the risk of pain and great expense.

If you have  this type of restoration your Dentist will carefully check your bridge for telltale signs of movement that indicate a cement failure in the course of your regular visit. Between dental exams be suspicious of any altered sensation or function of your bridge and see your dentist quickly if changes occur. Remember that no cemented bridge ever should feel loose.

Cheers

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist 

Why the Seeming Rite of Passage: the Extraction of “Wisdom Teeth”?

The last teeth to erupt into the mouth are commonly referred to as “Wisdom Teeth”. These teeth can make their appearance anytime between the mid-teens and the mid-twenties.  Quite often your dentist will order a particular type of x-ray known as a “pan”. This x-ray allows the dentist to count the number of teeth present and diagnose any potential eruption problems. Eruption difficulties occur most often with these last teeth to erupt into the mouth.  There is frequently a lack of space to accommodate these late comers hence the prescription to extract these last molars to avoid possible difficult and painful issues later. Sometimes the prescription for the extraction of these teeth will come from an orthodontist again the lack of space being the issue.

The vast majority of “wisdom” teeth are extracted by dental specialists known as Oral Surgeons. This so because the extractions proposed are usually complicated and require special expertise and experience that oral surgeons provide.. The referral is made with the patient’s comfort and ease foremost in the referring dentist’s mind.

So if being a teenager is not difficult enough it is this period of life that is most ideal time to have problem wisdom teeth removed. Just one more “rite of passage” to deal with during an often tumultuous time of life.

Cheers

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

We are tend to postpone anything that we perceive to be an unpleasant experience even if we understand the benefit of such experiences for ourselves or for those we love. Even with a caring a touch, dentistry for many remains a least favorite activity and is somewhat avoided.
In modern dentistry problems will the teeth or "gums" are often diagnosed long before there is any patient perception of difficulty (pain). "It doesn't bother me Doctor" becomes the excuse for delaying treatment. So the "cavity" or broken tooth or other problem remains untreated. Untreated difficulties in the mouth always become more severe if neglected and the result is the increased likelihood of pain and discomfort and inconvenience for the patient. In addition with delay there is likely to be an increase in complexity of the ultimate treatment solution required. This translates into increased cost to the patient.
The old adage"a stitch in time save nine" is most assuredly true when it comes to dental treatment. A small cavity untreated can easily turn into a "root canal".
Cheers,
Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

Why a referral to a Dental Specialist?

Occasionally a dental patient finds themselves referred to dental specialist to have a specific treatment completed. I have been asked some variant of the following question. Don’t you do.. ? followed by the name of the procedure. Because I am in general practice and perform all of the usual procedures associated with Family Practice my answer to the question is yes I do …. followed by the name of the procedure.  Most general dentists perform Endodontics (root canals),Exodontia (extraction of teeth),Prosthodontics(Crowns and Bridges) and Periodontics(Scaling and other gum related therapies) but it is important to remember that each case is unique. Some clinical situations are more difficult and complicated requiring the expertise of the specialist who has received advanced training.

 In these situations specialist delivered services have the best chance of achieving a comfortable and successful result for the patient.

Sometimes there is resistance to the dental specialist referral. This is understandable because there is often a travel requirement and certainly specialist fees are higher than those of the general dentist. Nevertheless I believe that when appropriate the services delivered by dental specialists are worth the extra effort and resources. 

A referral to a dental specialist has the patient ultimate welfare and comfort as its motivation.

Cheers ,

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

"Mom my tooth is loose!"

One of the land marks in our children’s lives is the loss of their “baby “teeth. For the vast majority of kids this time of transition is uneventful. My own kids kept their loose teeth a secret from Dad because was I was also their dentist. I was always anxious to get their loose teeth out because if delayed too long the baby tooth can begin to effect the ideal eruption the adult teeth.  My counsel to parents is to be attentive. If your child complains of a” wiggly” tooth take look every once in a while and if the offending tooth seems to hanging on be thread a little tissue for grip and a twist (don’t pull!) does the trick! Maybe that is my children were so secretive!

 If you see a tooth that appears to be blocked by the yet to fall out baby tooth your child should see a dentist soon. Your dentist may suggest the extraction of the stubborn tooth right at the visit. With the appropriate "freezing" of course.  Some evaluation of whether there is adequate space to accommodate the future adult teeth is made at that time.

I used to get away with a quarter. What is the Tooth Fairy giving currently?

Cheers! Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

I had lots of cavities when I was young. What can do to help my kids avoid the same dental dental problems?

It is normal for parents to want good health for their kids and excellent dental health is surely achievable. What can you do as a parent to help?

When your children are very young you can avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle. It also wise to avoid putting juice or any other sweetened beverage in a bottle. Both these practices often lead to what is known as baby bottle tooth decay which can destroy those first teeth that we as parents were so excited to see come into the mouth.

Small children seem to be always on the hunt for something to snack on. This is normal for they are growing very fast and need to" feed the fire” so to speak. Certain snacks certainly lead to higher risk of dental disease. There are of course the obvious sugary treats that kids usually prefer and if consumed often as a snack can cause cavities. To these usual suspects I would add any refined carbohydrates such as breads (yes, even whole wheat), crackers: in short anything made with flour. These foods are best consumed at mealtime when teeth can be brushed afterwards. In between meal snacks should be of the low decay risk type such as raw fruits and vegetables. Remember lots of chewing is good the for the development of the face and jaws.

So much the chewable risks to dental health: what about the drinkable risks? I would advise any parent to stick to water as the between meal thirst quencher of choice. Any other drink between meals can contribute to tooth decay in the young. All the fun drinks including milk are best consumed at mealtimes.

In all this effort at controlling the intake proven decay causing foods we must remember it is not the occasional in between meal treat that causes problems but the regular pattern of their consumption when the brushing of the teeth is not convenient that leads to trouble.

Parents should brush their children’s teeth from a very young age and continue to monitor their children's efforts when they are able to use the brush themselves. Flossing can be added when tolerated.

Remember that regular visits to the dentist for thorough exams and profession cleanings will catch any problems early when they are easy to treat. These visits can begin as young as eighteen months. I wish you well.

Cheers

Dr. Shawn Lee a Vernon Dentist

How long will it last?

We live in a world of consumer warranties. We are concerned about how long we can expect trouble free use of our new automobile. We receive a scheduled maintenance book and in our minds we commit keep up with those visits. We know if we do this we protect our investment and yet we remember that nothing lasts forever.
So it is with our teeth. The trouble is there are no warranties for things done to repair teeth or even replace teeth. The unfortunate truth is that none these treatments last forever. What we hope is that by seeing our patients regularly and by performing thorough examinations is to diagnose problems when small and easily remedied . That is a lifelong process. A healthy diet, regular profession cleaning and a habit of gentle home care all increase the probability of a life time of good dental health. But when things go wrong we are there to help.
Dr Shawn Lee
A Vernon Dentist