My Dentist USA Home
Finance Your Procedure
Ohio Cosmetic Dentists
Philosophy Education Before & After Photos Articles Smile Gallery Procedures FAQ Contact May 21, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by StoneRidge Dental Care of Columbus


Click to learn more about:
  • Veneers
  • Headache Therapy
  • What is TMJ/TMD?
  • Second Opinion
  • Same Day Crowns
  • Metal Free Dentistry
  • Mercury in Dentistry
  • Pure Power Mouthguards
  • Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Last Chance Dentistry
  • Sleep Apnea and Snoring
  • Cosmetic Neuromuscular (NM) Dentures
  • Bleeding Gums and Heart Disease

Click here to contact Dr. Levy

Veneers


Dr. Levy has been placing veneers since 1982. He has seen techniques and materials come and go. Having trained at, and been an instructor at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), he has had the opportunity to train with and then teach alongside the leading cosmetic dentists in the world. Placing veneers is a combination of skill, artistic touch, and knowledge of materials. Too often, patients are disappointed with the fake "chicklet" look of veneers placed by dentists who have limited training or experience in this type of cosmetic dentistry. Read below for more information on veneers and the enhancement of your smile.

Veneers (also called porcelain laminates) are the mainstay of the cosmetic dental practice. With veneers, we can virtually change your smile, giving you that "Hollywood smile"! Often, you choose to have veneers placed instead of under going several years of braces (see Instant Orthodontics). When veneers are properly done, you can have changed the color. shape, size and position of teeth all at once! Veneers also replace all old and discolored fillings that were previously placed in a tooth. They can strengthen teeth as well as improve their appearance.

Previously Dr. Levy was featured on WBNS-TV 10 with Andrea Cambern doing a full set of veneers on a patient. The story showed the patient (Terry), before, during, and after the work was completed. Ask to see a copy of the video when you are in the office.

A set of veneers is usually a two to three week process, but with advanced notice and special arrangements with one of our laboratories, they can be completed - start to finish in one day!

Illusion of Instant Orthodontics
One of the most exciting things that we do for our patients is what we call "Illusion of Instant Orthodontics." We can now give YOU the look that YOU have always wanted, but weren't willing to wear braces for two to three years to have. With Illusion of Instant Orthodontics, we can straighten, lighten, change the size and change the shape of your teeth all in one process.

You can literally come into our office, and walk out within three hours wearing new transitional (temporary) veneers. Just as described above, with proper planning, the new crowns/veneers for Illusion of Instant Orthodontics can actually be completed the same day! For optimal results, Illusion of Instant Orthodontics is usually a two to three week process.

Smile Design
Smile Design is a conservative, non-aggressive way to rejuvenate your smile. Veneers work well for tooth reshaping and resizing. Veneers are an attractive way to rejuvenate your smile because they achieve a very natural look with a very conservative tooth preparation (shaping). Very little natural tooth structure is removed when veneers are bonded into place and the virgin strength of the tooth is recaptured as well. We found that this is the treatment of choice for smile enhancement if more than whitening is needed...


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Headache Therapy


Neuromuscular Dentistry

It is the art and science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw into an optimal physiologic position. Thirty years of research and clinical experience have shown this technique effective in treating patients with various levels of head and neck pain. It is also use in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of restorations and natural dentition.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

What is TMJ/TMD?


TMJ or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a term used to describe an entire group of symptoms that can include jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, worn/eroded teeth and clicking or popping in the jaw. Frequently, when Dr. Levy diagnoses TMJ disorder in a patient, they report at least two of the above symptoms. Snoring and teeth grinding are also widespread among patients who suffer from TMJ disorder. Women tend to experience more pain associated with TMJ disorder, but men have more significant damage to teeth, bone, and gums from the disorder.

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower joint to the skull. It is an extremely complex joint and is located in an area of the body where the disorder contributes to migraine headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms and hands and significant neck and shoulder pain. In almost all cases, TMJ disorder is caused by a "bad bite" or malocclusion. Dr. Levy has seen hundreds of patients who suffer from TMJ disorder and is able to diagnose and treat most of the cases with the principles of neuromuscular dentistry.

If you have any of the following symptoms, an evaluation with Dr. Levy can help to determine the best treatment options for eliminating pain and restoring your bite to the proper position.

* Facial Pain
* Numbness and tingling in arms and hands
* Headaches/Migraines
* Jaw Pain
* Sore/sensitive teeth
* Shoulder pain
* Clicking or popping in the jaw
* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
* Vertigo (dizzyness)


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Second Opinion


If you are facing a decision about major dental treatment and would like a second opinion, we are happy to provide that service. When we provide second opinions, it is extremely important that we have recent x-rays in order to give a qualified opinion. Without them, we are wasting both your time and our time. As we realize that sometimes you may feel awkward asking your current dental office for your x-rays, please realize that we will need to take new ones as necessary. These visits are complimentary, however we will need to charge for x-rays should we need to take them. Please note that COPIES of your x-rays are NOT acceptable. If you obtain your records from your dentist, please make sure that they are the originals. (Digital radiographs are acceptable, however).

Many times a new patient comes to me for a consultation and is unsure of how to proceed. A patient may want veneers, but they are unsure as to how many veneers as well as to the shape, specific smile design, color, etc. Combining cosmetics and functional dentistry is an art form and requires that your dentist have the specialized training needed to achieve the desired outcome.
We find that there are four common reason people typically postpone dental treatment.

Fear: Most patients are nervous. We can make sure that your fears and anxieties disappear. We are trained in DOCSŪ oral sedation, offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), powerful topical anesthetics, but most importantly we offer the latest technology available. Your visit will be comfortable and compassionate, as my trained staff will care for your every need.

Cost: Dental treatment is invaluable, but we realize that it can be costly. Dental insurance is rarely of any significance unless you are in excellent oral health and need minimal treatment. We want to help. We have several financing plans available. Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have.

Need: Do I NEED that crown? Do I NEED gum therapy? We have all heard the adage "if it doesn't hurt, don't fix it." While this can be great advice in some situations, it usually isn't appropriate for dentistry. One of the best advantages of modern dentistry is that we can actually PREVENT pain and emergencies by treating conditions early. Small problems mean less costly treatment. Ignoring problems and disease leads to more complicated treatment plans.

Convenience: People are busy. They don't like to be kept waiting and we schedule accordingly. Our goal is that we are 100% on time. Comprehensive dental treatment versus tooth by tooth treatment saves you valuable time.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Same Day Crowns


There is exciting new technology in dentistry today. Cerec technology is a computer aided design technology that allows patients to have their crown or caps shaped and fabricated within the same 90 minute visit. No more waiting weeks for lab work. No more second appointments and additional shots!. Easy on your schedule and incredibly convenient and fast!

Cerec restorations are natural looking, because they are made of tooth-colored ceramic material. The ceramic material is compatible with tissue in your mouth and is anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. It allows us to be extremely precise and save more of the healthy part of your tooth.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Metal Free Dentistry


These days, more than ever before, people do not want dark (Silver) mercury fillings in their mouth. Whether they are concerned about health issues or simply have cosmetic concerns, the technology for placing beautiful, white, esthetic restorations allows patients the option to choose something else. Dr. Levy stopped placing mercury restorations in the early 1990s and he is well acquainted with the options available for his patients.

There are essentially two types of restoration materials available- porcelain and composite. Porcelain is beautiful, highly durable and generally created in our labs. There is much less removal of tooth structure with porcelain fillings (onlays), thus making it a more conservative procedure. The porcelain is actually bonded to the tooth rendering it almost as strong as the original tooth. Porcelain is used to repair teeth that have broken or when teeth have large, cracked, metal fillings.

Composite material is a tooth colored plastic that can be placed in one visit. Generally, composite is fine for small restorations, and is an excellent alternative to mercury fillings.

Dr. Levy has seen dental materials come and go and is highly trained in the latest techniques and materials. He will always make sure to offer the best of alternatives for tooth restoration to his patients.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Mercury in Dentistry


Do your silver fillings contain mercury?

The answer is YES! Surprised? You aren't alone. Most people have no idea that the old, silver fillings in their mouths are full of mercury. Most 'silver' fillings contain about 50% mercury. Mercury is the second most toxic substance on this planet. It is toxic to biological systems, can damage your skin, lungs, kidneys, and can cross the blood brain barrier causing permanent damage to your brain and nervous system. It has been banned for use in dentistry in almost all of Europe, and now there are 5 states with informed consent laws in place that require dental offices to inform their patients of its true content as well as to inform them of available alternative materials. I think you can go round and round about this issue, but the bottom line really asks the question: Why place mercury amalgam in the first place? The answer is that it's cheap and easy to place. But I see patients in my practice everyday who have broken teeth and toothaches caused by old mercury fillings that have expanded with temperature changes like the mercury in old thermometers. These teeth now need extensive restorations which sometimes including root canals, crowns, or extractions and bridges. I would be remiss to point out that there is often decay under these old fillings because they were done before bonded restorations which protect the inside of the tooth were available.

The truth is that dentistry has progressed since amalgam was first used in the early 1800's. Could you imagine your doctor using techniques that were in use during the Civil War? We now have safer, more esthetic materials that offer natural, non-toxic alternatives to amalgam. Why would you not want to choose these over mercury amalgam? But know that it is also more difficult for the dentist to place and not all dentists get the training needed to get predictable, beautiful results. Make sure your dentist has taken hands-on courses to enhance his or her skills. It can be the difference that gives you a healthy, beautiful smile.

So, it goes without saying that I do not place mercury amalgam restorations. I have not placed amalgam since the early 1990's. I have lots of information about mercury amalgam below including warning labels from the manufacturers themselves as well as some pictures of what happens to teeth with amalgam in them. If you are interested in learning more, please read my blog about mercury amalgam.
Actual Disclaimer and Safety Warning
from a Mercury Amalgam Manufacturer

Contraindication
The use of amalgam is contraindicated in:

* Proximal or occlusal contact to dissimilar metal restorations
* In patients with sever renal deficiency
* In patients with known allergies to amalgams
* For retrograde or endodontic filling
* As a filling material for a cast crown
* In children 6 and under
* In expectant mothers
* In patients with compromised immune systems


Side Effect/Warning

This product contains mercury, which is known by the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Prior to use, read the MSDS information and product instructions for this item.

Exposure to mercury may cause irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract and mucous membrane. In individual cases, hypersensitivity reactions, allergies, or electronically caused local reactions have been observed. Due to electrochemical processes, the lichen planus of the mucosa may develop.

Mercury may also be a skin sensitizer, pulmonary sensitizer, nephrotoxin and neurotoxin.

After placement or removal of amalgam restorations, there is a temporary increase of the mercury concentration in the blood and urine.

Mercury expressed during condensation and unset amalgam may cause amalgamation or galvanic effect if in contact with other metal restorations. If symptoms persist, the amalgam should be replaced by a different material.

Removal of clinically acceptable amalgam restorations should be avoided to minimize mercury exposure, especially in expectant mothers.

The number of amalgam restorations should be kept to a minimum.

Inhalation of mercury vapor by dental staff may be avoided by proper handling of the amalgam, the use of masks, along with adequate ventilation.

Avoid contact with the skin and wear safety glasses and gloves.

Store amalgam scrap in well sealed containers. Regulations for disposal must be observed.

"Do 'silver fillings' give off mercury?


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Pure Power Mouthguards


What is a Pure Power Mouthguard?

The Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM) is an astonishing new piece of health-science technology that enables you to immediately see improvements in balance, strength and endurance. Based on the proven scientific principles of neuromuscular dentistry (link to that button), the PPM correctly aligns the bottom jaw and it is that correction that allows the wearer to experience these changes. Due to his years of experience practicing neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Mark Levy is the only dentist in Columbus Ohio certified to fit a PPM.
Who can benefit from a PPM?

Anyone from the avid golfer, to professional athletes, to the weekend warrior, football players, weight lifters- can benefit from increased balance and upper body strength. It is designed to be worn comfortably during all sports or physical activities and has the added benefit of protecting the teeth and jaw from injury. It is estimated that up to 90% of the general population has misalignment of their jaw. Imagine the possibilities if you were to experience the effects of the most powerful and legal sports performance enhancer available.

* An immediate increase in upper body strength of between 20-50%
* A 12-18 inch increase in range of motion
* The release of stored residual tension in the body for much easier recovery
* A dramatic reduction in chance of injury and concussion
* An instant increase in the ability to breathe better


Who is Using the PPM?

Professional athletes on teams like the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Indiana Pacers and Montreal Canadians are wearing the PPM. Most recently, a well known college football team is fitting their student athletes. They have asked not to be named, for obvious reasons. There are several UFC fighters who have become avid fans of the PPM.
How do I get a PPM?

Dr. Levy will need to determine if you are a candidate for the PPM. A simple 15 minute consultation will be scheduled. Should he decide you can benefit from a PPM, we will schedule an appointment for approximately ninety minutes to determine proper bite and take impressions of your lower and upper teeth. A second appointment (20 minutes) approximately two weeks later will be scheduled for the fitting of the PPM.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers


Dr. Levy has been placing veneers since 1982. He has seen techniques and materials come and go. Having trained at, and been an instructor at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), he has had the opportunity to train with and then teach alongside the leading cosmetic dentists in the world. Placing veneers is a combination of skill, artistic touch, and knowledge of materials. Too often, patients are disappointed with the fake "chicklet" look of veneers placed by dentists who have limited training or experience in this type of cosmetic dentistry. Read below for more information on veneers and the enhancement of your smile.

Veneers (also called porcelain laminates) are the mainstay of the cosmetic dental practice. With veneers, we can virtually change your smile, giving you that "Hollywood smile"! Often, you choose to have veneers placed instead of under going several years of braces (see Instant Orthodontics). When veneers are properly done, you can have changed the color. shape, size and position of teeth all at once! Veneers also replace all old and discolored fillings that were previously placed in a tooth. They can strengthen teeth as well as improve their appearance.

Previously Dr. Levy was featured on WBNS-TV 10 with Andrea Cambern doing a full set of veneers on a patient. The story showed the patient (Terry), before, during, and after the work was completed. Ask to see a copy of the video when you are in the office.

A set of veneers is usually a two to three week process, but with advanced notice and special arrangements with one of our laboratories, they can be completed - start to finish in one day!
Illusion of Instant Orthodontics

One of the most exciting things that we do for our patients is what we call "Illusion of Instant Orthodontics." We can now give YOU the look that YOU have always wanted, but weren't willing to wear braces for two to three years to have. With Illusion of Instant Orthodontics, we can straighten, lighten, change the size and change the shape of your teeth all in one process.

You can literally come into our office, and walk out within three hours wearing new transitional (temporary) veneers. Just as described above, with proper planning, the new crowns/veneers for Illusion of Instant Orthodontics can actually be completed the same day! For optimal results, Illusion of Instant Orthodontics is usually a two to three week process.
Smile Design

Smile Design is a conservative, non-aggressive way to rejuvenate your smile. Veneers work well for tooth reshaping and resizing. Veneers are an attractive way to rejuvenate your smile because they achieve a very natural look with a very conservative tooth preparation (shaping). Very little natural tooth structure is removed when veneers are bonded into place and the virgin strength of the tooth is recaptured as well. We found that this is the treatment of choice for smile enhancement if more than whitening is needed...


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Teeth Whitening


Teeth whitening is one of the quickest ways to improve the appearance of your smile. There are two simple ways to whiten your teeth.

The first way involves wearing thin, clear, plastic trays that contain whitening solutions. These are custom made for your mouth, and usually are worn for 7-14 days for just a few hours at a time or at bedtime. Results are visible within a day or two!

The Second method is 'Power Whitening'. This is a procedure that is done in our office, and usually take only 60-90 minutes. The results are simply amazing! We are the first office in central Ohio to become an associated center using the Zoom2 system! This process actually enables you to lighten your teeth 5-6 shades in about an hour.

Ask us which method would be best for you, as there are specific reasons why one would be better for any given individual.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Last Chance Dentistry


Think there is no hope? Patients come to Dr. Levy all the time with emotionally scarred lives as a result of broken smiles. There is hope for you if you suffer from this sort of dental disease. It may take some time, but you can be put back together and you can have the smile you have always dreamed about. If you are embarrassed by your smile or frightened to see a dentist, you just may want to call. It may give you your life back.

This client was a young girl who had no dental care for most of her life, and had been plagued with rampant decay and even some oral trauma. She is now smiling all the time! It is easy to shy away from dealing with these issues, but I encourage you to contact Dr. Levy. We don't judge, lecture, or berate. We are here to help you.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Sleep Apnea and Snoring


Do you fall asleep during the day?

Have you been told that you snore?

Do you wake up gasping for air in the middle of the night?

Are you married to someone who keeps you up all night because of snoring?

Do you and your partner sleep in separate rooms because of snoring or a CPAP?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from or be married to someone who has Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing many times throughout the night, sometimes for dangerously long periods of time. It is estimated that up to 10% of middle-aged men and women may suffer from sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea is a serious life threatening medical condition. The prolonged shortage of oxygen to your body affects every major body system and if left untreated is estimated to take an average of 8 years off of a person's life.
How Dangerous is Sleep Apnea?

High blood pressure- did you know that 90% of people with high blood pressure suffer from sleep apnea? In addition, up to 60% of sleep apnea sufferers develop high blood pressure.

* Heart Attack
* Stroke
* Sudden Death
* Depression
* Memory Loss
* Decreased Libido
* Fatigue and sleepiness that lasts all day
* Headaches
* Panic Attacks
* Premature Aging


All of the above can be caused by obstructive sleep apnea. It is now recognized as a serious condition that damages your health and robs you of years of life. In conjunction with a sleep study, Dr. Levy can help to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health now designate dental appliance therapy as a first line treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Dental sleep medicine can effectively treat sleep apnea and snoring using oral appliance therapy. If you have any of the following symptoms, a consult with Dr. Levy may be recommended.

* Snoring- loud, snorting, gasping snores
* Extended pauses in breathing during the night
* Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
* Changes in personality
* Memory Loss
* Headaches
* Obesity- sleep apnea is thought to contribute to abdominal fat deposits and increased cortisol levels
* GERD- acid reflux disease


What is this Oral Appliance?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea are somewhat similar to a night guard or "bite guard". They are worn during the night and their primary function is to maintain the airway opening. Unlike the CPAP, these appliances are comfortable, silent, and easy to use and travel with.
What takes place during a consult for Sleep Apnea?

The screening process in our office will usually consist of:

* Complete medical/dental history
* Intraoral exam and evaluation of the head, neck, teeth, and supporting structures
* Dental Impressions
* Evaluation of occlusion and TMJ
* Administration of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale-a screening tool


For the dental solution to sleep apnea, Dr. Levy will, in conjunction with a sleep study, use a pharyngometer to determine the best position for your jaw to maintain an open airway. The pharyngometer measures the opening of the airway using sound waves. Using these results, Dr. Levy will find the precise position to allow for maximum airway opening. The pharyngometer is so precise it also allows us to determine if you are NOT a candidate for the oral appliance, thus saving you the expense and time necessary to fabricate the appliance.
What are the advantages of an oral appliance?

* Cost effective
* Excellent patient acceptance and compliance
* Reversible therapy (non-surgical)
* Non-invasive


If you feel you or someone you love may suffer from sleep apnea, or you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Dr. Levy for a screening consultation.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Cosmetic Neuromuscular (NM) Dentures


The loss of your natural teeth is an unfortunate occurrence. Many people have felt that as a denture wearer, they have been left behind as traditional cosmetic dentistry has advanced with the current trend of veneers and full mouth restorations. Not only denture wearers, but unfortunately, a lot of dentists feel this way too. Dr. Levy combines his skills as an accomplished cosmetic dentist to create neuromuscular dentures that fill this void. They are considered a cosmetic full mouth restoration with proper functioning being as key an ingredient as esthetics.
How does neuromuscular dentistry help provide superior dentures?

When restoring a single tooth, the dentist can use the rest of your teeth as a reference for how high the new tooth should be and how it bites against other teeth. A denture wearer presents a bigger challenge: where do you make the teeth hit? Where to establish the bite (how high to make the upper and lower teeth) has traditionally been largely an arbitrary decision based on the dentist's experience. While the patient may get by with this arbitrary bite position, it frequently leads to functional problems in chewing or speech and may also result in considerable discomfort or pain. An arbitrary bite position may also result in a very unnatural look.

NMD is an abbreviation of Neuromuscular Dentistry, the science part of the formula. The "neuromuscular dentist" is one who uses computer generated information concerning the status and function of the muscles and joints involved in your bite. In addition to all of the traditional means of denture construction, with NM Dentistry, the dentist precisely measures the activity of the muscles that control the jaw and determines an optimum jaw position - one dictated by scientific tests that that are conducted by Dr. Levy.

In the NM evaluation process, Dr. Levy also looks for any abnormalities in your jaw function and will take steps to correct them in finalizing the dentures.

Today, utilizing the concepts of neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Levy can create a beautiful set of dentures that are like none you've ever had. These dentures feature exceptionally natural and esthetic teeth that are personally positioned by Dr. Levy along with your input. Using a smile guide, Dr. Levy works with you to design custom dentures that can help restore your natural, beautiful smile. Results are predictable and smiles are beautiful!

Each set of cosmetic dentures is of course, custom made just for you. The process begins with detailed measurements of crucial aspects of facial size and mouth characteristics. You can choose from a wide range of smile designs and the teeth have subtle and natural differences in shapes and length. Tooth color and gum color are also carefully evaluated to find the perfect shades for your face. By combining just the right shape, length, and color, along with the latest neuromuscular principles, we can create your very own natural smile. When it comes to dentures, yours should go unnoticed. The better the dentures, the more natural and lifelike they appear. Gone are the days of the bulky and ugly denture.

It's astonishing how a cosmetic smile makeover, whether it be veneers or new dentures can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. Old denture teeth wear down and can shorten the dimensions of your face. As a result, you look older and more wrinkled. However, by increasing the dimension between your upper and lower jaw with new cosmetic dentures, we can make you look and feel years younger. It's like having plastic surgery without an operation! Cosmetic neuromuscular dentures combine the demands for function and esthetics and keep you comfortable.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top

Bleeding Gums and Heart Disease


What if every time you washed your hands, your cuticles bled? Would you be concerned? We bet so, and yet, every day people brush their teeth and are not at all alarmed by the blood they spit. If it were your fingers, you would probably run to the doctor, but some people rarely if ever visit the dentist. You may not realize that persistent sore, swollen, red, or bleeding gums as well as bad breath are warning signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) - a serious infection that, left untreated, may lead to tooth loss as well as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and premature/underweight newborns.

Gum disease can affect one tooth or the whole mouth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. The plaque produces a biofilm which is a magnet for those toxin producing bacteria.

In the least harmful form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is little to no pain or discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and it is estimated that up to 90% of the adult population may suffer from some form of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

If untreated, gingivitis usually advances to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gum tissue. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Bad breath, while unpleasant, is not exactly an emergency situation. Right? But it is probably the first sign of progressing gum disease. Left untreated, teeth become "loose" in their pockets and the progression to tooth loss is inevitable.

Did you know that the expression "looking long in the tooth" is actually describing gum disease? As the infection progresses and gums recede, the teeth look longer. So an age old expression actually relates to an age old problem. The good news is, if caught early enough, we can treat and reverse the infectious disease process. And with the latest technology, we can treat this disease comfortably and with minimal discomfort. Read about our laser gum therapy, the Millenium Periolase or LANAP.


Click here to email Dr. Levy

Return to top
 
Dr. Levy, Dr. Conkey, Dr. Moberger & Dr. Patel
StoneRidge Dental Care

Office Address:

925 North Hamilton Road
Gahanna, OH 43230

Email Dr. Levy

My Dentist USA is sponsored and made possible by the Cosmetic Dentists featured on this website.
MyDentistUSA.com is solely a provider of information. If information provided is used by the Internet user, said use is at that person's sole risk and discretion.
Please read the full Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions. By entering the website, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
© 2012 NKP Medical Marketing, Inc. · 8939 S Sepulveda Blvd · Suite 414 · Los Angeles, CA 90045