http://www.atanasesmiles.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions Dr. Atanase is a Dentist in Chatham, NJ specializes in family Dentistry for patients of all ages Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT en-us http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/crowns-black-lines-metal/100 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Those black lines are usually caused by the dark metal under your porcelain crowns. Dentistry has come a long way in the past ten years - especially with the strength and quality of materials used for crowns, veneers and bridges.& ; Those black lines can be replaced now with a beautiful all ceramic crown such as a Lava or Empress II or Zirconium porcelain crown.& ; They are metal free and thus will not have the black lines or shadows. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/tooth-teeth-bite-shifting/110 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT If a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth and the tooth above can drift or move out of alignment, disrupting your bite relationship. Shifting creates gaps where more food can be trapped which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Muscle-tension headaches, migraines and pain can result from shifting teeth.& ;Your dentist can recommend solutions that recreate strength and beauty while maintaining bite stability. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/implants-teeth-missing-bone/111 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT YES!!& ;& ;Dental implants are now considered the standard of care for missing teeth. Studies show that after ten years 90% of the implant cases continue to be successful. Unlike bridges, there is no undue damage to adjacent teeth. Why cut two good teeth to replace one missing tooth if you don’t need to? & ;With bridges you still get bone loss in area of the missing tooth-& ;the opposite is true with implants. Implants help maintain bone integrity. Because implants are stronger, healthier, maintain bone, last longer, and are not damaging to adjacent teeth, in most cases they are and should be considered the standard of care in any office. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/implants-dentures-roots-place/105 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Implants are titanium roots placed in your jaw bone to replace missing roots.& ; Crowns, bridges and dentures are then fitted to your "new roots."& ; Mini dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jaw bone to hold your loose dentures in place without and denture glue.& ; We can usually fit them to your existing denture in just a couple of hours. Dr. Atanase works with great specialists who will help place the implants and then she will restore the implant as needed. & ; http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/teeth-husband-joints-veneers/107 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Start with the main problem- what’s causing the excessive wear?& ;Certainly, he is an aggressive bruxer (grinds teeth),& ;but he absolutely must have a dentist familiar with jaw joint diagnosis check the health of both joints prior to rebuilding your husband’s teeth.& ;The bite may need to be balanced as well.& ;Veneers will not be strong enough to withstand the heavy chewing forces, so porcelain crowns would be a better choice to restore your husband’s smile. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/free-teeth-tooth-decay/116 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Here are six steps to stay free of tooth decay. 1: Good home care, that is parent assisted brushing and flossing. 2: Fluorides topically and in water. 3: Limited snacking because frequent consumption of starchy foods like crackers, breads, and sweets lead to tooth decay. 4: Sealants in teeth with pits and grooves. 5: Mouthguards in sports like football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and gymnastics. 6: Regular dental visits to a dentist.& ;Additionally, if your children are wearing braces, they still need to have regular cleanings. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/sealant-decay-help-surfaces/114 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Teeth that have deep depressions and grooves on their biting surfaces are prime candidates for developing decay. The surface of the tooth is first cleaned off and then the sealant is bonded to the tooth (all accomplished without anesthetic). The sealant acts as a barrier protecting the tooth from plaque, sugars, and acids which cause decay. Although thorough brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth clean, the bristles cannot remove everything from the deep grooves on the biting surfaces. Sealants help to protect these susceptible areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Sealants are an excellent way of helping to prevent decay, usually lasting several years before reapplication is needed. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/vibration-jva-surfaces-joint/137 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Dr. Atanase recognizes that one's Temporomandibular Joint is part of the whole masticatory system.& ; Just like she examines your teeth and oral tissues, she will check the health of the TMJ.& ; With the aid of the JVA program, a more accurate representation of the health of one's joint can be assertained.& ; A video of the use of this technique is shown in the link provided: JVA video.& ; Bio-JVA Joint Vibration Analysis is based on simple principles of motion and friction: When smooth surfaces rub together, little friction is created...and little vibration. If these surfaces become rough, then friction and vibration are created when these surfaces articulate. JVA provides a fast, non-invasive, and repeatable measurement of TMJ function to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ function. & ;Human joints have surfaces which rub together in function. Smooth, well lubricated surfaces in a proper biomechanical relationship produce little friction and little vibration. But surface changes, such as those caused by degeneration, tears, or displacements of the disk, generally produce friction and vibration. Different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or “signatures”. Computer-assisted vibration analysis helps identify these patterns and helps the dentist distinguish among various TM disorders. & ;A JVA recording only takes 10 seconds of patient time, and less than 3 minutes of staff time. & ;Interpretation is done by the clinician and takes only a few minutes. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/joints-jaw-temporomandibular-teeth/106 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Your problem may be caused from a misalignment of your lower and upper jaws. In dentistry this is called TMD or temporomandibular dysfunction. Some of the more common symptoms may include popping and clicking of one or both of the temporomandibular (jaw) joints located in front of each ear. Also included are stiff muscles of the neck and face, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, and frequent headaches. Your jaw joints are complex ball and socket joints with a disc in between the bones that acts like a shock absorber. This joint complex can become damaged due to teeth grinding, stress, clenching, poor posture, worn or misaligned teeth, or traumatic injury such as a whiplash. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you can call us at (973) 908-8681 and set up a time to go over any other questions you may have. & ; & ; http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/nti-devices-migraine-trigeminally/104 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT A device to be used in the prophylactic treatment of medically diagnosed migraine pain as well as migraine associated tension-type headaches, by reducing their signs and symptoms through reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity. & ; (NTI-tss devices are manufactured of Lexan 144R polycarbonate, deemed safe for use by the FDA) You can access more info on the NTI site. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/gerd-liquid-esophagus-acid/102 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus, and often beyond, into the oral cavity. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus, and can gradually erode the enamel surfaces of the teeth. The refluxed contents typically contain acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. The regurgitated liquid also may contain bile that has backed up into the stomach from the small intestine. Acid is the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. and it is the one thing we are concerned with as it relates to the erosion of teeth. GERD is a chronic condition. Once it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), this also is a chronic condition. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed with treatment and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely. Actually, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. In fact, one study found that reflux occurs as frequently in normal individuals as in patients with GERD. In patients with GERD, however, the refluxed liquid contains acid more often, and the acid remains in the esophagus longer. Sometimes, it reaches the area of the tonsils, and can create ulcerations. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/root-teeth-infection-gums/117 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT If your gums are infected, it is necessary to treat the infection first by carefully removing the bacteria, calculus, and toxins that have accumulated below the gumline and on the root surface.& ;Without this root planning treatment, the infection will worsen, destroying the bone that anchors the teeth.& ;& ; This procedure can be done painlessly, and the reward – healthy gums – is definitely worth it! Once your infection has been treated, your dentist or hygienist can do a better job cleaning your teeth.& ;Periodic evaluations (every 3-4 months) will maintain healthy gums. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/brain-pad-lower-over/356 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT & ;The "Brain-Pad" is a relatively new mouth guard that has been shown to reduce the incidence of concussions by 40% while protecting both the upper and lower teeth. & ;It fits comfortably over the teeth (and over braces too!), allows for easier breathing and protects the base of the skull by positioning the lower jaw downward and forward. & ;For more information, visit the company's website: Brain-Pad or call our office at 973-635-0626. & ;Dr. Atanase is such a proponent of prevention that she is offering this mouth guard at no charge for those patients who participate in contact sports - as long as he/she has had an appointment for an exam and cleaning within the past 2 months. & ;This promotion will be available until December 2011. & ; http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/vibration-jva-surfaces-joint/137 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Dr. Atanase recognizes that one's Temporomandibular Joint is part of the whole masticatory system.& ; Just like she examines your teeth and oral tissues, she will check the health of the TMJ.& ; With the aid of the JVA program, a more accurate representation of the health of one's joint can be assertained.& ; A video of the use of this technique is shown in the link provided: JVA video.& ; Bio-JVA Joint Vibration Analysis is based on simple principles of motion and friction: When smooth surfaces rub together, little friction is created...and little vibration. If these surfaces become rough, then friction and vibration are created when these surfaces articulate. JVA provides a fast, non-invasive, and repeatable measurement of TMJ function to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ function. & ;Human joints have surfaces which rub together in function. Smooth, well lubricated surfaces in a proper biomechanical relationship produce little friction and little vibration. But surface changes, such as those caused by degeneration, tears, or displacements of the disk, generally produce friction and vibration. Different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or “signatures”. Computer-assisted vibration analysis helps identify these patterns and helps the dentist distinguish among various TM disorders. & ;A JVA recording only takes 10 seconds of patient time, and less than 3 minutes of staff time. & ;Interpretation is done by the clinician and takes only a few minutes. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/tooth-pain-often-chewing/113 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Pain associated with chewing pressure, or pain on releasing after biting down, is often indicative of a cracked tooth. Cracked teeth can result from very large fillings with weakened supporting walls, trauma, extensive wear from grinding or clenching, or eating ice. Full coverage placement of a crown restoration is often indicated to encircle the tooth and prevent the flexing of these walls that causes pain. If the crack runs towards the nerve of the tooth, root canal therapy maybe needed. If you find yourself avoiding an area, or chewing only on one side, let your dentist know. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/rays-digital-reveal-teeth/112 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Dental x-rays (digital or conventional) are extremely helpful in detecting diseases of the teeth, surrounding gum and bone.& ;They can reveal small cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen visually.& ;Infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts and other abnormalities can be detected with x-rays.& ;However, the new computer based digital x-rays reveal more diagnostic information than film-based images, at& ;one-tenth& ;the x-ray absorption, with amazing clarity. Our office prefers digital x-rays because of these benefits for our patients. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/rays-digital-root-diagnosis/115 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Ask for digital x-rays –they emit tiny amounts of radiation.compared to conventional x-rays.& ;I am in favor of x-ray use, not abuse.& ;There are many reasons for taking x-rays.& ;Not only do they visualize decay,& ;they are also used to determine bone levels, detect abscesses and growth discrepancies.& ;I would compare x-ray usage with the concept of routine blood work.& ;Their purpose is early detection and diagnosis of pathology. Remember, most big expensive, time consuming, nerve racking procedures such as crowns, root canals, gum disease and extractions started as a small spot on an x-ray that was never taken. Our office is equipped with intraoral digital x-rays. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/brain-pad-lower-over/356 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT & ;The "Brain-Pad" is a relatively new mouth guard that has been shown to reduce the incidence of concussions by 40% while protecting both the upper and lower teeth. & ;It fits comfortably over the teeth (and over braces too!), allows for easier breathing and protects the base of the skull by positioning the lower jaw downward and forward. & ;For more information, visit the company's website: Brain-Pad or call our office at 973-635-0626. & ;Dr. Atanase is such a proponent of prevention that she is offering this mouth guard at no charge for those patients who participate in contact sports - as long as he/she has had an appointment for an exam and cleaning within the past 2 months. & ;This promotion will be available until December 2011. & ; http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/free-teeth-tooth-decay/116 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Here are six steps to stay free of tooth decay. 1: Good home care, that is parent assisted brushing and flossing. 2: Fluorides topically and in water. 3: Limited snacking because frequent consumption of starchy foods like crackers, breads, and sweets lead to tooth decay. 4: Sealants in teeth with pits and grooves. 5: Mouthguards in sports like football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and gymnastics. 6: Regular dental visits to a dentist.& ;Additionally, if your children are wearing braces, they still need to have regular cleanings. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/rays-digital-root-diagnosis/115 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Ask for digital x-rays –they emit tiny amounts of radiation.compared to conventional x-rays.& ;I am in favor of x-ray use, not abuse.& ;There are many reasons for taking x-rays.& ;Not only do they visualize decay,& ;they are also used to determine bone levels, detect abscesses and growth discrepancies.& ;I would compare x-ray usage with the concept of routine blood work.& ;Their purpose is early detection and diagnosis of pathology. Remember, most big expensive, time consuming, nerve racking procedures such as crowns, root canals, gum disease and extractions started as a small spot on an x-ray that was never taken. Our office is equipped with intraoral digital x-rays. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/during-hormonal-changes-oral/108 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Women have hormonal changes as they reach puberty, during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and from oral contraceptives. Hormonal changes, especially those occurring during the teenage and childbearing years, increases the harmful effect that bacterial dental plaque can have on the gums. During menopause, increased sensitivity, altered taste sensations or a reduction in saliva can occur. A decrease in saliva is associated with increased tooth decay. Regular dental visits, good hygiene, and a balanced diet are essential for women at any stage of life and especially during periods of hormonal& ;changes. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/sealant-decay-help-surfaces/114 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Teeth that have deep depressions and grooves on their biting surfaces are prime candidates for developing decay. The surface of the tooth is first cleaned off and then the sealant is bonded to the tooth (all accomplished without anesthetic). The sealant acts as a barrier protecting the tooth from plaque, sugars, and acids which cause decay. Although thorough brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth clean, the bristles cannot remove everything from the deep grooves on the biting surfaces. Sealants help to protect these susceptible areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Sealants are an excellent way of helping to prevent decay, usually lasting several years before reapplication is needed. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/veneers-smile-teeth-damaged/101 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Veneers are thin sheets of pure porcelain that can be used to repair damaged teeth or lighten and straighten your teeth.& ; They can dramatically change your smile and increase your confidence and self-esteem almost overnight!& ; When friends and family members talk about Smile Makeovers they are typically talking about veneers and cosmetic crowns. http://www.atanasesmiles.com/faq/teeth-husband-joints-veneers/107 Sat, 19 May 2012 8:59:00 AM PDT Start with the main problem- what’s causing the excessive wear?& ;Certainly, he is an aggressive bruxer (grinds teeth),& ;but he absolutely must have a dentist familiar with jaw joint diagnosis check the health of both joints prior to rebuilding your husband’s teeth.& ;The bite may need to be balanced as well.& ;Veneers will not be strong enough to withstand the heavy chewing forces, so porcelain crowns would be a better choice to restore your husband’s smile.