Got questions about your dental health? Then look no further because we’ve asked them for you (10 of them, to be exact). It is not easy running a dental practice. It takes a lot to be successful and grow the business successfully, although there are 14 steps which can help at https://www.blog.opencare.com/dentist/dental-practice-management. We talked to some of the San Joaquin area’s finest general dentists, orthodontists and cosmetic dental surgeons, and got them to share their expertise on what’s new and exciting in dentistry. We also inquired about patients’ most common dental concerns, current popular procedures and products such as ZOOM whitening, porcelain veneers, implants, Invisalign, how people can find a reliable dentist like the ones at the Eriks Dental Group, and more.
Why is it so important to have a straight, white smile?
“I believe this question can be broken down into two parts. First, straight teeth are important for the fit and function of someone’s mouth. Straight teeth are easier to brush, floss and are less prone to getting cavities. This becomes even more important the older we become. Second, a brighter, white smile is more about the aesthetics and social perceptions people have. Studies have shown from a psychosocial standpoint that people with an attractive smile have many more career and social opportunities open to them. I always tell my patients a smile can draw someone in or push them away.” -Todd Franklin, DDS
“An attractive, healthy smile is an asset that can last a lifetime. Not only will orthodontic treatment influence how you feel about yourself, it will also contribute to how healthy and stable your teeth are in the long run. “Having straight teeth goes well beyond just the aesthetics. You don’t just want the teeth to look good; you also want the bite to work well. This means that the teeth are more than just simply aligned; the roots and crowns of the teeth are carefully positioned in three dimensions to enable efficient chewing by ensuring the teeth fit together properly. Not only are the teeth considered, but also the condition of upper and lower jaws, gums and facial muscles. Addressing all these elements results in bite balance and harmony that will reduce rapid wearing of the tooth enamel, enhance long-term stability, reduce risk for traumatic fracturing of teeth, and reduce force that, when excessive, can lead to TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint) issues and discomfort. “Furthermore, proper positioning of roots and crowns of the teeth enhances periodontal health by maintaining bone and gum tissue volume and quality surrounding the teeth. Simply stated, crooked and overlapping teeth are much harder to clean.” –Cameron Wheeler, DDS, MS
Are there any new dental tools, technology and/or techniques about which you’re particularly excited to use these days? How do they make dental procedures faster or easier?
“There are many new dental technologies and techniques. Since our practice caters to children, we now have new zirconia crowns for children, which are very close to natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and function.” –Pankaj Patel, DMD (Salida Surgery Center) “I am very excited about a new technique to correct receding gums called Chao Pinhole Rejuvenation or Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST). This technique was recently featured on The Doctors TV show. Conventional gum surgery requires several weeks of healing to see the results, requires long incisions to access the area, graft tissue from the patient or donor, sutures, and is more invasive. Unlike conventional grafts, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique uses special instruments to access the area through pinholes and requires no scalpel, no sutures, and no conventional graft material. This technique is similar to endoscopic surgery in other areas of the body and as a result allows for faster healing, less pain, and instantly pleasing results.” –Maywell Inong, DDS
“There are two areas that we are utilizing to make our patient visits very smooth and comfortable. First, early detection and prevention of decay utilizing rejuvenating techniques and laser detection allows us to catch cavities when they are small. We are incorporating a technique to heal cavities without the use of drills or anesthetic. Patients love it! Secondly, modern materials are allowing us to provide much more conservative treatment options. Treatment time is usually less, with decreased chance for any post operative discomfort, and patients receive treatment that looks just like what mother nature originally gave them.” –Dr. Franklin
“There are several advances in dental technology and products now compared to before. One is the use of digital radiography. The digital x-rays can provide 85% less radiation compared to traditional x-ray techniques. The wait time for viewing the x-rays are significantly shorter, and x-rays can be emailed for faster delivery to specialists and insurance companies. “Other advances in dental products include composite resins or white fillings instead of the traditional amalgam or silver fillings. These newer composite resins provide more durability, strength, and esthetics compared to previous composite resins. “Another advance in dental products is the use of the fluoride varnish which is applied after a prophylaxis or cleaning. These newer varnishes deliver more topical fluoride directly on the enamel and stay on longer for effectiveness unlike the traditional 1 minute foam trays. Advances in dental technology and dental products continue to make procedure times shorter, enhance patient comfort, and better long-term results.” –Rafat Razi, DMD, MPH
What about advancements in the world of orthodontics?
“What is especially exciting to me are the improvements in the area of treatment diagnostics. We now have at our disposal 3D digital radiography, computer-assisted virtual treatment prediction software and intra-oral scanners that can take place of dental impressions. “Then there are the improvements with the braces, also known as 치아교정, wires, and orthodontic appliances themselves. New alloys have been developed and incorporated to provide biologically-friendliness, low force (less discomfort) and efficient tooth movement. There are now very esthetic clear ceramic braces (like Clarity Advanced, which I highly recommend) available for tougher cases. Even Invisalign has made large strides by improving the materials they use in their clear aligners. “I’m also excited about the continued development of self-ligating, or ‘reduced friction’ bracket systems, as well as a resurgence in lingual braces (placed on the tongue side of the teeth). Innovations like titanium mini-screw or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and various molar distalization techniques have virtually eliminated the need for headgear or neckgear appliances.” –Dr. Wheeler
Having a good oral hygiene regimen is something best learned young; so then it becomes a habit when an adult. In your experience, what are the best ways to teach children how to brush and floss properly, and to get regular checkups?
“It is best to start early. For example, make a routine of brushing and flossing regularly before bath time at a young age. Talk about the dentist as a normal part of 
growing up, but be careful to avoid too many negative aspects like shots or pain, as this predisposes children to dental fear.”
–Nolan Korando, DDS (Salida Sugery Center)
“The best ways to teach children how to brush and floss properly is for parents/caregivers to be the best role models for their children. Parents/caregivers are often the children’s primary source of good health care. Before the age of 6, parents /caregivers are recommended to brush and floss their child’s teeth. Children develop the necessary dexterity or hand skills to brush on their own around age 6 and around age 7-8 for flossing. Each child is different in developing their skills and habits. “Establishing regular dental check-ups for both parents and children can significantly contribute to good dental care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit no later than his/her first birthday. This visit can help educate, detect start of early cavities and prevent new cavities. Good habits start early and can result in good habits for a lifetime.” –Dr. Razi
How prevalent is “dental anxiety?” How does sedation dentistry alleviate that stress?
“Dental anxiety is very prevalent, especially among children. Sedation dentistry involves different levels of sedation to relieve mild to severe anxiety. For mild anxiety, nitrous oxide and/or an oral sedative may work great. For patients with moderate anxiety, IV sedation may be needed. For those with higher levels of anxiety, general anesthesia can be a suitable option. Many dentists are trained to provide these sedation options and can also utilize the services of dentist anesthesiologists in their offices.” –Dr. Patel
“It’s very prevalent. Over 80% of patients have anxiety; some are crippled by it. With sedation and general anesthesia, we can diminish or even eliminate the fear associated with dental treatments and help to increase access to care.” –Dr. Korando
Tell us about teeth whitening. What methods do you recommend both in the dental office and/or at home?
“In the office, I recommend ZOOM whitening. This process allows the teeth to lighten up to 8 shades in a single appointment. For home treatment, I recommend custom trays with a whitening gel. Patients wear the trays for 30 minutes for up to 2 weeks depending on the amount of whitening desired.” –Dr. Inong
For a fast cosmetic fix, few things beat porcelain veneers. What makes a patient eligible to get them?
“Porcelain veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. Getting custom porcelain veneers is an extremely popular avenue for those looking to repair their smile. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.” –American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
Implants versus dentures. What are the pros and cons of each?
“Traditionally, the way to replace lost teeth was with bridges, partials or dentures. Implants have given us the ability to replace lost teeth. Each generation is healthier than the previous one, so we are seeing fewer patients losing teeth as they did before. Implants are allowing us to replace individual teeth without having to treat other teeth. They are giving patients who have dentures better fit and chewing comfort. Even though implants are becoming more common, they are more expensive. I believe that over time these costs will decrease and become more affordable to all.” –Dr. Franklin
What conditions can result in gum damage or recession? What process do you go through to rejuvenate the gums?
“The main cause of recession is due to heavy brushing from excessive pressure and/or hard bristle toothbrushes. The excess pressure placed along the gum tissue causes the gum tissue to become thin and pull away from the root surfaces. Patients can prevent recession by switching to a soft bristle toothbrush, avoid heavy/vigorous brushing, and avoid brushing up and down. Patients are brushing too heavy if the bristles on the toothbrush start to flare out or if the toothbrush handle is bent. Gum recession can be corrected through gum surgery but it is important that brushing habits are corrected to maintain long term results. There are several types of gum surgery to rejuvenate the gums such as soft tissue gum grafts, connective tissue gum grafts, and Chao pinhole gum rejuvenation.” –Dr. Inong
What can someone do if they have multiple issues negatively affecting their smile? Where should they begin?
“If someone is considering having a dentist review their condition, it is important to find a dentist who is trained in comprehensive restorative dentistry. When a patient has multiple issues, a dentist must be able to identify the specific details of the case, know when to involve a specialist(s) and deliver care that is not only comfortable but holds up over time. These types of patients are investing time and money so the experience must reflect that.” -Dr. Franklin