Fluoride is present in most of the foods we eat, and tap water in the US has been treated with the mineral (a process known as fluoridation) due to its benefits for oral health. Most people know that fluoride has been linked to healthy teeth, but do you know why fluoride is necessary? Dr. Jorgenson, your Costa Mesa dentist, explains the function of the mineral and your smile’s need for it.
We couldn’t have done it without you! It has been an amazing year getting to open our own dental practice and meet all of our amazing patients and community members. Having been in Southern California for about 10 years now, we have never experienced the warmth and kindness we have in our Orange County community.
Opening and owning your own business is a huge task (as we’ve learned), but the reward from our line of work is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could ever have at a job. Our patients welcomed us with open arms and open hearts when Dr. Jorgenson took over the practice last July. We were eager to meet everyone and also to show our patients a different dental experience than they may have had in the past. Dr. Jorgenson has a pretty simple philosophy when it comes to dentistry and patient care. He always ensures that our staff is prepared for the patient’s visit as best as possible before they arrive and goes to extra lengths to accommodate any special requests our patients might have (like no cold water, wants to listen to 90s pop music only, is nervous and needs extra TLC, etc.). When patients are in our office, they are our number one priority. You will be greeted by our front office staff and get settled in by one of our Registered Dental Assistants Jayme, Rose, or Brittany.
By Dr. Jeremy B. Jorgenson
Bad breath is the unpleasant side effect of the active bacteria in our mouths, foods we eat, smoking/tobacco use, poor dental health, and other medical conditions. More often than not, bad breath can be kept under control by regular brushing and flossing, including after meals. If you notice you are experiencing bad breath more frequently, this may be a sign of an underlying issue such as periodontal (gum) disease, infection, dry mouth caused by medication or mouth breathing, or diseases including acid reflux, liver disorders, kidney disorders, diabetes, cancers, etc. (more…)
Dental crowns can be an excellent solution for a variety of dental conditions. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials such as metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-porcelain and all-ceramic. Depending on the reason for the crown and where the crown will be placed, we may recommend one type or the other. Dr. Jorgenson prefers to use all-ceramic crowns based on their strength, resilience, and natural aesthetic look. Dr. Jorgenson typically uses Glidewell’s All-Ceramic Lava Zirconia crown. You can read more about Glidewell’s product here. (more…)
Just like all other medical fields, prevention is truly the best way to approach dentistry. Every patient is different, has a different genetic make-up, a different diet, different daily habits, etc. No matter all of the differences we have, we can all still take the necessary steps to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. (more…)
By Dr. Jeremy B. Jorgenson
Have you ever wondered why you need x-rays taken at the dentist? Although dentists are heroes, they don’t have x-ray vision. Dentists can identify areas of concern on the visible surfaces of the teeth, but a dental x-ray is necessary to see what is going on underneath the surface, in-between teeth, and at the root. Dentists can learn a lot of valuable information about the history of your teeth and the current state of your mouth by taking dental x-rays.
Your dentist will generally perform a set of Full Mouth x-rays (FMX) on your first visit, every few years, or if you experience any significant health changes. A set of Full Mouth x-rays takes images of all upper and lower teeth. More often, your dentist will take Bitewing and Periapical x-rays. Bitewing x-rays can be taken of both upper and lower teeth and are focused on just the crown of a tooth. A Bitewing x-ray can detect cavities or changes in bone density. Periapical x-rays can be taken of any tooth, but generally only show one to two teeth at a time and include the root to the crown of the tooth.
Panoramic x-rays are a type of extraoral (outside of the mouth) images. They take a picture of the entire mouth structure in a single photo. Ask your dentist for more information on other types of x-rays.
At Advanced Dental Care, we use digital x-rays which emit about half the radiation of traditional film x-rays. Digital X-Rays work by placing a rectangular sensor in the mouth that acts as a backdrop for the image of the tooth. The images are generated right into your chart and can be viewed instantly!
Occasionally, a patient will have questions about the safety of taking dental x-rays. The American Dental Association works very closely with the FDA on radiation safety. Digital x-rays combined with trained professionals and equipment monitoring provide for minimal doses of radiation exposure which have been found to be completely safe.
Digital x-rays have been a great technological advancement for the dental field. Ask your dentist to show you your crowns and roots at your next dental visit!
By Elizabeth M. Thurm, RDH
Fluoride is an all natural element that is present in water supplies, minerals, and many foods. When it is delivered to the tooth surface it can dramatically reduce the rate of caries and have a reparative effect. Fluoride treatment works primarily and most effectively as a topical mechanism (whether it is being delivered through drinking tap water, foods, products, or beverages) to remineralize tooth structure, to prevent demineralization and to inhibit plaque bacteria. When fluoride is present on the tooth surface and in plaque it inhibits acid demineralization by reducing the solubility of the tooth mineral. Fluoride treatment accelerates the remineralization process by adsorbing to mineral crystals within the tooth and attracting calcium ions. In addition, fluoride ions incorporate into the remineralizing tooth structure, resulting in the development of fluorapatite-like crystals. These crystals are less soluble than the original enamel mineral and make remineralized lesions less susceptible to future demineralization.
In plain English, fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevents them from eroding!
Everyone can benefit from the use of fluoride treatment and it’s effects through their toothpaste, although, some patients may need an added amount due to different circumstances such as root exposure, sensitivity, high plaque levels, dry mouth and the individual’s caries risk. Don’t forget to ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you can benefit from added amounts of fluoride.
By Dr. Jeremy B. Jorgenson
I know, I know, visiting your dentist two to four times a year isn’t always convenient or looked forward to, but going to the dentist regularly is exactly what can prevent you from having a painful and unpleasant dental experience later. In dental care, prevention and education are key.
Like other conditions and diseases of the body some are governed by genetics and environment, but a large part is also based on what we do to take care of ourselves. Unfortunately, dental care can often take a back seat to other things until the symptoms become urgent, painful, or even embarrassing. Don’t wait until a dental problem arises. Visiting your dentist at least two times a year can screen for oral cancer, issues with breath (an indicator of internal health), active decay, periodontal disease, orthodontic conditions, damaged teeth, etc. Finding a problem in its early stages will provide a wider variety of, and often cheaper, solutions to your oral conditions. The exam can also reveal other serious problems with health such as high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and more.
You should discuss with your dentist all medical history and any issues that you might be concerned about. Your dentist should be an integral part of your healthcare team just like your regular physician. In fact, you might even be seeing your dentist more often than your other healthcare providers. Prevention is the best thing you can do for your mouth and your body.
The dental exam should consist of an oral cancer screening, x-rays, an exam by your hygienist which may include probing and periodontal charting, and an oral examination by your dentist. The exams are quick, but can reveal a lot about the state of your health. Dentists are here to help and to reduce any fears you may have about dental procedures. Be open and express your concerns. You’ll take care of yourself in the long run and be glad you took care of that cavity before it became a root canal (ouch!).
