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Patient Education

One of the biggest challenges of dentistry is educating the patient. A large number of adult patients have never been shown how to floss or brush their teeth correctly or been told why it's important. Dr. Citrin believes that he and all dentists have an obligation to teach patients about the benefits of good oral hygiene. The following patient education information covers some common oral health problems, dental treatment options and tips for good oral hygiene.

• Tooth Decay
• Root Canals
• Periodontal Disease
• Dental Implants
• Oral Hygiene

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay refers to a tooth's mineral content being dissolved away. This occurs when plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth, mixes with sugars and starches from the foods we eat. This fusion results in the making of acids that attack the tooth enamel. As the tooth enamel is destroyed, a hole called a "cavity" occurs in the tooth's surface.

Tooth decay is the second most common disease in the United States. To avoid tooth decay and cavities, brush your teeth regularly, at least two times a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride. Floss each day to help remove food debris from between the teeth. Eat healthy foods, and avoid snacks, soft drinks and candy that contain high amounts of simple sugar.

Root Canals

A root canal is a common and safe procedure to treat an infection in the pulp of the tooth. Most people would probably refer to a tooth's pulp tissue as its "nerve." While a tooth does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Years ago, severely damaged or infected teeth were simply removed. Today, with modern dental techniques, we can save and repair infected teeth through root canal therapy.

• Root canal therapy can take 1, 2 or 3 appointments, depending on each individual case. It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after any one of these appointments: sensitivity to hot and/or cold; sensitivity to pressure; possible swelling.
• It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any, you may experience and to what extent. In complicated cases, pain medication may be necessary.
• If you experience any swelling, call our office; it may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
• A temporary filling may be used to seal the tooth between visits. This material may chip away before you return; if this is uncomfortable for you, call our office and we will replace it.
• Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
• During root canal therapy, the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth and some hard tooth is removed. This causes the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracture. In most cases a crown is needed to prevent this from happening.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth and gums as well as the bone that surrounds the teeth. It is caused by poor oral hygiene and certain unhealthy habits such as smoking. Periodontal disease causes bone loss and can eventually lead to losing teeth. There are three stages to periodontal disease:

1. Gingivitis
2. Periodontitis
3. Advanced Periodontitis

1. Gingivitis: Plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria, forms constantly on our teeth. If it isn't removed daily, it begins to harden and forms a substance called tartar. In this early stage, before bone loss has occurred, the gums become red and swollen. This is "gingivitis" and is the first stage of periodontal disease.

2. Periodontitis: As the plaque and tartar work their way down below the gum line, the gums begin to separate away from the teeth, forming pockets. Once a pocket has formed, the disease process accelerates, as new, even more destructive types of bacteria begin to populate the pocket. If the tartar isn't removed by a dental professional, your body's defensive reaction to the infection produces enzymes that cause the loss of supporting bone. This stage is known as "periodontitis."

3. Advanced Periodontitis: If left untreated, periodontal disease causes supporting bone to be lost from around the teeth. Eventually, so much bone is lost that teeth can become loose and fall out. This is "advanced periodontitis." Once it reaches advanced stages, periodontal disease cannot be reversed. It is the number one cause of missing teeth in the United States today.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are today's best alternative for replacing missing teeth. They provide a permanent and secure solution for restoring one or more lost teeth. Made of biocompatible materials, dental implants are similar to orthopedic devices, and function as anchors that support crowns, bridges or dentures.

Our patients tell us that dental implants have changed not only their smiles and their overall appearance but even their lives! If you want to replace missing teeth, there are numerous benefits to choosing dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Esthetically, they support teeth that look like real teeth. Functionally, dental implants feel and act like real teeth.
• Implants eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives. There is no longer a need to use "glue" when your prosthesis is anchored to dental implants.
• Implants can actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavors and sensations again.
• Lastly, dental implants can help maintain your bone structure and support facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes "shrinkage" or facial cosmetic changes.

Oral Hygiene

For healthy teeth and gums, oral hygiene is vital. Brushing and flossing teeth is essential for the health of your mouth and the appearance of your smile. Our goal is to help you understand and appreciate your role in maintaining your oral health.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of good health and well-being throughout life. By taking care of your teeth and gums, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow these tips for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth effectively twice a day with fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Floss at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed. Regular flossing helps to remove food debris that accumulates between your teeth, and it helps keep your gums and the neck of each tooth healthy.
• Limit the amount of soft drinks (soda) you drink and the amount of candy you eat. The simple sugar in soda and candy is especially harmful to teeth.
• Chewing sugarless gum containing the sweetener xylitol after you eat can help cleanse your mouth. Drinking water throughout the day also helps flush away excess bacteria and food debris.
• Eat unsweetened yogurt. It reduces the compounds that cause bad breath and cuts down on plaque and gingivitis.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental checkups help detect oral health problems before they become serious. Early diagnosis and intervention helps many patients save their teeth and avoid the need for more expensive dental treatments.