Sonoma Dentist Offers Facelift Dentures

January 26, 2012 Nor Cal Dentist Archives, Dentures
Facelift Dentures

Facelift Dentures Sonoma

Dr. Wayne Sutton of Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park is pleased to offer Facelift Dentures to his patients. Dr. Sutton is one of the few dentists in California (and the country!) to offer this innovative and effective procedure that is quickly replacing traditional dentures. Facelift Dentures are designed to combat jaw bone resorption that is responsible for the sagging or sunken facial appearance that is experienced by traditional dentures.

The sagging of the face occurs because when the jaw bones lose teeth, the upper and lower jaw bones begin to deteriorate and give the appearance that you are older than you are. Many patients never really learn about the effects of jaw bone resorption until they are experiencing it themselves. When the tooth root structures in our mouth are no longer stimulated as they are by our natural teeth they begin to resorb. Facelift Dentures can prevent this from happening as can dental implants.

The science behind Facelift Dentures is practicing neuromuscular dentistry treatments that seek to achieve and maintain optimum muscle relaxation and function. Each patient will receive a custom-tailored set of Facelift Dentures that provides stability and relaxed muscles that function better than traditional dentures. These relaxed and stable muscles result in the facelift effect that is produced without the use of surgery.

The benefits of Facelift Dentures include:

  • Plump lips
  • Lessening of wrinkles
  • Helps build the face out
  • Allows patients to chew better
  • Achieve a better fit than all the other dentures

Contact us today to learn more about Facelift Dentures and to schedule an appointment.

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Lumineers FAQ

January 9, 2012 Nor Cal Dentist Archives, Lumineers
Lumineers

Lumineers FAQ

What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are similar to dental veneers except they are thinner. The other difference is that Lumineers don’t require the grinding down of healthy tooth structure so they are a less invasive procedure than traditional veneers.

Is The Lumineers Procedure Painful?

Our patients often wonder if the Lumineers procedure is painful. We tell them that most patients experience little to no discomfort because the veneers do not require any grinding down of healthy tooth structure and don’t require shots. After the procedure is completed there is no placement discomfort or tooth sensitivity.

How Long is the Procedure?

The Lumineers procedure typically takes two visits to our office. You will first have to come in for a consultation and a personal evaluation in which we determine your candidacy and to discuss your smile goals. The next visit we place the Lumineers to your teeth and ensure a proper fit.

Can Lumineers Be a Braces Alternative?

Yes! Dr. Sutton will be able to determine if you are a candidate for Lumineers after evaluating your teeth and your bite. In most cases Lumineers can allow you to avoid the inconvenience of braces. For patients who still may need orthodontics, Dr. Sutton may suggest Invisalign braces to help correct orthodontic problems.

How Long Do Lumineers Last?

Lumineers offers a limited lifetime warranty that is available that allows replacements at no charge. Clinical studies have shown that Lumineers can last over 20 years with appropriate care and good dental health.

What Kinds of Dental Issues Can Lumineers Fix?

Dental Veneers have been shown to fix the following:

  • Damaged teeth (chipped or cracked)
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Spaced teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Slightly crowded teeth
  • Small teeth
  • Worn teeth

Is My Diet Limited With Lumineers?

No. You can eat whatever you like with Lumineers including gum and other sticky foods. Lumineers don’t replace good dental health and patients will be advised to take care of Lumineers as they do their natural teeth.

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Interesting Facts About Saliva

November 30, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Archives, Dental Checkups
Saliva

Saliva Samples Future of Disease Prevention?

Most people probably think of saliva as the spit-like substance in the mouth that helps them to break down foods and maintain their mouths moisture levels. While these are certainly true and interesting aspects of the fluid there is more to saliva including important dental aspects as well as research that is using saliva to detect diseases in a more timely, efficient and safer manner. In fact, saliva may one day replace blood samples which is big news for scientists and doctors who see the potential of saliva screenings to save lives.

Saliva is secreted into the mouth by three major glands that are near the jaws and inside the lips, cheeks, mouth and throat. The saliva glands secrete a watery fluid that contains proteins, enzymes, minerals, and antibodies that help to perform some very helpful functions within our mouths:

Cleansing- Saliva helps to wash food particles from the mouth and helps to reduce the amount of sugars that cause cavities.

Protecting & Disinfecting- Saliva protects the mouth by fighting bacteria and other germ-causing organisms in the mouth.

Maintenance- Saliva helps to keep the balance in the mouth between acidity and alkalinity that can cause decay.

Re-mineralization- Saliva contain calcium and phosphate minerals which aid in the enamel building process.

Digesting- Saliva makes food easier to chew and breaks down starches.

Most recently saliva has been researched and tested to diagnose disease. It can be evaluated by scientists for molecules that are indicators for disease. By looking into the composition of the fluid scientists are able to see if the molecules contained have indicators of harmful health conditions. The benefit of saliva is that is easier and cheaper to collect, is easier to handle, and doesn’t expose healthcare workers to blood-borne diseases.

Look for more research on this interesting science in the near future as scientists make progress in its research.

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Sonoma Smiles Helps Support Our Troops

November 9, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Archives, Events, Featured Articles
veterans day

Happy Veterans Day

Dr. Wayne Sutton and the Sonoma Smiles staff are working hard to help support our troops who need restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments but may not be able to receive them through the VA. Dr. Sutton is a part of the recently launched A Soldiers Smile charity event in which he and other Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) dentists will provide free dentistry treatments to select soldiers. The event, which kicked off this past weekend, is endorsed by decorated military veteran and celebrity Montel Williams who has already appeared on national TV promoting the event and the dentists.

Our veterans health care system can make it difficult for them to get the dental care they need because there are certain restrictions put in place that apply when dental care is necessary. In fact, the law has restrictions on providing health care for veterans based on their condition in or out of service and their income level. These laws make it difficult for veterans to have access to dental procedures that may help to improve their health.

Instead of waiting for our health care system to make corrections or improve it is through the generous efforts of Dr. Sutton, the other ACE dentists and Montel Williams that the A Soldiers Smile charity is being made possible. Select soldiers will be eligible for dental care that helps to improve their health as well their self-confidence. The charity, which has already begun will be taking place at select VA hospitals where the dentists will be providing the necessary restorative and cosmetic treatments to soldiers who deserve it.

Given the state of the health care benefits eligible to veterans ACE and Montel are hoping that this event will bring awareness to these unfulfilled needs. This Friday the 11th marks Veteran’s Day, be sure to thank a soldier for their service defending our freedom.

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Tooth or Sinus Pain When Flying?

September 28, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Dental Pains, Featured Articles
Sinus pain when flying

Tooth or Sinus Pain When Flying

It is not uncommon for people to experience tooth or sinus pain while they travel on airlines. This has to do with the way the body responds to pressure changes which means these pains can also happen when diving. When you fly the air pressure in the cabin of the airplane is lowered and when you dive the pressure increases the farther you go. There is a technical term for this pain called “barotrauma,” also referred to as a “squeeze.”

A squeeze occurs when the pressures outside the body and inside the body are not equalized. Normally the body organs transmit pressure equally from outside to inside. When pressure changes problems within the body structures that are filled with air and that have rigid lining such as the middle ear spaces and sinus cavities of the skull occur. You are probably familiar with the suggestions to “clear” your ears or swallow, yawn, chew gum, or move the jaw side-to-side to equalize pressure. The reason these methods are suggested is to equalize the pressure in these air-filled, rigid walled structures mentioned above.

Our sinuses in particular have small openings which make it possible to clear them when changes in pressure occur so that the fluid that accumulates is drained. When we find it difficult to clear this area it probably means these openings or membranes are filled with fluid because of the changes in pressure.  The skulls largest sinuses are adjacent to the nose and the lower walls of these upper jaw sinuses are adjacent to the back teeth and upper jaw. The same painful reactions can be felt from a toothache as from a pain in the sinuses. The shared nerves can cause pain in either area and are often felt during flights or while diving.

If you have frequent pain each time you dive or fly it is important to consult with your dentist to see if your pains are associated with a defect in a filling or tooth that is trapping air. Often the first sign of a damaged tooth is pain in response to pressure change. For more information on these pains contact us today.

 

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Improve your Smile with Tooth Colored Filings

September 20, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Featured Articles, Tooth-Colored Fillings
White dental fillings

Tooth-colored Fillings

Countless patients have visited our office seeking cosmetic solutions to the silver amalgam fillings they have had for years. As the public becomes more aware of the cosmetic dentistry options available to them such as with tooth-colored fillings more and more people are seeking this treatment. We are able to replace old amalgam fillings with new white fillings that are matched for shade and fit. Additionally new restorations are made using minimally invasive techniques that preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

With modern advancements in dentistry tooth-like materials such as composite resins and porcelains have allowed us to create natural looking and feeling restorations for your teeth quickly and easily. With these materials we have managed to mimic nature’s combination of strength and resilience while creating suitable replacements to metal fillings. The process of bonding resin to the tooth’s dentin (protective layer) is made successful by specially preparing teeth and then sealing them for use. We use special adhesives to restore damaged teeth back to the full form and function that originally existed.

Dental fillings and their placement rely heavily on the expertise of the dentist performing the procedure and their ability to blend art and science. Effective tooth restoration involves specialized knowledge of the shapes and fit of your teeth and their function. Where older restorations such as gold or amalgam were used because of their strength characteristics they failed in that they cannot handle the flex properties of the surrounding tooth when exposed to hot’s and colds. Newer developments suggest that mimicking the properties of natural teeth is better than going towards the stronger and stiffer concepts of the past.

Modern dental restorations such as tooth colored fillings offer many advantages both in appearance and in functionality. Done correctly, they strengthen and stabilize the tooth giving patients a tooth that looks natural and functions as such. Additionally these treatments are more conservative and cheaper than those of the past resulting in another reason to smile.

 

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Smile Makeover

September 14, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Smile Makeover
Smile design

Smile makeover

A smile makeover is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the appearance of the smile through one or more procedures.  The process can transform even the dullest smile into something that you will love to show off and can be proud of.

Before your smile makeover begins you and Dr. Sutton will discuss what you want to change about your smile and what procedures may be needed to get the desired result.  Often smile makeovers can consist of one or more of the following: porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, tooth implants, crowns or bonding.  The purpose of the smile makeover is to give you a great smile but also to give you healthy teeth.  The design will be based on your goals and you can even bring in pictures from magazines detailing what you would like your smile to look like.  After you and Dr. Sutton discuss your treatment options he will develop a comprehensive plan that outlines what cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatments will be necessary to reach your desired goal.

Dr. Sutton will evaluate your face, skin tone, hair color, teeth, gums and lips to help formulate the most ideal smile for your unique appearance.  Combining his skills and training as a cosmetic dentist allows him to seamlessly blend art and science to help patients get the smiles of their dreams.  Your aesthetic appearance will be based upon multiple factors including tooth length, smile line, tooth proportion, and tooth texture for those patients considering veneers.

What can a smile makeover correct?

Every smile makeover patient is unique and their needs and smile design will reflect their individual needs.  A smile makeover can enhance the beauty of almost any smile and is commonly used to correct the following problems:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Gummy smiles
  • Discolored teeth
  • Missing teeth

Dr. Sutton employs advanced technology which allows him to perform smile makeover procedures in the office.  Depending on your needs your treatment may take multiple visits.  To learn more about how Dr. Sutton can give you the smile you have always wanted contact us today for a consultation.

 

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Gum Disease Linked to Additional Diseases

September 8, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Dental Checkups, gum disease
Gum disease

Gum disease linked to other diseases

Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in America and new studies are suggesting that the disease is linked to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.  Evidence shows that the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and set off inflammatory reactions elsewhere in your body.  Gum disease is preventable with good at-home oral hygiene coupled with regular visits to the dentist but left untreated can increase your risk for a host of diseases listed below.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease- Although the research is inconclusive, it has been shown that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease than those without.  Researchers think that oral bacteria travel into the blood stream where they may attach to fatty plaques in the arteries.  This may eventually contribute to inflammation and eventually cause a heart attack.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – People with RA are eight times more likely to have gum disease than people without.  As in heart disease, it seems that inflammation is to blame.

Gum Disease and Premature Birth- Research has linked premature and low birth weights to pregnant women who have gum disease.  Dentists and doctors suggest pregnant women or women who are considering pregnancy get an oral health examination to avoid any problems in pregnancy that may arise from gum disease.

Gum Disease and Diabetes- Studies have shown that periodontal disease can increase blood sugar and make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.  Diabetics may already experience immune systems that don’t function properly and this may increase their risk for periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes may include inflammation of the gums which may include bleeding, soreness and redness, tenderness, and a shiny appearance.  We can perform an evaluation on your mouth and gum to determine if you are suffering from gum disease and help you take the necessary steps to regain your oral health and prevent the onset of further issues. Contact us today.

 

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Nightguards Help Prevent Teeth Grinding

August 30, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Mouthguards, Nightguards
Bruxer

Nightguards can help Teeth Grinding

Many Americans grind their teeth while they sleep but are unaware of the potential hazards of doing so.  In addition to being an annoyance to your sleeping companion grinding your teeth can have negative effects on your health.  For starters, most people who grind their teeth suffer from jaw pain when they wake up in the morning.  Chronic grinding can eventually lead to problems with the TMJ and can led to the next problem; headaches.

Chronic headaches have been correlated with people who grind their teeth. This is due in part to the force exerted by the facial muscles when the teeth grind during the night.  Severe cases of grinding can result in jaw pains and headaches that can occur during the day.  In addition to these two major issues, grinders may also experience gum recession, sleeping issues, and irritability in relationships with sleep companions.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

There are many signs of teeth grinding that are often caused by anxiousness or feelings of tenseness.  Teeth grinding, or bruxism as doctors call it occurs subconsciously during sleep or during the day.  The following are some of the signs that you may be a bruxer:

  • Your clenching wakes up your sleep partner
  • Your teeth are worn, flattened or chipped
  • Your enamel is worn down.  This can lead to discolored teeth and teeth that are susceptible to chipping or fracture.
  • Sensitive teeth are a symptom of bruxing. These people feel extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drink.
  • Earaches, headaches and facial pain

Teeth Grinding Treatment

At Suisun City Dental we recommend nightguards for our patients who experience teeth grinding.  These devices help protect the surface of your teeth and prevent the onset of headaches and jaw pains.  Our nightguards are custom-made for the most comfortable and snug fit possible.  They are also extremely durable and can withstand the forces of your jaw and teeth.

If you are concerned about the overall well-being of your dental health and you think you may suffer from teeth grinding contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see if you can benefit from a custom made nightguard.

 

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The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups

August 26, 2011 Nor Cal Dentist Dental Checkups
Dental checkup

Dental Cleaning

The dental cleaning is an important aspect in a good oral health foundation and mainly serves as a preventive measure to avoid disease or other dental problems. The American Dental Association and most dentists agree that visiting your dentist at least twice a year is good practice to maintain your dental health for your lifetime. Some people may need to visit their dentist more frequently if they have issues with excessive tartar build-up or have a history of gum disease. It is important to remember that good at-home dental care alone will not offset the effects of the buildup of plaque and tartar in your mouth. These harmful films must be professionally removed as they can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other harmful health issues.
Most dental visits will consist of hand scaling by a dental hygienist or a dentist to remove plaque buildup. Plaque is the culmination of natural oral bacteria on food debris that remains on your teeth and gums and cannot be removed from brushing or flossing alone. Light or moderate plaque buildup can be removed with manual scaling tools of various shapes and sizes. After your cleaning your teeth will feel smooth and the sticky residue that inevitably forms over time will be eliminated. In addition to scaling your teeth will also be polished to remove the stains and give you a refreshed mouth and a brighter smile.
Besides the preventative measures described above to rid plaque on your teeth your dental visit will also help reveal any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available. In this sense preventative dentistry is cheaper than proactive dentistry or restorative dentistry in that oral health problems are detected early and can be taken care of easily.
If you have not visited your dentist recently consider getting scheduling an appointment with our office. Anxious patients will be glad to know that we offer sedation dentistry to help them get through the fears of their visit. Contact us today for more information. 1-800-507-6413.

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