Technology

I see people with with teeth problems all the time. 

I'm a dentist.

There are many reasons for the problems. 

Some have financial issues.

Some don't care.

Some are from drug, or other abuse.

But the saddest of all the cases is the person who has

bad teeth because they remember how bad it was the

last time and they couldn't bring themselves to do it again.

The problem with most of these people is that the bad experience

happened, sometime, 20 years ago. 

Why is that the saddest case?

Because things are sooooo different then they used to be.

What was your cell phone like 20 years ago?

Your television, car, etc etc. 

Things change over time. Dentistry is no different. 

Those people will tell me, "I can't stand that Novocaine stuff"!

Well .... we haven't used Novocaine in 15 years.

PLEASE do not let the things that happened in the past,

especially the long ago pat, dictate the things that you will do today.

Dr Ellis Website

Dr Ellis on Facebook

Dr Ellis on Twitter 

Do teeth really make that big of a difference?

Here are a few faces that you may recognize.

Something is missing however.

Can you spot it?

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr. Ellis on Twitter

Dr Ellis on G+

I know you said my tooth would brake....... BUT?

Okay your dentist just told you that your tooth is cracked.

He/She just told you that you need a crown.

Your first question is, "How long can I wait to get this crown"?

Well, here is the answer.

It totally depends.

Cracks are produced, and continue to move, due to pressure

exerted on the teeth. Remove the pressure and the crack stops.

Sounds easy, right?

Its not.

Pressure on teeth can come from chewing, grinding, clenching,

biting tags off clothes, etc etc.

Therefore, if you stop chewing (all liquid diet), grinding, clenching,

and never again use your teeth to bite fishing line in half

 then, and only then, that crack will stop moving.

Bottom line is this, get your teeth fixed as soon as possible.

Financing the work is always a factor and maybe it can't get done right away.

Just know that the dentist has no way of predicting when and where you tooth will break.

If your dentist tells you you have a crack just be very careful.

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr Ellis on Google+

Does Your Jaw Click or Pop?

Does your jaw pop or click?

TMJ is the abbreviation for Temporal Mandibular Joint. It is the joint directly in front of your ear that is used by your body to open and close your mouth. It is, like most other joints in your body, made up of cartilage, fluid, bones, and muscles.. And just like any other joint in the body any piece to this puzzle can deteriorate, get misplaced, damaged, or have any other number of problems.

If any sort of damage does occur then pain, clicking, popping may result.

If you have had any of the above symptoms the best thing to do

is to see your dentist right away.

He/she needs to determine what is the cause of your TMJ discomfort and

what, if anything, can be done to solve the problem.

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr. Ellis on Twitter

Dr Ellis on G+

What a drain in the neck!

What a drain in the neck!  What is going on in this picture? 

Well I will tell you. The patient had a tooth that went bad. The tooth started to produce infection. The infection needed some place to go. Typically the infection will produce a bump (abscess) on the gums. In this case however the infection decided it would work its way out the bottom of his neck. What you are looking at is a small piece of rubber tubing that is stitched into and incision in the patient's neck. This is what is termed in the medical community as a drain. This drain is attempting to allow all of the infection in this mans mouth and neck come out. This is definitely a rare case but it can happen. Do NOT let things get out of hand with your teeth. 

Last thing you want is someone saying, "So what is that thing in your neck?"  

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr Ellis on Twitter

Dr Ellis on G+

The trouble with braces.

If you are in braces right now, or have a family member that is in

braces right now then this is something you need to read.

One of the biggest problems we see with braces is the

amount of cavities that people have right after the braces are removed.

There are a couple of reasons for this.

#1 Is that braces trap food. 

There are lots of nooks and crannies where food can get trapped

and hide out even without having braces.

Once braces are placed the amount of food that can be trapped can triple.

Residual food hanging around in your mouth will feed cavity causing bacteria.

#2 Its harder to floss.

Trapping food is bad enough. But the fact that its even harder to get the 

food out because flossing is now much harder makes it even worse.

Tomorrow I will discuss some things that can be done about this.

But for now just know that those with braces must be more diligent 

then the average person when it comes to caring for your teeth

when you have braces on. 

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis on Google+

Cosmetic Bonding of Lateral Incisor

Dr Jim Ellis, Ogden Utah: Cosmetic Touch Up

This patient had a small gap next to her front tooth. She had hated it her whole life but thought that it would take a lot to fix.

• Well, it took about 20 minutes.
• Used some cosmetic bonding techniques.
• Very durable and much cheaper then alternatives.

BEFORE Cosmetic Bonding

AFTER Cosmetic Bonding

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis' Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/05/cosmetic-bonding-lateral-incisor/

What Kind of Cosmetic Outcome is possible in Ogden Utah?

• So, what is possible in dentistry?
• Once something has gone so far can you bring it back to what it was?

Here is a wonderful case to look at that. We will call this patient Mrs. Corey to protect her identity. Mrs. Corey is wanting to get her teeth back to the way the used to be.

Here is a BEFORE picture of one of Mrs. Corey's molars.

• Nothing too bad. 
• Old metal filling.
• Some cracks starting in the enamel. 
• And, possible new decay starting in a few spots.

And, here is the AFTER picture.

• A brand new zirconia crown. 
• No more metal look. 
• The risk of fracture is now less.  
• And the patient loves the look.

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis' Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/04/what-kind-cosmetic-outcome-possible-ogden-utah/

Multiple Tooth Implant Case in Ogden, Utah

This patient had a bridge where the front too of the bridge failed. The patient was given the option of getting a longer bridge or getting two implants. The double implant option was selected.

The surgery went great and the patient reports only a little soreness the day after.

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/03/multiple-tooth-implant-case/

Quality Care hurt by Big Business more than Big Government

Dentistry is different from most other health care. Dentists can still run their own mom and pop shops. You can’t find any medical doctors that can do that anymore. They are all beholden to insurance companies. More so then government changes, it is this type of over reaching corporate changes that are effecting the field of dentistry. In fact within 10 years, 40% of dentistry will be corporate dentistry.

Companies that just hire dentists as employees rather then the dentist running the show. The companies will be able to buy supplies in bulk and cut overhead thereby cutting the price. Good for pocketbook of patient but bad for care. Those dentists are required to be in and out of rooms and done with procedures in certain time frames. No chit chat. If you are scared and need more time and TLC you will be out of luck.


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/03/quality-care-hurt-big-business-more-than-big-government/

Cosmetic Makeovers in Ogden, Utah

There are some fairly common malformations of teeth. One of them is called the peg-lateral. It’s when the tooth, just to the side of your front two teeth, is very slender. Sometimes, it can look like a little peg, thus the name.

These teeth can be tough to fix with a veneer or crown because both of those procedures require taking away of tooth structure. And as you can see from the picture, there isn't a lot of tooth structure to spare.

Thus, cosmetic bonding is a very good option for these teeth. Quick, painless, and inexpensive. Peg laterals can be restored to the correct size and functionality .

Nothing is ever as strong as your natural teeth. But, if you only use your teeth for what they were designed for -- EATING. These bonding procedures should hold up very well for a long time.


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/03/cosmetic-makeovers-ogden-utah/

I have always hated my teeth

I hear this a lot. And, it is sad because usually what is needed to fix the problem is not all that much. We will call this patient, Mrs. Skip.

Mrs. Skip had always made sure that here kid’s teeth were taken care of. Today, it was her turn.  She wanted something nice looking but didn’t want to get killed on the bill.
We decided that cosmetic bonding was the way to go.

Here is the BEFORE photo. 

 

Here is the AFTER photo. 

• Gaps closed.
• Centrals shortened.
• Laterals more prominent.

One very happy patient.


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/03/have-always-hated-teeth/ 

Intravenous (IV) Sedation vs. Conscious Sedation

Today, there are many dentists offering “Sedation Dentistry”. But, what are they offering?

Sedation has many levels. A person taking the drug Prozac is considered to be, mildly, sedated. This same person however, can still fully function, going to work, driving a car, etc. Certainly, this level of sedation would not be considered acceptable for a dental phobic.

What most dentists are offering is something called “conscious” sedation. From the Utah Dental Association guidelines …

Conscious sedation means a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command …

So conscious sedation, by law, is a minimal level of sedation where the patient must retain the ability to have a conversation with the dentist. In conscious sedation, you are NOT “un” conscious.

 

Intravenous (IV) Sedation however, is much different. Within less than 5 minutes of the drugs being administered, the patient is completely unconscious, asleep, out, in dreamland, etc.

It is not until the procedure is over, and the reversal drugs have been administered, that the patient is begins to wake up and can remember nothing of what has transpired.

For some people a mild form of sedation, to take the edge off, is great. But for those patients looking to be completely asleep for their dental appointment, I.V. sedation is the way to go.


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/02/iv-sedation-vs-conscious-sedation/

Is having more or less Saliva important?

In two words, OH, YA!

Saliva is critical to the health of your teeth and gums. Without it, there would be serious ramifications.

Saliva is produced from 3 major glands in your mouth -- Parotid gland, Submandibular gland, and Sublingual gland.

And, it plays two major roles in the body:

1. Saliva helps to lubricate food before it goes down your throat so that harder foods will not damage your insides on the way to the stomach.
2. Saliva helps to wash harmful sugars and bacteria off of you teeth.

One of the most damaging things to your teeth is a dry mouth. Dry teeth will soon be dead teeth. A dry mouth can be caused by a number of things. The largest cause of dry mouth that I see is from medications. Specifically heart regulating and mood altering medications have the greatest effect but it can be any medication.

Dry mouth can also be brought on by age. Just as your eyes aren't as moist as they used to be, so to may your mouth begin to dry out over time.

If you feel like your mouth is drier than it used to be, please contact your dentist right away. There are things you can do to help.


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/01/having-more-less-saliva-important/

Ogden Dentist: When do Adult Teeth form?

I get asked this a lot. The answer to this question is that adult teeth form very early on in life. This is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride at an early age.

In the picture below, you will see the side view of a child’s skull. I would estimate this child to be about 3 years old, give or take. Some of the jaw bone has been removed to show the adult teeth developing. As you can see, the crowns of the adult teeth have already been formed. Even the 12 year molar (the last tooth visible) has formed most of its crown and it wouldn't have come into this person’s mouth for another 9 years!

Moral of the story is that ...

It’s never too soon to start thinking about your children’s adult teeth. Get them fluoride early and continue it until the dentist advises you to stop.

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/01/when-do-adult-teeth-form/

Finally ready to Make the Change!

Dr. Jim Ellis (dentist in Ogden, UT): Before & After Cosmetic Dentistry

We will call this patient Mr. Books (Mr. B). Reason for this is that you will never see him without his book. Driving, working, getting dentistry done, you name it.

Anyway, Mr. B had had things happen to his front teeth over the years. A little chip here, a cavity there, but never anything too extreme. None of his front teeth had ever needed a crown, root canal, or anything to that level.

However, the cumulative effect of the years had started to take its toll. So Mr. B, with some help from Mrs. B  :-) , decided it was time to do something.

Mr. B got crowns on his front 6 teeth. He is happy, and perhaps more importantly, so is Mrs B. How can you not love that crooked little smile!

Mr. B's Front Teeth (BEFORE) 

 

Mr. B's Front Teeth (AFTER) 

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/01/finally-ready-make-change/

The Steps to Dental Implant

This 20 something patient (wanting only to be identified as J-Unit) came into our office with a loose tooth. To be 20-something and have a loose tooth is not common. There was no memory of trauma to the tooth at all and from the oral exam everything looked alright.

We then took this x-ray and found out that the tooth was literally disintegrating below the level of the bone. Not from a cavity due to the placement of the disintegration but an unknown event that had caused the tooth to become hopeless and needing extraction.

So, we extracted the tooth and placed an implant. 

Several weeks later, we placed the connecting piece that allows the new crown to be connected to the implant.

 

Then finally, we placed the finished tooth.

The patient now has a new tooth that is NOT loose. One of the patient’s goals was to not touch any of the other teeth, as in a bridge. This was accomplished with the implant. Implants are a great way to restore missing teeth.

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/01/steps-to-dental-implant/

Ogden Dentist: What is Laughing Gas?

So, what is a Laughing Gas? Why do we use it? Is it okay for anyone to have?

Technically speaking, Laughing Gas is Nitrous Oxide or N20. Here is a nice little diagram of its chemical make-up.

We use laughing gas to take the "edge" off. When someone is nervous about a situation than any little stimulus will seem bigger than it actually is. This is true for the dentist office as well. Routine procedures can become overwhelming to dental phobic patients. We therefore administer gas to remove that overly tense feel and make the routine seem routine again. The effect of the gas creates a slightly euphoric state in people. Feelings of floating or tingling all over are very common. But most of all, it just makes you more relaxed. It is a very safe product to use and unless you have some sort of respiratory problem or are pregnant almost anyone can safely use it.

To tell you what exactly it does would sound something like this ...

It seems N2O-induced release of endogenous opioids causes disinhibition of brain stem noradrenergic neurons, which release norepinephrine into the spinal cord and inhibit pain signaling.

But since most people have no idea what that means, just trust me when I tell you that it works, its safe, and you feel much better for having it. :-D


Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2013/01/what-is-laughing-gas/

Getting those Old Metal Fillings Changed Out

Lots of us have them, but few of us will ever want to do anything with them. And, that’s just fine.

Metal fillings were, are, and can still be a very good filling material. However, if you do not like the look of the metal or the tooth is starting to decay around the metal, then perhaps changing it out isn’t a bad idea.

Here is a tooth after we finished removing the old metal filling and replacing it with a new, more tooth like, filling material. Quick, easy, and relatively painless (as dentistry goes).

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS
1220 33rd Street Suite C
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 783-3490

• Dr. Ellis on Facebook
• Dr. Ellis Website
• Dr. Ellis on Google+

SOURCE: http://www.bestogdendentist.com/2012/12/getting-those-old-metal-fillings-changed-out/

Are all wisdom tooth extractions the same?

Not even close.

Below is an example of why wisdom tooth extractions

differ in complexity, even from side to side in the same person.

Try getting a tooth out with a big old fish hook at the bottom.

If tooth roots are straight and tapered then they 

are relatively easy to remove.

However, if they look like this tooth then that is another story.

The above picture is half of a wisdom tooth that we took out just this morning.

Dr. Ellis Website

Dr. Ellis on Facebook

Dr. Ellis on Google+