Hammond & Ellis Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Archive for the ‘General Dentistry’ Category

Healthy Teeth in Provo

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Are you one of the fortunate Provo people with healthy teeth? Would you like to keep them healthy for the rest of your life? Many Provo dental clients believe that keeping their teeth healthy into the golden years is unlikely if not impossible.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are happy to assure you that this is a myth. With proper dental hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings, and a healthy lifestyle, your teeth can serve you throughout your life.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we help clients of all ages, including those in their seventies and eighties, maintain their beautiful smiles. Dentures are not inevitable. Even if you already wear dentures, don’t give up.

You can improve your smile and your life with new dental implant anchored dentures available in Provo at our state-of-the-art dental practice.

These new fixed dentures won’t slip and slide in your mouth, so you can start eating confidently again.

Our office is friendly and relaxed. You don’t need to worry about being embarrassed if your teeth have not seen a dentist or hygienist for a while. We can treat your dental problems and put you on the path for better oral health in the future. Ask about our many cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.

Remember, without dental health, you are never truly healthy. Call 801-657-5633.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers
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Bad Breath Treatment at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Do you suspect that you have bad breath? We’re Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis of Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, a full-service dental office in Utah County. We help our general dentistry patients diagnose and overcome this unpleasant and potentially embarrassing condition with bad breath treatment.

Halitosis is caused by the bacteria that live on and around your teeth, gums and tongue. Breath mints and mouthwashes do not cure bad breath, they only mask the symptoms. Proper oral hygiene can cure many cases of bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath is caused by more serious conditions. Sinus and tonsil infections, acid reflux, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney malfunction, and eating disorders are just some of the health issues that can cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously can harm gums and contribute to gum recession. At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we help patients of all ages learn safe and effective brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning methods.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our friendly dental hygienist is trained in the latest and most effective deep-cleaning procedures. Your teeth feel so good after being cleaned professionally!

To make an appointment for an exam, cleaning or consultation, call 801-657-5633. Your teeth are too important to neglect. While you are in our office you might want to see some pictures of our cosmetic dentistry patients.

Tags: Bad Breath Treatment, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry
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Provo Endodontics

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our Provo dentistry patients and many report minimal discomfort. Provo root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many Provo root canal patients, the procedure is no worse than getting a filling from your Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental professional.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our goal is to help our Provo, Orem, and Utah County root canal patients avoid the necessity of endodontic treatment by providing skilled dental care and dental services. However, if root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth for one of our greater Provo area root canal patients, we provide the most advanced Provo endodontic treatment in Utah. Oral conscious sedation is available for anxious patients.

How do you know if you need a root canal? See your Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some Provo endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is crucial to visit your local Provo endodontic dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination.

Call Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, at 801-657-5633 to schedule an appointment.

Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

Tags: dental services, General Dentistry, Oral Conscious Sedation
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Treating Bite Problems in Provo

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Provo general dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when lower teeth are in the wrong position.

Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some Provo dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.

If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your Provo dentist as soon as possible. Bite issues and their various related problems get worse over time.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we diagnose and successfully treat bite problems in addition to providing general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 801-657-5633. Our office is located at 3575 North 100 East, Suite 200 in Provo. You can find out more about us at http://www.CosmeticDentistryUtahCounty.com.

Most of our patients live in Provo or nearby in Provo or Orem. If you have recently moved into the Orem area and need a skilled family and cosmetic dentist, come visit our friendly and professional team. We pamper every patient and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.

Tags: cosmetic dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry
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Preventing Tooth Decay in Utah County

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

In Utah County, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems, yet tooth decay also affect adults. Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry serves people from 20 to 80 years old to help fight tooth decay.

Bacteria are a common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria live in your mouth and combine with plaque and acids to break down the enamel coating on your teeth. The breakdown of your tooth enamel can often result in the development of small holes in your teeth which are known as cavities. The breaking down of your tooth enamel is known as tooth decay, and it is a serious dental problem for children and adults in Utah County.

Utah County tooth decay is typically a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. When sticky foods are consumed and allowed to sit on the teeth, or foods full of sugars and starches are consumed frequently throughout the day, tooth decay can result. Foods to avoid include soda and sugary chewing gum; these foods tend to stay around for a while and create an environment where bacteria thrive. To help prevent tooth decay, simply limit sugary and starchy foods between meals. Also, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your local Utah County family dentistry practice for regular check ups and cleanings will help prevent tooth decay.

If you are experiencing pain from tooth decay and need dental work done, we can help you at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry . We provide treatments such as dental implants and porcelain crowns.

Hello, we are Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis. We work at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry located at 3575 North 100 East, Suite 200 Provo, Utah . Tooth decay is a preventable dental problem, and we can help. We will be happy to meet you, and to give you an idea of the many ways we can help you prevent tooth decay and avoid a more costly or even painful ailment. Give us a call at 801-657-5633.

Drs. Chris Hammond and Chad Ellis

Tags: Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, porcelain crown
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Keep Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

If you are pregnant, your oral health may be the last thing on your mind. However, many Orem women experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. This article contains important information for expectant Orem mothers and those planning to become pregnant.

At their general and cosmetic dentistry practice, Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis recommend having a thorough dental cleaning early in your pregnancy. Lying in a dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable during the last trimester. A professional cleaning performed by one of the skilled dental hygienists at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, along with diligent brushing and flossing, helps prevent gum problems that are often triggered by hormonal changes. The American Dental Association has found a positive correlation between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries and low birth weight.

If you are currently pregnant and have sore, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment today by calling 801-657-5633. Once the baby is here, it will probably be harder for you to make time for a dental visit.

If you receive dental treatment at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry during your pregnancy, be sure to inform Dentist Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis that you are expecting. This will affect decisions about X-rays, pain relievers, antibiotics, and oral conscious sedation.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plague production which can lead to decay. If you are eating many small meals during the day, take care to brush after eating. If you avoid sweet snacks, your teeth will be less likely to develop cavities.

Remember your oral care, nutrition, and lifestyle affect your baby. It is essential that you eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods. A poor diet can harm your baby’s tooth and bone development. Be sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus. Your Orem Ob/Gyn can give you specific recommendations for your age, height, weight and medical conditions.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we take special care of our clients who are expecting.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Conscious Sedation
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Dental Specialties Available In Provo

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

General dentists in the Provo area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes, your Provo general dentist will refer you to a local Orem specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

Following are some of the most common dental specialties found in the Orem and Provo area:

Endodontists
Endodontists in Provo specialize in root canal therapy and other procedures involving the root and surrounding parts of the tooth.

Periodontists
Periodontists practicing in the Provo area treat the conditions affecting gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. If you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a periodontist in Provo.

Prosthodontists
Repairing damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth for Provo patients is called ‘restorative dentistry’. Prosthodontists have advanced training in procedures involving dental crowns, dental implants, bridges, porcelain veneers, inlays, and partial or complete dentures.

Pediatric Dentists
Infants, young children and teenagers in the Provo area have different dental needs than adults. Pediatric Dentists practicing family dentistry undergo additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases affecting the youngest population in Provo.

Oral Surgeons
Oral Surgeons serving the Provo area perform surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. These include dental implants, surgery to repair damage due to injury, tumor surgery, and cleft lip and palate reconstruction.

If you are interested in learning more about these specialties, or have a concern regarding your oral health, please visit us at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry. You will find us at 3575 North 100 East, Suite 200 in Provo Utah 84604. Please give us a call at 801-657-5633.

-Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis, DMD

Tags: Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Provo general dentistry
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Saving Teeth in Provo

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled Provo dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-657-5633

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and dental crown.

At Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we fabricate strong, natural-looking dental crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a Orem dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

We are Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis DMD of Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We have been practicing dentistry since 1996. During that time we have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. We can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at 801-657-5633.

Call Hammond & Ellis Aesthetic & General Dentistry immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

Tags: Orem Family Dentist, Provo general dentistry, root canal
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Provo Dentistry

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Hi, we are Drs. Chris Hammond & Chad Ellis, DMD. Most every day, we can be found at our Orem area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Provo diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 801-615-2809.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Provo and Orem folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many Utah County dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional general dentistry care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.CosmeticDentistryUtahCounty.com

Tags: Dental Health, Orem general dentistry, Provo Dentist, Provo general dentistry
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Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Orem

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Patients often come into our Provo Utah dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Orem’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Tooth ache pain for anyone in Provo can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around Provo, the most common causes of a tooth ache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth ache pain is to visit your Provo dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing tooth ache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.