General Dentistry

Dental Breakthroughs On The Horizon

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces, Porcelain Veneers

dental breakthroughs Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we use the latest proven dental technology to bring our patients general and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, we’re up to date on the latest dental research that drives the industry forward.

As we look a short distance down the road, we see some intriguing dental technologies being evaluated and tested:

Fill and Heal: Bioactive Glass
A new type of filling created from bioactive glass has been shown to prolong the life of fillings, by inhibiting secondary decay and replacing lost minerals.

“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, professor of advanced structural and biomaterials at the Oregon State University College of Engineering. “Our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings.”

Stem Cells
Stem cell regenerative medicine is poised to provide a host of exciting breakthroughs in dentistry.

A research team from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University is applying stem cell technology to dentistry with the development of stem-cell based biomaterials that regenerate tooth dentin. The goal is to use them in fillings and root canals to save and regenerate tooth structure. The research is in its early stages, but this technology could one day help preserve millions of smiles for men and women worldwide.

3D Printing
3D printing is already being used in some dental offices to manufacture aligners, retainers, drilling guides for implant placement, and extremely accurate models for restorations. As the printers become faster and less pricey, you will be seeing them in more Utah  dental offices.

Technology has its place, but experience, proficiency, and a warm and attentive chairside manner are just as essential. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, porcelain veneers, and general dentistry,

Note: The image with this blog post is a Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing machine used for the production of dental restorations.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

The Benefits of Fluoride, From Your Dentist in Provo

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dream smile, Family Dentistry, Fluoride, General Dentistry, Smile Makeover

Provo lowest price teeth bleachingFluoride is a mineral, plain and simple. But it has many benefits for the teeth of children and adults alike, and the dentists at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo want  it to be part of your oral health routine.

Fluoride is contained in different foods as well as in water. Many  adjust the fluoride content of their municipal water. Fluoride is also added to dental products. This makes it possible for you to apply fluoride to your teeth when you brush your teeth or use mouth rinses.

Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel, and thus can reverse early signs of tooth decay. The fluoride you take in from toothpaste, water, and other sources becomes a part of your saliva. Consequently it is constantly bathing your teeth, and helping to rebuild the enamel.

Essential for Young Teeth

Fluoride is especially vital for kids. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in. Fluoride exposure is extremely useful for creating a foundation for lifelong oral health.

Adults can get a boost of fluoride during routine dental cleanings at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Helping our patients maintain good oral health is vital for us, and so is helping them achieve their dream smiles through cosmetic dentistry.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving the Provo area since 1967. We also provide family dentistry, and special services such as wisdom teeth extractions. We offer sedation dentistry to our patients with dental anxiety.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Your Dream Smile: Aesthetic Dentistry in Provo

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces, Teeth Whitening

smile makeovers Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we offer our patients three innovative procedures for smile redesigns.

1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are transforming the face of dentistry. For most patients, a dental implant is the ideal solution for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) post implanted into the jaw bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post.

What makes implants such an attractive option is that after the final crown is affixed, it is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

2. Invisible Braces
Clear braces, sometimes called invisible braces, allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly because it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn. There are a couple of different kinds of invisible braces. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer Invisalign clear braces.

3. Teeth Whitening
Teeth have a way of getting yellow and dull, and may be that way even after a cleaning by a dental hygienist. If you’ve thought about getting a dazzling, movie star smile, Zoom! teeth whitening may be for you. Zoom! treatments penetrate the enamel of your teeth and bleach away discolorations caused by the food and drink we consumer. Best of all, it’s an in-office treatment that can be done in a single visit.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to help your achieve your dream smile. We have been providing excellent dental care in Provo since 1967. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today for an appointment.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

What Have We Done For You Lately?

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Categories: General Dentistry

family dentist Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, everything we do is for the welfare of our valued patients. We are committed to delivering quality, compassionate dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

We know that optimum oral health is a critical element of comprehensive physical health and that dentists do more that just “drill and fill.” Like your primary care physician, Chris Hammond is an indispensable member of your family’s team of healthcare providers.

What Has Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Done Lately?

  • Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease
  • Oral cancer checks
  • Diagnosis and treatment of chronic bad breath
  • Coordinated care with medical doctors for dental patients with cancer or other chronic conditions
  • Guidance on the oral health considerations of medication side effects
  • Custom night guards for people who grind their teeth
  • Oral conscious sedation, patience, and compassion for patients with dental anxiety
  • Specialized care for pregnant woman
  • Pediatric dental counsel for new parents
  • Emergency care for victims of a mouth injury
  • Referrals to and coordination with trusted specialists for procedures we don’t perform at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
  • Custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages
  • Instruction on appropriate dental hygiene
  • Diagnosis of bite issues
  • Replacement of old amalgam fillings
  • Improved confidence for smile transformation recipients
  • In-office and at-home teeth whitening
  • Dental deep cleanings that include scaling and root planing for plaque and tartar removal

What Can We Do For You?

The caring team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to help you with any of your dental needs. To schedule an appointment, call 801-374-0070.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings

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Categories: General Dentistry

white fillings Orem

Remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? When you opened your mouth to laugh or yawn, people with you could see only pearly white molar surfaces. (Unless, of course, you had been munching Oreos.)

Like many adults, you probably started developing cavities fairly young and started receiving the ubiquitous silver amalgam fillings. As the years went by, two fillings became three. If you didn’t drink fluoridated water, three fillings may have became four. Now when you open wide, others see a mouthful of metal.

Fortunately, patients with silver amalgam fillings can regain the smile of their youth. The replacement of silver fillings with composite tooth-colored fillings is a relatively inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. It can transform a smile just as dramatically as more extensive cosmetic dental treatment.

Composite fillings are made up of a mixture of glass, quartz and resin. They are strong and durable when bonded to the tooth with adhesive.

Hopefully, you don’t have a new cavity. But if you do, you can start off with a white composite filling. In addition to the cosmetic advantages, the preparation of composite fillings requires the removal of less healthy tooth structure. A conservatively-priced restoration at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry leaves you with more of nature’s superior dental material—your own enamel and dentin.

If you would like to improve your American Fork smile by replacing silver-mercury fillings, schedule a Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry cosmetic dental consultation today by calling 801-374-0070. We will develop a treatment plan to address all areas of concern. If you have your teeth brightened in combination with silver filling replacement, you’ll be pleased with your new unforgettable smile.

Ask us about mini implants, Invisalign, sedation dentistry and dental crowns. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 801-374-0070.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Quirky Dental Facts That May Surprise You

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Categories: General Dentistry

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

In today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry post, we share some fun facts about dentistry. Enjoy!

  • Many dental patients are aware that before there was formal dental training and licensing, barbers often performed dental procedures. But did you know that blacksmiths also moonlighted as dentists?1 How would you like your dental visit to involve tools used to hammer hot metal?
  • The Mayans were accomplished cosmetic dentists. One smile style in Mayan culture was bejeweled teeth – a procedure that involved the drilling of holes to embed precious gems. That’s a grill with major bling! 1
  • The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough to fill up two swimming pools.2 (Not a very pleasant image, right?)
  • Nylon toothbrush bristles weren’t introduced until 1938. Prior to that, pig hair was a common bristle material.3 (“Mom, my toothbrush smells like bacon!”)
  • A popular toothache treatment in medieval Germany was to kiss a donkey.3 There is no evidence that it actually worked and it is unknown if the same remedy was used by donkeys.
  • Every person’s tongue is unique – just like a fingerprint.4
  • In medieval Japan, black teeth were considered appealing. Style-conscious women used roots to stain their teeth.3

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you won’t find pig hair, donkeys, or anvils. You will find first rate dental care and our caring team of dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 to schedule an informative consultation.

 

1Gregory Myers,”10 Weird Facts About Teeth,” ListVerse, January 27, 2014, http://listverse.com/2014/01/27/10-weird-facts-about-teeth/, accessed on November 14, 2014
2“Mouth Matters,” Visual.ly, August 28, 2012, http://visual.ly/your-mouth-matters-fun-dental-facts, accessed on November 14, 2014
3“Chew on This, Fun Tooth Facts for a Healthy Mouth,” Delta Dental, http://www.deltadentalnc.org/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/Delta-Dental-Tooth-Tips-BF.pdf, accessed on November 12, 2014
4“New oral features can be considered unique as a fingerprint,” DentistryiQ, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/new-oral-features-can-be-considered-unique-as-a-fingerprint.html, accessed on November 14, 2014

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Chipped Tooth? No Need To Panic

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Categories: General Dentistry

porcelain veneers cost Orem

There are basically two ways to handle a chipped tooth:
1. Panic.
2. See Dr. Chris Hammond right away and get on with life.

Dr. Chris Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can fix a chipped tooth in a jiffy by determining the right solution and expertly preforming the procedure. Decay, missing teeth, braces, even crowns can impact the course of treatment.

Time is often an important factor when it comes to tooth repair so don’t wait, call 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment. Our address is:
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604

We’ve been around since 1967 – serving your neighbors in Provo  and improving smiles for Utah County patients.

When Provo residents need cosmetic dentistry, we’ve successfully managed their treatment. When Lehi patients have needed family dentistry, we’ve watched happy, smiling patients leave our office. And when you need dental implants, we are excited with the opportunity to make a true believer out of you!

We offer mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry and dental crowns. Trust Dr. Hammond to deliver exceptional results. No panic. No mistakes. No worries.

Relax.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

No Cavities? Thank Your Parents

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Categories: General Dentistry

how to prevent cavities Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we stay abreast of new discoveries in the exciting field of dentistry and occasionally share interesting facts with our patients. Today’s post focuses on new findings in an intriguing field of research: genetic dentistry.

“About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors.” Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1

Whoa! Did she say 60%? That’s huge. You might be thinking: “That’s why I brush and floss but still get cavities.” Or, better yet, you might be thinking, “No wonder I have never had a cavity but eat candy often and occasionally go to bed without brushing.”

A recent article on CNN.com highlights tooth decay risk factors that have a genetic link1:

Enamel Strength
Your genes play an essential role in the composition of your tooth enamel. Soft enamel is more cavity prone.

Sugar Cravings
Whether or not you love sugar has a genetic basis. Now you can blame your parents if you pop M&Ms all day. (But it still isn’t good for your teeth or waistline!)

Chemical Composition of Saliva
Your saliva can protect against cavities – if it properly metabolizes vital minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Your genes affect your saliva’s power to prevent decay.

Immune Response to Bacteria
We don’t like to think about the harmful bacteria in our mouth but, hopefully, our immune system is ever-vigilant at fighting their constant attempts to cause decay and gum disease. The strength of your immune system is determined, in part, by genetics.

In the next few decades, scientists in the emerging specialty of genetic dentistry may play a key role in the development of new cavity prevention techniques.

The purpose of this article is not to encourage Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients to be lax about oral hygiene if their parents have strong teeth. Nor to cause those whose teeth decay easily to throw their hands up in despair and resign themselves to a toothless mouth.

Proper oral hygiene is critical for all of us, regardless of our genetic predisposition to tooth decay. You have the power to be energetic about your oral health, regardless of the genes you inherited. Whether you have frequent dental check-ups, consistent fluoride intake, effective brushing and flossing techniques, and proper nutrition, is up to you.

If you need a thorough dental exam, an expert dental cleaning, a refresher course on proper brushing and flossing, or want to improve your smile with innovative cosmetic dentistry, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation.

1Paul Frysh, “Bad teeth? Blame your genes,” CNN, July 3, 2014, http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/03/health/tooth-decay-causes/, accessed on June 24, 2015

5 Reasons To See Provo’s Truly Amazing Dentist, Drs. Hammond

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry

top dentist Orem

When we are young, we feel invincible. We think we will live forever, and we know more than our parents. As we age, we soon discover that invincibility fades, forever isn’t as long as we thought, and we begin to appreciate the collective wisdom of those who have gone before us.

Since you have probably discovered by now that your teeth are not invincible, today’s post offers some important advice about your oral health. Developing a relationship with a skilled, experienced, and friendly family dentist is critical for maintaining healthy smiles for every member of the family. Here are 5 reasons to make Drs. Chris Hammond your partner in oral health.

Visit Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Truth.
Visiting the dentist in zip code 84604 has emerged as one of the wisest moves a parent can make for their child. A child’s oral health is a journey of guiding and correcting. Healthy habits are formed over time. Perhaps last year it was about refraining from chewing ice, this year it’s about brushing at the base of the molars and next year it will be about flossing daily. Best to get the bad habits fixed right away. The same holds true for adults. Regular visits can correct a course that may eventually lead to pain, gum disease, damaged teeth, or complete tooth loss. Potential problems are best discovered sooner than later.

Visit Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Atmosphere.
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry the dentist makes it a point to know your needs. Whether you have urgent concerns or just need a routine check up on the state of your oral health, Drs. Chris Hammond would like to be your first choice. We’ve got a staff second to none. We keep the atmosphere caring.

Visit Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Discussion.
Chris Hammond DDS delivers valuable assessment and discussion regarding cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants. Dr. Hammond provides fresh, clear specifics regarding your treatment. You can count on helpful care and cutting-edge oral treatment. Call 801-374-0070 today to schedule an appointment.

Visit Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Answers.
When you enter our doors at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200, Provo, Utah 84604, expect to get answers. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign or the advantages and disadvantages of braces and at what age are each appropriate? How much does it cost for porcelain veneers? How much for fillings and crowns? How long does it take for mini implants? Where does it hurt when sedation dentistry is done? Who is a candidate for dental crowns? What are symptoms of teeth grinding?

Visit Us For Your Health!
Health is maintained through regular check ups, maintenance, and preventative measures. Enjoy continued health and vibrancy as a result of superior dental care, vigilant dental hygiene and healthy habits. Dr. Chris Hammond is pleased to offer strength, time and wisdom to our Lehi and nearby Utah County neighbors. We will keep your smile invincible.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Relax. It’s Not The End Of The World.

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Categories: General Dentistry

root canal sedation Provo

Today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal. If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, Dr. Hammond determines that a tooth is going to need a root canal, Dr. Hammond will explain the procedure and costs that are involved. Root canals are handled to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth – the canal. The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. From local painkillers and numbing agents to oral sedation, we will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, your dentist will focus on helping the oral site heal, which may require another visit.

If you have a tooth that is bothering you, call Dr. Hammond now at 801-374-0070 for an appointment.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, be sure to visit our website at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/ to get more information.  Dr. Chris Hammond is well-known throughout the state of Utah as a provider of extraordinary dental care, including sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants.

In addition to general dentistry, we provide extraordinary cosmetic dental services; everything from tooth whitening to complete smile makeovers.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E
Provo, UT
84604