What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer

Provo oral cancer screening

Checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT include a screening for oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. The conditions is pretty much about as serious as it gets; this is why we prioritize it at our practice so much. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 39,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year.

Consider this sobering news from the Oral Cancer Foundation:

“The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).”

The main risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. This includes all forms, not just cigarettes. Those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also at higher-than-average risk, as are those with HPV.

Early detection can make a difference in treatment outcomes. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we understand how important oral cancer screenings can be. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6804

Attack Of The Gummi Bear

Provoaffordable family dentist

There probably isn’t a dentist in the world who would say eating candy is a good thing. That includes those of us at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo.

To put it plainly, candy is loaded with sugar. The bacteria in your mouth uses any sugar that comes its way to produce the acids that cause tooth decay.

You’re better off avoiding candy entirely. But we’re realists, and know that is not an easy thing to do. (Full disclosure: most of us here don’t mind the occasional sweet, too!)

The trick, in part, is moderation. It’s also choosing your candy wisely. Some kinds are worse for your teeth than others. (Be sure to read this entire post: there’s a surprise ending!)

The Worst

The worst types of candy are the sticky ones, like gummi bears, taffy, and even those chewy fruit snacks. They attach to your teeth and stick there, and don’t rinse or brush away very easily.

Sticky candy can also cause problems with dental work, like fillings and crowns.

Dried fruit has the same effect. Admittedly, raisins or cranberries have more nutrition than a gummi bear. But they also have a lot of sugar and cling to the teeth.

Hard candy like lollipops are also really rough on teeth. They’re meant to melt in your mouth, so they’re in there a long time. That’s a sugar bath your teeth definitely don’t need.

Surprise!

Here’s the surprise: some candy isn’t all that bad. Chocolate melts quickly and rinses or brushes out easily. We like dark chocolate in particular, because it’s yummy and also tends to have less sugar than milk chocolate. It’s made from cocoa beans, which contain substances that help to harden enamel and even fight bacteria. Just remember to brush!

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo we want all our patients to have the best possible dental health, and staying away from candy, especially sticky candy, is always a good strategy. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for dental implants, complete general dentistry services, and much more. Please call our office to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6706

Improve Your Smile for Yourself (And Those That Look at You)

long-term tooth replacement solution Provo

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw,  they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or dentures are certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function the same. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health! Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8279

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

gum disease treatment Provo

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adult Americans, yet many people are surprisingly under-informed about it. In this blog post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we share some basic facts about gum disease.

  • In its earliest and most treatable stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. The more advanced form is called periodontitis.
  • More than half of Americans who are thirty and older have periodontitis. That equals nearly sixty-five million people.
  • The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and have a dental checkup twice a year.
  • Gum disease has few symptoms in its early stages. You could have it but be completely unaware.
  • Tiny amounts of blood in the sink when you brush is not normal. If you see a little blood when you brush and floss, make an appointment with us right away.
  • Improved brushing and flossing, along with using an antiseptic mouthwash, is often enough to successfully treat gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease affects bone and ligaments, in addition to the gums. It requires more aggressive treatment, such as deep cleaning, but it too can be reversed.
  • Gum disease has been linked to more serious health conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.

These are frightening facts. It reminds us of the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

To put it another way: guard your dental health with regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We treat gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7386

Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?

gentle dentist ProvoFor most of us, getting a cavity filled may not be the highlight of the day. But thanks to modern anesthesia, like what we use at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, it’s more an inconvenience than anything else.

Some people, though, are resistant to local anesthesia like lidocaine. That makes something that is usually simple, like filling a cavity, a real challenge: the tooth needs to be fixed, but the level of pain can go off the charts.

The patient may be filled with local anesthesia – but for them, it’s like it’s not even there. A slow response to lidocaine is fairly common, and a second injection usually takes care of it. But sometimes it just doesn’t work.

There has been research into this but no conclusive findings. Some theorize that the tissue in certain people doesn’t absorb anesthesia the way it does in most. Another possibility is that some of us have nerves in slightly different places than in most. But no one knows for sure.

All of this is cold comfort to anyone who who has trouble getting numb for dental work. If this sounds like you or someone close to you, please let us know at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo. We will find a solution. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Call today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8085

Perfectly Clear: Aligners

Clear braces are an increasingly popular option in orthodontics. They produce excellent results, but are so discreet that some people call them invisible. At Hammond Aesthetyic & General Dentistry in Provo, we offer Invisalign clear braces.

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear braces have no wires, brackets or rubber bands. They are so subtle that people standing just a few feet away from you may not realize you’re wearing them.

They look a lot like an athlete’s mouth guard. The proper term for such braces is “aligner.” They are made of clear plastic and are worn over your teeth to gradually bring them into alignment.

One of the things that people like best about Invisalign clear braces is that they are removable. You can take them out at mealtime, and when you brush your teeth at night. You should wear them while you sleep, however. For the best results it’s recommended they be worn for at least twenty-two hours each day.

Invisalign clear braces are a great choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth, but don’t want to wear traditional braces at work. They are not, however, for everyone. They are not good for patients who, for example, have severely rotated teeth.

To find out if Invisalign clear braces are right for you, schedule a consultation with us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We also offer family dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 


Dr. Hammond Knows When A Simple Problem Can Become Serious

canker sore treatment Orem

In this blog post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we are going to discuss those small irritations in the mouth that have the potential to become big problems.

Injuries, sores, or inflammation in the mouth can be very uncomfortable. These non-specific irritations, called stomatitis, have many different causes.

They may be caused by cold sores, gum disease, teeth grinding, or biting the inside of your mouth. They may also be triggered by broken teeth or braces.

In fact, any inflammation of the membranes in the mouth can be classified as stomatitis. Stomatitis can influence a person’s ability to speak, eat, and even to fall asleep at night.

Fortunately, most of these irritations clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. However, there is a possibility that a viral or bacterial infection can occur. It’s important to let us know about these sores if they don’t clear up after several weeks. Even if there are no complications, we can help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, services include family dentistry, and specialties like dental implants and clear braces. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 5204

Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

affordable teeth whitening Provo

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the vital first step is to settle upon a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist in Provo
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Orem area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Dr. Hammond urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is essential to only trust your smile to cosmetic dentistry professionals.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with their Provo dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple 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


Top 6 Ways To Destroy A Beautiful Smile

porcelain veneers cost Orem

6. Be a Builder Not a Wrecker
Bacteria is constantly trying to build an empire in your mouth, give it what it wants: juice, soda, chewy candy for the small crevices and hard to reach surfaces!

5. Let Acid Rock It!
Energy drinks, diet soda, red wine, coffee, tea. Great at staining and wearing away surfaces. The perfect magnet for acid loving bacteria. So avoid gums with Xylitol and Recaldent and shoot for foods and beverages containing citric acid and the super duper sourest of candies.

4. Enjoy an Overcast Day Every Day
Lighting up and remaining in a tobacco fog is an efficient way to achieve the vibrant yellow hue we’re all looking for in tooth apparel.

3. Toss out Toothbrush and Floss
Avoid brushing after every single meal with a soft, gentle bristled toothbrush and fend off the urge to floss twice a day. This is critical if you want the bacteria to take over and result in gum disease and tooth decay.

2. Use Your Teeth as Tools
Hammer, wrench, screwdriver, scissors, bottle-opener. Use your imagination. Who needs a toolbox when you’ve got 32 solid options?

1. Cancel Regular Check-Ups

It is more difficult to ruin your smile if you have regular check-ups with your favorite Provo dentist. Best to avoid them altogether if your goal is pure chaos and painful destruction.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and walked away with a renewed desire to take care of those enamel-covered marvels that serve you faithfully day in and day out.

I know many people throughout Utah County and American Fork have difficult struggles with oral health and lack smile satisfaction. That’s why I’m here. I am Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. If you are experiencing dental problems, schedule a consultation today. I look forward to creating a plan to restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile.

To find out the price of braces, the price of veneers, the cost of teeth whitening, or the cost of a dental crown, call my practice 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


Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

Lehi cosmetic smile makeover

Hello Provo! Welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog. Let’s talk about cosmetic dental smile makeovers. Some Provo patients wonder if  the term is synonymous with general cosmetic dentistry.

Are the placement of four veneers considered a smile makeover? Well, yes and no. If your smile is attractive and healthy except for some chips in your upper front teeth, cosmetic veneers may remedy the few cosmetic problems and result in a dazzling smile.

Generally, however, a complete cosmetic dental smile makeover combines several carefully-chosen cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at the same time for a complete smile renewal. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts.

For example, one treatment plan could include restoration of dental crowns, veneers for teeth that are misshapen but otherwise healthy, tooth-colored filling replacement for old amalgam fillings, and teeth whitening for the crowning touch.

I am Dr. Chris Hammond. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Provo, Utah since 1967. Performing successful cosmetic dental smile makeovers makes my profession extremely fulfilling. Patients who plan to receive a smile makeover should take their time choosing a dentist to perform it. I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and wishes. During the consultation, I can tell you about my extensive experience and show you before and after pictures of satisfied patients.

When I design a custom smile makeover, I study several elements in addition to the teeth. After all, the teeth are just one component of the patient’s face. The gumline, lips, mouth, facial shape, facial structure, coloring, and patient’s age affect the scope of the design. This comprehensive approach to a smile makeover achieves amazing results and sets our practice apart.

If you are interested in learning more about smile makeovers, 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