Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?

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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

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Orem Oral Dentistry

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we are sometimes asked about Xylitol. What is it, exactly? Is there really a sweetener that helps prevent cavities?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark, but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth. It is used in many products, including chewing gum.

Clinical studies have established that xylitol impedes the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who live with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while preserving against cavities.

Is xylitol gum as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing the dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

Of course, xylitol-sweetened products are no substitute for brushing and flossing. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start! Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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 1368

A Missing Tooth Can Lead to Bone Loss

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

Utah County tooth implants

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo support teeth so lifelike, patients have been known to forget some of their teeth aren’t real. That’s now natural their look and function is.

Those simple facts are enough to make most people choose dental implants if they need to replace one or more of their teeth. Then they learn that in addition to those benefits, implants can actually preserve and promote healthy bone mass in their jaws.

Dental Implants and Bone Loss

An unfortunate consequence of losing teeth is that the bone surrounding the lost tooth begins to atrophy. This begins almost immediately, and is usually noticeable within a year or so. The person’s face takes on a shrunken or sagging appearance. The more teeth that are missing, the more pronounced it is.

This happens because of the missing tooth root. But because dental implants are physically attached to the jaw, they mimic the root. The natural biting and chewing motions stimulate the bone and encourage new tissue to grow around the implant.

One dental implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge, and even a full dental arch. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. Please give our office a call to schedule an appointment 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 8540

Implant Dentures: Fixed Or Removable?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

implant dentures Provo

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

Implant-supported dentures both provide numerous advantages over standard dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Furnishes up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Don’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

Bone Condition

Implants require a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jaw bone affects whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are game-changers, and we have placed them in patients in American Fork, Lehi, and elsewhere. To find out whether they are right for you, please call our office to schedule an appointment 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 7788

Afraid of the Dentist? 5 Ways to Reduce Dental Anxiety

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Categories: Dental Health, Sedation Dentistry

dental anxiety treatment Provo

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry offered by Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Millions of Americans stress out when they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that, of course, is it puts their dental health at risk.

Whatever the cause, sedation dentistry has helped millions of people get through their appointments.

We offer the following:

  • Nitrous Oxide. You also know this as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a century and is highly effective.
  • Oral conscious sedation. You take a sedative an hour or so before the appointment. You won’t sleep, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. When the appointment is over, someone will have to drive you home.
  • IV Sedation. As the name suggests, this is a sedative that is administered intravenously. You won’t sleep with this on, either, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need an escort for a ride here and back.

Whatever the cause of your anxiety, it is essential that you do not compromise your dental health by skipping the dentist. Sedation dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may be just for you. Our services include general dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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 8533

Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants Orem

Dental implants have been called one of the most important steps forward in the history of modern dentistry, and we are proud to make them available to our patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Dental implants as we know them today have been around for decades, but they’re one of those things that most people to learn about until they need one. When they do, certain questions crop up pretty consistently:

  • Are dental implant procedures too expensive?
  • Are implants unsafe?
  • Are they experimental?
  • Is the surgery painful?
  • Does it take a long time to recover?

The answer to all of these is: No.

Dental implants are an investment in a better quality of life

Dental implants aren’t cheap. We understand that. But you get so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.

You get the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.

Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure.

In healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, implants have a success rate around 98%. Are you thinking about an implant? We only recommend them for those who are good candidates.

If you get a permanent dental implant, it could last the rest of your life.

Dental implant surgery has very little pain and patients usually recover swiftly.

The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, though it depends on how many implants you’re getting. When it’s finished you may experience:

  • Minimal pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs usually take care of the pain. We will have specific instructions for you.

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo restore smiles and restore lives! To find out if they are right for you, please call our office for an appointment 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 8271

Best Practices For A Healthy, Beautiful Smile

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

cosmetic dental Orem

It’s easy to become a little complacent about your dental health. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we know that all too well! Our goal in this blog post is for you to evaluate where you stand and consider how you can improve things.

Brushing

Good: Brush teeth once a day.
Better: Brush teeth right after each meal.
Best: Brush after each meal and floss correctly before bed.

Dental Checkups

Good: See us if you get a toothache.
Better: See us once a year even if you don’t notice any dental problems.
Best: Twice-yearly, have a thorough dental exam and professional dental cleaning at our office.

A White Smile

Good: Use a whitening toothpaste.
Better: Use a whitening product at home.
Best: Schedule an in-office whitening treatment.

Missing Tooth

Good enough for some people: Ignore it. (We don’t recommend this.)
Better: Get a quality dental bridge.
Best: Restore your smile with a beautiful, durable, and natural-functioning dental implant.

Smile-Friendly Nutrition

Good: Eat a healthy diet.
Better: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
Best: Eat a wholesome diet, limit between-meal snacking, eat lots of calcium-rich foods, minimize sugary foods, abstain from energy drinks and soda, and sip water throughout the day to keep acid at bay.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we are big advocates of preventative care. We want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. Find out why people from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their smiles! We offer general and cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Schedule a checkup 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 7397

Want A Reason To Smile All The Time?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dream smile, Smile Makeover

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Do you like your smile? If your answer is no, you can always improve it. We invite you to consider a cosmetic dentistry smile makeover at Hammond Aesthetidc & General Dentistry in Provo.

There are really good reasons to upgrade your smile.

  • Look and feel younger.
  • Improve your oral health.
  • Increase your confidence.
  • Smile all the time!

A smile makeover is all about making positive changes to your teeth. The effects may be subtle or they may be quite dramatic. We can make changes to the color of your teeth, close gaps, fix chips or cracks, or re-shape gum tissue. Since it addresses aspects you dislike, you can think of it as a customized smile.

The procedures include:

  • Porcelain veneers
  • Bonding
  • Dental implants
  • Teeth whitening

One or more of these can give you a smile your friends will envy. Call us at Hammond Aesthetidc & General Dentistry in Provo to find out what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for their dream smiles. Call for an appointment 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 6513

Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad…Dentist?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

sleep dentistry Orem

Millions of people get so worked up about dental appointments that they skip going to the dentist entirely. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we understand that dental anxiety is a very real thing, and that for some people it’s more like dental phobia. But skipping the dentist is not a good idea. Sedation dentistry can help.

Survey after survey tells us how common fear of the dentist is. Anywhere from nine to twenty percent of adult Americans cope with it to one degree or another! Many of them exhibit what psychologists call avoidance behavior: they’ll do just about anything to avoid a dentist appointment.

The trouble with skipping the dentist entirely, of course, is that it puts your dental health at risk. We want you to have healthy teeth and gums. There is also a clear connection between dental health and overall health.

We offer three types of sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide. Laughing gas works quickly, wears off quickly, and is very effective.
  • Oral concious sedation. You take a prescribed sedative before your appointment. It puts you in a state of great relaxation. You will need a ride to and from our office.
  • IV sedation. Administered intravenously, this puts you in the deepest availalbe state of relaxation, though you will not sleep. You’ll need a ride to and from our office with this, too.

If you are coping with dental anxiety or phobia, sedation dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offers hope. We have successfully treated many patients just like you. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for complete general dentistry. Call for an appointment 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 7303

Bridging The Gap

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Categories: Family Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

cosmetic dental Provo

Do you have a missing tooth that is detracting from your otherwise pleasant smile? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we can fill the gap with a dental bridge, and help you get back your sensational smile!

A dental bridge could be the perfect answer for your missing tooth. A bridge not only restores your smile: it can help you chew and speak properly.

Traditional bridges are strong enough to replace a missing molar. In order to  get one, you need to have natural teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These teeth are prepared by removing their  enamel so there is enough room for the crowns that are cemented on top of them. These two crowns support the artificial tooth.

A traditional dental bridge is just one of the tooth replacement options available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our practice for family dentistry. Call for an appointment 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 7265