Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer’s: Keep Those Gums Healthy!

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Categories: Dental Health

gum disease treatment Provo

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, but it’s a treatable condition at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Keeping your gums healthy is essential for your overall health, but if you need yet another reason to keep them healthy, we’ve got a doozy.

Scientists have found a connection between a bacteria that causes periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Porphyomonas gingivalis is a bacteria that contributes to chronic periodontitis. The bacteria was discovered in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The researchers concluded:

“Chronic periodontitis and infection with Porphyomonas gingivalis have been identified as significant risk factors for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Gum disease is, for the most part, preventable. The best thing you can do to prevent it is brush and floss twice a day, and see us for regular cleanings and checkups.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we offer complete family dentistry services. Patients from American Fork and Lehi trust their smiles to our cosmetic 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 8096

Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns

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Categories: Family Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

cosmetic dental Provo

Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to correct decayed teeth. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we focus on two similar restorations, dental inlays and onlays.

Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive alternative to a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown.

Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are fabricated in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.

An inlay is used to fix the surface of a damaged tooth, often to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.

Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are heavy-duty and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is accurately fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the previous tooth.

An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are usually applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are accurately fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an essential role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide trusted dental care including inlays and onlays. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for family and cosmetic 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 7227

Tell Your Dentist Which Prescription Meds You Are Taking

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dental emergency walk-in clinic Provo

It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental procedure.

 

The reason is that some meds, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can impact oral health or dental treatment.

 

Bleeding Issues

 

Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can bring about abnormal bleeding, because they affect your ability to clot. If you undergo oral surgery, it’s vital for your dentist to know if you are taking these meds.

Metallic Taste

Some cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and smoke deterrent drugs have been known to a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. This doesn’t necessarily affect dental treatment, but overdoing sugary breath mints increases your risk of tooth decay.

 

Abnormal Gums

 

Do you feel as though your gums are significantly bigger in proportion to your teeth?

 

Enlarged gum tissue (in dental speak ‘gingival hyperplasia’) is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can make your gums appear more prominent than your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene or prescription medications. These include antiseizure drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem), or immunosuppressants. If you are taking these drugs, make sure you are paying close attention to your teeth and gum care.

Dry Mouth

 

Over 400 drugs can trigger or exacerbate dry mouth. This long list includes, but is not limited to; antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medicines, and muscle relaxers. 

 

Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay. Saliva contains minerals that help enamel stay strong. Saliva also plays a role in controlling plaque.

When you come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo for a dental procedure, be prepared to let us know which prescription meds you are taking. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for family and cosmetic 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 8143

Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

gum disease treatment Provo

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty have gum disease in some form. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What do your gums do?

Gum tissue has an important job. It protects the roots of your teeth and provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. It also protects the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of this soft tissue. It starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. Early stage gum disease is called gingivitis. If it progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This more severe condition is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Changes in your bite

As serious as gum disease is on its own, it also puts you at risk of conditions like heart disease. The good news is that gum disease is 100% preventable with regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo provide complete family dentistry. Patients come to us from American Fork and Lehi also come to us to improve their smiles with porcelain veneers. Please 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 8101

If My Child Doesn’t Have Crooked Teeth, Do They Still Need An Orthodontic Exam?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

kids orthodontist Provo

Even if you don’t see any signs that your child will need braces, you should have them undergo a complete exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. That way, we can see exactly how tooth development is progressing.

When should a child be examined?

We recommend bringing kids in by the age of seven.

If my child has a gaps between their baby teeth, should I be worried?

Young children have gaps temporarily as their baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. It doesn’t necessarily mean your son or daughter will have gaps in their permanent teeth. However, it’s important to have them examined before the age of seven.

If my child has a gap between the two front permanent teeth, do they need braces?

A gap between the two front permanent teeth is a very common issue. It can be caused by pacifier use or thumbsucking as an infant. If teeth are unusually small, it may create gaps between them as the jaw develops. In adults, gum disease or missing teeth can result in gaps.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our family dentistry ensures good dental health in our patients. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for regular checkups, and for dental implants and other services. 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 8281

We Solve Problems To Restore Smiles

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dream smile

solve tough dental problems Provo

Do you fear that your smile is beyond repair due to damage or neglect? Rest assured, that may not be true. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we use restorative dentistry to improve smiles every day.

Here are some tough dental problems we routinely solve:

Tough Problem 1: Insufficient Bone for Dental Implant
Solution: Bone Grafting

Dental implant are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement. But before you can get one, you need to have enough healthy bone to support it. Bone grafting is a fairly simply procedure to promote the growth of new bone.

Tough Problem 2: Tooth Damage or Loss
Solution: Restorative Dentistry

We can address multiple issues by restoring your teeth and mouth to a functional, and even an aesthetic state. It might involve filling cavities, restoring or replacing missing teeth, or repairing damage with a crown. Our goal is twofold: restoring your natural smile, and preventing future dental health problems.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo dental implants give hope for your smile! People from all around American Fork and Lehi come to our office to find their dream smile. Call us 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 7516

You Have Nothing To Lose Except Loose Dentures

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

implant dentures Provo

Dental implants like those available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo have solved the problem of loose-fitting dentures.

Instead of relying on dental adhesive to keep ordinary dentures in place, dental implants can anchor full or partial dentures. They are secure enough to allow the wearer to eat an apple, chew a thick sandwich, or share a hearty laugh with certainty.

Implants can anchor either removable or fixed dentures. They fit better than traditional dentures, and are comfortable, functional, and pleasing.

Dental implants can also help prevent bone recession that often occurs after teeth have been extracted.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we have restored countless smiles with dental implants. Patients from American Fork and Lehi have come to us for implants, family dentistry, and a full range of other dental services. Call for 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 7108

Dental Checkup – How Often?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every four months.

Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, don’t brush and floss twice a day, or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. The philosophy ‘”Ignore it and it will go away,” does not apply to a dental health problem!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for family and cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and 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 16

How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

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Categories: Dental Crowns, Restorative Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Orem

Dental crowns from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem are a versatile restoration. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or been damaged. A crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, a crown is the final step.

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:

  • All ceramic (porcelain-based)
  • Porcelain fused to metal
  • Gold alloys
  • Base metal alloys

Dental crowns can last for many years, but they are not designed to last indefinitely. A crown can last for about fifteen years. But when they are taken good care of, crowns have been known to last much longer: up to twenty-five, even thirty years.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem we place a lot of dental crowns. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for crowns and other restorations, such as dental implants. We also offer comprehensive family dentistry, and more. 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 6517

It Doesn’t Take Long To Beautify Your Smile

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

dental implants Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we can improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry by restoring cracked or discolored teeth, by straightening them, or even replacing those that are missing.

We all want to have the best possible smiles, but cosmetic dentistry is more than just appearance. Straight teeth are easier to care for, and make for a healthier smile. That may explain why clear braces are so popular. They can straighten your teeth, and are almost undetectable as you wear them.

Also in demand are porcelain veneers. They can transform your appearance and are minimally invasive. A thin layer of tooth enamel is removed before veneers are permanently attached to your teeth. After that, you’ve got a mega-watt smile.

Dental implants are, in many ways, one of the most significant advances in the history of dentistry. Titanium posts inserted in the jaw can support one or more replacement teeth that look and function like the real thing.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for these procedures, and for our complete family dentistry. 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 8188