Friday, March 26, 2010

Just Like The Real Thing! - Flash Your Pearly Whites Again!


Thanks to today’s advancement in dental procedures and care, the use of implants has become more and more recognized as “the” most viable, efficient and practical method of tooth replacement.

Simply put, implants are artificial tooth roots that replace an missing tooth - these implants are, for all intents and purposes, identical to the “real” tooth, in that they look and perform exactly like the real one and this is thanks to modern technology that allows the dental surgeon to actually place the tooth directly into the bone.

Implants are now used to support dentures and crowns and this process can be applied for one tooth or for a series – depending on the requirements of the patient. Implants are extremely versatile and can be made to accommodate any situation as needed.

Amazingly, the patients, for the most part, get accustomed to these new implants quickly, easily and without any major discomfort and, of course, because the implants look exactly like “the real thing”, many people have also reported a huge increase in personal confidence – finally being able to flash that beautiful smile without worrying about “what their teeth look like”.

Thanks to modern technology and, of course, to those wonderful dentists who actually come up with these breakthroughs – flashing those pearly whites is now something that you can do with pride (again!).

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Two Very Frequently Asked Questions at Fairlington Dental

Here are two of the most frequent questions we are asked at Fairlington Dental:

The first one is “Do you see children here?” and the answer is a resounding “YES! We love kids!”

The second is “When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?” and the answer to that one is: “Between the age of 3 and 5 unless a problem arises earlier!”

Many times a child’s first dental visit involves just a quick peek at their teeth, wiping the teeth and gums with a piece of gauze and giving them a ride up and down in the dental chair. Of course everyone will tell them how good they are and how much fun it is to see the dentist - and that may be the most important part of the visit!

Studies have shown that many people avoid visiting the dentist purely out of fear – and we want to make sure that for the up and coming generation that is a thing of the past. With so many modern ways to make dentistry more comfortable, there simply is no reason to be afraid! But unfortunately, television shows and movies continue to depict things in a negative light. At Fairlington Dental, it is our goal to let children (and adults!) know that dental health is a comfortable, important and even fun part of our overall well being.

Here are a few more easy and important tips to pass along to those with infants or older children:

• Never nurse a baby to sleep or allow them to go to sleep with a bottle. This can cause a very harmful and serious form of cavities. If a baby must go to sleep with a bottle, only water should be used.

• Use a small-headed soft bristle toothbrush with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth. Do it twice a day, and always before bedtime.

• Even though they will eventually be lost, “baby teeth” are very important. Not only do they help children to speak and chew, they also set a straight path for the permanent teeth to erupt. If they are lost prematurely, the adult teeth can be compromised.

• Sealants are a fast, easy and effective way to prevent cavities. Be sure to ask us if your child is ready for them.

At Fairlington Dental, we strive to provide the best and most comfortable treatment possible for patients of all ages. Should you have any questions about children’s dental care – or anything else – feel free to give us a call at 703-671-1001 or visit our website at www.FairlingtonDental.com .

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Mercury Fillings - Are They Affecting Your Health?

For over 100 years, dental fillings were silver. It is easy to work with and quite resilient. In recent years, dental professionals have realized the negative effects of silver fillings and the mercury contained within them. Silver fillings are almost 50% mercury, which is one of the most dangerous non-radioactive substances on earth.
Studies have shown that mercury releases an invisible gas from silver fillings, which can harm the immune system and cause developmental disorders.

For assurance of one's well-being, mercury-free fillings and  mercury removal need to be a priority.

If You Have Silver Fillings:

Patients who already have silver fillings should talk to their dentist about safe amalgam removal. Amalgam is an alloy of mercury and silver, which is used in fillings. Once the decision is made to have the fillings replaced, the patient should be sure to talk with a dentist who is experienced and knowledgeable about removing mercury fillings, so that the procedure is done safely and correctly, leaving nothing dangerous behind. A biological dentist is skilled in tasks such as these. When choosing a dentist, the patient should ask about the procedure, ensuring that the dentist is careful to use a vacuum instrument to catch any amalgam pieces that come loose, use a lot of rinse water to dilute any residue, and take the filling in the largest pieces possible to prevent mercury “shrapnel” or excess mercury vapor from being released. Once removed, the fillings can be replaced with safe, tooth-colored composite, porcelain, or even gold.

Planning Ahead for Safe Dentistry:

When seeking a dentist for you and your family, it is important to be proactive and seek out a biological dentist, one who is aware of the health issues of the entire body, and how dental care affects one's entire well-being. Biological dentists understand the impact of toxic elements on the health of the body and specialize in mercury-free fillings and dental treatment. Not only is the use of composite resin fillings safer, but they also are less noticeable and are not metallic tasting. Additionally, often less tooth needs to be removed in order to bond the resin to the tooth in comparison with the procedure for silver fillings.

For additional information visit:
http://www.fairlingtondental.com/

http://www.dentalwellness4u.com/
http://www.mercuryfreenow.com/
http://www.iaomt.com/