Replacing a Silver Filling

Many patients have old, silver filings placed when they were a child. Often they leak over time and get decay around or under them. Fortunately, a conservative metal filling can be replaced with an alloy-free "white" filling called a composite.  The above photograph shows the sequencing of the replacement on one tooth.
The first (left most) photo shows half the silver filling removed.
The second shows all the metal removed.
The third photo shows all decay removed. Notice how a metal filling can stain a tooth.
The last (right most) photo shows the composite replacement filling.

It is Dr. Tekin's philosophy to practice metal-free dentistry whenever possible.
Dentistry and photography by Dr. Brock Tekin

Dental X-Rays, Brain Tumor Link ?

There is a lot of press lately linking dental x-rays to brain cancer.  While it is true that children should receive less radiation exposure, the clinical benefits of adult dental x-rays outweigh the negative ones.  At Art of the Smile, we use digital radiography: not old-fashioned film x-rays.  The amount of exposure is about 1/10th of radiation exposure compared to that traditionally used just 10 years ago !!  Our office has the Nomad x-ray machine.  It emits such a low dose of radiation, our hygienist, Susan (pictured) doesn't even have to leave the room to take an x-ray !  Still, we use ADA approved protective aprons and thyroid protectors to minimal exposure.  Our patient's health is paramount Art of the Smile :)ABC News Video

Wisdom Teeth Woes

Patients hate to hear about their wisdom teeth ! No one likes the thought of having them removed, and I can't tell you the number of times I've heard, "But they're not hurting me - so why bother ?" The truth is, if you are having pain from your wisdom teeth, chances are, the damage is done. Look at how this wisdom tooth erupted into the root of the adjacent tooth - ouch ! The wisdom tooth was removed, but the adjacent molar required a root canal and a crown... and still has a poor prognosis. Eventually the remaining tooth will need extracting and replacement with a dental implant. But this situation was completely avoidable.

Bottom line: Be smart about your wisdom teeth !!!

Dr. Tekin

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma happens every day. As we age, our teeth become more brittle and susceptible to fracture - it's just a part of life. You may bite into an olive pit and break a molar. Or perhaps the root-canaled tooth you were told to crown, but didn't - just, "broke off" ! I see it all the time.


But some trauma is more severe: this patient dove into a shallow pool - ouch !!! She came to me the very next day after her accident. She needed two root canals and an extraction, but she left our office that day with her smile in tact, albeit in a temporary. After some healing, we were able to make an all-ceramic crown and a bridge blend in with her natural teeth. The photo shows her original teeth (top), her trauma (middle), and her restored smile (bottom).

I know patients fear that dental work may look "fake". But I can assure you, if skillfully done, todays dental restorations can look perfectly natural. This nice lady was not expecting her unfortunate accident, but took solace in knowing I was prepared and qualified to restore her smile. I'm happy to report she is completely healed, smiling, and jumping into life... just feet first !!


Brock Tekin D.M.D.

My Dental Photography

Dental Photography:

I take a lot of photographs in my dental practice. They serve many purposes: documentation, dentist-to-dentist communication, dentist-to-patient communication, education, and even marketing. The clinical photos I show patients or potential patients are taken by myself. I never use "stock" footage of another dentist's work to pass of as my own, yet I've seen so many dentist's web sites do just that. I believe that is unethical.

The photos I take and show others are my own and are not digitally manipulated other than cropping, resizing.

When I take "before and after" photos, I do so with an "apples to apples" approach: the patient is photographed at the same angle, using the same lighting and the same proportion- so a direct comparison can be made. Is it fair to present it any other way ?

Lastly, all my photographs used are done so with patients signed consent.

Best,

Brock Tekin D.M.D.

Smoke screen

Smoking has been found to cause lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco users are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75 percent of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

September is National Gum Care Month

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Ma”ny people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Art of the Smile wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.