Philly Dentistry

Dental caries (cavities) is the most common disease in children 6-11 years old and adolescents 12-19 years old. This disease is largely preventable, yet it remains more common than asthma among adolescents.

Tooth decay has significant consequences. Children with severe dental problems can have trouble eating and sleeping, paying attention to parents and concentrating in school.

To combat this major public health epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented fluoridation of community water supplies.

This has been ongoing for more than 60 years now and research has proved that fluoridation of the community water is not only safe but very effective.

Water fluoridation has been proclaimed by the CDC as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20^th century. The overwhelming research that supports this proves that water fluoridation has been effective in reducing dental decay by 20-40%.

In fact, for most major metropolitan areas it is estimated that every $1 spent on water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment. The CDC also estimates that without water fluoridation there would be an estimated 51 million school hours lost every year due to dental issues in the US.

In the United States more than two-thirds of the population is fluoridated properly and this is greatly benefiting the country. In just the past five years alone more than 125 communities in 36 states voted to fluoridate the water supply.

Fluoridation is a tried and tested technique and has proven to improve public welfare. Be cautious when reading information on the internet or listening to non-reputable sources like junk science. Keep in mind the most widely respected sources for information are the American Dental Association and the CDC. Both of these institutions fully support the use of water fluoridation and have proven time and again the overwhelming benefits of water fluoridation for the country.

If you have any questions about the use of fluoride and its benefits be sure to ask your dentist and dental hygienist at your next check-up and cleaning.

If you are missing teeth, one of the best options for replacing them today is with dental implants. A dental implant is a “man-made root” that is placed into the jaw bone and sits where the roots of the tooth normally would.

Yes, it may sound strange or even painful; however, the jaw bone has less nerve endings than the tooth itself and we find patients normally experience much less sensitivity than they expect.

Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth because they provide a long-term solution and can last a lifetime.

Based on your health history, you may or may not be eligible for a dental implant. The majority of patients are now able to receive dental implants, especially with advancements made in implant technology.

Below are some conditions that may impact your ability to get an implant:

• Smoking
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease
• Certain Medications
• Osteoporosis
• Alignment and spacing of the teeth
• Overall health problems

Be sure to include all of your medical history and medications on your health history form so that the doctor can do a complete evaluation.

In some cases patients may need to first have work done such as a bone graft or sinus augmentation in the area before the implant is placed. This will be determined and your doctor will let you know the proper steps that need to be taken in order for treatment to be successful.

In order to find out if dental implants are the right solution for you, and if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cirka, Dr. Mimi Jeon, and Dr. Stephanie Smith. They will perform a full oral health examination and discuss your health history and options.