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Dr. Alassaad’s minimally invasive cosmetic approach is featured in the national clinical dental magazine Dentistry Today.

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http://www.dentistrytoday.com/restorative/8267-when-less-invasive-is-also-aesthetic

James W. Childress DDS, Inc

Matching wear patterns in teeth show that grinding has occurred and also show the extent of jaw movement during grinding. It is very surprising to patients when they see how far a person moves the jaw into such a non-functional position while grinding teeth.

– Right View: A perfectly matching wear pattern at the right canine tooth which used to have a sharp pointed tip, as the bottom jaw moves far to the right.

– Frontal View: Grinding wears and cracks enamel shortening this front tooth.

– Right-frontal View: Perfectly matching wear pattern at the shortened front tooth, as the bottom jaw moves far to the right.

– Left View: A perfectly matching wear pattern at the left canine tooth which used to have a sharp pointed tip, as the bottom jaw moves far to the left.

For more information about grinding teeth – such as the causes, the resulting damages, and solutions for grinding – see this column in the Davis Enterprise newspaper by Samer S. Alassaad DDS:

http://www.davisenterprise.com/forum/opinion-columns/focus-on-health-a-creeping-sleep-disorder-destroys-teeth/

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS

All back teeth come in with grooves that are either shallow, deep, wide or narrow. These grooves can be almost impossible to reach with tooth brush bristles and thus can not be kept totally clean. They can then become discolored as they trap stains or as they trap plaque that causes underlying cavities. If the discoloration is caused only by stains, no intervention is necessary. However, if the discoloration is caused by an underlying cavity then intervention is recommended to stop the progression of tooth decay and preserve the rest of the tooth structure. When the discolored groove is not clinically sticky (soft), it becomes more challenging to distinguish between a stain and a cavity. A Diagnodent –a new laser technology that scans your teeth with harmless pulses of light – can then be used to distinguish between stains and cavities with more precision.

In the above example, intervention was recommended after the groove was tested by a Diagnodent and confirmed to have an underlying cavity.

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS

Presented to the Sacramento-Sierra Chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry about “Managing Incomplete Tooth Fractures.”

Cracks are most commonly seen in teeth weakened by large cavities that have been filled with large fillings, this leaves less tooth structure for support. Additionally, the risk of these cracks increases with habits such as clenching and grinding. Cracks can be either symptomatic – most commonly, persistent sensitivity to cold and chewing – or asymptomatic. Early diagnosis is most important to limit the progression of cracks and to prevent complications such as infection of the tooth nerve and the bone supporting the tooth; or the greatest concern which is the splitting of a tooth. Most cracks are treated by covering the chewing surface of teeth to immobilize the cracked segments with Full or Partial Crown restorations. Prevention starts early in life with early detection of cavities thus avoiding excessive loss of tooth structure and protecting teeth from clenching and grinding by wearing night guards.  Of course the ultimate prevention is to avoid cavities in the first place.

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS

Sporting activities offer a variety of benefits, but many of them have a high risk for devastating dental injuries. This column addresses the need for prevention and the equipment available to do so.

www.davisenterprise.com/opinion/opinion-columns/avoiding-the-drama-of-dental-trauma/

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS

Start brushing your baby’s teeth as they come in – generally around 6 months old.  You can use a Baby Silicon Finger Toothbrush; its bristles are softer than nylon, it is FDA approved, BPA free & PVC free.

If you are concerned about your baby swallowing fluoridated toothpaste instead of spitting it out, initially you can use water or fluoride-free toothpaste.

We hope you’ve found this demonstration of brushing your baby’s teeth helpful.

Samer S. Alassaad, DDS