Home

General Dentistry

General Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ

General dentists are primary care providers responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental issues for patients of all ages. They focus on prevention and minor restorative care but can also perform various dental procedures, including some cosmetic treatments.

Embark on the Path to a Stunning Smile

The ADA advises seeing your general dentist every six months for oral health check-ups and preventive care. These regular visits help prevent costly and extensive dental issues. General dentists are well-trained and offer a range of services for you and your family, including:

Dental Implants

General Dentistry

Dental Implants

Scottsdale Dental Implants: The Best Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Considering tooth replacement options? Dr. Wiitala in Scottsdale, AZ offers dental implants for a perfect smile. Many Americans are missing teeth, with over 178 million missing at least one and more than 35 million missing all their teeth, according to recent ADA statistics. The ideal solution is a dental implant, the best option for single-tooth replacement or anchoring fixtures for multiple teeth. Contact Dr. Eric Wiitala at (480) 657-6981 to see if you’re a candidate for Dental Implants!

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. That tooth may have already been missing or may need to be extracted due to extensive decay that precludes saving the tooth. Implants are actually named for the screw-shaped anchoring piece, the implant, which is made of titanium and is screwed down into the socket of the former tooth root. Once the implant is placed into the jawbone, the bone grows around it and integrates the implant into the jawbone naturally. A post is then attached and a false tooth atop it. Then the implant behaves exactly like a natural tooth.

Why should I bother to replace a missing tooth?

A missing tooth is more than just a gap in your teeth. Beyond the embarrassing look of a gap in your smile, a missing tooth can cause whistling when you speak. Also, missing molars can create problems with chewing, making the person avoid certain foods.

More important are two physical problems. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth tend to slide over into the missing space because there is no longer any pressure keeping them in place. This creates serious bite and alignment problems.

Also, there is a tremendous amount of force applied downward into the jaw when biting and chewing. This bite force transfers energy through the tooth into the jawbone holding it. This energy stimulates the jawbone to continually regenerate; without this energy, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate and reabsorb.

Candidates for dental implants

Jawbone mass is the main factor when Dr. Wiitala decides if a person is right for an implant. As noted above, a missing tooth leads to jawbone mass loss in the bone beneath the missing tooth or teeth. If the person has left a missing tooth or teeth unattended for years, the bone loss in the jaw can dictate the need for jawbone grafting to build up the jawbone enough to support an implant.

Benefits of dental implants

Because dental implants basically become a part of your jawbone, they look and function exactly like a natural tooth. You can eat whatever you want. You can bite into hard or sticky foods. You care for the artificial tooth just as you do your natural teeth. Plus, because the titanium implant base is anchored in the jawbone, implants transfer bite force energy down into the jawbone just as natural teeth do. This is important for keeping the jawbone healthy and constantly regenerating new bone mass. Finally, implants are the longest lasting dental prosthesis, usually lasting for the remainder of the patient’s life.

For people with normal jawbone mass, however, virtually anyone of any age is a good candidate for an implant. Any other dental issues such as gum disease must be addressed prior to any implant procedure.

How is an implant placed?

The first step in the implant process is a consultation with Dr. Wiitala. He will perform a full oral exam and take a set of x-rays to determine your jawbone mass. Once he decides your jawbone is strong enough, he moves on to the implant placement, which has four steps.

1. Placement

Dr. Wiitala places the titanium implant, which is shaped like a screw, into the socket of the former tooth root. A small amount of drilling may be required, but otherwise, the implant is screwed down into place.

2. Osseointegration

Now we simply wait to let your jawbone grow around and accept the implant. This is called osseointegration and takes from three to six months.

3. Abutment

When the jawbone has fully accepted the implant, you return and a small metal post called an abutment is attached to the implant. Your gum tissue is then allowed to heal around the abutment for approximately six more weeks.

4. Crown

The final step is to attach the custom-made false tooth (crown) onto the abutment. Once this is placed the procedure is complete and you are ready to go. No recovery is needed.

Is the procedure painful?

It’s easy to assume that drilling down into the jawbone, cutting the gums, and the other steps involved in placing a dental implant would be painful. Truth is, the process is less painful than a tooth extraction. First, Dr. Wiitala uses a local anesthetic during the procedures, so you’ll be awake, but will feel nothing. Second, the jawbone doesn’t have any pain-sensing nerves, so drilling and placing the implant into the jawbone don’t involve any pain.

Afterwards you will have some discomfort, possibly in the chin, cheeks, even underneath the eyes. There may be some bruising. An icepack can reduce the swelling, while ibuprofen is usually sufficient to deal with any aching or pain.

Caring for your implant

Since an implant feels and functions exactly like a natural tooth, your care is no different. Simple brushing and flossing is all that is required. Of course, if decay was your original problem, you’ll need to step up your home hygiene routine.

How long do implants last?

Implant duration is tied to how well you care for them. But if you are attentive to your home hygiene and have twice-yearly professional cleanings and exams your implant can last the rest of your life.

Do dental implants need to be replaced?

Dental implants are meant to be permanent replacements, lasting the remainder of the patient’s life. Of course, there can be exceptions, especially in cases where home hygiene is lacking. Generally, however, implants do not need replacing…ever.

Are teeth implants safe?

Dental implants have the highest success rate of all dental prostheses, over 95 percent. Dental implants have been placed all across the globe and have proven to be incredibly safe and the most effective method for replacing a missing tooth.

What are alternative treatments to dental implants?

Dr. Wiitala believes dental implants to be the single best option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Replacing many teeth with implants, however, may be cost prohibitive. In those cases, a bridge or partial denture may be a better solution.

Are there alternatives to dental implants?

Alternatives to dental implants would be fixed bridges or removable bridges/partial dentures. Obviously implants are the premium way to go but not everyone is a candidate for implants. A fixed bridge is typically the second best choice for most patients.

Cost of dental implants

There is no simple answer to the cost of dental implants, as specific pricing depends on several factors. When determining price, some factors Dr. Wiitala considers are if the patient needs a bone graft, how many implants are needed, and if a surgical guide needed for precise placement. Additionally, a patient’s insurance can influence how many dental implants cost to the patient. Ultimately, the best way to determine how much dental implants cost for you is to consult with your dentist who can look at your specific needs and condition.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consult In Scottsdale, AZ!

Call the office of Dr. Eric Wiitala to schedule your Scottsdale dental implant consultation and see how dental implants can benefit you, (480) 657-6981 . You can also read more on dental implants and our other offered services on Eric Wiitala, DDS’s blog!

Kind Words From Proud Patients

Fluoride

General Dentistry

Fluoride Treatment

Hooray For Decay

For decades, fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, which thereby helps to prevent decay of tooth structures.

Water fluoridation is endorsed by nearly every major health and safety-related organization in the world. Communities make it a standard practice to “fluoridate” their drinking supplies for the general population to benefit from this inexpensive and effective preventative treatment. According to the American Dental Association, more than 144 million U.S. residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water, most from public water supplies with sodium fluoride added artificially.

The proponents of removing fluoride from municipal water sources evidently like dentures. In the 1930s, Americans had an extremely high rate of dental caries (the clinical term for cavities). In those years, by the age of 55 half of all Americans needed dentures, meaning they had lost all or most of their teeth thanks to decay. At 6 years of age in the 30s, 80 percent of children had an average of 14 cavities.

There was a growing flood of research that showed adding fluoride to water helped prevent decay. Grand Rapids, Michigan was selected as a test city for adding fluoride to the municipal water supply. The results covered 15 years, from 1945 to 1960. They showed a 65 percent decline in tooth decay. End of story. After Grand Rapids, just about all cities around the world adopted water fluoridation and dental health improved.

Bottled water, home water treatment systems, and fluoride exposure

Can the consistent use of bottled water result in individuals missing the benefits of optimally fluoridated water? Can home water treatment systems (e.g., water filters) affect optimally fluoridated water supplies? The answer is yes to both. Read how you can avoid some of the pitfalls that may be preventing you from getting the maximum value of fluoride, in this article from the American Dental Association.

What are the benefits of fluoride treatments?

What’s the benefit of a child not having a mouthful of fillings? What’s the benefit of having strong enamel that fights off bacteria seeking to gain a foothold? There isn’t any debate about the beneficial effect of fluoride for preventing tooth decay. In fact, if 75 years of consistent research and results aren’t enough to convince people of the science behind fluoride, what is?

Fluoride helps remineralize our teeth. That keeps the enamel strong. That helps prevent decay in a big way. That makes for a perfect smile. That’s the benefit of fluoride treatments at Dr. Wiitala’s and across the world. Don’t listen to the pseudo-scientists who make claims without a shred of evidence to back them up.

Does fluoridation also help adult teeth, or is the benefit only for children?

It was long thought that only children really benefitted from fluoride, but that has changed. While children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years get the most benefit from fluoride for preventing decay, fluoride has more recently been shown to help adults with various conditions:

Dry mouth

Certain diseases, side effects of various medications, and head and neck radiation treatments can make the mouth not produce enough saliva. This condition, dry mouth, makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized.

Gum disease

Gum disease tends to shrink the gums exposing more of the tooth and tooth roots to bacteria.

History of frequent cavities

If you’ve continued to get cavities every year or two, even into adulthood, fluoride treatments are a good idea as an adult.

Presence of crowns, bridges, or braces

Various dental prostheses can increase the person’s risk of decay damaging the teeth at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.

When do children need fluoride the most?

Children between 6 months and 16 years need fluoride to help build their teeth. This is proven by dozens of research studies.

How often should a child get fluoride treatment?

Fluoride treatments are recommended by the American Dental Association to be at intervals of 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your proclivity toward developing decay.

How often should an adult get Fluoride Treatment?

As mentioned above, once our permanent teeth have descended and emerged into the mouth, typically by the age of 8, there isn’t any risk of getting too much fluoride and fluorosis. Research has shown that adults whose enamel has thinned with time (or never was as strong) can benefit from having professional fluoride applications at the dentist. We can vary the frequency depending on your unique teeth and their proclivity toward developing decay. It’s a good idea to have us add a fluoride treatment to your usual twice-yearly professional cleanings and exams. Again, don’t be fooled by false or incorrect information about fluoride that you may see on the internet.

How is fluoride treatment done at Dr. Wiitala’s?

Dr. Wiitala provides fluoride treatments at our Scottsdale offices as a gel, foam, or varnish. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is worn from one to four minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouthguard.

Are there any risks associated with Fluoride Treatment with Dr. Wiitala?

Fluorosis occurs when young children have too much fluoride. This can occur if children use too much toothpaste and if they swallow it instead of spitting it out after brushing. The same is true with the use of fluoride mouth rinses. Children need to be taught to not swallow these items. It’s as simple as that.

Some parents have also opted to have their children take fluoride supplements or drops. This is unnecessary — children who eat a normal diet, drink fluoridated water, and use fluoridated toothpaste will properly get all the fluoride they need to receive its amazing decay preventing benefits. There’s no need to go overboard at home.

Because children are not swallowing the fluoride treatments we provide at Dr. Wiitala’s, they are not at higher risk of developing fluorosis. Again, common sense is important here so that parents don’t react to some of the dubious claims about fluoride that are out there. Twice-yearly fluoride applications with us really help strengthen children’s tooth enamel and help prevent decay and the need for fillings.

ADA statement on FDA toothpaste warning labels

The American Dental Association`s Council on Scientific Affairs believes that one part of the warning now required on fluoride toothpaste by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could unnecessarily frighten parents and children and that the label greatly overstates any demonstrated or potential danger posed by fluoride toothpaste. The label language, “If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately,” is now required on all fluoride toothpaste. But the ADA, in a letter sent to the FDA last year, pointed out that a child could not absorb enough fluoride from toothpaste to cause a serious problem and that the excellent safety record on fluoride toothpaste argues against any unnecessary regulation.

Enamel fluorosis

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child may face a condition called enamel fluorosis if he or she receives too much fluoride during the years of tooth development. Too much fluoride can result in defects in tooth enamel.

What is Dental Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that causes changes in the appearance of tooth enamel. It may result when children regularly consume too much fluoride during the years their teeth are forming but they have not yet broken through the gums. This occurs usually before the age of 8.

In the U.S., most cases of dental fluorosis are very mild to mild, appearing as white spots on the tooth surface that are barely noticeable or can only be spotted by a professional such as Dr. Wiitala. This in no way affects the function of the tooth.
Moderate and severe forms of fluorosis are rare, and they can cause changes to the enamel of the teeth.

Moderate cases appear as white spots covering more of the tooth surface. Severe fluorosis appears as brown spots on the teeth and the enamel can become pitted.
Only children under age 8 can develop fluorosis. Older children and adults are not at any risk.

Can Dental Fluorosis be treated?

Fluorosis causes permanent changes in the tooth appearance. These occur in the dentin of the tooth, not the enamel, so they don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Wiitala can address the cosmetic changes from fluorosis by using dental bonding to cover the areas affected, or the teeth can be covered with porcelain veneers.

How does fluoride protect the teeth?

Your mouth is a dynamic mine of minerals undergoing constant demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization, caused by acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars, leads to tooth decay. Fortunately, consuming fluoride, calcium, and phosphate in foods and water aids in remineralization, preventing decay. Fluoride, naturally present in various sources, strengthens enamel, reverses early decay, and protects children’s developing permanent teeth from acid assault.

How soon after having a Fluoride Treatment can I eat?

The idea of these treatments is to allow the enamel to absorb the fluoride. This strengthens the enamel and helps to ward off possible future decay. To allow the teeth to do so, you should not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after your fluoride treatment at our Scottsdale offices.

These treatments can make your teeth and gums more sensitive for a few hours, so avoid foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold until the next day. Also, avoid highly acidic foods for a day. Interestingly, these treatments (after their initial potential sensitivity) actually decrease tooth sensitivity moving forward.

What happens if a person gets too much fluoride?

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. That’s true of eating cake. It’s also true with fluoride. Although fluoride is the best way to prevent decay and cavities, too much fluoride can result in what is called fluorosis. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that affects the teeth. It’s caused by too much fluoride during the first eight years of a child’s life. The affected teeth may appear mildly discolored. More severe cases have more pronounced staining and other cosmetic issues such as surface irregularities.

But fluorosis isn’t something that occurs from fluoride in municipal water supplies. It’s usually the case of inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sometimes, children enjoy the taste of their fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it instead of spitting it out. Also, fluoride supplements can be a problem. A little parental vigilance is usually all that’s necessary for preventing fluorosis.

How can you tell if there is too much fluoride in your water?

There isn’t, and it’s not an issue. Municipal water supplies are rigorously tested to be sure the amount of fluoride is enough to help prevent decay, but far from enough to cause anything close to fluorosis. Switching to all bottled water only exposes your children’s teeth to a much higher risk of developing decay.

CDC website provides information on community water fluoridation

People seeking information on whether their water system is fluoridated can now find out by visiting a new website at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new feature, “My Water`s Fluoride,” allows consumers in participating states to check out basic information about their water system, including the number of people served by the system and the target fluoridation level. Optimal levels recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and CDC for drinking water range from 0.7 parts per million (ppm) for warmer climates, to 1.2 ppm for cooler climates accounting for the tendency to drink more water in warmer climates. States that are currently participating include Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Schedule a Veneers Consultation Today!

If you’re interested in learning more about fluoride treatment please contact us for a consultation at (480) 657-6981 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.

Kind Words From Proud Patients

Sleep Apnea

General Dentistry

Chronic Snoring Treatment

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during the night due to blocked upper airways, leading to frequent awakenings. It affects millions of Americans, often undiagnosed. Chronic snoring may indicate sleep apnea. Visit our experts in Scottsdale, AZ to learn more.

Causes Of Sleep Apnea

Chronic sleep apnea can have a variety of causes:

Obesity
Throat and tongue muscles that are abnormally relaxed
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Cardiovascular problems
Nasal congestion
Smoking
Family History

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. Because these muscles support the surrounding tissues such as the tonsils and the side walls of the throat, when they relax, the airway narrows or closes. Your brain senses this inability to breath and briefly wakes you from sleep to reopen the airway. These lapses in sleep can be so brief you don’t even remember them. These actions can involve a snorting, choking, or gasping sound and the pattern can repeat up to 30 times per hour all night.

In central sleep apnea, your brain doesn’t tell your breathing muscles to do their job. Consequently, you make no effort to breathe for a short period of time. You then awaken with shortness of breath or have difficulty even falling asleep.

What Are The Common Sleep Disorders?

Of the most common sleep disorders, which include narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia, sleep apnea affects millions of people around the world. This condition can be challenging not because it is difficult to treat, but because it so closely resembles snoring that many people do not obtain the care they need to restore health.

Sleep Apnea Vs. Snoring

When you snore, air has slight difficulty passing through the airway. When breathing occurs, forced air causes vibrations in the soft tissues in the throat and beyond. The sounds that are made indicate that air is moving. People with sleep apnea do more than snore; they stop breathing. When pauses in breath occur, the brain jumps into action to regain its supply of oxygen. The body is jolted with adrenaline, which speeds the heart and rouses sleep just enough to restart breathing.

Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea

Snoring by itself doesn’t mean you have sleep apnea. Your snoring is usually due to a decreased level of airflow through the airway, but not complete blockage, as in sleep apnea. These are the common symptoms if you have sleep apnea:

Loud snoring (more prominent with obstructive sleep apnea)
Abrupt awakenings from sleep
Awakening with shortness of breath (central sleep apnea)
Episodes of breathing cessation witnessed by another person
Waking up with a headache in the morning
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Difficulty staying asleep
Attention problems
Irritability

Types Of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition, but there are other forms. They are defined by the causes.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

This is the most common form, occurring when muscles in the throat relax, blocking airflow.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

This is caused when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)

This syndrome differs from OSA in that there aren’t pauses in breathing or decreases in breathing. Patients with UARS simply require greater effort in breathing to get past obstructions.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome

This sleep apnea is categorized as a person having both OSA and CSA.

Why is Sleep so Important to Your Health?

Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly is crucial for overall well-being. Even a few nights of poor sleep can lead to negative effects, including an increased risk of accidents, impaired decision-making, and serious health issues. Poor sleep quality is associated with a higher likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes. Additionally, adequate sleep is essential for mood regulation and optimal immune system function.

Sleep apnea can shorten your life! In one 18-year study, the risk of death was 3.2 times higher for participants whose severe sleep apnea was not treated.

Risk Factors For Developing Sleep Apnea

Certain factors are considered during the diagnosis of sleep apnea such as:

Menopause

Post-menopausal women are at an increased risk.

Obesity

People who are obese have four times the risk of sleep apnea. Fat deposits around the upper airway can add to obstruction.

Men

Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea.

Age

Sleep apnea is more common in older adults.

Narrowed airway

Some people simply have a naturally narrow throat, or have enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Family history

Sleep apnea runs in families.

Smoking

Smokers are three times more likely to have sleep apnea.

Alcohol or sedatives

These substances relax the throat muscles.

Health Conditions Caused By Sleep Apnea:

Snoring
Daytime sleepiness
High blood pressure
Headaches (especially in the am)
Teeth grinding
Diabetes
Memory problems
Sexual dysfunction
Acid reflux

What Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Does Dr. Wiitala offer?

Dr. Wiitala has a variety of treatments to help his sleep apnea patients. He starts with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, limiting alcohol consumption, or smoking cessation. If those treatments don’t have an affect, we progress to breathing systems such as CPAP or the design of an oral appliance.

CPAP

The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is a breathing system that uses air pressure to keep the upper airway passages open. With CPAP, the patient wears a mask over the nose and mouth during sleep. It is attached to tubes that deliver air at a slightly higher pressure than the air in the bedroom. This pressure difference keeps the airways open.
The problem with CPAP is compliance. Patients, and often their partners, don’t like wearing the mask and the tubes attached to the pressurization system. Every year nearly 900,000 patients don’t use their prescribed CPAP systems, which wastes money and, more importantly, keeps the patient from treating his or her sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Dr. Wiitala offers an alternative to CPAP: oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy is effective for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. It uses what is akin to a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer. Worn only during sleep, the oral appliance supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway. Dr. Wiitala has a extensive experience with a variety of these appliances — there are over 100 FDA-approved oral appliances — and can help you find the one that works best for you. Compared with the mask and tubes required with CPAP, oral appliance therapy is far easier to tolerate.

Surgery

Surgery is usually only an option if a patient has severe sleep apnea and it is endangering his or her life.

What If you Or Your Partner Have Sleep Apnea?

When diagnosing sleep apnea, Dr. Wiitala looks at your medical and family health histories, performs a physical exam, and conducts a sleep study. The polysomnogram (PSG) is the most common sleep study. This study records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and blood pressure as you sleep. It also records the amount of oxygen in your blood, air movement through your nose while you breath, snoring, and chest movements. The test is performed at a sleep center and is painless. There is also a home-based monitor that may be used for your sleep test.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Sleep apnea is usually treated with a CPAP or a mandibular advancement device. It is important that a dentist works with your doctor to determine what is the best option for sleep apnea patients. Often times a simple mandibular advancement device (mouthpiece) will correct and help many people with sleep apnea. It will also eliminate or greatly reduce snoring.

Sleep Apnea is Potentially Deadly. Don’t Leave it Untreated.

Are you interested in learning more about sleep apnea or CPAP alternatives? Visit dentist Dr. Eric Wiitala in Scottsdale today and see how you can be on your way to a better nights sleep. Dr. Wiitala is a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He wants you to get the sleep you need. Contact Eric Wiitala, DDS for more information on oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

Kind Words From Proud Patients

My Teeth Feel Fine. Do I Still Need a Checkup?

Ideally, your teeth will feel fine throughout your lifetime. The chances of avoiding unpleasant, painful dental problems are much better when you maintain six-month recall visits regardless of how your teeth feel. The truth is, you can have the beginnings of a cavity or gum disease without any pain, and with very subtle indications. Staying up-to-date with dental exams and cleanings gives you the opportunity to catch these problems before they become symptomatic. In doing that, the degree of reparative care you may need could be much less than it would be if you let pain guide your motivation to see the dentist.

How Can I Know if I have Gum Disease?

The best way to learn more about gum disease is by receiving preventive care from Dr. Wiitala! Why wait until you’ve got significant, noticeable signs of severe gum infection when you can avoid symptoms altogether? Gum disease is a progressive condition that begins with inflammation in the gum tissue directly around a tooth or teeth. With proper intervention, you can halt the infection process and the consequences that come with it.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Wiitala if you notice any of the following signs that gum disease may be starting:

Persistent bad breath even with brushing and flossing
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
Red, swollen, irritated gums
Tooth sensitivity
Receding gums (one or more teeth look longer)
A sense of a tooth feeling loose

What are the Benefits of Porcelain Fillings?

Dental fillings represent the most commonly performed restorative dental treatment. Historically, dentists have used dental amalgam to fortify teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. You may know amalgam fillings as “silver fillings.” As research has indicated the pitfalls of dental amalgam and the presence of mercury in them, more people have begun seeking alternatives. Dr. Wiitala proudly offers porcelain dental fillings not only because they look completely natural but because they offer more benefits than composite resin tooth-colored fillings. These include:

Superior strength as compared to composite resin fillings.
Similar “wear rate” to natural enamel.
Lifelike appearance (no one will be able to tell you have fillings).
Stain resistance.
Conservative repair with minimal removal of natural tooth structure.
Durability for larger repairs, such as cavities in molars, where bite force is stronger.
Similar success rate to gold fillings at a fraction of the cost.
Similar “movement” to natural enamel, so no risk of tooth fractures.

Why is Fluoride Important for Healthy Teeth?

Teeth are protected by the hard outer shell of enamel. This layer of your teeth is made up of various minerals that help to maintain its hardness. The foods that you eat and the presence of bacteria in the mouth can wear down the mineral content of tooth enamel. This is referred to as demineralization. Fluoride creates a chemical reaction within the enamel in which the hydroxyl molecule of the enamel’s hydroxyapatite is restored. This maintains optimal enamel hardness, making it more difficult for cavities to occur. Dr. Wiitala performs fluoride treatments here in our comfortable office. With just a few minutes added to your regular appointment, your teeth can get a boost of strength!