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If the thought of going to the dentist makes your entire body tense with fear, you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 17.5% of Americans experience intense anxiety over visiting the dentist. Types of Sedation Dentistry Sleep dentistry, as it is sometimes referred to, will help a patient relax during procedures, dental surgeries or uncomfortable appointments. But the name is somewhat misleading. The truth is that conventional sedation options do not put the person completely to sleep. The sedatives allow individuals to remain calm and comfortable. In fact, with sedation dentistry, p …

Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Dr. James DeFinnis recommend regular dental visits to maintain proper and optimum oral health. This includes regular dental cleanings and check-ups. But dental care doesn’t stop there. Today, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look and help improve self-esteem and confidence. Your Dental Exam When you arrive at Back Mountain Dental for your regular dental cleaning, we will discuss and learn what your objectives and goals are. We will then give you a full exam that includes: • dental X-ra …

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), prevention and early detection is the key to maintaining optimal dental health for everyone in the family. The ADA states that proper dental health can even prevent school absences. This reinforces the importance for every family member to visit a dentist at least every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. The first step in this process is to find a dentist with whom all family members feel comfortable. Experienced Dental Practice At Back Mountain Dental, we are proud to be a professional practice with a reputation as experts in family den …

If you need dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth, gums, or bite, your search will lead you to a cosmetic dentist. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, procedures are usually quick, painless and surprisingly affordable. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), Dr. DeFinnis is uniquely qualified to evaluate your dental needs and create a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. At Back Mountain Dental we understand that your smile and appearance impact your self-esteem and confidence. Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry There are a variety of cosmetic de …

Regardless if you have a house full of kids or you are on your own, finding the best dentist in Kingston, Wyoming, Lewisburg or neighboring communities to fit your requirements takes some time and investigation. One of the smartest ways to determine which dentist to choose for you and your family is to read dentist reviews. In this new world of internet communication, this is a simple and quick way to identify the best dentist to serve your needs. Trust Dentist Reviews Back Mountain Dental has numerous dental patient reviews and testimonials available for you to read right on their home page. Dr. James DeFinnis a …

If you live in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Shavertown, Kingston, Dallas, Lewisburg or any of the neighboring communities and are searching for an affordable dentist with American Dental Association (ADA) credentials, then look no further than the office of Dr. James C. DeFinnis in Shavertown, Pennsylvania. A Pennsylvania native, Dr. DeFinnis has operated his dental practice for almost two decades and is committed to helping every patient look, feel and smile their best. In fact, he is the third generation in his family to enter the dental profession. Affordable Dentist without Sacrificing Excellence State-of-the-art …

Many people who are wearing traditional and even invisible braces feel restricted when it comes to their options in cosmetic dentistry. Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment plans that are aimed at correcting teeth alignment often express doubt as to whether they can still get their teeth whitened. If you ask a cosmetic dentist from practices serving the Wilkes Barre area, the short answer will be “yes”. Using the proper whitening methods, a dentist can help you get a brighter smile while you’re still working on better alignment and bite. Bleaching Options Bleaching is the most recommended type of teeth whit …

Veneers offer a convenient and cost-effective way to fix up partially damaged or discolored teeth. Unlike crowns that cover up teeth entirely, veneers are only placed in front of affected teeth. This method completely eliminates the need for other complex treatments, such as bleaching. Before you go to a cosmetic dentist for veneers, however, consider a few things. Are you a candidate for veneers? Veneers last for a very long time and can improve one’s smile significantly. For patients who are not too keen on complicated procedures, veneers may be an attractive option. Not all patients, though, are good candidate …

A smile can lighten up people’s moods, communicates happiness, and undeniably makes one more eye-catching. It’s no surprise, therefore, that a lot of people invest in cosmetic procedures to make their smile brighter and more attractive. Among the most widely used dental aesthetic materials are veneers—thin shells that resemble enamels, which can be bonded to the teeth to create a smile that’s close to perfect. Unfortunately, many have developed misconceptions about veneers, primarily due to negative experiences like a poor fit and lack of proper care. Several dental offices in Dallas, PA offer veneers, but it hel …

Jamie and Jodee DeFinnis From Berwick to The Back Mountain I have friends and relatives who fell in love in high school. They married and actually remain happily married today. Does that make our heads spin in today’s world?  There are people who spend their lives with that person who made them fall in love decades before for the first time and whose relationships lasted through high school, college, and graduate school. They marry and their marriages are successful to this day. The ingredients are not always the same. But, when you find the essential elements of couples who make high school love relationships wo …

Having cavities as an adult is a scary scenario. Sure, you’ve had your share of tooth aches and cavities as a child, but you had the assurance that when your baby teeth fall out, new ones will take their place. Not so when you’re grown up; a loss of a tooth would be permanent. Luckily, modern technology and countless advancements in dentistry now allow you to skip the painful process of extracting a decayed tooth through fillings. If you have already had some work done with silver fillings, you might want to consider having a Wilkes Barre dentist to replace them with white fillings. White Fillings vs. Silver Fill …

Being engaged in contact sports means being especially susceptible to a variety of injuries, such as dental trauma or teeth injury. According to DentalCare.com, an issue from the Journal of the American Dental Association reports that between 13-39% of dental injuries are sports-related, with males twice more likely to sustain injuries than females. The numbers are mainly attributed to non-wearing of mouth guards. Recent studies also show that of all contact sports, basketball has the highest injury rate due to hand or elbow contact and collision with other players. Such close contact, as well as the speed of the …

Being born with perfectly-aligned teeth is next to impossible. All people have crooked teeth to a certain degree, but when teeth misalignment or crowding is severe, it does not only affect one’s self-confidence; it also puts a person at risk of a variety of dental problems. Crooked teeth, overbites or underbites are all things to take seriously. Genetics is the number one cause of misaligned teeth. You inherit crooked teeth just like the color of your eyes, your skin tone, etc. If your relatives have healthy teeth alignment and you don’t, however, then other factors may be to blame. These include: Bad oral habits …

Today, many cosmetic dental treatments are sought by patients worldwide. Having a perfect smile is very important to many people so this is not surprising. However, it’s not just the looks that gain improvement from cosmetic dentistry. The benefits extend to oral and general health, giving them a practical significance to pretty much everyone. One of the most popular among cosmetic dental treatments is veneers. These are thin pieces of dental devices made from a material that has properties similar to tooth enamel. Veneers are attached to a patient’s teeth for a number of reasons, including correction of worn-out …

Two modern dentistry technologies may soon be integrated to form an excellent cosmetic dental solution: CEREC and Invisalign. According to Dentistry IQ, a resource for publications of dental information, Sirona, the manufacturer of CEREC Omnicam and CEREC Ortho software, announced that the two tools can now be used to submit digital impressions for Invisalign treatments. Through a guided scanning process, seamless digital impressions can now be submitted immediately, thereby connecting CEREC with Invisalign treatment. This feature will come in the Ortho 1.1 software which will be made accessible in selected marke …

Wisdom teeth–the late bloomers among your pearls that can cause you serious discomfort. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last ones to form at the farthest back in the mouth, typically during the late teens or early twenties. Given the right condition (and probably some sort of luck), some people develop healthy wisdom teeth. For others, however, there may not be enough room for these extra molars, causing them to crowd the adjacent teeth as they grow at an awkward angle or become impacted. When impacted, the wisdom tooth or part of it may be trapped inside the gums, creating a space where ba …

When you think of teeth stains, soda, coffee, and sweets usually get the blame. This is because of their acidic nature and high chromogen content that causes yellowish teeth. The truth is, there are things that cause those colors on the teeth other than the food you consume. A Wilkes Barre cosmetic dentist from Back Mountain Dental reveals four of the less-popular causes of teeth discoloration. Medication Most medicines we take have side effects, and some of them result in or contribute to teeth discoloration. Certain types of antibiotics, for example, bring a blue-gray or yellow-brown color to teeth. Cough syrup …

Many people consider a smile as an asset. In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults think that a beautiful smile makes a person much more attractive. There are many teeth whitening methods out there to help you get that bright smile you’ve always wanted, but most of them require you to miss out on your favorite foods. KoR Whitening System is a highly recommended permanent teeth whitening solution by a renowned dentist in Dallas, PA and other places. KoR Deep Bleaching The KoR Deep Bleaching System was developed by dentist Rod Kurthy, and was formulated for optimal permanent w …

Teeth are made to grind, bite, and chew food to facilitate digestion. Through constant use and the natural effects of aging, however, teeth deteriorate. This means that they won’t always be as radiant, perfectly aligned, and virtually without blemish as they are when one is younger. It is widely believed that a smile says a lot about a person, so when you are not satisfied with your own, then it’s time to take action. After all, nothing speaks confidence better than a bright smile. If your teeth is holding back your smile, there are several solutions you can consider. Schedule an appointment with a Wilkes-Barre d …

Some people avoid going to the dentist even for the benefit of their dental health. They put off routine dental care for years, tolerating deteriorating oral conditions, such as gum infection and broken or missing teeth until the time they need to undergo invasive treatments. Most of these people, estimated at about 9% to 15% of Americans, suffer from dental anxiety and phobia. A local dentist in Scranton, PA will point out that the uneasiness or jitters experienced by people suffering from dental phobia is just the tip of the iceberg. Dental phobics experience intense dread even with minor examination. Below are …

They say, first impressions lasts. Employers will judge you not only by how impressive your resume is, but also by how you project yourself. That’s why people take pains to look good for an interview. It’s just one of those things when first impressions matter as it will mean the difference between landing a job and having to go for one failed interview after another. Your clothes, bearing, hair, speech and general physical appearance and presence will be scanned as much as the measure of your skill and confidence. Be personable and courteous, and try to be as likeable as you can with intelligent conversation and …

You’re playing a round of ball with your friends, then rough play ensues and poof! Somebody’s elbow lands on your mouth and you begin to bleed. As you check on the damage, you find out that one of your teeth has been chipped. This situation is not unusual. Teeth, in general, can last a long time, but they are also susceptible to chipping and breaking when exposed to the right amount of force. Chipped teeth will stay chipped, unless they’re regrown using advanced scientific procedures like dental stem cells, which are still not for public consumption. In order to have chipped teeth repaired, you need the expertise …

New York native Aimee Stone came into a local dental clinic in need of a dental crown, expecting that she’ll be coming back for days or weeks until the process is completed. The hassles of multiple dental visits in order to get a dental crown is something that many patients can relate to; and not a lot of people have the time for multiple dentist visits, including Aimee, who’s a working mother of three kids. However, technology has made up for that. Nowadays, a special equipment allows a skilled Wilkes Barre dentist to come up with a dental crown within hours instead of days or weeks. Facilities like Back Mountai …

Most dentists consider mouthwashes as optional in overall dental care. For starters, it’s not a substitute to tried-and-tested brushing and flossing, since, unlike toothpaste, mouthwash lacks the right ingredients to fully purge the teeth of bacteria. However, it can help in some ways, particularly a therapeutic mouthwash. Therapeutic rinses do not only carry breath fresheners, they also mitigate the risk of tooth decay by denying bacteria of viable food sources. For instance, bacteria can’t break down xylitol, an ingredient found in many therapeutic mouthwashes. Xylitol has hydrating properties that …

In 1977, then Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Donald Kennedy sought to cut the use of antibiotics on farm animals, specifically drugs in the tetracycline family. Based on scientific evidence, Kennedy argued that enough exposure to these antibiotics could lead to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which could be transferred to humans who consume the animals’ meats. Unfortunately, Kennedy’s initiative did not prosper. Nearly 40 years later, new studies show that Kennedy was on the right track all along. A 2013 study found that tetracycline use caused the propagation of bacteria that are …

One of the homemade teeth whitening remedies that have been gaining popularity is a concoction of strawberry and baking soda. A recent study now shows that while this mixture actually works in removing surface dirt, it cannot give you the same kind of result that a teeth whitening treatment by a cosmetic dentist in Dallas, PA can provide. So Ran Kwon, associate professor of dentistry at the University of Iowa, tested for the effectiveness of the formula by rubbing strawberries and baking soda on extracted teeth for five minutes, followed by gentle brushing. Despite doing it three times a day, it bared no major wh …

There’s one health-related email you may want to delete, or move to your spam folder. It’s about root canals and cancer. The claim on these spurious emails involves the focal infection theory presented by a Dr. Weston Price in the 1920s and 30s, which suggested that bacteria trapped in a root canal during treatment may seep into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the body. This theory has long been dispelled; and in 1951, the Journal of the American Dental Association published a scientific paper, saying Dr. Price’s research techniques “lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including absence of prope …

If you dread going the dentist for your yearly dental checkup, then you might be suffering from what is referred to as dental phobia. Dental fear is common, not only with children but with adults as well. It is, however, especially common with people who suffer from other mental health issues. Research suggests that about 20% of people who have dental phobia also suffer from other mental issues such as generalized anxiety disorder. Still, dental phobia should be differentiated from dental anxiety and dental fear as they vary in degree of severity. An article Dental Fear Central demonstrates the difference between …

The teeth is one of those physical attributes that draws attention the most, and its condition affects esteem very much in ways more than you think. Some people are lucky to have teeth that grow well as they go through puberty stage. For people with overcrowded or wide-spaced teeth, however, the adolescence is the least pleasant stage of growing up. Research found that not only do teeth imperfections affect teens’ self-esteem because of its effect on their physical appearance, it also makes them more prone to being bullied. In a study conducted among sixth grade students, a significant number of children have bee …

One often hears about how a smile can brighten someone’s day or win a person’s heart. Yet tooth discolorations can diminish what would otherwise have been a perfect smile. For that matter, who wouldn’t want to have a set of perfectly aligned, sparkling white teeth that can boost one’s confidence? Today’s consumers have a wide range of options when it comes to teeth whitening. Some choose to take matters into their own hands, while others know better than to leave everything to chance and see fit to see a cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening. According to an article on GeniusBeauty.com, however, advis …

Besides helping patients regain or attain bright smiles, general dentists know how to remedy a whole host of dental concerns. They do so by delving into the root cause of the patient’s actual needs. Medic8.com points out that prior to any procedure, general dentists typically conduct an initial consultation and diagnosis, which may entail X-rays and CT scans to determine the patient’s condition. Dentists can thereby determine what procedure(s) a patient will need to undergo. Reparative Procedures General dentists often provide reparatory dental treatments that address dental damage, loss of tooth function, infect …

Anxiety is one of the biggest reasons why people refuse to seek medical attention, and this is especially true when it comes to dentistry. To this day, dentists in the U.S. employ a variety of ways to minimize the anxiety patients feel—particularly through ‘moderate sedation’ techniques whose effectiveness was recently explored in a study conducted by Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Ohio. The study, which was published in HealthCanal.com this October, is summarized as follows: The study also looked at each patient’s age, sex and existing medical conditions, like high blood pressure, heart trouble or dia …

They might be embarrassing to wear, especially for teenagers, but dental braces really are for your own good. Gizmodo Australia demonstrated the importance and usefulness of these metal appliances by showing a time lapse video of an 11-year-old girl’s braces and their effect on her teeth over a period of 18 months. True to design, the braces slowly, but surely, reshaped her crooked teeth and gums into something worthy of a Hollywood smile. However, a lot of things have changed since metal braces became a thing. For instance, an experienced cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania—such as Dr. James C. DeFinn …

There’s no doubt that ice-cold sodas are absolutely refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. The cool, fizzy drinks are preferred by a lot of people around the world; but at times, too preferred. Several individuals seem to have a penchant for choosing sugary sodas over water or any other beverage. However, they don’t know that what they’re doing is dental suicide. Writing for LiveScience.com, contributor Robin Lloyd explains why: The erosive potential of colas is 10 times that of fruit juices in just the first three minutes of drinking, a study last year showed. The latest research, published in Academy of Ge …

If you’ve believed all your life that your stomach, heart, or other vital organs have nothing at all to do with what’s going on in your mouth, you’ve been living a lie. Numerous scientific research have identified (if not entirely confirmed) direct links between oral hygiene and overall physical health through the years. After speaking to an expert, LiveScience.com senior writer Rachael Rettner writes in her article: “The mouth is a portal into the rest of the body,” said Dr. Donald Ratcliffe, chairman of the department of dental medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. Growing research shows “t …

For some people, visiting an experienced dentist in Scranton, PA can be a harrowing experience. Dental phobia is a very real fact of life as pointed out by Lindsay Myers in her recent BrainBlogger post, which cited several surveys in and out of the United States: A survey of 1,882 individuals in the U.S. found an adult prevalence rate of “high dental fear” between 11.2 and 12.3 percent. Another 17.5 to 18.2 percent of respondents indicated moderate dental fear, and 15.5 percent avoided dental care out of dread. Outside of the U.S., a 2009 study in the Netherlands found that “the prevalence of dental fear was 24.3 …

Pennsylvania’s Diamond City is home to a huge population, so big in fact, that it is home to one of the state’s most populous downtown workforce—people who like anyone else in the world, go to their jobs, drink their coffees, take their medicine, eat their fill, and go home with slightly more discolored teeth. Indeed, as any reputable cosmetic dentist in Wilkes-Barre will tell you, even the seemingly mundane, day-to-day things you do could be inadvertently yellowing your teeth. Extrinsic There are two main types of teeth discoloration, and the first is extrinsic, which is when the enamel gets stained on a surface …

Keeping your teeth white and clean is an attainable feat. For some people however, brushing regularly is still not enough to keep their pearly whites immaculately clean. There is more of maintaining one’s overall well-being rather than one’s body image, even for actors. In an article for Design & Trend fated August 7, 2014, staff writer Peter Black discusses how actor Chris Pratt’s efforts to stay fit made him appreciate the importance of teeth whitening along the way: In an interview with Esquire, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star explained that getting and staying in shape has made him apprecia …

Visiting a dentist ranks high on many people’s list of fears. For some, such a fear has escalated to the level of a phobia in that they suffer extreme anxiety at the very thought of being worked on by a dentist in Wilkes Barre. Nayda Rondon describes this condition and corresponding treatment in detail in her article for Consumer Guide to Dentistry: If you fear the dentist, you’re not alone. A survey by the American Association of Endodontists found that 80 percent of adult Americans fear dentists; more than half say this fear may keep them from seeing a dentist. Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of adu …

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molar, may be either a blessing or a curse– and it must be removed if it falls under the latter. According to Dr. Priveer Sharma in his contribution to the medical practitioner portal Dear Doctor: As individuals age, the effects of retained and impacted wisdom teeth can be more consequential. Periodontal defects tend to get worse in the presence of retained third molars as you age. So too does the prevalence of caries (tooth decay). And the incidence of postoperative morbidity (ill effects of disease after surgery), including symptoms following third molar removal, is higher …

In her January 28, 2010 article for Glamour magazine, writer Petra Guglielmetti could not have been more spot-on in one aspect of prepping for the Big Day: “Your wedding day will hopefully be one of the smiliest days of your life…” The presence of the Pocono and Endless mountain ranges provide Wilkes-Barre, PA with stunning backdrops for a day that holds much promise for two people who want to spend a lifetime together. There are many wedding venues in the city, but the sheer activity the couple will undergo in thanking guests for coming underlines the importance of putting on a happy, vibrant face after su …

If there’s one thing that’s a prerequisite for making it big on the Hollywood red carpet, it’s having a brilliant smile. Great smiles abound among today’s celebrities, but perhaps the most striking of the bunch is the one George Clooney so willingly puts on display. In surveys of who has the best smile in Hollywood, George Clooney has consistently won out above everyone else. In fact, the Huffington Post published an article last year that proclaimed “George Clooney’s Smile Is Known To Reduce Stress, Induce Labors, And Advance World Peace.” The article included several pictures that vividly portrayed why George C …

Few people ever draw positives out of going to the dentist in Wilkes Barre, PA. Sure, a dentist can help you if you’ve got a toothache, but the general perception is that seeing a dentist is a painful and expensive experience. However, a recent article in Entrepreneur argued that maintaining a great smile is actually much more financially rewarding that most people assume it to be. In the article, nationally recognized speaker and writer Jesse Torres wrote: “Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the sales power and influence that arise from conveying a genuine smile. Poet Emily Dickinson nailed it more than a century …

Teeth straightening procedures are important for those who have crooked or misaligned teeth. In the past, the most common solution for these problems is the application of traditional dental braces. However, for some time now, another type of teeth straightening procedure has emerged: Invisalign. What is Invisalign? Invisalign aligners are a vast improvement from traditional dental braces because they are made of transparent material and they are not permanently secured to the teeth. This means that patients can remove them whenever they want to. Also, because they are made of transparent material, they are not a …

Life in Pennsylvania can be made so much easier with a nice smile. This isn’t just because of the fact that you essentially brighten up everyone’s day with one, but also because of the confidence boost that it offers. This is essentially why your local Wilkes Barre cosmetic dentist consistently works to help you maintain and restore the beauty of your smile. Nonetheless, while there certainly are kinds of food that could stain and ruin your teeth, there are also many that can in fact help you the way your dentist does. Cheese and Dairy Calcium and phosphorous are the two main benefits that dairy products can offe …

The fluoridation of municipal water supplies is perhaps one of the most controversial topics in the U.S. today. While fluoride is known to protect teeth and prevent tooth decays, there is also growing scientific evidence that excessive exposure to fluoride, which one could get from fluoride treatment in water, can also cause certain diseases, particularly dental and skeletal fluorosis. As an article in Medical News Today explains, in the worst cases, dental fluorosis can cause mottled teeth, and skeletal fluorosis can result in bone and joint damage. At the very least, over exposure to fluoride can result in disc …

It’s no secret that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Despite decades of advances made in dental care, however, scientists are still just beginning to fully understand its causes, and how these causes may be addressed more effectively. According to CNN’s Paul Frysh, scientists now believe that some people are simply predisposed to acquiring tooth decay, thanks to their genetic make-up: “About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors, says Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh Sch …

Will redheads need more sedation from a dentist in Scranton, PA or Dallas, PA? If some reports are to be believed, yes they will. A few studies have indicated that, thanks to their melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, redheads require 20 percent more sedative than normal. As everyone knows, however, increasing sedative dosage is something that is done by medical practitioners with extreme caution. The MC1R is a genetic code responsible for allowing the body to produce and regulate melanin. Experts, however, have linked this gene to unique responses to certain drugs like analgesics. However, nothing conclusive has …

Diastema, or a gap between two teeth (normally between the two upper front teeth), often happens when the size of the jaw bones is too big for the size of the teeth. It can also result from a missing or undersized tooth, typically the one next to either of the middle front teeth, creating a gap between the two front teeth. It is a condition that can cause embarrassment, and some difficulty in biting. Fortunately, the problem can be corrected by Invisalign® braces that Pennsylvania residents can get from a cosmetic dentist from Wilkes Barre. The effectiveness of Invasalign® in correcting this condition is seen in …

If you’re planning to do some home construction and renovation this summer, make sure you have the right tools. Boing Boing writer Steve Hoefer says it’s common for people to forego construction implements, like a gauged wire stripper, for convenience’s sake. In his article, “Guide To Wire Strippers”, Hoefer humorously explains why you should never use your teeth to strip wires: “Pros: Most people have these on their person at all times Cons: Chipped tooth enamel. Dental bills that are cost more than the most expensive wire stripper. Not terribly reliable” That said, you can still chip your teeth even …

People who want to remain fit and healthy should beware: a good diet may actually be bad for their teeth. This is what a KTVI article has to say about the effects of some healthy foods, like pickles, almonds, and citrus fruits, on teeth. “Only two cups of coffee can darken a white smile. Dr. Dalin recommends drinking coffee through a straw and possibly switching to iced coffee. He also said peanut butter and dried fruit can leave you vulnerable to cavities, because they stick to your teeth longer and could contain sugar. He suggested switching to sugar-free natural peanut butter. Those who love dried fruit …

How should you deal with dental anxiety and phobia? An article on Angie’s List states that you should openly communicate your fears with the dental team, and let them know about any bad experience you might have experienced in past dental treatments. This will give the dentist and the dental team an idea on how to make you feel at ease. As the article says, it is important that you push through with the appointment despite your fear. “Even if significant time has passed, a traumatic event and subsequent negative feelings are important facts your dentist should know about during your visit. We suggest that y …

Did you recently get a cosmetic dental procedure? If so, you should heed caution, especially in the food you eat, to make the treatment last. Here are some food types a cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre and elsewhere will advise you to avoid: Staining Food and Dark Beverages Teeth whitening procedures brighten a person’s smile. The quality of the whitening treatment may diminish, however, if you frequently take food and dark beverages that can stain teeth, like beets, blueberries, coffee, soft drinks, tea, and red wine. Similarly, the adhesive used to bond cosmetic dental appliances like veneers could get stained …

What does it take to whiten your teeth? Aside from getting dental whitening procedures from your trusted dentist in Dallas, PA, you might have already heard of such gems as avoiding coffee, red wine, chocolate, and other foods that might darken or discolor the enamel on your pearly whites. What you might not know, however, is that there are foods that actually help whiten your teeth, so be sure to incorporate some of these tasty treats in as many meals or snacks as you can: Dairy First, for what is perhaps the most obvious– dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of good old calcium. Th …

If you come to your local Wilkes-Barre dentist with a chipped, cracked, or decayed tooth, or if you simply want to get rid of those unsightly spaces between your pearly whites, then you won’t have a shortage of treatments that could suit your needs. Dental bonding stands out among these as it is generally painless and minimally invasive, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time in recovery. Want to know more about this treatment? Basic Facts Dental bonding is the process of applying a tooth-colored resin (the composite) to fix a damaged tooth. One thing that sets it apart from other dental treatments is the fact …

There is probably no other phobia on Earth that’s as common as dental phobia. However, it’s not the drills or the feeling of claustrophobia that frighten many people, but rather the gagging (as in the regurgitating spasm) that they experience in most dental visits. Researchers from West Virginia University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln now believe that this factor explains why about 45 percent of American adults have dental phobia in the first place. The Huffington Post explains further: “In addition, the trigger for gagging also seemed to play a role in how likely someone was to be afraid of the d …

Despite the prevalence of tried-and-tested teeth whitening practices, some people still insist on home remedies instead of relying on a dentist. One such remedy is “oil-pulling” or the practice of rinsing one’s teeth with coconut oil, which originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. According to YottaFire writer Silvia Hooper, oil-pulling seems to work to some extent, although it is not without some limitations: “He also added that oil pulling or swishing should only be done for 5 minutes and not as recommended by most people for 20 minutes. Overdoing it might cause nausea. Similarly using a small teaspoon am …

Smiles are a good way to put people at ease. The problem is that not everyone has the perfect set of teeth to pull it off. After all, a friendly grin will not have the same effect if there are stained or worn teeth thrown into the mix. Thankfully, there is a dentist in Dallas, PA from established practices like Back Mountain Dental to help those who are not blessed with a flawless set of pearly whites. Veneers: A Reason to Smile Veneers are one of the leading and most effective options to address dental cosmetic issues. Veneers are thin porcelain strips that can be installed on the teeth’s surface to help reshape …

Your dentist in Wilkes-Barre, PA might recommend that you undergo root canal treatment – essentially this is a dental procedure that removes the infected pulp of a tooth and replaces it with filling. This keeps the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth, and perhaps even from taking a toll on your overall health. A root canal treatment, also called an endodontic treatment, boasts a high success rate, and you can even expect your tooth’s function to be restored a short time after the procedure. Symptoms of Pulp Damage The infection that can damage your teeth’s pulp may cause inflammation, as well as a host …

For years, fear has been commonplace in the field of dentistry. While most people would find dental procedures harmless, there are those who tremble at the mere sight of a dentist’s chair. For individuals with dental fear, simple things like regular dental checkups can turn into a constant struggle. What more for extensive or complex dental treatments, right? Fortunately, you can always count on sedation dentistry in Scranton and other cities in Pennsylvania. For the patient, it will be a practically pain-free experience as sedatives help calm them down by slowing the action of their central nervous system. They’ …

Prom season is here, and it’s the time for many teens around the country to look their best. Aside from the pretty ball gowns and dapper tuxes, the overall look can’t be complete without a lovely set of pearly white teeth. Teens looking to whiten their teeth and brighten their smile can now look to an experienced cosmetic dentist in Wilkes-Barre as well as other cities in Pennsylvania for this specific purpose. However, their young age call for special considerations, Irene O’Connor writes for Eyewitness News: “Eyewitness News talked with Dr. Sarita Arteaga, who is a dentist and school instructor at UConn School …

An article on the California Dental Association’s website details how Benco Dental, a Pennsylvania-based dental equipment provider is now making a difference on the opposite coast through their charitable efforts. The company aims to aid the CDA through a number of important donations in the form of equipment and supplies: Benco’s significant level of support for the San Diego program will come in the form of much-needed supplies, including burs, anesthetic, needles, sutures, Prophy Paste and Prophy Angles, disinfecting wipes, and personal protective equipment such as disposable gowns, masks and gloves. Com …

Water fluoridation has long been a source of controversy, especially since a number of people have claimed that fluoride in water has ill side effects. While not everyone is amenable to fluoridation, an article in the Republican Herald on February 19, 2014 reveals that much of the country seems okay with the treatment. The article provides details regarding the debate on fluoride-treated water: “Advocates say fluoride in the water system can prevent tooth decay. Opponents say it isn’t needed and can do more harm than good. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “almost …

Have yellowish or ugly stains in your teeth that just won’t go away with a toothbrush? Well, Peter Jaret of the online medical publication WebMD says that you can take matters into your own hands, thanks to the various tooth whitening products sold commercially nowadays. While there’s certainly no stopping you from buying these whiteners, Jaret says that sometimes a thorough dental treatment done by a professional is a better idea. For example, people with sensitive teeth tend to have adverse reactions like gum irritation to over-the-counter whitening products. In addition, commercial products are generally slowe …

Nothing quite bedazzles a person more than someone flashing a megawatt smile back at them. In many ways, two people smiling at each other helps break the ice, even between total strangers. More than its social effects, a set of pearly whites offers other benefits, as an article in Women’s Health magazine details: If you’ve toyed with the idea of whitening your teeth but haven’t actually done the deed, consider this: “Since teeth naturally yellow as we age, whitening them will automatically make you look younger,” says Kim Harms, D.D.S., a practicing dentist and a spokesperson for the Ameri …

Many medical experts say that dental phobia, or the fear of visiting a dentist, is one of the biggest reasons why tooth ailments are all too common in the US, affecting both children and adults. According to Steve Brady, in an article in Lebanon Democrat & Wilson County News, older people who have this fear can create unforeseen consequences, such as children “inheriting” the dental phobia from their parents. As such, dental phobia should be addressed first before any procedure can take place. The fear mostly stems from the image of getting strapped into a chair with little to no freedom of movement, which is …

A feature on the Dental Economics website discusses the topic of tooth whitening, and how whitening teeth alone won’t be enough. While there’s no doubting the efficacy of several whitening procedures, these treatments should never take precedence over more serious oral problems, like periodontal diseases. The article stresses that a capable dentist will first address more pressing gum problems before performing any cosmetic procedure: “When patients have their soft and hard tissue diseases addressed, tooth whitening can be undertaken with the knowledge and confidence that the patient is being pr …

The latest in dental technology may soon change the way veneers are made. As Abby Miller of Upper Michigan’s Source reports, the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan now uses computers to create dental crowns faster than before, and they’re hoping to use this technology for making dental veneers and bridges in the future. Through technology using a CAD camera that takes computer images of the teeth, a crown can be milled in the new machine in less than 10 minutes. And it’s more than just simple convenience that makes everyone happy around the clinic; it saves the VA money and keeps their pa …

New trends in dental offices are making dental anxiety a thing of the past. A Marketplace.org article discusses the emergence of “dental spas” worldwide: About 50 million Americans say they’re scared of the dentist. Wikipedia has an entry for “dental fear.” There’s even a professional scale for measuring that anxiety. However, music and a foot massage may go a long way toward luring fearful patients into the dental chair. At least, that’s the bet being made at so-called dental spas, which are cropping up all over the world. It’s hard to say exactly what makes a dentist office a dental spa, because no one has defi …

The website, WebMD, has a feature on dental crowns, explaining how they are installed, and why they’re used by dentists. Typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or gold, crowns are designed to fit over teeth (hence the term “crown”) and protect the part from further damage. The article expounds more on the function and nature of crowns: Why It Is Done A crown is used to: Treat teeth that have broken or decayed so much that your dentist cannot fix them with a filling. Cover a tooth that is so severely damaged that most of the top part had to be removed. Repair a defective filling. Improve how a tooth looks. Dentis …

Adrian Rogers of The Spokesman-Review discusses the role of sedation dentistry in providing dental attention or treatment. Rogers used the story of 31-year old Chuck Gamache, who had his impacted wisdom tooth removed by Dr. James Hood; Hood, in turn showed how effective sedation is in preventing a patient from panicking (which often leads to complications). Rogers also identifies the levels of sedation and how they are administered. Like a growing tooth, the City of Wilkes Barre is a rapidly developing city that houses skilled dentists who perform quality sedation dentistry. Whether a patient like Gamache needs c …

Yellowing teeth may not be an immediate health concern, yet they can be embarrassing and could put other people off. An article posted on the ABC 13 website discusses a few tips on how people can whiten their teeth and minimize staining, as advised by a UT Dental School professor: … [Experts] say [you should drink whole milk in your coffee rather than skim milk or no milk at all] because it’s the fat that prevents the staining… …[If] you eat acidic foods, or rooty fibrous foods, better yet a combination of both, it will whiten your teeth… [Think] of citrus fruits like oranges. Also, strawberries have an acid th …

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (January 11, 2013) – Wilkes Barre and Scranton dentist Dr. James DeFinnis of Back Mountain Dental is offering intravenous (IV) sedation dentistry to all patients who are suffering from dental phobia and feeling anxious about dental visits and treatments. Interested individuals can rely on Dr. James DeFinnis for a safe and effective dental treatment through monitored anesthesia treatment. IV sedation, which involves the injection of a sedative through the vein of a conscious patient throughout the entire treatment, is considered as a much safer technique compared to the conventional or …

Medical and dental industry breakthroughs continue to fascinate the world. The technological procedure known as the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC), now provides dentists and patients more convenience by creating teeth replacement in just hours, through the use of computer-based technologies. The process normally takes days and even weeks to complete, using traditional methods. An infographic published in HealthResearchFunding.org describes the procedure as follows: “Your dentist will begin by first preparing your tooth for the restoration process. Your tooth is then sprayed wi …

Two of the most widely-used agents in teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Thousands of years ago, people didn’t know these. The earliest teeth whiteners were, to say the least, abrasive or corrosive in nature. Whereas the ancient Romans had urine, the ancient Egyptians had powdered pumice. Although these are no longer acceptable by today’s cosmetic dentistry standards, it’s safe to say that a cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre today wouldn’t be what he is today if it weren’t for: Urine Believe it or not, urine was like an all-purpose cream back in the day, bei …

Regular dental visits are essential to good oral health. However, some Scranton, PA locals may wonder how often they should go for such visits. The universal rule is, dental appointments should be scheduled at least every six months; but Margaret Nearing says in Besthealthmag.ca that there are some cases when the visits should be more frequent than this. “Others who are prone to periodontal problems may require checking or cleaning every three to four months.” These more frequent cleanings remove built-up plaque, the daily debris that we keep under control with proper brushing. Plaque can encourage the growth of …

People who need to go through wisdom tooth extraction would naturally want to learn more about the procedure before the scheduled visit with their dentist. Lauren Han, a blogger and contributor to the Salt Lake City Dental Health Examiner, states: “…there are some things you should know about wisdom teeth, why they should come out, how they are extracted, and what to expect if you’re having them removed using a local anesthetic. Your wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in or “erupt” through your gums, and in a lot cases, because your upper and lower jaws are already well populat …

It is understandable that there are a lot of people who want to have shining white teeth. Celebrities and various models are constantly on screen, exhibiting beautiful smiles boosted further by a perfect set of pearly whites. A lot of people want to have the same sparkle when they smile, so they look for ways to achieve it. In response to the whitening needs of the populace, the industry has come up with products and services that offer patients a whiter set of teeth after the operation. A Choice article tackles some of these methods and dissects them to find out which one is the most worthwhile teeth whitening i …

An experienced cosmetic dentist in Dallas, PA installs veneers to improve clients’ smiles. Over the years, a type of dental veneers called Lumineers® has gained popularity, leading to some confusion over which between regular veneers and Lumineers® are the better choice. An eHow.com article provides some answers. Permanence Lumineers® can be removed if the wearer decides to do so in the future. Regular veneers require grinding down some of the tooth’s enamel before they can be installed, thinning out the natural tooth and requiring a permanent cover. On the other hand, Lumineers® are thin enough that …

Most people see a visit to a dentist in Wilkes-Barre as something that needs to be done to maintain good overall health; as such, many people do not have a problem with visiting their dentist once every six months. However, some people have a crippling fear of dentists. According to the dental health experts at Colgate, avoiding the dentist due to anxiety or phobia is a common problem in the United States: Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That’s about 30 million to 40 million people. In a s …

In a January 16, 2014 article, the DentistryIQ website covers the findings of a significant study involving the use of sedation drugs in dental practice. Using sedatives in dentistry isn’t an entirely new procedure, though not a lot of patients are fully aware that they can opt for this relatively stress-free process. The article highlights the effects of sedative drugs on patients: “According to the report, there were no significant differences in sedation maintenance, safety, or patient and surgeon satisfaction between the two drugs. Both drugs relieve anxiety and provide sedation, but midazolam can be slow to …

Summer approaches once again, and in places like Wilkes Barre and Scranton in Pennsylvannia, where summer temperatures can get really hot, ice cream and frozen yogurt will again be in demand. While it’s fine to indulge in these sweet treats every now and then, overindulgence without the benefit of a proper oral health regimen, will eventually lead to tooth decay.   Most people are aware of the harmful effects of sweet treats on teeth. However, not many may know the details of how these sugary treats can affect the teeth’s condition. Georgie Binks of WebMD explains that the sugar from people’s favorite desser …

Linda Dyett of YourDentistryGuide.com discusses the process of in-office teeth whitening, its pros and cons, and types. Despite some disadvantages, such as its relatively higher cost and complexity compared to at-home teeth bleaching methods, in-office teeth whitening techniques offer far better results. It can deal with a variety of teeth stains that commercially available bleaching products cannot effectively remove. Teeth whitening is a common service offered by dental offices in rapidly developing cities like Scranton and Dallas, Pennsylvania. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmeti …

Once people reach adulthood, an attractive appearance is important since not only does it give an individual the right amount of confidence, it leaves a good first impression, as well. Hence, having crooked or misaligned teeth can be problematic. Some adults are willing to do something about their teeth’s condition, such as getting braces from a dentist in Wilkes Barre. An article posted on the Harvard Health Publications website illustrates the occurrence of getting braces among adults: Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodon …

Adrian Rogers of The Spokesman-Review discusses the role of sedation dentistry in providing dental attention or treatment. Rogers used the story of 31-year old Chuck Gamache, who had his impacted wisdom tooth removed by Dr. James Hood; Hood, in turn showed how effective sedation is in preventing a patient from panicking (which often leads to complications). Rogers also identifies the levels of sedation and how they are administered. If stained teeth are the only thing that prevents people from giving a nice, warm smile, then a cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre or in a nearby area can help through whitening treatme …