What to look for in a dentist

May 10, 2008 by ·

  • First, I would like to say that this is a very good question and it is logical to be asked by not only those who look for a family and cosmetic dentist, but any health care professional. I would always try to get some recommendations from family and friends, then next I would check them out independently on the web by investigating their dental website. If you are like me and am looking to do business with a company but they don’t have a web site, I just move on to someone who does. If a dentist doesn’t have a quality website that addresses simple issues, then I would question their commitment to technology and modern cosmetic, implant and sedation dentistry. To be current in the dental field demands a continuing education on not only the dental aspect of the field, but the use of computers and software.

    • If I liked the website and what was offered, then I would investigate the following characteristics:

  • Is the dentist prevention oriented?
  • Does the dentist provide oral health instruction and education?
  • Does the dentist seem genuinely interested in your general health situation?
  • How available is the dentist?
  • What arrangements does the dentist have for handling emergencies that occur outside of office hours?
  • After considering the recommendations, call a dentist for an appointment. At your first visit, you should be able to learn a lot about whether he or she is the right dentist for you.
  • Do you have to wait for more than 5-10 minutes?
  • Try to Evaluate the following:
  • Is the general appearance of the office appealing and does it smell like a dental office?
  • Is the dentist and the dentist’s staff courteous?
  • Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
  • In reference to technology, does the dentist use digital xrays and digital photos?
  • Do they have paper charts and have to write on paper or are they completely computerized?

    • If you have positive answers to these questions, then give them a call or email them.

    Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan. You can visit their website at www.TheGentleDentist.com

    Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergencies, Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Dental Veneers, Dental Videos, General Dentistry, How to choose a dentist, Welcome Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

    Need For a Dental Porcelain Crown question

    April 21, 2008 by ·

    Question:
                Dr Antolak,  I read your article in the Senior Living Newspaper and I have several questions.  I have two crowns, close to the front of my mouth,  which are starting to chip off at the gum line.  One dental crown is combined with gold, the other with silver.  I have my teeth cleaned twice a year but the doctor never says anything about the chipped crowns.  Both crowns were done in his office years ago.  You stated in your article that dental crowns are very strong, then why are mine chipping?  What can be done other than replacement crowns?  What is the price of a dental porcelain crown?  I am a senior citizen with no dental coverage.  Sincerely H.E. Row  Roseville.
     

    Answer:
    Dear Mrs. Roe,  Thank you for submitting your question to me.   You bring up some fundamental questions that should be addressed to your cosmetic dentist.  First of all, does he know that you are unhappy with the appearance of the crowns? I have found throughout the years of treating fearful patients that communication is so critical and the lack of communication can result in serious misunderstandings.  It may be possible that he knows that you are in a financial limited position and the crowns may be functioning ok.  He may not want to burden you with additional costs due to the high cost of dentistry.  There are certain levels of breakdown that can take place and are still considered functional.  I would recommend telling him that you are unhappy with the appearance of the crowns and ask him what can be done with them. 
    The following may be possible answers to your question:
    The tooth colored crowns can be patched up with tooth colored composite resin to cover the open areas under the crown.
    He may state that the crowns are doing just fine and he may keep an eye on them to see if they get worse.
    He may recommend that the porcelain crowns be replaced if the level of breakdown is to the point of disrepair. 
     

    Now to answer your question about why they may be chipping:
    When teeth are stressed and the crowns break down and are moved side to side/or if you grind on the ends of them, they flex at the gum line.  This flexing movement may slowly chip the porcelain away at the gum line and over time this may lead to grooves where the tooth meets the bone.  You may even notice this type of groove on other areas of your teeth.  These are known as abfractions.
     

    Abfraction lesions can be confused with recession in that they both are responsible for increased areas of tooth exposure.  The difference is that abfractions usually leave a deep groove just above the gum line. Recession appears as a smooth area of thinned tooth and gum tissue next to each other.  Recession can be caused by using a hard toothbrush and brushing very vigorously.  

    The other possibility is that there is dental decay, which may require filling your tooth at the gum line under the crown. 
    Even though I have showed examples of natural teeth, the same thing applies to dental crowns in that they behave very similar mechanically to natural teeth when it comes to abfractions and recession.  If you are not satisfied with the answers you get, you can see me and I will give you a complimentary second opinion.
     

    Dr. Antolak practices cosmetic, implant and general dentistry in a high tech environment in Shelby Twp.  You can visit them on their web site at www.TheGentleDentist.com You can also submit your articles to him at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com,  Call the office at (586)247-3500 or write him at 15055 22 Mile #2  Shelby Twp. MI 48315

     

     Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan.
     

     

    Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Tooth replacement Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

    Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Dental Crowns.

    March 3, 2008 by ·

    Interview with cosmetic dentist Dr. Robert Antola

    I was presenting information about cosmetic dentistry today to one of my patients and the question was brought up what the difference was between a crown and a veneer and what are the indications for each.

    • Both Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns are made in a dental laboratory.  The color (shade) is matched up with the rest of the teeth in the mouth so as to blend in and create the most beautiful and natural appearance.
    • I will usually recommend that the natural teeth are first bleached so that the color of the veneer/crown will match the adjacent teeth™s color.  This step is important since porcelain and fillings will not whiten with bleaching techniques.
    • Automatic Color matching instruments are used which are similar to those used to match paint shades.  We also use our professional digital camera to send emails to our laboratory to precisely obtain a great result.
    –Porcelain Crowns extend completely around the tooth. This is done if there are large fillings in the existing teeth, or if there is need to strengthen the tooth.  These crowns are very strong especially since they get bonded to the remaining tooth.
    – Porcelain veneers (also referred to as dental veneers, dental laminates, porcelain laminates, or even simply tooth veneers) are custom-made wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth so to mask imperfections associated with their color, shape, size, or positioning  The benefit of this very conservative technique is that it leaves the majority of the tooth intact and not altered.
    Porcelain veneers are typically best suited for those situations where initially the tooth is still fairly intact (as opposed to having large portions missing due to fracture or decay) and when the tooth is not expected to be exposed to excessive loads (extreme chewing pressures or else tooth clenching and grinding habits). When some aspect of the ideal conditions for a porcelain veneer are (or are expected to be) exceeded then a dental crown is typically the preferred dental restoration.

    Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home. His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan.

    Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Fillings, General Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Tooth replacement Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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