Senior
Dental Care is Different
Not just our bodies, but also our teeth and gums will show
signs of aging. Fillings may loosen and need to be replaced
before decay sets in. Gum disease may begin and continue to
advanced stages if left untreated. Root decay can set in.
The necessary flow of saliva through our mouths may be
reduced if we’re taking certain medications. Teeth may have
lost their brilliance due to consumption of tobacco or
caffeine. We have products and treatments to take care of
these problems and keep your teeth and gums in a healthy
condition. We continue to emphasize proper cleaning and good
nutrition as well. We also let our seniors know that if
teeth feel loose or gums start to bleed, to contact our
office immediately.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.
At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.
If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.
Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.
A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
New Solution for Loose,
Slipping Dentures
Have you wanted dental implants but were told you are not a
suitable candidate because you have insufficient bone
density? With the latest advancement in implants, you can
now have mini implants to keep your dentures in place and
eliminate the problems of trapped food or slipping and
tilting. Amazingly, there is no waiting time for the bone to
heal for placement and full functionality of the implants.
After your appointment, you can enjoy any foods you would
like to eat. You have all the benefits of regular implants
with this latest breakthrough in implant dentistry.
Overdentures are another option to anchor your dentures and
relieve the problems of loose dentures that slip and move
when speaking or eating. Our team is well experienced in
providing the correct fit that will enhance the appearance
of your dentures. Having secure, well-fitting dentures will
give you confidence and more reason to smile!
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.
Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.
Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.
Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.
The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.
But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.
The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.
Missing Teeth? Why Not ‘Grow’
New Ones?
Dental implants are not simply replacements for missing
teeth – they are just like growing new teeth! Implants come
up through the gums rather than sitting on top of them, so
it is impossible to tell they are not natural. They can
replace as many teeth as are missing. Even people with no
teeth can benefit from implants, because they can replace
their dentures with teeth that don’t move around when they
talk, and don’t need to be taken out at night. You will be
pleased to know we handle the entire process from post
implant to crown fabrication and placement. You will not
need to go to another office.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders?
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.
What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder
Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.
Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.
Third Molar Extractions
The third molars came to be called wisdom teeth because they
erupt later in life than all the other teeth, usually
between ages 17 and 25. With age comes wisdom, so the term
“wisdom teeth” came to be used.
These teeth erupt through the gums at the back of your
mouth, two each in the upper and lower jaws. Unfortunately,
most of us can’t fit these teeth in our mouths. The lack of
room often causes impaction, when they become enclosed in
the bone of the jaws instead of growing in straight.
Impaction can cause a whole range of problems. They push and
crowd the other teeth, which might cause these teeth to
twist and turn. Cavities often occur more easily in these
teeth and the ones next to them, because the crowding makes
them difficult to clean. You can even get an infection in
the jaw bone.
It’s usually best if wisdom teeth are removed at a young
age, before problems occur and the bone in the jaw becomes
denser, holding tighter to the teeth. Our practice is
pleased to offer IV sedation and oral sedation for these
procedures.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
I have diabetes. Will I get gum disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body's ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can also lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems, including gum disease, so it's important that you are extra diligent with your oral health.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about Periodontics, which is the treatment of the tissue (gums) supporting and surrounding the teeth..
Bad breath can be an indicator of gum disease
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be an indicator of gum disease and other oral diseases so it is important that you uncover whatÃs causing the problem. If constantly have bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems as your bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care physician.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about Scaling and Root Planing to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line
Isolite™ – An Advance in Patient Comfort
We
use another technology that is time saving and makes any
procedure easier for you. It’s called Isolite, and it is
both a suction device to provide a dry field for dental work
and a very bright light for sufficient illumination in the
oral cavity during precision work. Any discomfort from the
bulky rubber dam is now eliminated, and the treatment is
easier and less time consuming.
No More ‘Fat Lips’ or Numbness
After Treatment!
Another
type of patient discomfort that we remedy is the “fat lip”
problem. After local anesthesia, a patient’s mouth and lip
will feel numb for three to five hours. With the use of
OraVerse™, 15 minutes after your work is completed, you will
be back to normal. If you feel uncomfortable with the
numbness, we can easily reverse that feeling for you.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is normal
While it’s true that some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” it’s not true that everyone experiences this. You can help prevent this condition by taking extra care during your brushing and flossing routine. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about Endodontics, which is the treatment of the pulp and nerves of a tooth.
Starting Early with a Full
Range of Orthodontic Options
You trust our doctors to take care of your child’s routine
dental care. But did you know that we also have orthodontics
training? We see children at the most crucial ages, between
6 and 11, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth,
and our thorough knowledge of craniofacial growth and
development allows us to identify and correct teeth and jaw
disharmony early.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Having gum disease means I will lose my teeth
Not so! You don’t have to lose any of your teeth to gum disease if you practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental visits. Even if you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
I don't have cavities so I can't have gum disease
Being cavity-free doesn’t ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. That’s because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it. Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that is reversible. When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at the dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist!
Gum disease is not that common
On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Saving Hopeless Teeth
It is important to have a full set of teeth, both upper and
lower, as even one missing tooth can cause other teeth to
move, which is not good. If you have a tooth with damaged or
infected roots, we are experienced in the modern techniques
of root canal therapy to save that tooth. With this therapy,
the interior pulp chamber of the tooth is removed and
replaced with a special filling material. The regular type
of filling material is not suitable. To give additional
strength and full functionality, sometimes a crown is placed
over this tooth. Modern dental technologies and anesthetics
have made root canals much easier for patients. In the past,
they were a dreaded procedure, but today are very
manageable.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!
Worried about Knocking
Out a Tooth?
Just
in the United States alone, each year more teeth are knocked
out due to sports injuries than other accidental injuries.
Approximately 5 million teeth are lost while participating
in athletic events. There are over-the-counter mouthguards,
which come in one size and do not fit well. A poor fit may
result in obstructing breathing during exertion and will not
protect at the level it should.
The American Dental Association recommends a custom-made
mouthguard, which our practice can provide, for all athletes
in the following sports: basketball, boxing, field hockey,
acrobatics, football, gymnastics, handball, lacrosse, ice
hockey, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey,
shotputting, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving,
soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, weight lifting,
wrestling, and water polo.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.
Is Tooth Sensitivity Common?
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.
Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen?
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.
When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed. Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.
What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.
However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.
In Office Procedures:
- Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
- Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
- Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
- Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
- Brush correctly and do not over brush
- Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
- Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Dental check-ups!
Learn more about tooth sensitivity by watching this video from Colgate.com.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Discover the causes, prevention and treatment of sensitivity.
Do You Find Yourself Falling
Asleep on the Job?
Perhaps
you wonder why you easily fall asleep during the day, or
snore loudly at night. Maybe you have been told that your
breathing is temporarily halted during the night. Have you
already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and been given a
CPAP device to alleviate the problem? The CPAP device is
given to patients with these symptoms to keep breathing
continual without any type of obstructive symptoms
throughout the night. It provides a mask for patients to
wear while sleeping, connected to a machine that pumps air
into the nose and mouth. Although CPAP relieves the problem
of interrupted airflow into the lungs, many patients
discontinue wearing the mask, as it is bulky and
uncomfortable.
We provide an easy to use alternative that is effective and
so small it can fit in your pocket. It looks like an
orthodontic retainer, a small acrylic device that fits over
upper and lower teeth. It works by gently aligning your
tongue and jaw to their proper positions to keep your air
passage open for continual breathing. It has a success rate
of 90% for users, and they continue to use it, because it is
comfortable, easy to clean, and packs lightly when
traveling. Give us a call, so you can get your first good
night’s rest!
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!
No Mercury! No Metals! No
Kidding!
The standard filling material for many years has been an
amalgam of metals, mostly silver-mercury. Metal is not the
best material to bond tightly to the natural structure of
teeth, so the filling would often loosen and allow decay to
set in under the restoration. We use only modern composite
resin fillings that bond very tightly to a natural tooth to
virtually eliminate the chance of decay setting in. They add
strength to the tooth structure for chewing all types of
foods. The shade of the filling can be made to match the
tooth, so the filling is no longer noticeable like it is for
amalgam fillings.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
The
Importance of Hygiene Visits
We recommend regular teeth cleanings by our professional
hygienist. Even meticulous brushing may miss hard-to-reach
places. Once plaque starts to form, eventually it will
harden into tartar, which regular brushing cannot remove. If
tartar develops below the gumline, you take the risk of gum
disease setting in. Research has shown that the advanced
stage of infected gums is linked to heart disease, diabetes,
and stroke. We want you to have overall good health, so
please take this recommendation seriously!
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
