Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Dental Implants

There are many options to fill the space left behind from a missing tooth. Dental implants have the greatest potential to be a permanent solution available for replacing missing teeth. Implants are widely considered the modern-day solution to missing teeth as they provide an aesthetically pleasing, potentially permanent answer to a serious problem. We restore dental implants in order to repair our patient’s smiles and fix their bite after implant surgery.
 
When you lose a tooth, it is important to act quickly to fill the space. Apart from the cosmetic issues, patients who have missing teeth will often suffer from compromised chewing efficiency and tooth drifting. The space left behind from a missing tooth causes the other teeth to drift into that space which can lead to misaligned teeth. When teeth become misaligned, they become more difficult to clean, creating areas around the teeth that can collect bacteria. This can cause gum disease and or tooth decay that may eventually lead to additional tooth loss if left untreated.
 
Receiving a dental implant is a surgical procedure and patients may or may not be put under a general anesthetic. A dental surgeon will make an incision into the patients gum line where they will insert the implant. The implant will be secured into the bone where it will need to sit for three to six months so the bone can grow around it, this process is called osseointegration. After the surgery, patients will us to receive a crown over the implant. This is done so your teeth do not drift and to help you eat normally. Once the implant is secured, Dr. Sanguinetti will place an abutment on top of the exposed implant that will support a crown. 
 
Dental implants have the greatest potential to be a permanent solution to missing teeth.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography is one of the most technologically advanced products available to the medical field today. While traditional systems are effective, there are many features of digital X-ray machines that help create a better overall image of your mouth. Not many dentists have taken advantage of this technology and are still utilizing traditional radiography technology. We have brought this technology to our practice in order to properly diagnose our patients.
 
Digital radiography can be compared to traditional when it comes to taking the image, but that’s where the comparison ends. Both systems use small sensors to capture an image but the digital sensors are electronic and connect to the computer system rather than an x-ray machine. Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays are available immediately. Patients no longer have to wait for the x-ray images to be developed and printed. Patient wait times are down considerably and their office visits are getting shorter and shorter. 
 
Studies have shown that digital x-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional systems. Patients who are concerned about radiation exposure are feeling much more comfortable with the digital method. Along with the lessening of radiation exposure, Dr. Sanguinetti is receiving a higher quality image. Higher quality images afford Dr. Sanguinetti the opportunity to correctly and precisely diagnose her patients more effectively. The most valued aspect of the digital x-ray system is the fact that it is environmentally friendly. There are no harmful chemicals used to develop the image because it is displayed on the computer screen. The whole process is computerized and has no waste whatsoever. Even the sensor is reusable. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Preventative Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is performing procedures on the teeth and gums that will prevent future problems. This can range from daily brushing and flossing to regular dental cleanings to application of fluorides and sealants. Our team works hard to make sure our patients are properly diagnosed and treated through the use of preventative dentistry.
 
Every patient has different dental needs when it comes to prevention. It has been well documented that oral health can have a wide ranging impact on overall health and well-being, so regular check-ups are imperative when it comes to proper diagnosis and treatment. Preventative dentistry is based on sound clinical examinations and diagnosis. Through regular dental visits, x-rays, sealants, cleanings and fluoride treatments, patients are able to prevent more costly dental procedures further down the line. Waiting to see a dentist until something hurts is not recommended. Dr. Ivi Z. Sanguinetti believes in catching the problems before it progresses to the point of pain and infection.
 
Not only can patients take preventative steps by visiting their dentist, they can also take steps at home. During office visits, Dr. Sanguinetti puts an emphasis on preventative care to his patients. Preventive care is the basic things patients should be doing to take care of their teeth and gums: brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet. You should brush at least twice a day and incorporate a regular flossing routine. Creating a regular oral hygiene routine at home will help maintain a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Call today to schedule your dental cleaning!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Digital Panorex

One of the most technologically advanced digital X-ray systems available is the Digital Panorex system. This device takes incredible 360 degree images of teeth, head, sinuses and bones. Digital Panorex provides dental X-rays that help the us see new areas of the mouth better than ever before. We have brought this new technology to our practice in order to better diagnose and treat you, our patients.
 
Our patients are enjoying the benefits from having their periodontal issues caught earlier rather than later. By catching small issues before they become big problems, patients are avoiding potentially invasive procedures. Also known as a full-mouth X-ray, the Panorex system provides a two-dimensional panoramic view of the patient’s mouth. With this system, Dr. Sanguinetti will be able to see the patient’s entire upper and lower jawbone, temporomandibular joints, nasal sinuses and the mandibular nerve.
 
Dr. Sanguinetti is also able to check problems with a patients jaw. This system provides a better view of temporomandibular joint disorder, making it easier to diagnose TMJ. Panorex also helps Dr. Sanguinetti locate fractures or trauma in the jawbone, gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth and dental restorations. 
 
If you are interested in taking advantage of this innovative technology, schedule an appointment today!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Rotary Endodontics

When someone is told they need a root canal procedure, their first reaction is to be worried because they are convinced the procedure will be painful. But what if it was completely pain-free? Thanks to rotary endodontic technology, we are able to perform root canal procedures with great precision and little to no pain.
 
The misconceptions regarding root canal procedures often force patients to choose more extreme options. We will go to great lengths to preserve your teeth rather than extracting them. While most believe that root canals cause pain, in reality, we use them relieve pain. It’s much less invasive to receive endodontic therapy than it would be to have your tooth pulled and then replaced with a dental implant or any number of dental appliances.
 
Root canal procedures are used for clearing out an infection that has formed in your tooth’s pulp chamber and roots. This treatment used to be done using small files that would scrape away the infected tissue. Rotary endodontics utilizes a more modern method because they use electric handpieces. Our electric handpieces make are much more comfortable for the patient because there is no bothersome drilling noise and the procedure is completed much faster than in the past.
 
If you’ve been told that you need a root canal and would like to take advantage of this modern treatment, you can set up an appointment at Ivi Z. Sanguinetti DDS,PA in Baytown, TX or by calling 281-421-5950 or visit us online atwww.singing-dentist.com

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Invisalign

Having straight teeth would be great, wouldn’t it? You’re probably holding off though, because you don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of having a mouth full of braces. Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces are quickly turning to Invisalign. Thanks to these innovative aligners, we have the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.
 
Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, you are able to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush regularly.
 
The mouth pieces are created by a 3D computer imaging technology. As the teeth begin to shift, new aligners will be used to replace the originals. Each aligner is made to perfectly fit the stage that the teeth are in at that time. The mouth pieces are only taken out to eat and brush; they are typically worn at least 22 hours a day.
 
Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. If you choose Invisalign, you will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. The best part is that you can have your regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access. So we can keep an eye on your teeth’s health while they’re being straightened! Call us at (281) 421-5950 and start fixing your smile now.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Whitening and Bleaching

Even with consistent brushing and good oral care, teeth can lose their color. Today, you have many options when it comes to teeth whitening that include over-the-counter options, prescription methods and in-office procedures. Did you know that we offer custom tray whitening for our patients? Having teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to restore the natural color of teeth quickly and effectively.
 
Unlike ineffective, over the counter whitening strips that are messy and tend to slide off teeth, professional custom tray whitening provided by Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti whitens teeth 4-8 shades in just a couple days. The tray whitening system can reverse the effects of discoloration. Through this gel treatment, the program is designed to whiten teeth quickly and effectively.
 
The key in determining whether or not you are a candidate for teeth whitening is determining whether your teeth are intrinsically or extrinsically stained. Intrinsic stains are on the surface, having barely penetrated the enamel. They are caused by coffee, smoking and aging. These stains are reversible through take-home tray whitening.  Extrinsic stains develop from the inside of the teeth and are often caused by different antibiotics. The teeth are darkened as a result of bacteria buildup and cannot be reversed by whitening alone. If that’s the case, you will most likely need to be fitted with porcelain veneers or receive dental bonding, procedures that Dr. Sanguinetti performs regularly her Baytown, TX dental practice.
 
Traditional tray systems include a custom-fitted mouth guard that the patient wears for a period of 40-45 minutes for a few days. Dr. Sanguinetti will take a mold of the patient’s mouth in order to create a custom-fit mouth guard. The amount of days the mouth guard is worn depends on how white the patient wants their teeth to be. This often results in a whiter smile of 4-8 shades in just a few days.
Give us a call today at (281) 421-5950 to get started on your teeth whitening!