Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Soft-Tissue Laser

We know you have choices when it comes to selecting a dentist. That’s why Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti offers the most advanced technology in order to provide exceptional dentistry. For example, we are happy to utilize a soft-tissue laser in our practice.
 
The soft-tissue laser is ideally suited for soft tissue dental procedures. It is versatile and can be used clinically in several capacities. The soft-tissue laser can be used to perform restorative, cosmetic and periodontal procedures. For instance, the laser can be used in order to enhance periodontal treatment including root planning and scaling.
 
Using lasers to perform dental procedures, which in the past were done by making incisions and cutting, is often advantageous. The soft-tissue laser is gentle and is used to precisely cut targeted tissue. Your comfort is our priority. The use of lasers in our practice helps us achieve that goal. Procedures performed with the soft-tissue laser are usually comfortable, and patients often heal quickly.
 
We are happy to answer any questions and provide convenient appointment times including alternating Saturdays. For more information on the soft-tissue laser or any of our other services, please call Baytown Cosmetic and Family Dentist at 281-421-5950.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Bonding and White Fillings

Patients  Dr. Ivi Sanguinetti DDS,PA often request bonding and white fillings to restore their smile, as these are both excellent procedures that can help cover imperfections of the tooth.
 
White fillings are performed for tooth decay, but can also be used for covering up imperfections like chips or cracks in the teeth. Bonding works in a similar way, as it is mixed to be the same color as the tooth. This lets it be used by our dentist for staining or discoloration, filling gaps, and improving many other imperfections of the teeth.
 
Benefits of bonding and white fillings are as follows:
  • The material matches the natural tooth.
  • It covers a wide range of imperfections.
  • No silver amalgam fillings are needed.
  • It is safe and effective.
The process of bonding and white fillings is simple, starting with mixing composite resin to the right shade. An adhesive gel is first painted onto the tooth, followed by molding and shaping the resin over the tooth. Dr. Sanguinetti works quickly to get it in the right shape, and then shines an ultraviolet light on it, which hardens the resin. The last step is polishing the tooth.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Lumineers

Lumineers are not just porcelain veneers; they are a special brand of veneers. Lumineers are made of extremely thin material — about the thickness of a contact lens — and placed over the tooth without in many instances requiring the removal of any of the original tooth structure. They are also highly translucent, which allows them to replicate the appearance of enamel for a more natural looking finished product. The truly remarkable quality about Lumineers, though, is the fact that they have the durability to last 20 years or more.
 
Here in our Baytown, TX dental office, we believe in minimizing pain whenever possible. The fact that Lumineers placed by Dr Ivi Z. Sanguinetti DDS require so little preparation to the existing tooth means there is little pain involved in the procedure.
 
Lumineers require two dental visits:
 
1) During the first visit, we create a precise mold and work with you to select the desired whiteness level.
2) We place the new Lumineers on the second visit and you're on your way.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Root Canal

When patients are informed that they need a root canal procedure, they often become very fearful and do not want to have the procedure done. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to their teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.
 
The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted.
 
One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.
 
Set up an appointment at our Baytown, TX cosmetic and family dental practice by calling 281-421-5950 or visit us online at www.singing-dentist.com.

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!