Archives for June 2014

Dr. Kaufman is providing his patients with a new smile as seen on television today on the Doctors show on channel 10. The makeover is done by attaching thin facings to the teeth called “veneers”. The veneers can close gaps, change shape and color or make teeth longer. This new procedure achieves a beautiful smile as presented in one.

An article on the clinical performance of Porcelain Laminate Veneers for up to 20 Years was published recently.
In this retrospective study the authors evaluated the clinical quality and success rate of veneers placed in anterior, front, teeth over 20 years.
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth mainly to improve tooth form and position, close gaps, replace stained and broken teeth and mask or reduce tooth discoloration caused by various reasons. Their advantage is in maintaining tooth structure.
In this study it was found that the veneers survived on 93.5% of the teeth after 10 years and on 82.93% after 20 years. The veneers chipped more in individuals which grind their teeth or the teeth had undergone a root canal treatment. The chipping and fractures can be avoided by wearing a mouthguard. Smokers had more staining on the margins of the veneers.
The authors concluded that “Porcelain laminate veneers offer a predictable and successful restoration.”
The veneers can be made from diverse materials, Dr. Kaufman has much experience with creating beautiful smiles with porcelain and composite veneers, and he can after a thorough examination recommend the types of veneers sited for each individual.

Researchers used, the data of healthy participants with gum disease, from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), conducted in the early 1970s in the United States, to evaluate the linkage between gum disease and diabetes.
After adjusting their analyses for other diabetes risk factors, the researchers determined that those with intermediate and advanced periodontal disease at baseline were twice as likely to develop diabetes as healthy participants. Moreover, when considering tooth loss as a consequence of periodontal disease, they found that participants with advanced tooth loss had 70 percent greater odds of developing diabetes.
The results stress that maintaining oral hygiene and having regular professional examinations are an important part of a healthy life style.
For further reading

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of:
1. Gingivitis (Early gum disease). Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, in time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.
2. Periodontitis (Advanced gum disease). Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.
3. Cavities (Tooth decay). The increased levels of sugar in the blood spill into the saliva providing energy to the bacteria which produce acids. The acids in plaque attack the hard, outer surface of your teeth which can lead to cavities.
4. Dry mouth. The diabetes and drugs taken to control it lead to loss of fluids and a dry mouth. This can cause discomfort and a burning sensation in the mouth.
5. Mouth fungal infections. The reduced levels of saliva combined with the reduced ability to fight infections allows the fungi to establish themselves in the mouth and cause an infection.