Dental Implants

What's So Bad About Losing a Tooth?

No matter how you lose a tooth – gum disease, decay, accident, or any other trauma, you should treat it as a big deal. Losing even a single tooth can cause your other teeth to shift and move around, affecting your ability to chew and process nutrients from your food. You may experience weight gain (due to a softer, carb-heavy diet), a sunken or shriveled facial appearance, or a change in your speech patterns. The best way to replace a missing tooth (or missing teeth) is with dental implants. An implant can take the place of one tooth or many. They'll appear so natural only your dentist will know the difference.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Teeth Whitening Dentist

Teeth Whitening – Dazzling Results in Just One Visit!

The only way to get your teeth their whitest is by using professional-strength whitening, such as ZOOM! WhiteSpeed™. We can brighten your smile by up to 8 shades, and it only requires about 45 minutes! Now you can have sparkling white teeth, without stains or darkness, in just one visit. Even better, the results can last for years!
We also offer custom whitening trays. You will receive your supplies, made in our own lab, with the instructions so you can complete the procedure at home. This technique is safe and effective. Results occur within 1 – 14 days.

Josh McCormick, DDS  
4455 Cowell Road  
Concord, CA 94518  
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

• Looking for a dentist? 
• Interested in a dental career?

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Four Different Types of Teeth Plus More

Most of us know how important it is to look after our teeth, but do you know what the different types of teeth are and how we use them? Teeth don't just help you bite and chew; they play an important role in speaking and support many aspects of your facial structure. There are four kinds of teeth in your mouth, according to Everyday Health, and each performs a slightly different function. Then there are three rarer formations that can occur in a growing jaw.

Incisors
At the front of the mouth are eight thin, straight teeth called incisors - four at the top and four at the bottom - which bite into the food you eat and help you pronounce words as you you speak. Incisors also support the lips.

To read the entire article by Jenny Green, please visit Colgate.com

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

Stay on a routine 
Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime -or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.” 

Say no to sugary drinks and snacks 
As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. And, don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Taking a break from snacking is healthy for your teeth,” says Dr. Hayes. “It allows time for saliva to bathe the teeth, wash away leftover food and get stronger.”  

Make your back-to-school dental visit early 
Some schools require back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these checkups can be a good way to be sure your child’s teeth stayed healthy. It is a good idea to make your child’s back-to-school appointment early in the summer to avoid the August rush and help insure you get the appointment time that works best for you. ìWe can help spot and take care of any issues, so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,î Dr. Hayes says. “Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.” 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

• Stay on Routine
• Say no to sugary drinks and snacks
• Make your back-to-school dental visit early

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Porcelain Dental Veneers

'Smile Makeovers' in as Little as Two Visits!

Our porcelain veneers result in amazing smiles in a hurry! Veneers are made from thin, durable sheets of the most advanced dental ceramic available. They are bonded to natural teeth in a way that makes your teeth appear straight and uniform, creating an attractive smile. In no time, your crooked teeth can look like they've had years of straightening. Veneers can also be applied to a single tooth to conceal a chip, a crack, or to restore a worn or misshapen tooth. The veneer is made to match the color of the surrounding teeth, so your smile looks completely natural. If you have misshapen teeth, unattractive gaps, or deep discolorations, ask us if veneers are right for you.

Josh McCormick, DDS  
4455 Cowell Road  
Concord, CA 94518  
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Dental Anxiety: 3 Ways to Stop Fearing the Dentist

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find. 
Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay - or just don’t go - to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process - from making an appointment to sailing through it - much easier on many levels. 
Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your smile. 

1. Speak up 
Anyone with anxiety knows sharing your feelings makes a world of difference. If you're tense or anxious, do yourself a favor and get your concerns off your chest. Your dentist and dental team are better able to treat you if they know your needs. 

2. Distract yourself 
Taking your mind off the exam may seem impossible when you’re nervous, but there are some things that that can help distract your thoughts. 

3. Use mindfulness techniques 
Relaxation starts in the mind. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax tension in your muscles. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

• Speak Up
• Distract yourself
• Use mindfulness techniques

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com