Patient Education
All our professionals at The Center for Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to learn new skills and implement the latest advances in dentistry.
Our specialty is cosmetic dentistry, the building and transformation of smiles. Our commitment is to serving all of your dental needs, from bi-annual exams, state-of-the-art digital x-rays, hygienic assessments, periodontal assessments, to the most current, highly specialized cosmetic procedures available today. Our goal is to educate every patient to build and maintain your confidence in our experience and expertise. Dr. Bunting and his staff are thoroughly, expertly trained and experienced to serve you.
If we didn’t answer your question, please click here to “Ask Dr. Bunting”. Please tell us your thoughts and ask questions. We are here to serve you and assure that you feel totally knowledgeable and cared for.
Certain kinds of medications can have an adverse effect on your teeth.
Long ago, children exposed to tetracycline developed tooth problems, including discoloration, later in life. The medication fell out of use, however, and is not an issue today.
The best precaution is to ask your family physician if any medications he or she has prescribed can have a detrimental effect on your teeth or other oral structures.
A condition called dry mouth is commonly associated with certain medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants, and pain killers. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems. Garlic and tobacco use are other known culprits.
Dry mouth occurs when saliva production drops. Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials.
Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.
If dry mouth isn't readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.
Heart Disease
Poor dental hygiene can cause a host of problems outside your mouth-including your heart.
Medical research has uncovered a definitive link between heart disease and certain kinds of oral infections such as periodontal disease. Some have even suggested that gum disease may be as dangerous as or more dangerous than other factors such as tobacco use.
A condition called chronic periodontitis, or persistent gum disease, has been linked to cardiovascular problems by medical researchers.
In short, infections and harmful bacteria in your mouth can spread through the bloodstream to your liver, which produces harmful proteins that can lead to systemic cardiac problems. That's why it's critical to practice good oral hygiene to keep infections at bay-this includes a daily regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
In some cases, patients with compromised immune systems or who fear an infection from a dental procedure may take antibiotics before visiting the dentist.
It is possible for bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream during a dental procedure in which tissues are cut or bleeding occurs. A healthy immune system will normally fight such bacteria before they result in an infection.
However, certain cardiovascular conditions in patients with weakened hearts could be at risk for an infection or heart muscle inflammation (bacterial endocarditis) resulting from a dental procedure
Patients with heart conditions (including weakened heart valves) are strongly advised to inform our office before undergoing any dental procedure. The proper antibiotic will prevent any unnecessary complications.