Chula Vista Dentist

Many of the underlying causes of sleep apnea can presently be tackled with by a sleep apnea dentist; there is even a medical branch known as dental sleep dentistry that has known an increase in the number of specialists over the last decade.

Medical practice has shown that sleep apnea may be caused by certain dental and mandibular problems that can be corrected by the surgical or non-surgical intervention of a dentist. Thus, there are all sorts of dental appliances used for the maintenance of a proper opening of the airways and only a sleep apnea dentist can recommend and design one for you.

In case the apnea patient suffers from a jaw deformity or mandibular deficiency that prevents the correct opening of the airways in a deep relaxation state, a sleep apnea dentist will have to create a special appliance to be worn at night.

Such a device would either pull the tongue forward or adjust the position of the jaw so that the air flow may pass unhindered towards the lungs. It should be said nevertheless, that the apnea dentist solutions usually work for the mild and moderate sleep breathing cessation problems, as the more severe cases require other forms of medical intervention.

After close medical investigations a sleep apnea dentist will tell you what type of oral device best matches your condition. The two most popular such devices include the splint and the mandibular advancement device.

The former holds the tongue in a position that allows the air to pass unhindered; this is mainly used for people who suffer from apnea caused by too large a tongue as compared to the diameter of the airways. The latter is a device that forces the jaw in a lower position, thus creating enough room for the air flow; the only problem with the mandibular device consists in the eventual jaw pain after its usage.

Regular visits to the sleep apnea dentist may be necessary particularly if you experience discomfort after the trial period is over. If you don't get used to an oral apnea device within a fortnight, contact the sleep apnea dentist and see how you can improve the situation. Do not purchase any type of apnea appliance since such items require a certain size and molding design that is unique for each individual. A general model will surely be very uncomfortable, even if you'd think it a real bargain.

After losing a tooth permanently, many patients are eager to find an immediate solution. It can be very embarrassing to have a tooth missing when you are an adult, especially one in the front. Dentures implants are one of the newest steps towards replacing lost teeth by providing a permanent solution. The teeth appear real and natural and will give you an added boost in confidence.
An added benefit of a dental implant is that the lifespan is normally 15 to 20 years for all successful implants. Only 5% of all implant patients have reportedly not been successful with the process. When speaking with your dentist about this process, be sure to ask them if they will replace failed implants for you free of charge. If your dentist is reliable and responsible then they will cover this mistake. It will also give you the added piece of mind that you have nothing to lose by having the procedure done.
Most dentists will proceed with a full examination prior to the implant process. The dental specialist that you choose should also inform you that if you suffer from diabetes, stress, mental illnesses, or smoking then the success rate for the procedure will be less.
Be sure to read the fine print of your insurance company to make sure what is covered and under what conditions. Check the part of your dental insurance policy that is marked as "exclusions". These are procedures that are not covered by the plan and you need to know what they are before you start the procedure. Do not assume anything or you may end up in debt. Depending on your coverage, the procedure can cost anywhere from $1000 to $30,000.
The time that it takes for the surgery will differ depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. All procedures are performed under anesthesia, therefore, it will be pain free. Most implants are also performed in stages, usually within 3 to 6 months of each other. The success isn't overnight so do not become discouraged. It will happen soon and you'll have a fantastic smile before you know it.

Are you in need of a new dentures insurance policy? Do you currently have a dental insurance plan? The reason that I ask that question is because if you did already own dental insurance, you'd realize that it does not immediately cover new dentures. As a matter of fact, you'll be hard pressed to find an insurance policy that will cover even a decent portion of the cost of new dentures, unless you've owned the policy for several years. This is how insurance companies look at dentures.
Dentures are looked at as cosmetic dentistry by most insurance companies. If you buy a new dental insurance plan they'll also look at your need as a pre-existing condition and they won't cover one red cent initially. Most new plans require what is known as a "waiting" period. This usually lasts for twelve months and then your plan will begin to assist you with pre-existing conditions. The only problem here is that they do it on a progressive scale. An example would be as follows:
1st Year - No coverage for pre-existing conditions
2nd Year - 10% coverage
3rd Year - 25% coverage
4th Year - 50%
And so on.....
Another problem with dentures insurance is that dental "insurance" is expensive and it's only designed to provide preventive care in order to keep you from developing any major dental problems. But what if you already have a major dental problem?
The answer is called a "Dental Discount Plan". Discount plans offer savings of between 10-60% off both preventive AND major dental care. This includes not only cleanings, x-rays, ect., but also dentures, bridge work, braces, root canals and more. Some plans cover more than 50% on upper dentures alone, depending upon where you live and the plan you choose.
Dental discount plans aren't insurance coverage so pre-existing conditions are no problem. There are no exclusions, no age limits, no hassles and you can start seeing a dentist in 1-3 days. The enrollment fee is less than most insurance and you'll save more than that on your first visit! So to heck with dentures insurance! Grab yourself a dental discount plan today and start saving!

Are you looking for a good deal on dentures in Illinois? Well, get in line. Trying to find affordable dentures is just like (dare I say it?) pulling teeth. Alright, alright, I'll stop. Please forgive my poor attempt at humor, but I just couldn't resist.
One of the best ways to find affordable dentures in Illinois and most other states, is called a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans offer big discounts on dentures and all other dental care needs. I've seen savings as high as 60% off the average cost of dentures, however, your savings will depend upon two things.
#1. The area of the country that you live in.
#2. The dental discount plan that you choose.
Let me give you an example of the savings offered by one one plan. I think I'll use the Aurora area as an example, but keep in mind that these plan rates will be available throughout Chicago, Aurora and all of the state.
The zip code that I'm using for this example is going to be 60506.
The savings are substantial in this area of Illinois. I see that the cost of a full upper denture is just $728, compared to the national average of $1252. This will save you $524 on your full upper denture alone, not to mention any other dental care that you and/or your family may need. You'll also save from 10 percent to 60 percent on all other dental care, including braces, bridges and more.
The cost of joining the plan for a full year is only $160 for a family or $110 for an individual. This is much less than dental insurance, which, by the way does not cover pre-existing conditions, such as dentures, unless you've owned the policy for several years. In other words, if you got all your teeth knocked out today and went and bought insurance tomorrow, it wouldn't do you any good.
So if you are in need of new dentures in Illinois, you'd better jump on the dental discount plan savings wagon right away and you'll never have to pay full price for dental care again!

So you ask, "What do automobile accidents and breathing have to do with each other?" Well you might be surprised to know that the number one cause of automobile
accidents on North American roads each year is tired driving. Unfortunately, obstructive sleep apnea is a huge contributing factor. It deprives people of the rejuvenating sleep that their bodies require. Disruptive sleep fill with arousals, increasing heart rate and high blood pressure does not allow the solid sleep your body requires. Did you know that people suffering from this sleep disorder are seven to twelve times more likely to be involved in an auto accident because of their excessive sleepiness? Limited sleep slows your response time. In fact, sleeping only four hours a night results in reaction times that are equivalent to someone who has a blood alcohol level of .08%.

Sleep apnea is one of the most under-diagnosed life threatening medical disorders in our society today. Despite the lack of attention, tired driving and obstructive sleep apnea are statistically more dangerous than drunk driving. Once you know the statistics, driving down the highway can be a scary proposition.

This sleep disorder is also directly implicated as contributing to heart disease, cerebrovascular insult, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and obesity. The list truly goes on and on. If you suffer from bruxism, or awake multiple time through the night, or have morning headaches or if your bed partner has witnessed you snoring and then gasping for air, the likelihood that you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is very, very high. It is not necessary for you to have any or all of the aforementioned to have sleep apnea. Realize that not everyone that has apnea is tired. Some people have symptoms with very mild apnea while others don't have symptoms with sever apnea. Bottom line, don't let how you feel make the determination. This is one area that "guilty until proven innocent'" is probably sound advice.

One very good screening tool that has been shown to be predictive of sleep disordered breathing is called the Adjusted Neck Circumference screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Here is the formula: ANC = NC + H (4) + S (3) + C/G (3). ANC is Adjusted Neck Circumference, H is Hypertention, S is Snoring, C/G is Choking/Gasping. The way it is used is that the neck circumference (measured in centimeters) is adjusted if you have hypertention (4 cm added), or a habitual snorer (3 cm added) or chocking or gasping most nights (3 cm added). A low clinical probability corresponds to an adjusted neck circumference of less than 43 cm, an intermediate probability (4 to 8 times as probable) to a neck circumference of 43 to 48 cm, and a high probability (20 times as probable) for a neck circumference of more than 48 cm.

The gold standard for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy; however oral appliances can be equally affective, particularly in mild and moderate sleep apnea. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, take it seriously and talk with your physician or a dentist that is trained in the treatment of sleep apnea. It could be a conversation that saves your life.

There are a variety of procedures that exist to help achieve a person's cosmetic dentistry goals, it's best to get familiar with all of the options first and then choose a personal cosmetic dentistry plan with the help a licensed cosmetic dentist.
Therefore, for those considering a cosmetic dentistry, the top 10 procedures are as follows:

1. Laser Teeth or Tooth Whitening-In just one office visit, a person can lighten their teeth up 6 shades by undergoing laser teeth whitening (or single tooth whitening for isolated trouble spots). The procedure is fast, effective and lasts considerably longer than over-the-counter whitening methods.

2. Porcelain Veneers-Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to change either the color or shape of the teeth. Specifically, porcelain veneers are placed over existing teeth to correct areas of discoloration, teeth that are too small or too big, cracked teeth or irregularities in a person's smile.

3. Dental Implants-This procedure allows for people with missing teeth to receive a natural looking implant, provided there is enough bone available to anchor in the new tooth (if not, another procedure called a bone graft may be necessary).

4. Bonding-Bonding is used to cover natural flaws in the teeth including spots of discoloration, gaps between the teeth or crooked teeth. This is done by applying a thin layer plastic material to the front of teeth, which is then hardened with a high intensity light for permanent results.

5. Dental Bridge-A dental bridge is basically a permanent denture that is held in place by a crown attached to the tooth on either side of the denture. This helps to fill holes caused by missing teeth for a more natural and complete smile.

6. Dental Reshaping and Contouring-This procedure seeks to reshape crooked, overlapped or cracked teeth in as little as one session by sanding and shaping the trouble areas of the mouth. The procedure is very non-evasive and generally does not require the use of anesthesia.

7. Cosmetic Gum Surgery-This procedure seeks to fix the appearance of a "long tooth smile," or the shrinking of the gum's under the teeth, which is the result of aging, gum disease or a poor bite. To fix the problem, a cosmetic dentist will remove tissue from the roof of the mouth and graft it back into the gum's to create a more proportional look to the teeth.

8. White Fillings-White fillings are used to replace unsightly metal fillings that were once the only alternative to cavity repair. White fillings have a more natural look and are also better for the body.

9. Custom Dentures-Individuals with missing teeth can choose from a variety of denture options to fill the gaps in their smile. Complete dentures obviously provide a full set of teeth for those that have had them removed or lost them due to natural aging, while other techniques such as over dentures or partial dentures help to replace random missing teeth without going to a full set of dentures.

10. Accelerated Orthodontics-In this procedure, cosmetic dentists will physically reshape and reposition the teeth in 3 to 8 months, which is half the time that braces would achieve the process by natural means.

Step-1: Identify the Ethical Principles at Stake

• Beneficence

* Caring about and acting to promote the good of another * The hygienist must always give priority to the best interests of his/her clients * In this scenario the hygienist must care for and act to promote the health of his/her clients, rather than giving more importance to the monetary interests of the dentist.

• Autonomy

* Pertains to the right to make one's own choice * By communicating the relevant information openly and truthfully, dental hygienists assist client's to make informed choices and to participate in achieving and maintaining optimum oral health. * The hygienist must communicate openly and honestly with the clients about all the treatment options available and their pros and cons to gain optimum oral health rather than promoting the most expensive option recommended by the dentist.

• Professionalism

* Professionalism means being competent, honest and fair * Competence: refers to providing high quality care * Honesty: being truthful both in your statement and your omission. * Fairness: appropriately balancing competing interest * In this scenario the dental hygienist must be completely honest and fair to her clients even when it competes with her personal monetary interests and employer pressure.

• Conflict of Interest

* A conflict of interest occurs when a dentist/dental hygienist has a personal interest (monetary, moral or personal belief) that a reasonable person might think could improperly influence his/her professional judgment * In this situation the hygienist must not allow her personal monetary interests or employment prospects to jeopardize the client's oral health or influence her professional judgment.
Step-2: Identify the various options for action * Take no action and do as the doctor has mentioned * Advise the client to research his or her options and decide what is best for them. * Try again by explaining to the dentist about why you think the policy is not in the best interest of the clients * Call the regulatory authority and report the dentist and or ask for their recommendations in solving the issue * Follow the right informed consent way by telling the various options of treatment and advantage and disadvantage of each treatment. * Leave the office and find another that is suitable to your ethics.
Step-3: Assess Options * You are misleading the dentist by being silent, and preventing the office from taking appropriate steps to ensure appropriate treatment measures are in place and are failing to look after the best interest of your client. Harm the client loose reputation from your client. * You may lose clients * You may lose the dentists trust * The dentist may agree or disagree with your opinion. * If you call the regulatory authority to report the dentist, his license may get revoked * If you leave the present job you will be relieved from the present ethical dilemma
Step-4: Implement the action * Provide various procedure to correct or remedy his/her dental issue. * Provide information about the necessity of performing each procedure on the client. * Enumerate the benefits of the procedure. * Enumerate any harmful effects of the procedure according to the medical condition of the client even if those effects are minor or negligible. * Inform about the cost of each procedure. * Inform the client about the gain sharing policy of the practice * Tell the client that his/her choice of procedure will contribute proportionately to the offices gain sharing policy.
Step-5: Evaluate outcomes * The Dental hygienist will gain the client's trust for her being honest. * The Dentist could lose the client's trust because he/she would think that the office's primary goal is to optimize its profit margin. * Client might check the costs of similar procedure at other offices and potentially have/his treatment done at a different office. * Dentist/Dental hygienist might lose clients. * Dental hygienist might lose his/her job.
The information is based on CDHO guide updated in 2008.