General Dentistry

Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Reno Tooth Whitening

At The Reno Dentist we want to see each one of our patients for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. How long since your last visit? Most of the time we try to get you to schedule your next appointment even as you leave the office from your latest one.

There are some very good reasons for seeing us twice a year. Along with daily brushing and flossing, six-month cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.

Most appointments begin with a cleaning from the hygienist. During the cleaning we’ll scrape any tartar from your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque, and you can’t get it off with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important: it helps prevent plaque buildup! Scraping tartar off of your teeth is known as scaling.

Once your teeth are scaled, we’ll polish them with a gritty toothpaste. This is pretty harsh stuff, and it does a fabulous job removing any surface stains on your teeth. Sometimes patients wonder if they can get something like it for use at home. The trouble with that is that it’s just too abrasive to use every day.

After scaling and brushing, the last step is flossing. Then, it’s the dentist’s turn.

During the checkup we look for any new cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We might take X-rays, although this is not done at every visit. We’ll examine your gums, too, for any signs of gum disease.

Finally, we’ll look at your tongue, throat, face and and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.

And that, in a nutshell, is how your visit to The Reno Dentist goes. Our services include general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 1467

Are Toothpicks Good For Cleaning Teeth?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

At The Reno Dentist, we always remind our patients how important it is to clean their teeth on a regular basis. Not just the front surfaces, but between the teeth, too. This is essential for cavity prevention.

What’s the best way to go about getting those narrow spaces between teeth? That’s an easy one: dental floss. Our rule of thumb is to brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once – ideally, just before bedtime.

What about during the day, though? You’ve just had lunch, or a mid-afternoon snack, and you can feel the gunk that’s stuck between your teeth. It isn’t always easy to pull out dental floss in the middle of the day, especially if you’re in a meeting or some other appointment.

How about a good old-fashioned toothpick? They’re quick and convenient, easy to carry around, and have pointy tips that are good for digging into tight spaces.

Our quick answer? No. In fact, we frown on toothpicks. For one thing, they don’t do a very good a job compared to other options. For another, it is not unheard of for people to get splinters in their gums when a piece breaks off. You might also poke into your gums by accident.

Bottom line? They don’t clean off plaque. Which brings us back to those other options: when you’re out and about during the day, we recommend using an interdental cleaner. There are several types available at any grocery store: they’re usually made from a soft plastic with bristles on the end. They’re slender and compact, so you can slide them easily between your teeth to dislodge and remove food particles.

We’ll admit that chewing on a toothpick looks pretty cool. But they are not recommended for cleaning teeth. Use an interdental cleaner like those made by DenTek, or GUM. Floss picks are also good.

Above all, see us at The Reno Dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

Between-Meal Cleaning

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

At The Reno Dentist, we always remind our patients to brush and floss their teeth after every meal. And most of our patients take that advice to heart. But what are you supposed to do in the middle of the day? You’re out and about, and your usual stuff – that favorite toothpaste, the container of dental floss – is at home in the bathroom.

What’s the best way to keep your teeth clean between meals?

One of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with water after you eat. That alone will give your whole mouth a quick cleansing.

A quick brushing is good, too. An excellent trick is what we call dry brushing. That means brushing your teeth without toothpaste. Yes, it sounds a bit strange – but it’s effective, especially if you can use a little water, too. (We know of other dentists who do it themselves.) It isn’t the way you would brush at home, of course, but it’s going to clean the surfaces of your teeth – and that’s half the battle.

The other half of the battle is the stuff that gets between your teeth. A good solution here is using floss picks. They’re no substitute for regular dental floss, but because they have a little handle, you can do it one-handed and without the aid of a mirror. (Just be sure you use regular floss later on, before bed.)

Another effective trick is chewing sugarless gum. It only takes about five minutes of chewing to get the benefits. The gum will remove a lot of the surface debris from your teeth. It also gets your saliva going, which in turn promotes re-mineralization. That’s the process of replacing minerals in your teeth.

Still another good idea is to eat healthy snacks. Raw vegetables and nuts are always a better choice than a cookie or candy bar, or some other sugary treat. Not only that, these rough-textured foods help to scrub your teeth as you chew.

At The Reno Dentist, we want each of our patients to keep their teeth clean during the day, and hope these suggestions help. We would also like to see you in the office every six months. Our services include general and family dentistry, and a range of cosmetic dentistry services. Call today to schedule your next checkup.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

Five Facts About Enamel Erosion

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health

enamel erosion treatment Reno

Our teeth work hard and are constantly under assault. At The Reno Dentist, your dental health is always our top priority, which is why we educate our patients about how to keep their enamel strong and halt additional erosion if some has already occurred.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Sadly, enamel erosion is extremely pervasive, though largely preventable. Enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away are some medications, tooth grinding, acid reflux, gastrointestinal conditions, chewing ice or other hard substances, and eating disorders.

Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:

  1. Enamel is unlike many other tissues in the body; once it is gone, it can’t be regenerated.
  2. According to the NIH, 41% of youth already have enamel erosion.
  3. Brushing too-forcefully can damage enamel.
  4. Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as harmful as sugared sodas.
  5. Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva, which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion, it’s vital to halt continued erosion. There are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been affected. Call The Reno Dentist in Reno NV to schedule an appointment. Our services include geneal and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Call today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7500

Forensic Dentists: The Unsung Heroes of Dentistry

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental technology, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

forensic dentistry RenoLet’s start with a disclaimer: at The Reno Dentist we are fully committed to delivering the highest quality of general and cosmetic dentistry services to living patients. In today’s post, however we will veer a bit off the beaten path, so to speak, and share some insight into an important dental specialty; forensic dentistry. The official term for the use of dentistry in criminal cases and post mortem identification is forensic odontology. These professionals are rarely recognized but play a fundamental role in crime and disaster investigations.

Dental X-rays, dentures, and bite marks are all used to provide clues about the victim’s identity and/or the manner of death. A person’s teeth are as singular as fingerprints and can often sustain forces such as fire, explosions, submersion in water, and natural decay without being destroyed.

Identifying One Victim

Identifying a victim through dental records is aided immensely when authorities have narrowed down a group of suspected victims to just a few people (or, ideally, just one) and can consult the dentists who had treated them. When the identity is totally unknown, a forensic dentist investigates other databases such as those kept by the armed forces and prisons. “Dental identifications are so much quicker and so much less expensive than DNA,” says Dr. Mark Bernstein, dentist and forensic dental consultant.

Identifying Hundreds of Victims

While identifying one victim of a homicide or accident can be relatively straightforward, natural disasters, plane crashes, and other large-scale tragedies are exponentially more involved.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Burkes, chief forensic dental consultant for the 9/11 attacks, over 140 dentists toiled to identify the fragments of remains that were recovered from the scene of the terrorist attacks. The identification effort was an extremely painstaking and complicated process. First, the dentists were assigned to one of four teams. The Go Team gathered evidence from the scene, the Antemortem Team analyzed existing dental records of suspected victims, the Postmortem Team X-rayed the retrieved dental evidence, and the Comparison Team compared the X-rays of the remains of unknown individuals to the records of missing people deemed to have been at the scene. “Dentistry fulfills one of its most important social, moral, and professional obligations by applying its unique knowledge and expertise to the task of identifying countless persons who are tragic victims of fires, catastrophes, disasters, and homicides,” says Burkes.

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Spanish Springs, Virginia City, or Carson City areas, we hope you’ll give The Reno Dentist a call at 775-323-0700 to schedule a consultation.  We offer a wide variety of dental services such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, dentures, cleanings and prepless veneers. Call us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

The Future of Tooth Decay in Reno

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Health

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Reno

Dental patients in the Sparks area may wonder what would happen if they didn’t seek quality dental care on a regular basis. The answer isn’t pretty. A common result of untreated cavities are abscesses and tooth decay in Reno. A tooth abscess is an infection near the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. This collection of pus can be very uncomfortable, either causing a shooting pain or a dull throbbing pain. You may also experience bad breath, fever, swollen neck glands, and feelings of general discomfort associated with the infection.

Avoiding Abscesses and Tooth Decay in Reno

Tooth abscesses can also be caused by a chip or a crack in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter. To avoid unpleasant dental problems like abscesses or tooth decay in Reno, have regular visits with your dentist. Also, don’t forget to brush after every meal. With daily brushing and flossing and regular check-ups and cleanings, you can keep your mouth in peak health. Make sure to include flossing once a day to get in those hard to reach places. For questions about which toothpaste to use or what kind of floss you should buy, ask our dental team during your consultation at The Reno Dentist.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Reno area, come visit us here at The Reno Dentist. Dr. Shane Sykes has been a dentist in Reno since 2011. We can also answer any questions you have about smile makeover procedures such as dental crowns, veneers, teeth whitening,  dentures, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. We also offer general dentistry treatments such as root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, dental bonding, gum countouring. Call 775-323-0700 to schedule an appointment! We look forwarding to meeting you.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

How Inflammation Affects Your Oral Health in Reno

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Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Health, Oral Health

inflamed gums Reno

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect oral health in Reno. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss can develop.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related problems. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal troubles.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will ensue, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is crucial to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the important knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for oral health in Reno. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you experience any other changes. If you’re looking for a dentist in the area, we also offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Thanks for visiting our blog. For more details about oral health in Reno, give us a call at 775-323-0700.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Oral Health in Reno: Instill Good Brushing Habits in Your Children

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Health

infant dental exam Reno Oral Health in Reno

New Reno parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s recommendations on infant oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. After all, brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to tooth decay as older teeth.

Parents are encouraged to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come through, it’s even more crucial for the teeth to be brushed after each meal or, at least twice a day.

It is essential to select the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft-bristled brush is best with a small amount of toothpaste. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are useful. Also, there are circle and triangular-shaped brushes that allow your toddler to walk around with their brush with less chance of injury in case of a fall.

If the toothpaste is causing an unpleasant struggle, brush without toothpaste. The goal is to remove food bits that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities. When two teeth touch, it’s time to floss. Flossing is essential to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills which most children don’t develop before age six or seven. Parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their children can do it effectively for the sake of their own oral health in Reno.

Until the child is old enough to properly brush his or her teeth, they should receive adult supervision and guidance regarding oral health in Reno. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing methods will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time-consuming, remember that it’s creating a daily habit that will guard their oral health in Reno. Also, dental expenses related to poor oral hygiene will be avoided. Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early, but most parents bring their child to the pediatrician early. You can trust in your dentist to look out for potential problems and guide you about how to help your child preserve a healthy smile.

If you live in the Sparks area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call The Reno Dentist at 775-323-0700 to schedule your child’s first dental appointment with Dr. Sykes. You can ask us about general dentistry, orthodontics, and gum disease treatment. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

3 Point Checklist Before Your Dental Consultation in Reno

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Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Smile Transformation, Teeth Whitening

Dental Consultation in Reno

Looking for a dentist because you’re losing the battle with plaque build-up, chipped teeth, tooth pain, stains, or tooth decay? Today’s post offers 3 important steps to take before you arrive at The Reno Dentist for a dental consultation in Reno.

The state of your mouth is critical to your fitness both emotionally and physically. Everyone wants to make a pleasing impression when they smile or speak. We understand that. The look, the odor, the feel, and the functionality of your biting surfaces are so important to your everyday experience that we recognize our critical role in finding solutions to these issues. Of course, your very first step is making contact. Please call us at  775-323-0700 or visit us online to schedule a dental consultation in Reno. After you schedule a consultation with our team, please take a moment to review the following checklist for a productive appointment experience:

1. Analyze your hygiene routine and gaps in technique or consistency.
When do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? How often? If not, why? We can review your habits and ascertain what is holding you back, if anything.

2. Pinpoint pain or problem areas throughout your mouth.
Persistent or intermittent? Sharp or dull? Triggered by hot or cold? Living with pain is unnecessary with the technology and expertise available these days. Usually, there are uncomplicated solutions to seemingly big pains. Let us address all your aches.

3. Define what you want your smile to look like.
If you can describe your optimal smile, we can explore how to obtain it. There are numerous possibilities for an extraordinary smile redesign as well as dental maintenance procedures. Cosmetic dentistry runs the gamut from teeth whitening to veneers to dental implants.

We anticipate you’ll have questions about the cost of dental implants, the price of filling a cavity, or placing a crown. We have answers for you. Our team is equipped and trained in procedures perfect for your needs. We see patients for services like dentures, Invisalign, and root canals. When it comes to looking for a dentist in Reno or the surrounding communities, please know that you will be in gentle and experienced hands with our knowledgeable team. Call today for a premium dental consultation in Reno.

We can make you look and feel great

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Precision with Advanced Laser Dentistry in Reno

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, General Dentistry, Laser Dentistry

top dentist Reno Laser Dentistry in Reno

The powerful, precise, highly-concentrated beam of light originally known as Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) is so common that the acronym has now been relegated to lower case and is used instead.

Lasers are Everywhere!

Lasers are now used in everything from weapons to barcode scanners in grocery stores. They have increased efficiency and advanced technology in numerous industries such as communications, manufacturing, and virtually every branch of science. Today’s post focuses on how lasers have influenced dentistry.

Advanced Laser Dentistry in Reno

Lasers are now used in many technologically-advanced dental practices for a broad range of procedures. Laser Dentistry in Reno allows dentists to be extremely precise when working on either teeth or gum tissue.

Dentists use lasers to:

  • Remove decay while preserving more intact tooth material
  • Firmly attach bonding material to a tooth
  • Remove oral lesions or obtain tissue for biopsies
  • Reshape receded gums
  • Eliminate bacteria while performing root canals
  • Increase the effectiveness of tooth whitening agents

Dental patients benefit with:

  • Fewer stitches – some surgical procedures require no sutures when a laser is used
  • Faster healing times
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Decreased damage to surrounding tissue/bone
  • Less pain – eliminates the need for anesthesia in many procedures

Schedule an Appointment

At The Reno Dentist, our dental team employs advanced dental technology such as laser dentistry in Reno with seasoned skill to serve our valued patients. At our professional practice, we believe that every man, woman, and child deserves a beautiful smile and a lifetime of oral health. For questions about root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, partial dentures, or laser dentistry in Reno, call 775-323-0700 today to schedule a consultation at The Reno Dentist. Our friendly team looks forward to meeting you.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503