From Extensive Education to a Dedicated Team, Wernick Family Dentisty Takes Patient Health Seriously

There may be several diplomas and accreditations that line the walls of dentist’s offices, but there is one that stands out if you know what to look for.  A certification of study from the Pankey Institute is the gold standard of postgraduate dental training.

The Institution's namesake, Lindsey Pankey, was an international leader in the field of restoration dentistry.   As skilled as he was in orthodontics he also had an ease with patient relations bringing more social interaction to dentistry.  After receiving nearly every award for dentistry, Dr. Pankey formed his Institute in 1972 to bridge the gap between what is known and what is practiced.

Dentist’s who have participated in the Pankey Institute’s training programs in Key Biscayne, Florida, are trained in a variety of courses that not only further their treatment of oral health concerns, but strengthen the practice to be better able to serve the community as well.  New techniques burgeoning in dentistry are also taught at this institute to ensure that the dentist’s are at the peak of their practice.  These innovative technique trainings include the latest in TMJ treatment, crown placement, and dental sleep medicines to maximize the patient’s comfort and procedure’s results.  

So when you see or hear that a dentist has been trained at Pankey, know that that is saying a great deal to the dentist’s commitment to his practice.  They sought the best techniques available to be able to give your mouth the care it deserves.

Luckily enough for the residents of the Virginia Beach area, Dr. Robert Wernick, ofWernick Family Dentistry, has attended numerous programs at the Pankey Institute as well as the Dawson Academy in order to continue his dental education with the extensive training programs. The ability to offer patients the best dental care is important to the whole staff. With a team of professionals dedicated to patient education, preventative care and high-tech solutions, Wernick Family Dentistry has become a leading Family Dental office in Virginia Beach. Explore the website or take a tour of the office to learn more about the practice. Appointments can be made by contacting the office. Wernick Family Dentistry will give you a reason to smile! 

Evolution of Dental Implants

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience. Though it may seem that this is a dire situation, modern dentistry is able to provide you with options for replacement.  You will still have to choose between traditional dentures or dental implants, but this article will tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for centuries.  They even go back far beyond the popular legend that Abraham Lincoln had a wooden set!  Dentistry has been able to stay with the times as a tried and true method for tooth replacement.  

Early orthodontists have tried their hand at dental implants as long ago as 600 A.D.  Archeologists have discovered that the early civilizations of the Maya were permanently replacing teeth with seashells!  The techniques used for dental implants have changed greatly, but let’s look at all the parts involved in a dental implant.

A natural tooth is made up of two parts, the root and the crown.  The crown is the visible part above the gum line while the root is the pronged part below the gum line that holds the tooth the jaw.  When a small number of teeth are lost or extracted, a dental implant is generally the best option for replacement.  

When a tooth is lost or removed the supportive gum and bone tissue are dematerialized.  The rest of the jaw is supplied with nutrients while segment under the toothless gum no longer receives the minerals it needs to maintain its health.  As a consequence, the jaw portions neighboring the loss receive less minerals and nutrients as they should, increasingly the likelihood of their eventual loss as well.  As the deteriorated area increases that part of the jaw can severely break down and cause other teeth to shift, facial drooping and speech issues.

The dental implant technique uses a titanium fixture to replace the missing root and revitalize the area.  An artificial crown is then mounted upon the tooth to restore the natural look, feel, and function.  Dental implants are recognized by the body as an organic tooth so the jaw is resupplied with nutrients.  This is the key difference in choosing between dentures and dental implants.  Dentures do not support the jaw and poor jaw health can be anticipated with long term use while dental implants are a better long-term option for younger patients. Implant supported dentures are the best choice for those with several missing teeth in one general area. Dental implants are positioned and the denture plate is designed to snap on to the posts.

Different procedures can also affect your taste of food.  Dentures block part of the palate plate which plays an important role in taste and smell.  With a reduction in the enjoyment of the taste of food, it can reduce food consumption and lead to poor nutrition.  People with reduced or lessened sense of taste lose interest in cooking and tend to eat more sweets.  They also have a tendency to consume foods with higher fat and salt.  Research has also shown that it can lower the consumption of dairy products which can make osteoporosis worse in the elderly women. 

Another technique for dental implants is called All-on 4.  This concept is considered to be the best in its class for permanent dental implant supported dentures.  This concept is a permanent non-removable solution which specializes in tilting the implants to provide more stability to the denture.  It allows for it to have a better anchored anterior bone and avoid important anatomical structures such as facial nerves.  People with supported or permanent dentures also have fewer changes in speech patterns.  Patients are also fitted and able to wear teeth the same day.  To view information about All-on 4’s please visit: http://www.nobelbiocare.com/international/en/home/products-and-solutions/treatment-concepts/all-on-4.html

The care between all of these options is different.  Regular dental implants require only normal brushing, flossing, and checkups while dentures require daily removal and soaking in a cleaning solution. All-on 4’s dentures will require normal brushing and flossing are not as likely to need adjustments or continuing dental visits.  Dentures also require night time removal and cleaning and will snap right back into place the next morning and All-on 4’s are a permanent solution which is left in the mouth. 

Searching for answers to your missing teeth problem? Schedule an appointment with Wernick Family Dentistry to learn about your options and make the best informed decision to ensure a long-term solution.

Make Informed Decisions about Teeth Whitening and Your Oral Health

Colorful cascades can be great when it comes to floral bouquets, but it can be very concerning when it comes to our smiles.  Teeth should carry an even hue, and when one tooth stands out it can bring a lot of negative attention.  An unevenly colored smile can really make someone’s social confidence suffer, so it is important to keep your teeth uniform in brightness.  Here is a little insight into some common antagonists that stain teeth:

Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration

• Tobacco is a notorious strainer of teeth.  Depending on where the cigarette is when it is inhaled or where chewing tobacco is placed will greatly contribute to a non-uniform coloration.  
• Dark Foods and Beverages may cause discoloration.  Coffee, tea, wines, liquor, and colas are heavy strainers, but dark juicy berries stain as well.  Don’t think you are safe with white wine or clear liquors either- the reason these stain just as bad is because alcohol decreases saliva production so the mouth can’t properly clean the staining components naturally.
• Trauma or Impact may be the cause for discoloration.  As any toothache will remind you, your tooth is a living network of tissues and blood vessels under the enamel.  With the tooth being alive at impact the internal bleeding will cause discoloration just as your skin will bruise when it is struck by an object.  The impact causes blood vessels to break and internally bruise the tooth.  Unlike veins, the tooth does not have a way to remove the blood from the ruptured vessels.  This will darken the tooth naturally over time and may take as long as five years to surface and become noticeable.
• Over Fluoridation may be the culprit.  Fluoride works best in moderation; however, with so many sources of fluoride out there such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, tap and bottled water, over fluoridation can occur resulting in darkened teeth with a swirling color pattern. 
• Poor Hygiene such as missed brushings and flossing will leave food and bacteria sitting upon your teeth, barraging the enamel and weakening the outer enamel.  This allows dark liquids and food stations to penetrate the tooth.

Certain factors that discolor may be entirely beyond your control like aging, genetics, or even prescription medications.  No matter the reasoning, our office is fully prepared with treatment options right for you!

Before you try over-the-counter tooth whitening remedies to correct your dental dilemma, understand the risks involved. 

Popular drug store whiteners generally use a peroxide solution to whiten, and if it contacts any sensitive areas that you weren't aware of or a hidden cavity it can cause a great deal of pain.  That is why a dentist’s evaluation should precede any whitening treatment to ensure painless and effective results.  Some cases with one or two noticeably discolored teeth may require Veneers, or a porcelain crown to match the whiteness of the rest of your smile.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about your oral health concerns. WernickFamily Dentistry prides itself on patient care and listening to your concerns. Your dentist will look at the problem and consider the health of the whole mouth for the most informed decision making process. Contact the office today and schedule a consultation with your family dentist, your best smile is waiting for you on the other end.

The Dangers of Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Rot)

As a parent, teething can be an especially trying time during a child’s development.  With their bicuspids breaking through it tugs on your heartstrings to hear a child cry in pain or discomfort, so of course you would do everything in your power to make sure they can cope with it.  Be careful though, some common remedies may actually be harming your child in the long run.

A popular traditional remedy is dipping the child’s pacifier in something sweet to help get their mind off of the pain. This practice, along with allowing a child to fall asleep while drinking a bottle can lead to a condition known by dentists as Early Childhood Caries, though you may have heard of it as Baby Bottle Rot.

Never too early to introduce a tooth brush.

The mouth produces saliva to naturally clean away food and debris from setting on the teeth. While asleep, however, saliva production is slowed and any type of food or drink is left sitting on the tooth. This is especially troubling for babies, because if left to sleep with a sweetened pacifier the sugar amplifies the bacterial growth during their rest. Bottles are not a safer option because milk and formula both have sugars that will bring harm the child’s teeth in the same manner.

If the baby (primary) teeth are going to come out and be replaced by mature teeth anyway, what is the harm if they are lost early?  Well, primary teeth have more roles in a young child’s life than one might think.  Of course they allow the child to develop healthy eating habits; but the importance of teeth allows the child to learn how to eat. Just as a child needs to learn how to walk, how to eat is a skill that they will take with them through life as well.  Improper eating habits can lead to jaw problems down the road.  Teeth also play an important role for speech development as well; without their proper baby teeth in place, speech develop problems are at risk.

Perhaps the most important role for primary teeth is as ‘placeholders.’ Think of the speed a child grows out of clothing and realize that the rest of their body is growing at that rate too.  Primary teeth are able to grow with the child to keep their spacing and placement appropriate for mature teeth that will take their place.  If a tooth is lost too early it could lead to an irregular, jagged smile when the mature teeth due come in.  It may lead to a child needing orthodontics that may not have otherwise needed them.  It is the primary tooth that is needed to guide the adult “caboose-tooth” to the proper position.

Wernick Family Dentistry is dedicated to educating patients and families about their dental health to prevent early childhood caries along with many other preventable oral health problems. Contact the office to schedule regular check-up appointments for the whole family.