Safety of Silver-Mercury Fillings

by Dr. Gregory R. Bowen

This is a good example of a silver-mercury filling that was placed, who knows how long ago. These fillings “last” a long time, this one has probably been there for more than 20 years, but you can see from the intra-oral camera photo, that there are lots of problems.

You can clearly see numerous cracks, corrosion, and open margins (edges where the material joins the tooth) and also a crack in the tooth, which is just visible at the bottom of the picture.

Fortunately, this patient didn’t wait until she had sensitivity to biting, hot or cold sensitivity, or throbbing at night. A white composite resin filling was placed and within 15 minutes the restoration was complete with no further risk to the tooth.

I am often asked if the mercury causes any problems… The standard answer is that not when “amalgamated” with silver. There are no conclusive studies on humans that show mercury toxicity from dental amalgam fillings, however it has been banned in Japan and some European countries, and there is talk of requiring filtering out the amalgam debris from dental offices before it goes down the sewer.

So in the eyes of the government, its OK for our mouths, but not the sewers!

Overcoming Dental Fears Now And In The Future

by Andrea L. Algar

Dentists have been struggling for years to help patients conquer fears of coming in for much needed dental services. For some men and women, as little as the sound of a dental drill brings feelings of anxiety and even panic. Racing heart, sweaty palms, body shakes, irregular heartbeat and hot or cold flashes are just some of the symptoms that can happen in an instant when a panic attack happens.

MRI

In a previous article, we looked at research presented at the Society for Neuroscience that suggests that they may now be closer to understanding dental fears thanks to MRI's that allow them to "see" anxiety. Researchers revealed the findings after studying two groups of people: those who had dental anxiety in one group, and those who had no history of dental anxiety in the other.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) brain scans were taken while the researchers played a variety of dental sounds of dental drills and suction instruments. They found that there was marked differences in brain responses between the two groups.

Some say that this finding suggests that with the use of MRI's, dentists may soon be able to uncover specific calming methods for their anxious patients. With the high costs of MRI, and the difficulty in getting anxious people to come to a dental office in the first place, it begs the question of whether this will ever be an effective way to diagnose exact triggers and calming methods for those who have moderate to extreme dental anxieties.

It is estimated that about 10 percent of the general population suffer from severe anxiety about going to the dentist. Many of these men and women put off visits to the dentist until they have a full-blown problem that needs immediate attention. Even then, a good number still avoid going. Dental anxieties can cause overwhelming fears that lead to dental avoidance altogether. This can have devastating consequences, as there is clear evidence that dental problems that are not treated appropriately can lead to a number of serious medical conditions.

Many think that anxiety is caused from a fear of pain, and this may be one of the common fears, although fear of the unknown (i.e. what's going to happen next, what instrument will the dentist use, what if I gag or choke, etc.) is probably just as provoking as "how much will it hurt". The "what-if's" are an anxious person's worst enemy.

Contrary to what many anxious patients believe, pain is actually quite rare in dental surgeries and in many dental procedures. A recent survey by Tickle confirmed this, reporting that, "451 adults visiting dentists in the north-west of England and found that 75% of patients reported no pain at all during their visits. Those having the most invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions and root canal treatment reported some of the higher pain scores, but even many of these claimed to experience no pain at all." While this news should be encouraging to most people, the report concluded, "The strongest predictor of pain during dental procedures was dental anxiety. Anxious patients were four times more likely to experience pain than non-anxious patients."

Dental fears are very real for those who suffer with them. While we have a number of dentists who are sympathetic to dental fears and offer services under the names "gentle" and "calming", it often does not address the anticipatory anxiety that can overwhelm a patient and prevent them from going to any dentist, even one who caters to nervous patients. For anxious patients, the anticipation is often worse than the actual experience, and for these men and women, it needs to be addressed by professionals who know how to help.

The good news is that there are extremely effective methods available right now. The field of anxiety treatment has been much improved with the wider use of cognitive-behavioral methods by qualified mental health experts trained in handling anxiety and phobias. These methods work well with dental anxiety and dental phobias.

Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D., a Licensed Psychologist who has specialized in anxiety and phobias for over 35 years, explains, "Anxious patients are much more likely to perceive pain, even at times when non-painful procedures or simple events such as rinsing the mouth with water occur, because they are already in an anxious state. Their body may be reacting in ways that makes them feel like they are about to die or have no control. It is easy for their anxiety levels to escalate quickly. However, these types of anxieties are very treatable."  Even more severely affected phobic individuals can be helped with these methods and go on to successfully, and comfortably, visit their dentists for needed services.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Dr. Bowen - Dental Fallacies Keep Us Fearful And Avoiding The Dentist
Dr. Bowen - Dental Fears "Seen" By Scientists

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is a writer and business consultant in San Antonio, Texas. She has worked with healthcare, beauty, automotive, music and other professionals for over 35 years.

San Antonio Patients With Gum Disease Have Effective Treatment Option

by Andrea L. Algar

Gum disease treatments have progressed greatly from the old days of painful gum surgery and weeks, if not months, of healing. Cutting and sewing gum surgeries, often referred to as "cut and sew" or "stitch and sew" can be eliminated with the use of the state-of-the-art LANAP laser gum treatment.

Traditional "cut and sew" gum surgery

Periodontal gum disease is a serious condition that affects almost half of all adults over thirty years of age. Most people do not realize the dangers of periodontal disease and put off treatments that can be painless and very effective.

Left untreated, periodontal disease is thought to contribute to the development of many other major diseases such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes and others. "Risks to other areas of the body are very real with periodontal disease," explains San Antonio dentist Dr. Gregory Bowen. "Most importantly, periodontal disease contributes to 75 percent or more of tooth loss in adults. That's a staggering number. The consequences of tooth loss on one's health is immense. Tooth loss affects many body functions including the ability to eat and chew foods, speech, sleep, as well as your appearance. It shouldn't be taken lightly."

Dr. Gregory R. Bowen was one of the first dentists in San Antonio to introduce the ground-breaking technology. He acquired the Periolase laser and received certification in 2006 when he began using the laser in his own San Antonio dental offices. Since that time, he's treated over 250 patients, including his own father! "With this new technology, you don't have to have your gums cut open, then sutured back together," explains Dr. Bowen. "In my opinion it is more effective than traditional treatments. 250 happy patients back that up."

This new revolutionary laser procedure called LANAP, short for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is minimally invasive that leaves healthy gum and mouth tissues unaffected while destroying the bacteria that causes periodontal gum disease. Dr. Bowen demonstrated the Periolase laser for me at his offices, demonstrating just how focused the laser is. The wavelengths for this laser are precise for treating gum tissue, and is not the same type of lasers you'll find for cosmetic skin procedures or laser hair removal.

Before-After with Periolase LANAP laser treatment

Less pain, less downtime, outstanding outcomes. LANAP truely is revolutionizing periodontal gum disease treatments. With the ability to eliminate the bacteria and infection that causes periodontal disease, the possibility of reversing gum disease and the destructive bone loss and tooth loss than can occur is a tremendous step forward in dentistry.

Dr. Bowen elaborates on the benefits to those who have gum disease. "Patients can now get extremely effective gum disease treatment, often in a single office visit which allows them to return to work or other activities the same day," he states. "There is minimal bleeding and healing times are fast. The laser literally vaporizes the infection and cleanly cauterizes the area, meaning no open wounds and no painful cutting or stitching. I'm excited to have brought this effective treatment to San Antonio. We now have technologies that rival the most medically advanced cities in the country."

To aid patients in the process of finding effective help for #gumdisease, Dr. Bowen is offering free assessment visits in his San Antonio office.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GUM DISEASE:
Gum Disease Facts
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Periolase & LANAP laser treatments

ABOUT DR. BOWEN:
Dr. Gregory R. Bowen has been serving men and women in San Antonio for 30 years. He is a strong advocate of newer technologies that help him deliver the most effective dental techniques available. Since 2006 he has utilized the Periolase laser for effective treatment of periodontal gum disease.

How Lasers Were Discovered To Be Extremely Effective In Treating Gum Disease

by Gregory R. Bowen, DDS

Lasers have been revolutionary in medicine, and now we find that they can be instrumental in the field of dentistry, and specifically for non-surgical treatment of periodontal gum disease. The incredible new technology started in the mid 1990’s when two Los Angeles dentists, Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthey, were interested in lasers as a hobby.

They theorized that because the bacteria that cause periodontal disease were naturally dark pigmented organisms, they would be susceptible to a certain laser wavelength in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye.

This was indeed the case. Fortunately, the organisms were fragile, and susceptible to the 1064 nanometer light. Dark puffy red gums would within a few weeks, heal to a normal
pink and firm texture, much like the photo shows. When they compared the results, they were both consistently getting with their semi annual cleaning patients, they knew they were on to something important.

As Dr. Gregg explained it to me when I was in California getting training on the Periolase, they knew they needed to go public and get formal research studies going to validate their findings. They also knew that the laser specifications they needed did not exist in a commercially available machine. So they decided to start Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. and build and market these machines.

They needed an ND: YAG laser that was pulsed, and that the pulses of light could be controlled and varied. When set to a faster pulse the bacteria were destroyed more efficiently, when set to a longer pulse duration, blood would get sticky and begin to clot. Best of all, this particular wavelength was not absorbed by water, which comprises 70% of our bodies. The laser would kill the bacteria in all tissues, even bone, and remove
reddened infected tissue, but would not damage normal tissue. With traditional gum surgery, this was not the case. Healthy tissue was removed as well as diseased tissue. Best of all, there was no long, painful healing process involved. They named the new procedure L.A.N.A.P., meaning laser assisted new attachment procedure.

This was followed by several years of scientific studies some of which was conducted by an internationally known periodontist named Ray Yukna. His findings validated the Periolase as it was called.

In 2006 while reading DentalTown, a website for dentists with input from dentists all over the world, I began coming across lots of positive responses for LANAP and the Periolase. In January of 2007 I attended the first 30 hours of 48 hours of intensive hands on live patient training at the University of Colorado.

When I returned to my office I began offering this treatment to my patients and I also began to see phenomenal results with my patients who had periodontal disease. It has been almost seven years now, and several hundred people, including my own father, have benefited from this revolutionary treatment.

I've become so impressed with the oustanding results with the LANAP procedure and my Periolase laser that I want everyone who suffers from the devastation of periodontal gum to know that they have options. I discuss the symptoms of gum disease and all of the treatment options, including non-surgical laser treatments, on my new informational website Gum Disease & Effective Treatments at www.gumdiseasesanantonio.com. 

Upgrading To A New CerecAC In-house Milling System

By Gregory R. Bowen, DDS

Recently, I made the trip to Huntsville Alabama to purchase another milling machine for the Cerec AC which many of you know can make a crown in a single visit, without having to have messy impressions, having a temporary that falls off on the weekend, or having to come in for a second appointment and a second shot.

CEREC AC In-office milling system
for same day crowns and veneers

I met the owner of a dental lab in Huntsville who was downsizing his lab and decided he didn’t need one of his mills. Having used the Cerec milling equipment for several years, I was interested in purchasing the latest models to compliment other state-of-the-art technologies in my San Antonio dental office. After calling him, I told him I was interested in buying the machine now and that I would drive the thousand miles to Huntsville, and if he could demonstrate the use and verify the self diagnostic program, I would take it home with me. He sold me a machine with less than 210 procedures milled. Sort of like getting a ’57 Tbird with only 5000 miles
on it. Although, in 1957, Cerec technology wasn’t even in Science Fiction movies.

This new Cerec AC mill not only completes a crown in one third the time of my older model, it also can now machine abutments for implants and can machine complete bridges. There is now almost no crown and bridge procedure that needs to be performed by a commercial lab. Virtually everything can now be completed in my dental offices while you wait.

When an implant is placed, the surgeon, places the titanium implant into the jawbone. The top of the implant is at the level of the bone below the gum. The abutment screws into the implant and the crown goes over the abutment. In this manner the missing tooth or several missing teeth can be replaced, and in many cases as if they had never been lost.

A bridge is simply a crown on either side of a missing tooth or several teeth, with a false tooth joined between. For the first time for us dentists with Cerec Machines we have the ability to make these bridges. Sometimes, without a temporary or second visit.

It took almost 25 hours of studying the new software, working with training models and conversing with the excellent doctors on Cerecdoctors.com before I felt confident enough to use the software with my patients. It is truly an amazing technology and fun!

The following pictures highlight the implant crown over custom abutment and the bridge procedures with screen shots of the design software.

 

The following video shows the milling system in operation.

Gregory R. Bowen, DDS is a San Antonio dentist who uses state-of-the-art technologies to provide improved treatments to his patients. He is known for his "no cut and sew" non-surgical periodontal gum treatments, as well as same day crowns and same day veneers.

Root Canals Cause Fear for Most People, But Are Usually Misunderstood; Get the Facts

by Andrea L. Algar

"Root Canal" is a term that most people are terrified of, but it is a very misunderstood term. Most people use to describe a dental procedure, but many do not know that it is actually a part of the tooth. The actual term of the dental treatment procedure is called "root canal therapy" or "endodontic treatment".

So what is the procedure and why do you need it? Quite simply, root canal therapy is a dental treatment method designed to help save your tooth. When your root canal becomes infected, it is often necessary to perform root canal therapy or endodontic treatment to avoid further damage to the root canal. If the root canal becomes severely damaged, you may need to have the tooth extracted.

The term "root canal" does not usually spark quite the same fear that it once did decades ago. Thanks to modern dental equipment and techniques, patients are far more comfortable with procedures like root canals. However, for those who still cringe at the words, consider some of the myths about root canal:

              MYTH                                    FACT
Root canal therapy is painful         In fact, root canal treatment alleviates pain
Root canals causes tooth loss      Without treatment you can experience tooth loss.
                                                       Treatment is designed to help save your teeth
Tooth extraction is better               Saving your natural teeth is always the best option
They can cause infection              Root canal treatment eliminates infection
Root canal "kills" the tooth             Root canal treatment disinfects the tooth
It cause nerve damage                  Treatment is designed to eliminate nerve pain
Treatments take hours                   Most root canal treatments are done in 1-2 hours
Many don't work                              Root canal treatments have success rates of 85%

Know the symptoms of an infected root canal. What are the signs you should look for?

• Severe pain when chewing or when pressure is put on tooth
• Swelling and tenderness of gums near affected tooth
• Sensitivity to hot/cold, even after source has been removed (i.e. cold drink, etc)
• Continual ache or throbbing sensation
• Darkening of the tooth
• Presence of pimple on gums
• No symptoms! For some, detection is made by dentist upon exam

Have questions about root canals in San Antonio, Texas? Contact Dr. Gregory Bowen's office.

Recent Lecture On Periodontal Disease Stresses Importance Of Treatment

by Gregory R. Bowen, DDS

On a recent Friday I attended the Hollers Memorial Lecture sponsored by the UTSA Dental School alumni. This lecture is held annually and features distinguished practitioners from around the world. I try to attend this lecture every year for this reason.

Inflammation of the Gums 

The topic of discussion involved a topic that has received some attention over the last few years, namely, the effect of inflammation and infection of one part of the body having destructive effects on other organ systems that may be far removed from the source of the infection. Inflammation we're concerned about as dentists, is inflammation of the gums.

As you may know, inflammation is the bodies reaction, biochemically, to injury, bacterial, or viral assault. Every day, our bodies fight off multiple attacks by microorganisms, and are constantly repairing small injuries we may not even be aware of.

One of the primary battlegrounds in this microscopic war is the oral cavity. It is normal for millions of bacteria to be found in just a drop of saliva. Most of these bacteria are harmless and even do some good by preventing other more harmful organisms to proliferate. The harmful bacteria which live in the gums and on the teeth in the plaque they form, are “crowded” out and so don’t overpopulate.

However in the form of periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of the gums, harmful bacteria that live in the small space between the gum and tooth- the “pocket” overgrow and begin to cause inflammation.

Most of us, are genetically equipped to fight off these organisms and maintain health even with poor oral hygiene. About 35% of the population are genetically unable to control these organisms. We inherit this from our parents.

When periodontal disease occurs, most of the teeth and surrounding gums are infected, producing a large cross section of irritated tissue. The toxins from the bacteria and biochemicals produced by our bodies during the course of fighting this infection find their way into the blood stream and have a negative effect on blood vessels. The linings of these vessels become irritated and cause white blood cells to migrate into the linings of the vessels. LDL Cholesterol sticks to the lining and the result is a gradual closing of the vessel. If this vessel is in the heart or brain, stroke and heart attacks result.

People with periodontal disease are 4 times more likely to have this happen. Those who smoke increase the likelihood of periodontal disease 4 more fold. Diabetics are even more prone and there is definite link between periodontal disease exacerbating diabetes and vice versa. Our bodies produce biochemicals that actually damage our own tissues in order to get at the harmful bacteria which can migrate into the cells, between the cells, and even into the bone. Sort of like a person taking a sledgehammer to a wall to get at a water leak.

Fortunately, we have a new treatment for periodontal disease. The Periolase Laser! In my next article, we’ll take a closer look at the laser that is revolutionizing the treatment of periodontal disease in San Antonio.

Dental Fears "Seen" By Scientists; Therapists May Hold Key to Overcoming Them

by Andrea L. Algar

Sound of the dentist's drill can create anxiety for some, unleashing a variety of symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating and nausea. For others, studying why this happens is a compelling mystery.

Dental Fears

The Society for Neuroscience reported at a recent meeting in San Diego that researchers now believe they are closer to understanding why some have anxiety and others do not. Scientists in Japan have discovered that some patients display different brain activity which could be the key to effectively handling dental fears for those more predisposed to it. The goal, of course, would be to ease anxiety symptoms and perhaps eventually eliminate fears at the dental office.

The study was conducted scientifically, of course. With the help of psychiatrists, two control groups were created after assessing how much patients feared a trip to the dentist. Researchers then divided the research subjects into two groups; low fear and high fear. 

While playing sounds usually found in a dental office such as suction instruments and drills, responses were measured in the brain for both groups by scanning subjects in an isolated MRI where brain activity results would not be influenced by visible or audible responses. The sounds were mixed with a variety of different sounds deemed "neutral" so that reactions to the dental sounds could be measured reliably. The MRI images gave researchers results they could actually "see". 

What researchers discovered was that those in the low fear group displayed more activity in the brain when responding to the dental sounds than when they heard the neutral sounds. The activity occurred in the auditory areas of the brain. In the group of high fear subjects, however, they found more intense levels of activity in the part of the brain called the left caudate nucleus, thought to play a role in learning.

This research supports the findings of behavioral psychologists who have learned that cognitive-behavioral methods can be extremely effective in treating a variety anxiety disorders, including dental fears and phobias. Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and anxiety disorder specialist, explains, "Many people have small amounts of dental anxiety, which is normal. It is quite common for people to experience brief episodes of anticipatory anxiety, primarily from a fear of the unknown (i.e. what will be needed, how much will it cost, will it hurt, will other people notice)." 

Dr. Raynard elaborates, "For about 10% of adults, however, levels of anxiety can be quite severe. Some even develop full-blown phobias. For these people, fears can bring on symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweaty palms, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and a host of other body symptoms. The pattern of anxiety, physical symptoms, then worry actually reinforces the anxiety and can lead to episodes of panic and avoidance.  Over time, patients may avoid all dental visits, including dental emergencies." 

The news is good, however, even for those with dental phobias. "Dental fears are highly treatable with a form of behavioral therapy which includes desensitization. Visits to a psychologist with this specialized training and experience can help reduce or eliminate dental fears and allow for needed dental work to be done without the grip of anxiety or panic," states Dr. Raynard. 

Dentists who are sensitive to patients with anxiety is important. Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, a San Antonio dentist with over 30 years experience, believes that there are a number of reasons why people can develop dental anxiety. Early dental experiences, not being informed before a procedure, and even listening to someone else's story about a dental visit can affect one's views of the dentist and create unneeded and unwanted anxiety. "Dental fears can be learned. Dental anxieties are more common in children with parents or caregivers who have dental fears. In my experience, those with anxiety are also far more likely to report pain during a dental visit, where the vast majority of patients do not experience pain. In fact, many patients report a reduction in pain following a dental visit. Dental fears can be addressed in a variety of ways once your dentist is aware that you're anxious," explains Dr. Bowen. "It's important so that we can help our patients feel comfortable and trust that we will do everything we can to minimize their anxiety."

Dental research will continue to explore how to integrate the use of cognitive-behavioral methods along with dentistry that is sympathetic to those who have anxiety. Some dentists already have an understanding of this relationship and, like Dr. Bowen, have taken steps to make trips to the dentist more relaxing for anxious patients.

REFERENCES:

Official Website: Society for Neuroscience

OASIS: 2013 SfN Conference Abstracts

Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D.: Panic Update, Panic Doctor Website

Dr. Bowen: Website for Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, DDS

Why Is Treating Gum Disease So Important?

by Andrea L. Algar

Gum Disease

It's shocking to think that something so easily "put on the back burner" can put your health at such risk. As I dig deeper into the perils of periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as "gum disease", it is startling to see just how many diseases can form or worsen from it.

People talk about the importance of treating gum disease, but many just don't understand why, or how severe the problems can be.

First, understand the symptoms of gum disease:

• tooth sensitivity
• redness of the gums
• inflamed, irritated gums
• bleeding gums
• pus between teeth
• sores in the mouth
• plaque formed around teeth
• persistent bad breath
• loosening of teeth and/or dentures

Then, look at how gum disease can quickly progress:

• plaque spreads below the gum line
• pockets form around the teeth
• abscess / infection develops
• sores in the mouth
• deterioration of the jaw bone begins
• bone recedes from around the tooth
• bone loss results in sunken facial appearance
• skin looks more wrinkled and aged
• teeth loosen and become unstable
• tooth loss occurs as bone loss progresses

Gum disease can take many forms:

• Gingivitis
• Aggressive Periodontitis 
• Chronic Periodontitis 
• Periodontitis with Systemic Disease
• Necrotizing Periodontitis

What is not discussed as often are the health consequences of this progression of gum disease. As bone loss progresses, it puts one a greater risk for medical conditions. Researchers have been able to tie gum disease to serious health conditions such as:

• bone loss in mouth
• diabetes
• pancreatic cancer
• heart disease
• respiratory diseases
• pneumonia
• osteoporosis
• throat and/or mouth cancers
• pancreatic cancer
• blood cancer
• kidney cancer

What are common factors that put you at risk for developing periodontal gum disease?

• age
• tobacco use / smoking
• stress
• grinding your teeth
• medications
• genetics
• poor nutrition
• obesity
• cardiovascular disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes

For decades, the only solution to gum disease was cut and sew surgical methods which were painful and took months. But this is no longer the case. Upcoming articles will take a took at state-of-the-art treatment methods which are quickly revolutionizing the treatment of gum disease. I've interviewed Dr. Gregory Bowen, one of the first dentists in San Antonio to obtain revolutionary new equipment called Periolase. He will be providing details on how the LANAP procedure works and what it means to San Antonio men and women who may have gum disease, whether in early stages or those with gum disease that has progressed into bone loss.

The great news is that early symptoms of gum disease may be easily treatable through increased attention to simple dental care activities like brushing and flossing.  If you suspect that you have gum disease consider a visit with a qualified dentist to get a professional assessment. Don't put your health at risk.

RESOURCES FOR ADDITiONAL INFORMATION:
American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, DDS - San Antonio Dentist Specializing in Periolase Laser Gum Treatments
MedicineNet - Gum Disease
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Periolase - LANAP procedure for non-surgical gum disease treatment
WebMD - Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease

Top Ten Reasons to See a Dentist in San Antonio

by Andrea L. Algar

Let's face it, going to the dentist is usually not at the top of everyone's "I really want to do this" list. Many put off going to the dentist until it is absolutely necessary. But is this best?

I've traveled quite a bit in my lifetime. Because of this, I've seen many dentists. I've been to some okay dentists, a couple of not-so-good dentists, and one good dentist I didn't mind seeing regularly. I've even done consulting work for a couple of dentists, and I've done a lot of research in the field of dentistry. Following a cross-country move, I found myself looking again for a dentist who was experienced and skilled, and someone I could trust. I know it can be hit-or-miss, and it can feel overwhelming. But, when you meet the right dentist you'll know.

You may be surprised to learn that good dentists really are on your side. They believe in preventive measures to help you keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy and your smile looking beautiful. They're aware that their patients are concerned about how much dental care might cost, and a good dentist will discuss alternatives with you. Bottom line is that good dentists love happy patients, and they understand that it's up to them to earn your trust.

Most top ten lists are usually rather simple. They're geared to one particular type of reader, such as the consumer. But, like many things in life, there are often two sides to the story. In this case, I thought it would be interesting to see why patients feel the need to see the dentist, as well as why dentists believe it's important to get proper dental care.

Enjoy the two lists for the Top Ten Reasons to see a Dentist in San Antonio, Texas!

Top 10 Reasons to See a Dentist - 
Why Patients Seek Out Dental Care:

1) Treat a toothache / ache in jaw or mouth
2) Treat tooth abscess or infection
3) Whiten teeth - Get teeth cleaned at dentist
4) Fix knocked out, cracked, broken or lost tooth
5) Fill cavity or replace an old filling
6) Routine checkup
7) Straighten teeth, fix a gap
8) Get help for loose teeth / dentures
9) Treat a sports injury to mouth, gums, teeth, tongue or jaw
10) Injury to jaw, tongue, mouth, gums or teeth from auto accident

Top 10 Reasons to See a Dentist - 
Benefits Dentists Want You to Know About:

1) Dental care saves you money in the long run - It's affordable and most dentists offer flexible payment plans. Caught early, tooth decay prevents the need for more costly care such as root canal therapy. Studies show the dramatic benefits of preventive dentistry.

2) Dental care can improve your self-esteem and your confidence. Studies show that those with attractive smiles display more confidence. This type of confidence can have positive effects on your work, family and social life.

3) Oral Screenings. Your oral health impacts your overall health. There are strong links between good dental habits and one's overall health. The health of your teeth and gums can affect nearly every system in your body including your circulatory, digestive, respiratory and even your reproductive. Poor oral health can lead to serious illness and disease. Dentists can often spot things in your mouth that reflect potential health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Even something like bad breath (halitosis) can be a sign of something more serious such as liver or kidney disease, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tooth decay or gum disease.

4) Fight periodontal disease. Gum disease is a common problem, and one that can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, increased risk of stroke, and high-risk pregnancy. It can also cause complications with diabetes, respiratory conditions and osteoporosis. Your dentist can help prevent gum disease. If you do develop periodontal disease, your dentist can offer treatments that will prevent it from worsening. New laser treatments are the most effective treatments available and can even reverse gum disease if caught early. Dr. Gregory Bowen, a San Antonio dentist who has been using the Periolase laser for six years, explains, "With this new laser technology, patients don't have to suffer with gum disease. There is no more need for painful cut-and-stitch gum surgery."

5) Maintain healthy teeth and bones. Your dentist can help you keep your teeth longer, preventing the need for dentures, implants and dental procedures. With modern dental care, men and women are able to keep their teeth for much longer.

6) Correct wear and tear to teeth. Cavities can occur and can go unnoticed until there is pain or until discovered in a dental exam. Many older adults have metal fillings from decades earlier which now need replacement. Jaw pain is important to address, as it may indicate a wide range of potential problems including TMJ. Cracks, chips, tooth wear and tooth loss may also need to be addressed in order to maintain good dental health. The newest technologies allow dentists to provide top quality caps, crowns and tooth colored fillings right from their office for same day solutions to old problems.

7) Good preventive dental care. Dental checkups and tooth cleanings are recommended twice yearly. Even with the best brushing and flossing, plaque can build up below the gum line and in hard to reach places. Your dentist can also provide treatments to help provide protection as well.

8) Straighten crooked teeth. Whether your an adult or have children with crooked teeth, it's never too late to consider modern braces. Advances in braces has lead to invisible braces, as well as tooth straightening in as little as six months.

9) Prevent tooth loss. The ultimate goal of every dentist is to help prevent the loss of teeth, whether from improper hygiene, bad genes, or accidents. Dentists want you to be able to keep your own teeth as long as possible, and then provide alternatives if you've lost them.

10) Help you achieve a healthy mouth and whiter teeth. The ultimate goal for dentists. Of course, most would also love it if you were so happy with their services that you refer friends, family and co-workers to them. It's the best "thank you" they can receive.

Finding a good dentist to help you maintain healthy teeth and an amazing smile just makes good sense. Help spread the word about the benefits of good dental care. Share this with a friend!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Andrea Algar - How to Find the Right Dentist - Your Step-By-Step Guide

Recent Patient Visit Triggers Memories Of Why I Became A Dentist

by Gregory R. Bowen, DDS

A patient came into my San Antonio dental office recently needing the same procedure that got me interested in being a dentist. It brought back a lot of memories.

Photo Credit: Dr. Karpovck
frontieroralsurgery.com

My patient had an impacted eyetooth which involves a surgical removal of the gum over the eyetooth, an orthodontic appliance fitted to the tooth and a spring device to gradually pull the tooth into place. This was exactly the same procedure I needed when I was in high school.

I remember the trip to the Oral Surgeon’s office in downtown Milwaukee. He was in a High Rise office building with a view of the city. I was impressed with his office. That is probably why my office now is in a high rise.

My dentist indulged my interest in what he was doing and showed me how he would pour plaster into a mold of my teeth, and then bend wires to fit the bands that would go around my teeth. Now days we bond brackets onto the front of the teeth with the same technique we use to hold fillings in. A dilute acid etches the enamel, liquid resin flows in the etching and a special blue intense light causes the resin to harden locking the specially designed bracket to lock a wire in and put a small amount of pressure on the tooth. After four months, the eyetooth had moved into place and Dr. Ferber, my dentist, was able to remove the brackets.

I decided this was an interesting and challenging profession which required the kind of course work and mechanical ability I was best at. In school, I did well in science and chemistry in particular. I had always enjoyed building model sailing ships with as much rigging and detail as I could find, and model airplanes. I also loved shop class in high school with the small engine repair, metal fabrication work, and woodworking. In short, anything involving "hands on" work.

A few years later I graduated from high school and college and received a letter of acceptance to Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Ferber sponsored me at the orientation meeting and that began the four year quest for a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, an occupation inspired by my own visits to a dentist!

San Antonio Dentist Launches New Blog

Welcome to our new blog! We're excited to bring you news and information to help you achieve the best dental health and keep you informed about new dental technologies, new dental procedures, and news from our practice.

Dr. Bowen

Dr. Gregory R. Bowen has been serving his San Antonio dental patients for over 30 years. But did you know that as an experienced clinician who invests in the latest technology he continues to explore ground-breaking methods that will benefit his patients? Nothing is more important to Dr. Bowen.

Dr. Bowen is dedicated to bringing the best technologies available to his patients. In the past several years, Dr. Bowen has upgraded his x-ray technology to digital radiographs so that instant images are high resolution and are far superior to x-rays on film. He has upgraded his CEREC milling equipment so that crowns, fillings and veneers can be made in as little as 15 minutes with such accuracy and precision that they can be completed in a single visit. And, Dr. Bowen continues to be a leader in San Antonio with the use of his non-surgical laser treatment for gum disease.

In his new blog, Dr. Bowen will share new technologies and industry news that patients will find informative and helpful. Dr. Bowen welcomes questions about dentistry, which will be addressed in this blog as appropriate. We invite you to subscribe to our RSS feed so that you can receive the weekly articles as they are published. Join us and see why Dr. Bowen is so passionate about creating healthy teeth and amazing smiles!

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