Tuesday, June 28, 2011

How to Find a Great Cosmetic Dentist

Just look at the smiles we see on television and movie screens. From newscasters, actors and sports heroes, teeth are whiter and straighter than ever. And though it seems obvious that these near-perfect smiles are based on the good work of cosmetic dentists, these well-polished looks are becoming more of a standard for the general population.

Cosmetic dentists are in the smile and confidence-building business. They not only make repairs in the mouth for damaged, missing or discolored teeth, they bring the dental professional to new, exciting levels.

Traditional dentistry deals with necessary and routine procedures. Those in the industry establish prevention plans and diagnose oral diseases, always focusing on oral hygiene. Meanwhile, cosmetic dentists go beyond the traditional to include new treatment protocols. These can be restorative in nature, but in general, cosmetic dentistry is more of an elective service. For example, a dentist will use standard elements such as amalgam to fill cavities. However, when patients elect to use a higher-grade material for an enhanced look, such as porcelain or composite materials that can be matched to the color of your own teeth, then patients have moved into the cosmetic dentistry realm.

Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide range of dental procedures. The level of service is contingent on the needs and expectations of the patient, as well as the condition of the teeth and gums. Some people have really straight, healthy teeth and only need a whitening treatment. Others need their teeth straightened and opt for the newer Invisalign braces. From the beginning, the cosmetic dentist provides a plan of action that may include tooth bonding, porcelain veneers and other such dental processes.

No matter how much dental work needs to be done, it’s important to find a cosmetic dentist with experience and a good reputation. Dr. G is a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, with a reputation for creating beautiful smiles.

To learn more about Dr. G, visit his website at www.drgdds.com, or you can follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

What is Biological Dentistry?

Biological Dentistry emerged as a new field of Probiotic (life-supporting) dental medicine in the late 1970s. It was developed in Germany and is now taught and practiced throughout the world.

Though the term Biological Dentistry sounds scientific, it can be explained in simple enough terms. In general, biological dentistry incorporates a holistic philosophy into a clinical practice, and connects the health of the mouth and gums with the rest of a patient’s body.

Biological dentists are concerned about the overall health of patients, believing that dysfunction in one part of the body will show up as illness somewhere else. They investigate symptoms of patients to identify and work to eradicate their root causes.

The goal of biological dentists is to invoke natural healing using non-invasive treatments and techniques whenever possible. Secondly, these dentists double as educators and teachers, providing patients with information and resources to help them take charge of their personal health.

Biological dentistry can be categorized as conscious dentistry. Most of these dentists practice the holistic lifestyle and are therefore aware of the mind, body, spirit connection. Many are also connected to other holistic practitioners, so they are able to share about or incorporate time-proven healing into their methods such as homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and herbology.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a biological dentist who offers a holistic approach to dentistry and lives the holistic lifestyle. He is an expert at placing zirconia dental implants and is considered a mercury-free and mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey.

To get a check-up or to receive compassionate and holistic care from a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G on twitter and become a friend on Facebook.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

FDA to Study Harmful Effects of Mercury in Amalgam Fillings

Traditional dentists and those with a holistic approach to dentistry are keeping their eyes open for news covering the debate about the toxicity of amalgam fillings that contain mercury. Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and have been used by dentists since the civil war to treat and prevent tooth decay.

However, reports of environmental pollution and illness related to metals in the mouth have many people concerned. As a result, scientists are studying the potential detrimental health effects of mercury in fillings. Also, anti-mercury activists are insisting they be heard. Meanwhile, mercury-free, mercury-safe dentists, including Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, are taking pro-active steps to eliminate mercury in their practices.

An article dated May 5, 2011 appeared in the Los Angeles Times and discussed the amalgam filling debate. The article, titled “Mercury in Dental Fillings Comes Under Fire at FDA Meeting in Orlando,” points out that the FDA considers mercury to be toxic, but has determined that amalgam fillings are safe. The same is true for the American Dental Association. However, this doesn’t sit well with Dr. Gashinsky who practices holistic dentistry in Millburn, New Jersey, or with Dr. James Hardy, a dentist and author of the book "Mercury Free.”

During the FDA’s town-hall meeting in Orland, Dr. Hardy voiced his concerns about amalgam fillings and pointed out an irony. "After it [an amalgam filling] is taken out of a patient's mouth, it is treated as hazardous waste. But somehow, when it is in the patient's mouth, it is not." The doctor also said that the U.S. should consider following the actions of Sweden, Denmark and Norway who in recent years have banned the use of mercury fillings.

Potential harmful effects of mercury in amalgam fillings include chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, oral lesions and mental disorders (according to Wikipedia). Even so, the debate over the use of amalgam fillings also involves economics and functionality. Advocates for amalgam say it is durable, cheap and easy to use, compared to the alternatives, including composite materials and gold.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, head of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiologic Health headed up May’s Orland meeting. He noted that a scientific panel has been reconvened to study the agency's position on amalgam.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. With a holistic approach to dentistry, Dr. Gashinsky deals with the causes of issues related to the mouth and gums, not just the symptoms. To learn more about mercury-free dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinksy, go to http://www.drgdds.com. You can also find Dr. G on Facebook and on Twitter.