Prosthodontic Awareness

Prosthodontic awareness week is right around the corner and we wanted to get an early start on it.  Check out the following video from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) to help increase puplic awareness of the specialty of prosthodontics.

Dr Brent Rigby is proud to be an active member of the ACP and is the only Certified Prosthodontic Specialist in the Lake Travis, TX area.  We serve the people of Bee Cave, Lakeway, Barton Creek, Westlake Hills, Oak Hill, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs Texas with gratitude and thankfulness for their trust in us to care for them.  Please visit our website Rigby Advanced Dental to schedule a FREE Prosthodontic Consultation with Dr Rigby.

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 4

In part three of our series on “Pregnancy and Dental Work,” we discussed some questions we frequently hear about dental care from women who are expecting. Today we’re going to change it up and answer some of those “not-so-frequently-asked” questions.

• Do pregnant women really lose one tooth per child?  Thankfully, this is just an old wives’ tale. It is absolutely not true. The thinking goes that your growing baby can somehow sap calcium from your teeth if they’re not getting enough. But the truth is, if you practice good oral hygiene, you’re no more likely to lose a tooth during pregnancy than during any other time in your life. If a pregnant woman loses a tooth, it’s far more likely caused by untreated gingivitis or poor oral hygiene.
• What if toothpaste makes me sick?  Nausea and morning sickness can be triggered by all sorts of things, including toothpaste. If you find this is the case for you, then start by trying a different flavor. Many brands now offer flavors beyond traditional mint. Whatever you do, don’t stop brushing your teeth! Stopping brushing can lead to far more serious problems than nausea. If switching toothpastes doesn’t seem to be helping, ask your dentist about other options.
• Will dental treatments affect my nursing?  While it’s very unlikely that any dental medications or treatments will affect your breast milk since such a small amount (1 to 2% of your dose) is actually excreted, you should always carefully discuss any and all medications with both your dentist and your doctor. If your baby was born prematurely or has any other conditions, be sure you exercise every caution regarding any medications that you take. Also, in case you were wondering, the taste and/or quality of your milk will not be affected by dental treatments.

To learn more, check out Rigby Advanced Dental and schedule your free consultation now.

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 3

Continuing our series from the other day on “Pregnancy and Dental Work,” today we’d like to answer some of the questions we hear most often from pregnant women.

• Is it safe to see the dentist while I’m pregnant?  Absolutely. Just be sure you let your dentist know that you’re pregnant. The second trimester is the best time to get your regular dental checkup. During your first trimester, your baby’s organs are still developing, and they’re highly sensitive. During the last half of your last trimester, you and your baby are also very sensitive to outside influences. (Not to mention that it might just be plain uncomfortable to try to sit in a dental examination chair for any period of time.) You should put off any major procedures until after your baby is born, if at all possible. Discuss any questions you have with your dentist, so together you can determine the best possible plan for you and your baby.
• What if I have a dental emergency?  If you have a dental emergency while you’re pregnant, seek professional assistance as soon as possible. You can discuss treatment options with your dentist and obstetrician (for example, what medicine and/or anesthesia is safe). Don’t ignore pain in your mouth. Besides the possibility that your body could be signaling you that something is wrong, trying to cope with pain can increase stress on both you and your baby. You also want to avoid spreading an infection or having a dental problem escalate into something much more severe.
• Can I have an X-ray at the dentist when I’m pregnant?  Most dentists do not recommend having X-rays while you’re pregnant. You should, however, still get your regular checkup (minus the X-rays). Again, if you have a dental emergency: Don’t put off treatment. You and your dentist can determine the best possible solution together.

For more information, or to schedule your free consultation your next dental exam, contact Rigby Advanced Dental, and keep coming back for more posts in our series on “Pregnancy and Dental Work.”

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 2

Part one in our series on “pregnancy and dental work” discussed pregnancy gingivitis and granulomas. Part two in this series discusses a few more things you should watch for when you’re pregnant: Pregnancy cavities, dry mouth, excessive saliva and tooth erosion. Today we’ll tell you what causes these things, and what you can do to prevent each of them.

• Dental cavities -- While simply being pregnant doesn’t increase your risk, those crazy cravings can be the culprit. Women often crave sweets and starches during pregnancy. This can make you more susceptible to developing cavities. Again, simply being aware of your diet and paying close attention to your oral hygiene routine can help decrease your risk.
• Dry mouth -- Dry mouth is a common symptom suffered by pregnant women. It really makes sense when you think about it: Dehydration often leads to dry mouth. When a woman is pregnant, her metabolic processes change dramatically, and her body starts storing water. This, along with increased urination, can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum or candy can stimulate your saliva production and help fight off that dry mouth feeling.
• Over salivating -- On the flip side of dry mouth is excessive salivation. Typically over salivating occurs in early pregnancy and may coincide with feeling nauseated.
• Tooth erosion -- Frequent vomiting can erode tooth enamel. Bring on the morning sickness, and therein lies the problem. If you’re suffering from severe morning sickness, contact your dentist. They may be able to provide you with some preventative techniques to help combat tooth enamel erosion.

For more information on how to keep your teeth in good condition while you’re pregnant, or just to schedule an appointment, contact Rigby Advanced Dental. Check in again for more in the coming days in our series on “Pregnancy and Dental Work.” We’ll try to answer some frequently asked (and maybe even some not-so-frequently-asked) questions.

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 1

Since pregnancy is in our thoughts these days we figured it would be a good time to review the topic when considering dentistry.

Oral hygiene may be the last thing that comes to mind when you learn that you’re pregnant, but just as it affects nearly every other aspect of your body, it also affects your mouth.

Pregnancy gingivitis -- Pregnancy gingivitis has the same symptoms as regular gingivitis (red, swollen, tender, receding and/or bleeding gums), but some of the causes are different. It can start as early as the second month and continue throughout your entire pregnancy. During your pregnancy, your hormone levels are constantly changing. Increased progesterone can spur the growth of certain gingivitis-causing bacteria. Additionally, your immune system often changes during pregnancy, which can affect the way your body responds to these bacteria.

The techniques to treat gingivitis are the same whether you’re pregnant or not. Practicing good oral hygiene is key, especially when you have an increased risk of gum disease. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing your teeth every day. Additionally, you may want to use a mouthwash to help fight off bacteria. Even though it’s not clear whether rinses containing alcohol may be harmful for your growing baby, you should look for an alcohol-free mouthwash, just the same. You also want to be sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled checkups. The best time of your pregnancy to do this is the second trimester.

Pregnancy granuloma -- Granuloma is simply a fancy name for “a growth.” Up to 10% of women will develop a granuloma on their gums during pregnancy. While these growths are not tumors and they’re not dangerous, certainly they can be uncomfortable. Granulomas typically form during the second trimester, most often found in women with pregnancy gingivitis. Although these growths will go away on their own after you give birth, you can have them removed if they’re interfering with your day-to-day activities like eating, drinking and talking. Poor oral hygiene plays a big role in the formation of granulomas. When you’re pregnant (as always), you should be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups and daily care of your mouth.

Look for upcoming posts in our series on pregnancy and your teeth. To learn more, check out Rigby Advanced Dental and schedule a hygiene visit now.

Critical Things To Consider When Choosing A Cosmetic/Esthetic Dentist

Any type of Cosmetic/Esthetic dentistry is an investment in the future of your smile. And, like any investment, you'll want to do research before making a final decision. These guidelines can help you choose the practitioner who's right for you.

1. Check the doctor's credentials. Unlike other dental specialties (oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, etc.), cosmetic dentistry is not recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a specialty.  Evaluating HOW the practitioner became an expert in the field is critical.  The dentist should be licensed and be in good standing with the state dental board.  Despite cosmetic dentistry not being one of the nine recognized specialties, the ADA does consider Prothodontists EXPERTS in many of the facets of restorative dentistry. 
2. Investigate the doctor's training. The best cosmetic dentistry practitioners didn't just go to dental school; they also completed extensive post-graduate training programs that focus specifically on issues of cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation.  These post-dental school programs typically run 2-3 years in length and require many hours of literature review and discussion providing the practitioner with a solid foundation to draw from when treating/reconstructing patients smiles.  Look for a practitioner who has graduated from an accredited ADA post-graduate facility.  In addition, the best dentists regularly attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on new procedures and materials.  To read more about Dr Rigby's qualifications please visit our website or check out his ADA accredited post-graduate training program at The Ohio State University. 
3. Start with a consultation. Going in for a consultation is a great way to learn more about a dentist and dental practice. Consultations are generally inexpensive, and are sometimes even offered for free. Talk to the dentist before you commit to anything. Remember, it's your job to make an educated decision.
4. Look for smile design experience. Cosmetic dentistry is as much art as it is science. In general, the more smiles a dentist has designed, the better that dentist's work will be. Smile design is about more than just your teeth; the dentist should also consider your lips, gum line, mouth shape and facial structure.
5. Communication is key. It's essential that you be able to talk to your dentist - and that your dentist will listen to you! There's a lot of dialogue that needs to go into an individual long-term treatment plan. If you feel bullied, pressured, or rushed, then that's probably not the right dentist for you.  Work with someone you are comfortable with and want to develop a long term professional relationship with.
6. Look at before and after photos. Take a look at the dentist's portfolio before you make up your mind. Pay specific attention to cases that are similar to yours. Make sure that the photos are of actual work done by the dentist, not just stock photos.
7. Don't pay too much - or too little. Some dentists charge more by marketing themselves as high-end celebrity cosmetic dentists offering Hollywood smile makeovers. Other dentists try to make up for poor materials and low quality work by offering low prices. Beware the extremes......the old adage, "if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is", still holds true today.
8. An honest dentist sets realistic expectations. Watch out for doctors who promise more than they can deliver. You want a dentist who will tell you what can and cannot be done for your smile. You need to know how long the process will take, what you'll have to do, and any complications that could occur.
9. Technology is cool, but it's not the only thing. A dentist with high-tech modern equipment is more likely to be up-to-date on modern techniques. At the same time, however, don't let yourself be dazzled by a dentist's fancy tools; what really matters is if the dentist knows how to use them properly.  The best dentists have both a great mind and great hand skills.
10. A good lab technician is a valuable asset. The dentist might decide on the treatment plan, but generally it's the lab technician who'll actually fabricate the porcelain veneers or crowns that will be gracing your new smile. Great dentists are proud of their lab technicians and the materials they use. One of the greatest ways to distinguish skill level between practitioners is how much lab work they have actually performed with thier own hands.  Often those who have restored a smile from start to finish, including all of the lab work and fabrication, have a greater understanding and sense for what can really be accomplished and level of difficulty with particular cases.