Dr. Anne A. Nicholas

Times are definitely changing. We are seeing more research emerge related to the link between oral health, and systemic health.

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal posted an article about this very topic. It is one of the better summaries I have read, and puts it all out there in plain English.  Click on the image below to get to the article.

The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is concerned about your overall health.  It is going to be one of our main goals for 2012.  Stop in and get acquainted with our friendly staff, Dr. Pamela MacPherson and Dr. Anne A. Nicholas.  We are located at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2 in Palm Desert. Or, call an request an appointment with Dr. Pamela MacPherson or Dr. Nicholas at 760-340-1030.

Important news for you to start 2012!

ScienceDaily (May 27, 2010) — Individuals who have poor oral hygiene have an increased risk of heart disease compared to those who brush their teeth twice a day, finds research published on the British Medical Journal website.

(If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day, You’re More Likely to Develop Heart Disease, Study Finds)!

The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry wishes a Happy and Healthily New Year to all, and encourage all our dental patients and friends to brush twice daily since it may help lower their risk of heart disease. California scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems.

The Science Daily article provides information about the team at the University College in London, how they analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines. The team concluded:

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent tooth brushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

This Scottish survey is one of many that confirm the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

Our friendly team at The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry will help keep your oral health and overall health beautiful for 2012 and for the rest of your life. It starts with just a call to 760-340-1030 or a stop at our office at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2 here in Palm Desert.

To read the entire Science Daily article, click on the link below:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527204227.htm

Again, we wish you a Happy New Year!

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas

Hello Coachella Valley dental blog visitors. Whether you stumbled upon this blog by mistake, or clicked here on purpose, welcome!

I am Dr. Anne A. Nicholas. My Cosmetic, Periodontal and Implant dental practice is called The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry . We are located at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2   Palm Desert, California. You can find information about my practice, services, and professional Palm Springs, CA dental team at http://palmdesertimplantdentist.com.

In my The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry dental blog, I post informative articles about dentistry including new Palm Desert cosmetic dental treatments, preventative Rancho Mirage, CA dental care, and news about my dental practice. Many of my patients visit my blog regularly and I hope you will also find useful dental information here.

Do you currently have a Palm Desert dentist? If you are in need of a dentist or are not happy with your current dentist, I invite you to visit my office, meet my friendly staff, and discuss your dental needs with me.

My approach to my profession emphasizes you, the patient.

My first priority is exceeding my patient’s expectations. Before I can provide dental treatment, however, I must become familiar with each patient. That is why your first consultation will take some time. We can’t get to know each other in five minutes.

How are you doing? What is the current condition of your teeth and gums? What are your fears and expectations about Palm Springs dental treatment? Do you have financial concerns regarding your dental needs? I recognize that each one of my patients has a unique set of circumstances.

At The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we emphasize preventative dental care. When restorative dental treatment is necessary, I recommend the most conservative procedures. If you have pressing dental needs, let’s talk about your options and consider the long term consequences of each treatment. If I believe it is best to refer you to another specialist, I’ll do so without hesitation. I am committed to your well-being and want you to receive the best possible care.

If you are interested in Palm Desert cosmetic dentistry, I can also help you. I pursue continual training in the latest cosmetic treatments and have extensive experience performing individual tooth restorations, complete smile makeovers and everything in between. Did you know that I can completely redesign your smile if that is what you desire? Miracles are possible with cosmetic dentistry.

Please call us at (760) 340-1030 to book a consultation. I am confident you will feel good about choosing The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for your dental care.

“This is something easy to explain and simple, yet uplifting. My friend’s daughter chipped her front tooth accidentally one day. Being right in the aesthetic zone, it was embarrassing and unsightly for her. My concern, of course being a dentist, was to fix it and make it unnoticeable.” My friend asked me to take a look at her daughter’s teeth, who was embarrassed by her smile and often covered her mouth with her hand. She had a lot of spaces between very small teeth and wanted to know what we could do to help.

When I analyzed the case in our Palm Desert office, it was interesting because Judy also showed a lot of gum tissue. We had multiple treatment options, but in the end, Judy and her mother preferred a conservative approach that wouldn’t require gum surgery.

We have this new bonding material that offers great promise. And it really delivered. When I look at this case, it seems like there’s nothing we haven’t achieved in her bonding. We have polish retention, color stability, good tissue response, and teeth that don’t look bonded but instead look natural. And for it to look this way after several years is really pretty amazing.

Well, we filled the tooth with bonding material, as it seems to me to generally be the all-around ‘best’ composite in so many categories. The result: in my friends daughter’s words, ‘astounding,’ ‘beyond expectations’ with regard to shade matching.

I mean, she was genuinely overwhelmed and pleased. And of course, so was I! The aesthetic qualities it exhibits are, ‘amazing!

If you or anyone in your family suffers from a similar situation with their teeth, call 760-340-1030 or stop by our office conveniently located at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2 in Palm Desert, California to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anne A. Nicholas.

This recession has really changed the way people do things.
Folks are saving more and charging less. They’re worrying
about the future, eating more dinners at home and putting
off purchases they once would have made without a thought.

There’s one place, though, where tons of people – maybe even
you — are leaving literally MILLIONS of dollars on the table,
and that’s their dental insurance.

How can that be?

My guess is that it’s because dental insurance isn’t like the
other kinds of insurance you buy.

You buy car insurance to cover you if you’re in an accident
or your car is damaged, and health insurance primarily to
insulate yourself from the high cost of treating a
serious illness or injury.

Dental insurance is different, though. It’s meant to
cover the ROUTINE and PREVENTIVE care you need
to protect your smile and your health — as well as contribute
a portion of the cost of more extensive treatment.

That makes dental insurance VERY valuable – if you
understand how it works and how to get the most out of it.

Use it or LOSE it

You see, there’s something else you need to remember
about dental insurance. It comes with an annual maximum
benefit (the top amount it will cover in a calendar year)
– and if you don’t use all of it by the end of that year
whatever is left simply disappears. NO ROLLOVER.

So if, for example, your annual maximum benefit is
$1,000 and you use just $200 of it, you’re leaving
$800 of YOUR money on the table.

That’s something you just can’t afford to do in times
like these.

Beat the System in Palm Desert; Call “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry” today… 760-340-1030

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic, infectious and inflammatory disease of the gums and supporting tissues. It is caused by the normal bacteria that exist in everyone’s mouths, which, if unchecked, can create inflammation around the tooth; the gum starts to pull away from the tooth, creating spaces (periodontal pockets) that become infected. The inflammation sets off a cascade of tissue-destructive events that can pass into the circulation. As a result, periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory and kidney disease, and problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage and premature birth. Around 10% of the population is believed to have severe periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing of teeth is the best way of preventing it.

Professor Roger Hart told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology that the negative effect of gum disease on conception was of the same order of magnitude as the effect of obesity. Prof Hart, who is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Western Australia (Perth, Australia) and Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, said: “Until now, there have been no published studies that investigate whether gum disease can affect a woman’s chance of conceiving, so this is the first report to suggest that gum disease might be one of several factors that could be modified to improve the chances of a pregnancy.” (Science Daily (Aug. 1, 2011))

The Professor and his researchers followed a group of 3737 pregnant women, who were taking part and they analyzed information on pregnancy planning and pregnancy outcomes for 3416 of them. They found that women with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant — two months longer than the average of five months that it took women without gum disease to conceive.

The study concluded that: “All women about to plan for a family should be encouraged to see their general practitioner to ensure that they are as healthy as possible before trying to conceive and so that they can be given appropriate lifestyle advice with respect to weight loss, diet and assistance with stopping smoking and drinking, plus the commencement of folic acid supplements. Additionally, it now appears that all women should also be encouraged to see their dentist to have any gum disease treated before trying to conceive. It is easily treated, usually involving no more than four dental visits.”

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas of “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic, Sedation and Implant Dentistry, “can help you control or prevent gum disease. She will help you plan a program for good oral health for you and your future baby.

Dr. Nicholas office is located at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2 Palm Desert, California. Call 716-340-1030 to schedule a consultation.

Two types of tissue surround your teeth.  Gingiva or (gum) is the first type we will discuss.  It is pink in color and thick and appears dense under a microscope.  This tissue forms a tight seal around your teeth and serves as a layer of tissue that blocks bacteria from penetrating the underlying bone.  It also serves as a shield to protect teeth from the trauma from brushing eating and other things that would cause damage.

The second type of tissue, (mucosa) which is found directly below the gingiva, is a thin red layer of tissue which appears loose under a microscope  This tissue does not seal securely around your teeth, and is easily damaged by trauma.

Over time recession of the gingiva occurs, and protection is lost and the natural defenses against bacterial penetration and trauma have been decreased.  In this situation, no healthy gingiva remains to protect the tooth, and professional treatment from a Periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas is now necessary.

No matter how meticulously the patient tries to control the bacteria, there is a greater chance of it penetrating and affecting the underlying supporting bone around the tooth.

Many patients who have and are experiencing gingival recession often have root sensitivity to hot and cold foods and are noticing unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth.  At this point a gingival graft is necessary to treat this problem.

Dr. Nicholas completed a post-doctoral program in Periodontics & Dental Implants at Loma Linda University in 1992. She utilizes her extensive training and experience to treat gingival recession and generally extracts thin pieces of tissue from the roof of the mouth, or gently from other adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. During this procedure tissue is placed to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable, and the results restore the tissue around the tooth and natural appearance.

For additional information about Gingival Grafts, contact Dr. Anne A. Nicholas by calling 760-340-1030 and requesting an consultation to review your curtain situation.

At The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry we provide a wide range of dental services. This flexibility saves you time and keeps your total dental health in mind. Our emphasis is on total preventive care for you.

Our doctors and staff provides the highest-quality services for restoring mouths that have been damaged by dental disease and injury. Our primary goal for you is to achieve and maintain optimum oral health through advances in techniques, and technologies.

Services we offer include periodontal maintenance/care, crown lengthening, dental implants, gingivalplasty, frenalplasty, vestibular deepening, coronal repositioning, osseous regeneration, bone grafting, gingival grafting, connective tissue grafting, ridge augmentation, tooth extractions, sedation dentistry and more.

To learn more about the service we offer, contact “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry” by calling 760-340-1030 or feel free to stop by our office at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, California.

Periodontal diseases can start with gum inflammation and if not treated it can progress and cause major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In serious cases, teeth can be lost. Once diagnosed with periodontal disease, its control depends on how well teeth and gums are cared for daily.

What causes gum disease?

Bacteria populate and find a home in the mouth and along with mucus and other particles forms plaque that sticks to the teeth. When plaque is not removed daily, it has a tendency to stick to the teeth and harden.  It is therefore important to brush and floss to get rid of plaque.  The plaque that becomes hard forms “tarter” and will require professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist to be removed.

What is Gingivitis?

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.”  In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily.  Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”)  In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.  The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.   

Risk Factors
 
• Smoking.  Need another reason to quit smoking?  Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease.  Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in girls/women.  These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes.  People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications.  There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth.  Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease.  And some medications can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep gums clean.
• Illnesses.  Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums.
• Genetic susceptibility.  Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Who gets gum disease?

People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.  Men are more likely to have gum disease than women.  Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.  Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

What can I do to prevent gum disease?

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Don’t smoke

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist.  At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:

• Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease. 
• Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
• Use a tiny ruler called a ‘probe’ to check for and measure any pockets.  In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.  This test for pocket depth is usually painless.
• The dentist or hygienist may also
 - Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
 - Refer you to a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas.  Dr. Nicholas is an experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist.

How is gum disease treated?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection.  Dr. Anne A. Nicholas is a Periodontist and can help you control and treat gum disease.  If you are concerned that you might have this disease, don’t wait, call Dr. Nicholas today to schedule an appoint to determine what treatment will be required to maintain your good oral health.  Dr. Nicholas is located in Palm Desert at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2.  You can also call and schedule an appointment by calling 760-340-1030.

The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease.  Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Dr. Nicholas may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas is a periodontist who has experience and training dealing with the treatment and maintenance of the structure that supports your teeth – namely, the gums and bone matter.

Did you know that gingivitis is an early form of periodontitis, or gum disease?  Dr. Nicholas treats many patients who experience an occasional swelling of the gums, gums, that bleed after brushing or flossing, itchy gums, or bright red or purple gums.  These symptoms are signs of gingivitis and with preventive treatments from Dr. Nicholas and her hygiene department that include regular teeth cleanings, followed by a strict oral hygiene regimen, including anti-bacterial rinses, you can control the progression of gingivitis which if left untreated, gingivitis can escalate into periodontitis.

There are other factors that can contribute to the disease of periodontitis, including smoking, genetic tendencies, and unchecked diabetes.  However, with regular visits to a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas, you can rid your mouth of periodontitis.  Dr. Nicholas will remove the buildup of bacterial plaque through scraping or sonic vibration.  She may place small pads treated with antibiotic solutions which will be placed between the teeth and gums, which also help to reduce plaque and combat the disease.

If you feel you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog posting, please feel free to contact Dr. Nicholas at her office by calling 760-340-1030 or stop by at 73929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, California and she will be more than pleased to help you.