Dr. Anne A. Nicholas

Hello, this is Dr. Anne A. Nicholas of The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. My office is located at 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, California.

Having been in practice for over twenty years, and serving Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and all of the Coachella Valley, I have enjoyed interacting with my patients and listening carefully to their wants and needs related to their dental care.  I have enjoyed discussing options and developing effective treatment plans tailored specifically to each patient’s needs and desires. Some of my patients desire a total smile makeover, others something different.  My practice offers patients many dental choices including but not limited to, teeth whitening, dental veneers, periodontal, crown restoration, and dental implants.

My team is concerned about your comfort at all times, and we will make sure you feel comfortable and at ease, while undergoing treatment.  We practice sedation dentistry, and this is an option available for all of our patients. We call it, “pain free dentistry”!  Just ask us about sedation dentistry, and we will be happy to tell you about it.

I love dentistry, and enjoy working with you.  Please feel free to contact me or my office to discuss your dental concerns, and we will give you our professional opinion has to what we think is the very best solution for you.   We look forward to serving you and helping with your dental health and smile transformations.

Call us or stop by for a visit; The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA 92260.  Contact us by phone: (760-340-1030)

Many of our patients brush their teeth regularly, but fail to clean between their teeth.  It is important that flossing is done regularly as well.   In our busy lives, we sometime neglect to brush properly as well and put off flossing all together.  This is a big mistake, and here is why!

Periodontal problems start between the teeth where normal brushing cannot get clean, so bacteria builds up which causes redness or soreness and if left untreated can be the beginning of periodontal disease.  It is not uncommon to see gum’s receding and the jaw bone starting to deteriorate which will lead to expensive dentistry to repair.

It is far better to get in the habit of daily, brushing and flossing your teeth.   Take a tooth brush and floss with you to work, and use them after breakfast snacks and lunch.   The combination of daily care and regular professional cleanings provides the best opportunity to prevent sever dental disease.

Studies show that patients who get into good brushing and flossing habits coupled with regular visit with their dentists for cleanings have far less problems with their teeth and gum’s and their overall dental health is significantly better.  Make smart choices when it comes to your health, and protect yourself from disease with good daily habits.

And finally, look for the American Dental Associations’ Seal of Acceptance on brushes, toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other oral care products.  You can be assured that these products meet the ADA guidelines and will provide the safety and effectiveness you are looking for in dental care products.

Call us or stop by for a visit; The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA 92260.  Contact us by phone: (760-340-1030)

Dr. Ann A. Nicholas offices provide dental and periondontal services to Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the entire Coachella Valley.

Tried-and-True Methods

Miracle cures, or quick fixes, have been around for centuries; certain foods, ointments, or potions have claimed to cure everything from hair loss to cancer. Marketed as quick, easy, and painless, these miracle cures often are not backed by science or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that they may do more harm than good. Similar quick fixes that claim to treat periodontal disease are no different. Though elements of these quick and easy periodontal “cures” may be FDA-approved, there may be little or no scientific proof that they are effective in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. In fact, periodontal “miracle cures” may actually harm your oral health.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you opt for a treatment for periodontal disease that has not been backed by scientific evidence, it’s possible that the treatment won’t effectively treat (or could even worsen) your condition. Just because a treatment is deemed “new” or “innovative” doesn’t mean that it works properly or better than more traditional treatments. By choosing the quick fix route first, your oral health may remain in poor condition and you may require additional treatment.

Instead, a better idea is to schedule an appointment with a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas when you notice signs of periodontal disease (red, swollen or tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth; loose or separating teeth). Dr. Nicholas is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Dr. Nicholas received extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. She is familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and her education and experience allows her to effectively treat periodontal disease using clinically proven treatments such as scaling and root planing, soft tissue grafts and regenerative procedures.  Dr. Nicholas will evaluate your unique condition, and offer the treatment that is best for you; one that is supported by both science and experience. She can also answer any questions that you may have about alternate treatment options.

Your oral health is invaluable. While quick fixes for periodontal disease may seem like a good option, it’s a better idea to research treatment options and discuss them with a periodontist first. The discussion has the possibility of saving you time and money in the long run!

Questions? Visit Perio Disease
If you or someone you know is considering treatment for periodontal disease, do some research. Dr. Nicholas  has information about the latest research and treatment options available. You may also want to talk to friends or relatives who have had periodontal treatment about their experiences. By learning about different treatment plans, you will be prepared to discuss your options with Dr. Anne A. Nicholas.

Call us or stop by for a visit; The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA 92260.  Contact us by phone: (760-340-1030)

Dr. Ann A. Nicholas offices provide dental and periondontal services to Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the entire Coachella Valley.

The association between psychosocial factors and periodontal disease has been widely reported and might be modified by smoking. A recent study by Professor Chi-Cheng Tsai, DDS, PhD, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, investigated the association of periodontal status with psychosocial factors and smoking in a community population.

Dr. Tsai sampled 11,764 civilian Taiwanese from the general population and came to the conclusion: “Poor mental health had a stronger association with periodontal disease among smokers than among nonsmokers, especially in accumulative attachment loss. His findings suggest that mental health and smoking might have a synergistic effect on the risk of developing periodontal disease.” (1)

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in adults and it is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, gender, race, education, psychosocial factors, cigarette smoking and infection. Many recent studies have investigated the influence of psychosocial factors on periodontal diseases and reported that different psychosocial factors, including depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, negative life events, daily strain, occupational stress, life satisfaction, type-A personality and coping behaviors, were associated with periodontal diseases.

One could conclude from these studies that it is important to pay attention to the factors that appear to be the causes of periodontal disease. Many of these symptoms could be avoided by paying attention to the above mention factors and seeking medical and dental assistance to lessen the probability of getting periodontal disease.

Periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas can help you avoid periodontal disease, or help you if you are currently dealing with it. The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at: 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA. Please feel free to stop by or call 760-340-1030 to schedule an exam. Dr. Ann A. Nicholas offices provide dental services to Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the entire Coachella Valley.

1. Chiou L-J, Yang Y-H, Hung H-C, Tsai C-C, Shieh T-Y, Wu Y-M, Wang W-C, Hsu T-C. The association of psychosocial factors and smoking with periodontal health in a community population. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 16–22. _ 2009 John Wiley & Sons.

Takehisa Iwai, MD, PhD, of the Tsukuba Vascular Center in Japan, published in the Journal of Periodontal Research Volume 44, Issue 6, Pages 689 – 694, 23 Oct 2009, important information related to Periodontal disease and it’s relationship to vascular disease.

Dr Iwai findings determined that “weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, have been found in various vascular lesions, including atheroma, the thrombus of the occluded artery of Buerger’s disease, the abdominal aortic aneurismal wall and varicose veins. Serum titer levels of each bacterium are now available and have shown a significant relationship between severity and individual differences.”

His findings suggest that oral bacteria is related to vascular diseases and care should be taken to avoid oral bacteria from entering the month. He states, “it is estimated that lymph vessel openings trap bacteria en route from the mouth to the bloodstream and then carry them to the vein of the venous angle near the supraclavicular area. In the case of periodontal bacteria, a typical bacterium, such as Porphyromonasgingivalis, strongly activates platelets and makes them mass, including the bacteria without phagocytosis. Simultaneously, cytokines and serotonin are discharged. Platelet engulfment was clearly demonstrated by electron microscopy analysis. An animal study using rats showed the formation of a small arterial thrombus after continuous intravenous infusion of P. gingivalis for 2–4 wk.”

In conclusion his study determined that “weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, may play an important role in the development of various vascular diseases, such as Buerger’s disease, atherosclerosis and varicose veins, through bacteremia.”

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas completed a post doctoral program in Periodontics & Dental Implants at Loma Linda University in 1992. Her practice, “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry” is located at: 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA. Please feel free to stop by or call 760-340-1030 to schedule an exam. Dr. Nicholas offices provide dental services to Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the entire Coachella Valley.

According to Sally Cram, D.D.S., a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association and a periodontist who has a dental practice in Washington, D.C. recently suggested it does. She mentions that in a recent study showing that treating periodontal disease in diabetics with Type 2 diabetes may lower their blood sugar levels. She also mentioned that unfortunately for now, there was not enough available evidence to support the same benefit for those with Type 1 diabetes.

She references a leading author at the Edinburgh Dental Institute in Scotland, Terry Simpson, who gave a recent explanation of the connection between Type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. He states, “Treatment can reduce the amount of bacteria and inflamed tissue in the gums. The presence of bacteria and inflamed tissue is thought to produce chemical changes which affect the action of insulin and in turn raises the circulating levels of sugar in the blood stream. By resolving this with periodontal treatment, the patient might experience a lower blood sugar level over a period of time.”

Are you a diabetic with blood glucose control issues? If you are, then a dental check-up with a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas from “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry” may be over due.

The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at: 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA. Please feel free to stop by or call 760-340-1030 to schedule an exam. Dr. Nicholas offices provide dental services to Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the entire Coachella Valley.

Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez wrote a wonderful book, “Your Money or Your Life.” A quote from the book; “Frugality is enjoying the virtue of getting good value for every minute of your life energy and from everything that you have the use of.”  

There are many demands on our resources, mainly our money! Just about everything we do cost money and there is no end to the demands on it. It is therefore essential to make sure we invest our money wisely on things that add “high” value to our lives and to others who are important to us.

Those who chose the dental profession did so because they receive a good deal of training particularly if they become a specialist in an area of dentistry i.e. periodontal science. Specialties allow dentists the ability to offer additional “high” value and knowledge in helping patients obtain optimal oral health.

A periodontal dentist is a specialist who encourages patients to invest in maintaining excellent oral health. They have been trained to treat gum disease, and educate patients about bacteria infecting the gums that can affect their health by spreading to the heart and other organs of their bodies.

In July of 2009 the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology published an editors’ consensus that recommended:

• Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis should be informed that there may be an increased risk for cardiovascular disease associated with periodontitis.

• Gum disease, “It can kill you!”

• Patients with high antibodies to a common periodontal disease pathogen had a 200% increase in their incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

Adding value is a wonderful thing, particularly if it is being added to you. If you suspect or have concerns about gum disease, do yourself a favor and visit a specialist who understands your problem and can offer treatment. Please remember to protect and add value to your health.

It is recommend you visit your dentist twice yearly for professional cleanings to control plaque and daily to clean your tongue, floss, brush your teeth and irrigate with a diluted antiseptic mouthwash.

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas owner of “The Palm Desert Center for Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry” is a periodontal specialist serving Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the Coachella Valley. Office is located at: 73-929 Larrea Street, Suite 2, Palm Desert, CA 92260 – Phone: 760-340-1030

As you can probably imagine, gum disease is caused by bacteria from dental plaque which forms on teeth that are not properly cared for.  This is why all dentists encourage patients to brush and floss their teeth three times daily.  When teeth are not properly brushed and flossed, plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums, which creates the redness, swelling, and in some cases bleeding.

If untreated, the tissue and bone start to break down, or deteriorate.  Left untreated by a Periodontist, tooth loss will occur.  Daily brushing and flossing with regularly scheduled examinations by your dentist will greatly reduce chances of getting periodontal disease.

Should you find yourself with gum disease, your dentist will recommend a Periodontist, like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas of Palm Desert and Palm Springs.  Periodontists like Dr. Nicholas complete dental school and then continue their education for two to three years to obtain postdoctoral certificates in periodontic studies.  They learn the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases based on scientific research.

Today, there are options available to avoid and cure gum disease.  We strongly suggest that if you show any of the signs mention in this article, you see your dentist, or visit a Periodontist like Dr. Nicholas, as soon as possible.

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas serves the entire Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Palm Springs.  Patients can call 760.340.1030 and schedule appointments and free consultations.

(And we’re determined to show you!)

You know, it’s a great month to think about all the things we’re grateful for.   And, here’s what I came up with: 

My family

My friends

My business

AND (last but certainly not least)… My CUSTOMERS!

I may have told you this before, but without you…we don’t have a business.  YOU are the reason we have the dental practice we do.  You are the reason we are passionate about providing to you in one location Periodontal, Implant, Cosmetic and Restorative dental care.  It’s because of you that coming to work every day is a joy.  And, because of that, we are determined to:

- Make every experience an extraordinary experience

- Leave our customers smiling because we were able to exceed their expectations

- Always show you how much you mean to us by providing quality service and value

I can try all day long, but I can’t possibly tell you enough times how grateful we are for your patronage.   From our family to yours; Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Dr. Anne A. Nicholas

Many people generally don’t think about dental issues related to their overall health.  Healthy teeth and healthy gums are important for good oral health and most of us are aware of this.  We have been educated and we have instructed our children about why they should brush their teeth after eating and flossing to help prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.  But, do you know poor oral health can also dramatically affect your overall health?

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are people with bad teeth and gums more likely to develop heart disease?
2. Can bad breath be a sign of diabetes?
3. Do women with osteoporosis have problems with their teeth?
4. If a woman has gum disease before and during pregnancy, could it affect the baby?
5. By improving your dental hygiene, can you limit the amount of bacteria that moves into your blood stream?

If you answered yes to the above questions you would be correct except for question number 2.  Diabetes does not cause bad breath.  It can cause “acetone breath,” breath that has been described as sweet smelling.  Dentists like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas of Palm Desert have been trained to look for gum inflammation, particularly if you have developed a good habit of regular bushing and flossing.  Diabetes restricts the body’s ability to fight bacterial infection and will lead to gum disease.

Scientists are studying the differences between dental health and other health related problems.  It has been determined that bacteria or plaque will destroy tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and can lead to gum disease.  If both are not treated, loss of teeth will occur and the bone that support the teeth will be destroyed.

Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of other health related problems including the following:

Heart Disease

Diabetes

Dementia

Rheumatoid arthritis

Premature birth

If you determine you might be suffering from any of the above mentioned issues or have signs of periodontal disease, seek the help from a periodontist like Dr. Anne A. Nicholas who serves Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and all of the Coachella, Valley.