Dental Gum Disease Treatments

An Easy Way to Combat Gum Infection

It is important to be treated for gum disease at the first signs of the problem. Once the infection is advanced, your only option may be surgery. When treated in the earlier stages of the problem, nonsurgical approaches can stop the infection. Usually, both forms of treatment are covered by dental insurance.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Full Mouth Dental Rehabilitation

What is Full Mouth Rehabilitation?

Many patients have problems with their teeth that go beyond decay. Often, they are not aware how big of an impact oral problems can be. Bruxism (tooth grinding), periodontitis, TMJ, and crooked or missing teeth can create problems that originate with your jaw or teeth. Headaches, migraines, bad breath, and a displeasing smile are all problems that can be corrected with modern dental technologies.

Dr. Berger takes the time to address these problems and answer all your questions about rehabilitating your mouth to the shape and placement nature intended. He takes digital X-rays, imprints, and photos of your teeth to develop an appropriate treatment plan. You can have a beautiful smile and relief from chronic pain with a full mouth rehabilitation.

We also discuss financial planning for phased treatment that will make your dream of a beautiful smile and improved health come true. 

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Are You Flossing Or Just Lying About Flossing? The Dentist Knows

There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?

Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.

Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"
More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss.
American Academy of Periodontology

She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!"

To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Dental Digital X-Rays

Digital Imaging Technology for X-rays

Digital X-rays are an advancement from the traditional method, with 75% less radiation and no developing chemicals that are harmful to the environment. A sensor placed in your mouth takes an image that is available on our computer screen almost immediately, another feature that reduces your time in the dental chair.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com