Tag Archives: Boca Raton Dentist

Laugh Your Way out of the Dentist Chair | Boca Raton Dentist

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Dental anxiety is an actual condition that results in patients having a hard time sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup. When this issue arises, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. This medicine? Nitrous oxide.

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to help anxious patients relax their fear of the dentist and makes them feel more comfortable. The effect often lasts throughout the whole treatment, calming the patient and allowing the dentist to proceed safely with the treatment.

Administered via a mask, the patient will breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases, which is where it gets its moniker.

The effects quickly wear off as well, often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally, even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you would like more information about nitrous oxide, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Do You Have Sleep Issues? This Is Essential | Boca Raton Dentist

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If you are suffering from sleep conditions, it is important that you seek medical advice. Depending on your diagnosis, it will be treated with anything from an airway pressure device (CPAP) to lifestyle changes. But have you ever tried using essential oils?

A little-known treatment, but many essential oils effectively deal with sleep complaints ranging from nervous insomnia to snoring. Essential oils are safe and easy to use and the following oils are ideal:

Marjoram. Marjoram essential oil is a warm, comforting oil with sedative properties that help induce sleep, ideal for conditions like sleep apnea.

Lavender. A classic scent used to relax, try massaging a few drops of this gentle oil into your feet, neck and chest before bedtime.

Peppermint. If your sleep apnea is caused by nasal congestion, peppermint essential oil can help relieve the inflammation and irritation in the lining of your nasal passage.

Eucalyptus. Steam inhalation of eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory properties will clear up mucus from the nose and throat.

Roman Chamomile. Roman Chamomile aids relaxation, promotes sound sleep and treats problems with the central nervous system.

Thyme. Thyme essential oil is extensively used to treat respiratory conditions and can help free up the blocked airways that may cause apnea.

Geranium. Massaging a few diluted drops of geranium oil into your chest, neck and feet before bed is an excellent remedy for sleep disruptions caused by sleep apnea.

Valerian. Valerian root has been used for centuries to calm the nerves.

Lemon. The mixture of Thyme, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint oils reduced snoring up to 82%.

If you would like more information about sleep conditions, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants Will Fix Your Smile | Boca Raton Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-164125777Many patients put off going to the dentist. Whether they’re afraid of the pain, the noise of the procedures or the monetary cost of dental work, putting off dental visits can turn small problems into larger ones. Left long enough and your teeth can be lost due to decay, infection, or physical problems like cracking.

For the most severe dental problems, treatment is a dental implant. While synthetic substance and crowns place a cap over an existing tooth root, implants replace the entire tooth – root and all. If done properly, a tooth implant can potentially last a lifetime.

The procedure starts by removing the existing tooth and root, and placing a titanium implant post into the jawbone. This metal post is the foundation for the entire implant, and it should be allowed to heal for 6-12 weeks. As soon as the bone forms a permanent bond with the metal post, the dentist will attach a second metal connector – known as an abutment – to the post, to provide a connecting surface for the replacement tooth. The dentist will then make impressions, modeling the entire mouth so that the replacement crown perfectly matches your existing bite. Finally, the crown will be attached permanently to the abutment, providing a solid, permanent tooth

We realize that the description sounds really painful. And while there may be pain during the initial extraction, the procedure can be done with a simple local anesthesia. Making sure your smile remains as healthy as possible will prevent having the need for surgery, so make sure to have check-ups regularly.

If you would like more information about dental implants, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

When Your Breath Is Hot like Fire | Boca Raton Dentist

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Fresh Breath

No one wants or likes to hear they have bad breath, but it’s worse not to know it. There can be many factors to your bad breath, and all are treatable. While poor dental hygiene accounts for most cases of halitosis, bad breath can sometimes signal another underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing bad breath start with a visit to your dentist. If you are only suffering from bad breath from either an internal or oral problem, fortunately this problem is often easy to fix.

Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath; tonsils that have trapped food particles, cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures. Good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, and ruling out any underlying conditions or other factors that could make your breath less than pleasant (e.g. medications or diet).

When the enamel on your teeth erodes, food particles can get deposited in those holes, called dental caries. Because brushing your teeth can’t remove these food deposits, they can eventually grow bacteria, producing a bad smell. Gingivitis is another medical condition that may cause bad breath. When the gum becomes inflamed with bacteria, it can result in severe pain and foul smelling discharge.

So what do you do to prevent bad breath from happening? Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in keeping bad breath away. Make sure you keep up your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, a thorough flossing session, and a quick rinse with some mouthwash to seal in the cleanliness and fresh breath!

In between your oral routine it is important to keep one thing in mind: Saliva is our first line of defense against bad breath! And what causes us to create this magical dental friend? Chewing. Every meal you eat, every snack you nosh on, every piece of bubble gum you chew is all helping to create the saliva that fights against germs and bad breath. But keep in mind, it takes 20 minutes for sugar to be cleared from your mouth after its consumption. The more often you are chewing on something sugary, the more often you are exposing your teeth to more bacteria, so try to keep these munching spurts less sugary and more healthy. Sugar-free gum & candy is great, but so is a handy bottle of water. Keeping a nice balance will not only get those salivary glands working, but will also help out the cause when you don’t have a toothbrush handy.

There are some conditions that will, in fact, prevent a healthy amount of saliva in our mouths. Certain medications or diseases can also affect the way your body produces saliva. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is more likely to develop conditions like rapid tooth decay, gum disease, cavities or even bad breath. This may be able to be cured naturally by drinking lots of water and chewing on sugar-free gum or candy, but more than likely, you should have a medical professional give you their opinion as it could be preventable.

A quick breath check can save you from more than just an awkward social situation — it could tell you if you have an underlying dental problem.

If you feel bad breath has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

It’s All About Taking Preventative Measures | Boca Raton Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-185147513Not taking proper care of your teeth and neglecting your oral health can easily cost you thousands of dollars in restorative dental care. But, by practicing what’s known as preventative dental care, you can easily save yourself from the hassle of having to deal with and spending money for various dental problems.

Preventative dental care emphasizes the proper education, treatment and practice of maintaining good oral health. It involves brushing daily, flossing, rinsing and even regular dental cleanings, all of which are designed to help prevent gum disease, cavities and a wide range of other dental problems.

In-Office Procedures

Preventative treatment can occur in the dental chair, with the most common form being the dental exam itself. The main purpose of a dental exam is to thoroughly check the teeth for any possible signs of gum disease, dental decay, cavities, so on. Taking X-rays may also be necessary, depending on the occasion. After the examination, the dental practitioner can recommend a thorough cleaning, which is also one of the best ways to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.

Most of the time, one appointment is more than enough. However, if you haven’t been visiting the dentist often for regular maintenance and checkups, more than one appointment may be required. And if infection and other complications are already present, your dental practitioner may have to refer you to another specialist.

Preventative Dentistry in Children

The best way to prevent gum disease and other oral complications is to start early, which is why preventative dentistry in children is very important. As early as 1 to 2 years old, children should be taken to the dentist regularly to ensure a lifetime of dental health. For further preventative measures, sealants that can help prevent decay during the years (between ages of 6 and 12) the permanent molars start to erupt may also be applied. Orthodontics and the wearing of braces is also a popular choice among parents as this helps prevent misalignment as a child’s jaw slowly matures into adulthood. All in all, the key here is for parents to teach children proper dental hygiene habits and more importantly, be role models themselves.

Benefits and Goals of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry comes in many forms, including fluoride use, following a well-balanced diet, visiting the dentist regularly, regular dental cleanings and screenings, X-rays, use of mouth guards, oral health management and so on.

The main goal here is to prevent all sorts of oral complications from gum disease, sensitivity, cavities, oral cancer, as well as many others and keep them at bay. And, when you consider the costs of treatment versus prevention, preferring the latter is a NO-brainer of a decision. Also, now that oral health has been proven to affect our overall health, there’s really no reason NOT to emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry.

All things considered, preventative dentistry can not only save you both time and money, but it can also help you enjoy and look forward to a lifetime’s worth of a healthy smile!

If you feel you need to begin preventative dental care, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

No One Like Crowds | Boca Raton Dentist

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Professional dental brushingRight around the time your baby teeth turn into the adult version, we seem to have one final hurdle to go thru in our mouths – a pretty painful one at that. We get our wisdom teeth. Generally, we have them remove, which is also quite the process, but do you know why it hurts so much when our wisdom teeth come in? It’s due to tooth crowding. When there is insufficient room in the mouth for normal tooth alignment, teeth can be twisted and turned, pushed and nudged into odd positions that make smiles unattractive and bites uneven. While many people care about correcting tooth crowding for cosmetic reasons, tooth crowding also contributes to dental decay (as alignment problems make brushing and flossing areas between teeth difficult) and pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which can cause jaw problems over time.

Tooth crowding is typically known to dentists as malocclusion, and can be caused by quite a few things:

  • Lost and missing teeth leave enough space for other teeth to move and rotate
  • Extra teeth competing for space
  • Impacted teeth can cause pressure on tooth roots below the gum surface, completing for space below the gum line
  • Poorly done dental fittings such as crowns and improperly applied fittings cause pressure issues between teeth
  • Jaw alignment problems due to injury or genetic development

The typical treatment for tooth crowding is physical correction using either orthodontics devices such as braces or Invisalign. In some cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction or surgical correction, like your wisdom teeth, especially in cases where extra teeth cause crowding that is difficult to correct with simple straightening. On very rare occasions, surgery to lengthen or shorten the jaw may be required. If that’s the case, the jaw bone can be cut and realigned, then held in place with screws and plates. While this is unusual, it’s worth knowing that virtually all malocclusions can be treated with modern dental medicine.

If you feel that your teeth aren’t properly aligned, or if you’re concerned that your jaw isn’t aligning correctly, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. Not only will they be able to diagnose your symptoms, but you will also be able to discuss the various treatment options.

If you feel your teeth may be crowding, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Mouthwash: Is It Really Doing What It Claims? | Boca Raton Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-164125777One of my favorite characters on The Simpsons had to be Bleeding Gums Murphy. Not only was he the kindred spirit & jazzy mentor of little Lisa Simpson, but he also had a wicked nickname. We are never told exactly how he got his nickname but he did say this, “Well, let me put it this way…you ever been to the dentist? Not me. I suppose I should go to one, but I got enough pain in my life as it is.” Despite the need of his mouth in order to play the sax, something tells me that Bleeding Gums Murphy wasn’t too keen about oral health.

If we know anything about germs, we know that they thrive off of dark, moist places so our mouths are a constant breeding ground for bacteria. And unfortunately, this bacteria can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, or the beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed. It’s an infection that irritates the soft tissues around your teeth. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal diseases as it begins to affect the tissue and bones that support your teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) describes periodontal (gum) disease as a natural inflammatory reaction to harmful bacteria in your mouth. The redness, swelling, bleeding and/or bad breath are all listed as symptoms but they can be reversed with, wait for it…mouthwash.

Believe it or not, antimicrobial mouthwash is your leading line of defense when you realize gum disease is presenting itself in your mouth. It not only helps cure up the gingivitis, but it can also prevent bleeding gums and inflammation by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth causing the irritation. There isn’t any particular brand that works better than others, but some can protect your mouth for as long as 12 hours. That’s impressive. As long as they have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, all have their own benefits, and all will go in attacking the bacteria in your mouth with a vengeance.
There are times when periodontal disease has been neglected for too long and has become more of an issue. If this is the case, your dentist may prescribe you a prescription-strength mouthwash. Its main ingredient is chlorhexidine gluconate, which not only will kills all the bacteria that promotes irritated gums but also plaque formation.
When it comes to periodontal disease, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your oral health. Make sure you brush for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, change your toothbrush every few months, and see your dentist regularly, especially when you start to feel pain in your mouth. Taking care of your teeth doesn’t take a lot of work, just some conscious effort in your daily routines. Even Bleeding Gums Murphy could have used a swish or two.

For more information on mouthwash benefits, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

What’s the Deal with Flossing? | Boca Raton Dentist

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If there is any part of the daily dental routine we drag our feet about, it has to be flossing. Not sure what it is, but there is something about this particular action that makes us cringe with dread. The excuse varies from patient to patient – some find it difficult, others simply don’t think they have time, and still others don’t understand the purpose and importance of flossing. While brushing your teeth regularly is necessary to prevent tooth decay, flossing is just as important. Sad to say but, brushing alone, without flossing, will not prevent either tooth decay or periodontal disease.

One of the main risks to oral health is damage from bacteria that damage tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. This bacteria takes the form of plaque (a thin yellow film composed primarily of bacteria and water), which will harden into tartar if not removed. The presence of plaque and tartar is virtually always damaging to teeth because it produces certain acids that will eat through tooth enamel and hardened tartar deposits that will physically irritate gum tissue, leading to gum recession.

The primary purpose of flossing is to remove plaque and tartar from surfaces of the teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone. Because brushing alone cannot reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning. No matter how much you brush going forward, brushing and flossing alone will be unable to remove the calcified deposits from teeth.

Patients who rarely floss will likely notice that their gums are irritated and bleed when flossing. This is nature’s way of telling you to have a professional cleaning. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal. It is important, though, to use antibacterial mouthwash in conjunction with flossing to help kill any bacteria that remain in the mouth after flossing.

Brushing and mouthwash can help kill most of the bacteria in your mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth to keep your gums healthy. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you a proper flossing technique. It will not only keep your mouth healthy, but it will also keep you out of the dentist chair, awaiting a terrible procedure.

For more information on proper flossing technique, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Invisalign: Fixing Your Teeth the Adult Way | Boca Raton Dentist

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closeup of smile with white teeth

Many patients are familiar with braces – metal fastened to teeth that we all saw growing up. However, many patients grow through childhood and into adulthood with unsolved problems, and as they age, must balance their desire for a corrected smile against the desire not to have visible metal braces. The American Association of Orthodontics indicates that approximately 25% of people wearing braces are adults, and that means a lot of patients are currently being treated. Despite the large number of patients currently wearing braces, in most parts of the country you probably don’t see many adults with braces. What’s the secret? Clear braces known as Invisalign.

Invisalign is a series of treatments where clear plastic aligners are custom created for an individual patient. Each aligner is worm for a specific period of time, slowly and slightly correcting the patient’s bite. As the patient completes the specified time with each aligner, the teeth slowly shift into their proper position.

The aligners should be worn as often as possible – generally 20-22 hours each day. They can be removed while you eat, and when you brush your teeth, but are generally worn while awake and asleep. Because the aligners are removed while you eat, you’re free to eat virtually anything you’d normally eat – there are no concerns about getting food stuck in the wires of traditional braces.

Nearly all bite issues can be corrected with Invisalign, though some dentists will recommend against Invisalign in certain cases where Invisalign may be significantly more costly and difficult than traditional orthodontic treatments. However, Invisalign technology has advanced significantly in the past few years, so if you were previously evaluated and determined you were not a candidate (for example, if you have a very deep bite), it may be worth being re-evaluated. To determine if you’re an Invisalign candidate, schedule an appointment soon for a full evaluation.

For more information on Invisalign contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Toothbrush | Boca Raton Dentist

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tooth decayBrushing and flossing are two of the most important aspects of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While dentists will recommend you brush and floss at least twice a day, it’s important to do it properly in order to receive the expected benefits. One of the keys to brushing properly is to use the right toothbrush, and to care for it properly.

While different people will prefer different styles of toothbrush – manual or electric, soft or firm – it’s generally recommended that you consider soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums. This is especially important if you are a vigorous brusher – a softer bristle will avoid damaging sensitive gum tissue, which is a common cause of receding gums. A toothbrush approved by the ADA will be most likely to hold up well under use and have a safe and effective design.

Once you’ve selected the proper toothbrush, it’s important to care for it properly. You should clean the toothbrush after each use, rinsing it with water to remove excess toothpaste and other debris. Occasionally soaking the brush in antibacterial mouthwash is also a good idea. After each use, be sure to allow the toothbrush to dry. Ideally, you should store it upright so it can drain, and to minimize the risk that airborne particles will settle on the surface.

From time to time, you’ll need to replace your toothbrush. Typically, you should replace your brush if it shows signs of wear, for example if bristles fall out during use. You should also consider changing brushes after a major illness, as it’s likely that you’ve contaminated the toothbrush, and will re-introduce bacteria to your body. While it may not make you sick a second time, it may prolong the illness if you continue using it as you recover. After three to four months of regular use, you should replace your toothbrush – the bristles will be starting to wear, and the relatively inexpensive price of toothbrushes should make replacement simple.

Finally, you should avoid sharing your toothbrush, even with close family members. While many families are comfortable swapping saliva, you should remember that tooth decay is bacterial in nature, and that bacteria will live on a toothbrush. In that sense, you can consider tooth decay a disease that can be transmitted from person to person. It’s in everyone’s best interest not to share toothbrushes.

If you feel that you need dentures or would like more information on toothbrush maintenance, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Clive Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Ray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.