Give Me Some Air

Air Abrasion Dentists How long have dentists been drilling teeth? Would you believe 9,000 years? In an ancient graveyard in Pakistan, archaeologists unearthed skulls containing teeth that had undergone drilling. The stone-age dentists removed decay using drills constructed of sharpened flint.

Though advanced dentistry would not be possible without drilling, the sound of a dental drill can make many Provo patients’ hearts pound. However, there is another way your American Fork cosmetic dentists can remove decay. This technique is known as air abrasion or drill-less dentistry. An air abrasion instrument removes material by spraying tiny aluminum oxide particles onto the tooth. The particles work like a sandblaster spraying away the affected tooth structure.

The many advantages of air abrasion make it a popular procedure for Lehi family dentists. Because air abrasion is usually pain-free, the need for anesthesia is reduced. The air abrasion instrument does not create vibrations or pressure.

Orem cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that air abrasion instruments don’t produce that whiny drill sound that rings in your ears and makes your palms sweat. Because of this, air abrasion can be a less-frightening option for young Utah County dentistry patients. Air abrasion is often quicker and more precise than traditional drilling, leaving more of the healthy tooth intact.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide anxiety-free dentistry. If you would like to learn more about air abrasion, dentistry sedation or tooth implant cost, call us at 801-374-0070. We are located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo. The caring staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction.


Fun Floss Facts For Utah County Smiles

American Fork after hours dental

It’s clear that for the majority of Utah County, Orem, and Lehi residents, the most important aspect of flossing is simply that you do it every single day. However, many dental patients find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of dental floss found in Provo area drugstores.

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is usually made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less expensive, more common and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, it is thought to more easily pull in between teeth. This type of floss is sometimes referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses, and this is where most dental patients would benefit from finding the size that fits. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the shape of a wide, flat ribbon. Many Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi residents find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances put in by your Orem area orthodontist, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to discuss flossing with your orthodontist because you don’t want to break this valuable habit just because you’re having your teeth straightened!

A good person to ask about floss advice is your dental hygienist. Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

I am Dr. Hammond. Our practice, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, has been serving the Provo area since 1967. Our top services include:

Sedation dentistry
Invisalign
Mini implants
Dental crowns
Porcelain veneers

Call us today at 801-374-0070 for your appointment! You can also visit us on the web at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


The following blog post was used as source material for this blog:
“The Different Types of Dental Floss”, Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html, accessed on September 17, 2013


3 Ways To Keep Your Mouth Happy, Utah County!

Provo Teeth Bleaching

Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond, a team of experienced dentists here in Provo. It is our goal to help our patients have optimum oral health, and today we would like to talk about something else associated with our mouths that doesn’t get as much attention as cavities or cosmetic dentistry: it’s our sense of taste.

A happy mouth is not only a healthy mouth, but also a mouth that can enjoy the flavors of all types of foods. And it turns out that many of the habits that will keep your taste buds sensitive are those that will also be good for your teeth and gums. So here are a few tips to help you better enjoy the flavor of your food.

1) Treat dry mouth. Dry mouth can create a loss of taste sensitivity, so it should be treated quickly by your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi dentist. Plus, optimal levels of saliva are important to avoid cavities and keep gums healthy.

2) Avoid processed foods with fake flavors and too much sugar and salt. They will quickly desensitize you to more subtle, healthy flavors.

3) Don’t smoke! Cigarettes are responsible for so many horrible health issues, but many people don’t realize that their sense of taste is dulled while they smoke and the olfactory nerves can even be damaged permanently.

Thank you so much for visiting the Provo dentist blog. Along with dental health and a keen sense of taste, I want my patients to have the beautiful smiles they have always desired. So, if you have any questions regarding cosmetic dentistry such as smile makeovers, dental implants or teeth whitening, please contact us. We are located at 3575 N 100 E and you can reach us for an appointment at 801-374-0070.

Call a member of our caring staff today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties?

Lehi Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

Most Lehi people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. Some American Fork dental patients may even know the unique focus of endodontists. But few Utah residents probably know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Today’s post looks at the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA. (If you want a challenge, see if you can name all nine before you continue reading this post.)

Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.”1 If you need a root canal in Provo, you may require the services of an endodontist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.

Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Lehi pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.

Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”1 Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.

Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”1

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
(2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.

Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”1

General dentists and cosmetic dentists in the Provo area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes your Orem general dentist will refer you to a local Orem specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

1Specialty Definitions, The American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/495.aspx, accessed May 22, 2013


6 Ways Dental Crowns Restore Orem Smiles

cost of dental crowns Orem

Dental crowns have been around a long time, and they continue to play an important role in Provo cosmetic dentistry. A dental crown, often called a cap, covers the visible part of the tooth.

Dental crowns are used for several problems common among Orem cosmetic dentistry patients:

An old crown that is damaged or ill-fitting
A broken tooth
A tooth with extreme decay
A tooth that has had a root canal
A tooth that is too small or misshapen
A tooth that prevents a proper bite

A dental crown serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. It protects a natural tooth from additional decay and damage while permitting normal function. In addition, a dental crown often prevents the need for an extraction and the bone loss that can occur with a missing tooth.

Orem cosmetic dentistry patients who get a dental crown should not assume that the tooth is now invincible. Crowns need daily cleaning and flossing just like natural teeth. The remaining tooth structure just around the gumline could still become decayed and the soft tissue around the crown is susceptible to gum disease. Chewing hard foods or using your teeth as a tool can cause a crown to crack or break. (Use scissors to open a stubborn plastic package – don’t bite and pull!) Your Provo cosmetic dentist can advise you on caring for your new crown so that it will last as long as possible. Some of our American Fork, Orem, and Provo patients have crowns that are still looking beautiful after ten years.

For information on Orem dental crown prices, invisible braces, conscious sedation, or teeth whitening, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 or visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.


5 Cavity Basics For Orem

Orem Cosmetic Dentist

Some of the most popular dental topics discussed in Utah County and Provo relate to cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. However, the desire to avoid cavities is still the main reason American Fork and Lehi residents visit their dentists, so today the Provo dental blog is going to highlight the 5 things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Poor dental hygiene

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi dentist today for an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among children, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Avoiding cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right and avoid snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Provo area, give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry a call.

We have been treating dental patients in and around Orem since 1967. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as gum contouring and smile makeovers.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Is It Growing In Your Mouth?

Orem Invisalign

Believe it or not, plaque can rear its ugly head in any Provo mouth – even yours – no matter how meticulous you try to be. If you have deep grooves, watch out. If you have a receding gum line, watch out. If you are a candy-loving Provo resident with the proverbial sweet tooth, watch out.

The plaque process goes something like this:
Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, always will. Bacteria will try to colonize on the smooth surfaces of your teeth. At first, it will be soft enough to be removed with a fingernail. After 48 hours, it will start to harden. Give it 10 days and it will be that substance most difficult to remove, tartar. (See picture.) This bacteria will feed on sugars and produce acid that will eat away the tissues of the tooth and lead to cavities. Cavities will originate on the surface and spread on and through the tooth. The best way to deal with plaque is to have a consistent removal process, i.e. regular daily brushing and flossing after eating and even sleeping.

A fabulous smile with fabulous teeth isn’t always the reality for Orem, Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi folks. We encourage anyone in the Orem area who is unhappy with their smile to consider the benefits of a smile makeover.

Cosmetic dentistry can be a significant investment but the truth of just how much it will cost for veneers, braces, teeth whitening, and even dental implants may surprise you. At our Provo cosmetic dentistry office you can expect to learn about sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and any number of other dental services.

Dr. Hammond have been serving the Provo area since 1967. Call 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation.

 

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Don’t Like Your Teeth? 5 Great Reasons To Get A Smile Makeover!

Invisalign Orem Hello Orem! When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? If the answer is, ‘Not really,’ then you may want to consider these 5 reasons for people in Orem to make some small improvements or undergo a complete smile re-design.

1. A little goes a long way. Some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening and tooth-colored fillings are simple but have dramatic results.

2. It’s more affordable than you think. Speak with your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi cosmetic dentist. You may be surprised at the prices (in a good way!).

3. Your dentist will keep you comfortable. Many people worry that the procedures are painful, but dentists in the Orem area can help you stay relaxed and free from discomfort whether you’re getting tooth-colored fillings, dental implants, veneers, or a complete smile makeover. Ask your dentist about oral sedation.

4. You will look and feel younger!

5. Regardless of your dental problems, chances are, your dentist can help you. Some Lehi residents believe they have to live with stained, chipped, cracked, crooked, or missing teeth, but today’s dentists have the tools and procedures to fix all of these dental problems and more. If you are in the Orem area and are looking for a dentist, We would love to serve you. I am Dr. Chris A. Hammond, DMD. I have been practicing quality dentistry in a Provo, Utah since 1967. Please call 801-374-0070 for an appointment. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers the following services:

Sedation dentistry
Invisalign
Mini implants
Dental crowns

Call today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Celebrity Smiles In Lehi Without The Annoying Paparazzi

Celebrity Smiles In Lehi Without The Annoying Paparazzi

Hello friends of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry!

Close your eyes. Picture the most beautiful smile you have ever seen. Perhaps it is the smile of your significant other. Perhaps it is your favorite actor, actress, or singer. What makes this smile memorable? The brilliant color? The beautiful translucency? The pleasing shape? The alignment of the teeth? All of the above?

Would you like a smile as memorable as the image in your mind? It’s possible with cosmetic dentistry at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Dr. Hammond skillfully redesign smiles to correct alignment, dull color, damage, and stains.

Cosmetic dental procedures include the ever-popular porcelain veneers (gives teeth a brand new face), crown restorations, teeth whitening, orthodontia (quicker and easier than ever!), and dental bonding (affordable and effective).

You can have a billboard-perfect smile right here in Utah County, Lehi, American Fork, or Provo.

The very same cosmetic dental procedures used on famous smiles is available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. A celebrity salary and jet-setting lifestyle may be out of reach, but not a red carpet-worthy smile.

Come in for a smile design consultation to learn what cosmetic dentistry can do for your world class smile! Call 801-374-0070 to book your appointment today.


Utah County: Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

Utah County: Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

Many residents in the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi area mistakenly believe that all bad breath is linked to insufficient brushing. The truth is that there is a myriad of causes of halitosis. Your Provo dentist can help you identify the cause of your problem and discuss how to cure bad breath.

What you eat may have something to do with it. Because foods begin to be digested the second they enter your mouth, and because they are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, you probably will be able to smell strong foods like onions and garlic long after you’ve eaten them.

Therefore, using a mouthwash from your local Provo drugstore will only mask the smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not a good idea. This may bring additional oral problems – especially if the mints have sugar. If you want real relief, you may need to avoid the strong foods altogether.

Also, many dieters in and around Orem find that their diet regimen is making it harder to keep their mouth fresh and clean. Low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning, but the side effect of bad breath can be caused by the chemicals released during this process. Increasing water intake can help alleviate this.

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath. Many American Fork folks don’t realize how much food can be stuck between their teeth, and this food can cause halitosis if it isn’t removed. More importantly, the food particles turn into plaque which causes cavities and gum disease.

We’re Dr. Hammond of Provo
. Our practice provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to residents in the Orem area. We want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and that includes fresh breath. We also want them to love their smiles, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers:

sedation dentistry
Invisalign
mini implants
dental crowns

Call today for your appointment!


The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/low-carb-diets-can-cause-bad-breath, accessed on August 12, 2013