Dental Cleaning aka Prophylaxis

No matter how much you diligently brush or floss your teeth at home, harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that can only be removed by a dental professional. These bacteria can cause gum disease and significantly affect your overall health. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and N. Miami Beach, FL, will use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up that you are unable to efficiently remove yourself.

According to the Academy oe or shef General Dentistry, it is recommended that a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning (prophylaxis) at least every six months. The professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention. During a teeth cleaning, our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. Once the surfaces are smooth, polishing is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Last but not least, the dental hygienist will floss every crevice between your teeth. Fluoride may also be applied if needed.

If you need your teeth cleaned don’t wait any longer, call us today so we can help you maintain a healthy smile! To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL offers a wide variety of treatment options to restore your confidence.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our doctors can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

If you have a desire for a more aesthetically pleasing smile, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Oral Health Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems. These problems include but are not limited to darkened teeth, dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss and root decay. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL, provides seniors with honorable dental care by encouraging them to have healthy nutrition and proper dental cleanings.

Seniors are more likely to suffer from a host of oral health issues resulting from their inability to provide themselves with adequate dental hygiene care. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers that may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to perform. These factors leave many seniors at risk of ignoring tooth decay and tooth infection until there is no alternative but tooth extraction. At each of our practices, we have procedures or products to prevent this from happening. With regular checkups, we can catch problems in the earliest stages to help prevent serious conditions from occurring.  

If you or someone you know is due for a dental checkup, please give us a call! To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Explaining the Root Canal Procedure

“Root Canal” has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less frightening. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed and this is done with a root canal procedure. At Miami Dental, our staff will save your tooth after we’ve determined that you are a candidate for the procedure.

The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits and in most cases can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. You will receive anesthesia as necessary, once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it needs to be sealed. If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling will be placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep contaminants out between appointments. When all of the treatment is completed, the root canal procedure should relieve the discomfort you had been feeling.

If you have a tooth that is causing you trouble, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Bruxism Basics

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, our doctors Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, DDS, PA can provide you with an individualized treatment plan.

When diagnosing bruxism, one of our doctors may ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. Second, they examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Finally, they will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, the doctor may also check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and joint.

If you wake up with jaw pain, or catch yourself grinding your teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Analgesia)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.  At Miami Dental, our doctors only administer this pain-relieving formula to patients who are eligible for sedation.  

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by our doctors. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, allowing you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In some cases, all dental treatment can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will  be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

To learn more about sedation options as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Diabetic Oral Care

 

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. They are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, please call our office to schedule a professional exam with our doctors at Miami Dental to prevent further dental complications. 

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and scheduling a dental checkup every six months.

To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. They are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, please call our office to schedule a professional exam with our doctors at Miami Dental to prevent further dental complications.

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and schedule a dental checkup every six months.

To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.