Nov 24 2008
Posted by admin under Hablando De La Salud De La Majer
Julio E. Hernandez, D.M.D. presented a “What does your smile say about you ?” session during Hablando de la Salud de la Mujer. In Spanish.
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Dental, Dentist, Florida, Miami, Protrusions
A common type of orthodontic problem seen in our office is some type of a protrusion [the upper teeth are markedly forward of the lower teeth]. In most situations the protrusion is accompanied by other problems ranging from crowding to excessive spacing. The patient could also have an open bite [usually the back teeth touch and the front teeth are vertically open] or a cross bite [the upper teeth fit inside the lower when biting]. Another problem associated with protrusions and all the other types of malocclusions is some form of agenisis [missing teeth] or undersized teeth.
The causes for protrusions can vary, but generally fall into two categories. The first is dental, when the teeth themselves are the problem. A good example might be a youngster who has had a prolonged finger or thumb sucking habit causing the teeth to tip forward. The second cause would involve the jaw bones, when the lower jaw is too far back or the upper too far forward or a combination of the two. Any number of combinations of a teeth/jaw problem can cause a protrusion. Obviously, the treatment in each situation will differ. The diagnostic and treatment skills of our trained orthodontist are critical in any of these malocclusions.
Most often protrusion problems are best treated at an early age. The sooner the teeth can be put into an optimal biting relationship the better the opportunity for proper growth and development. Often times it is best to approach a protrusive problem in two phases of treatment. The goal in the first phase [ages 6-9] is to create the best possible biting relation of the teeth. Then when the permanent teeth come in, [ages 11-13] we will determine how much additional correction is needed to achieve an ideal occlusion and esthetic result. By using this two- phase approach to the correction of a protrusive malocclusion it is often possible to eliminate the necessity for the extraction of permanent teeth and to reduce the total time necessary for the braces to be worn.
The younger the patient the greater the potential for correction to allow for continued normal growth and development. However, if the patient is not seen until all of the permanent teeth have erupted excellent corrections can still be achieved. Seeing the patient for the first time at ages 12-15, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, will still allow time to work with the patient’s growth. The more potential for continued growth the better.
The approach to the treatment of adults [age 18 or over] with protrusions can be very different. Often, adult problems that are not too severe can be treated with conventional orthodontics. However, many cases of adult protrusions, especially those caused by mostly jaw problems, can only be treated with a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery. The orthodontics is started first, followed by surgery and then the finishing orthodontic is completed. Spectacular results can be obtained with this treatment modality.
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Uncategorized
While the enamel [outside covering of the crown of a tooth] is the hardest substance in the human body, undue stress on your teeth may cause them to crack. Causes include chewing hard foods [such as a popcorn kernel], biting on ice cubes, biting on a hard object such as a pen or pipe and/or clenching or grinding your teeth [bruxism].
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is very common in teeth with large fillings in them and most often is seen in your back teeth. If the crack goes untreated, it may deepen or expand like a crack in a glass window, causing part of the tooth to break off. If this occurs, the tooth may have to be extracted or might need root canal treatment in an attempt to save the tooth.
Some of the symptoms of this occurrence are: pain on chewing, unsolicited pain, pain from cold air, no x-ray evidence of the problem and no dental decay present. Often it is difficult for the patient to determine which tooth is causing the pain. However, the absence of pain does not rule out the presence of a crack.
To determine if a tooth has developed a crack that is not visible to the naked eye, the dentist will take a through dental history including history of trauma to your teeth and history of any bite adjustments that were performed. The teeth in the problem area will be examined with a dental explorer. Hot and cold sensitivity of the teeth will be tested. If a severe pain is elicited with temperature, and the pain rapidly subsides with removal of the stimulus, it is usually indicative of a fracture. Sometimes, transillumination [light source] with magnification is used to help visualize the suspected crack. The diagnosis can be further confirmed when the dentist uses a plastic or wooden instrument or cotton roll that rests on one part of a tooth while you are asked to bite down. Pain in a specific areas helps isolate the position of the crack. In certain instances, removal of a restoration [filling] may be necessary to visualize the crack and assess its potential to harm the pulp [nerve].
Can cracks be treated so that the tooth can be saved? Yes. Unfortunately, cracked teeth don’t heal themselves like your bones. Early diagnosis leads to a better chance of success. The best solution is to have a full crown [cap] placed over the tooth to strengthen and hold the tooth together. In about 10% of cracked teeth, the nerve dies and root canal [endodontic treatment] will be required, along with the cementation of a post into the nerve canal before the crown and be completed and the tooth restored.
Call our office for questions or to set up an appointment if you are experiencing any of the cracked tooth symptoms
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Dentist, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Energy Drinks, Florida, Health Care, Miami
Sleep and exercise are proven stress relievers and help promote health. But, over 90 million Americans don’t get a good night’s sleep, and many find difficulty developing daily exercise routines. People are constantly seeking new products and looking for more ways to become energized. Many athletes, weekend warriors, business people and homemakers have turned to various energy boosters, including very popular and highly promoted sport and energy drinks like Amp and Red Bull. J. Anthony von Frauhofer, PhD, the chief researcher of a study done at the University of Maryland Dental School, suggests some precaution when using these drinks.
The researchers immersed pieces of human enamel [outside covering of the tooth and the hardest substance in the body] in 13 popular beverages. The study found that non-cola soft drinks, energy/sports drinks, and commercial lemonade “showed the most aggressive dissolution effect on dental enamel,” and in fact, were up to 11 times more erosive than cola. High levels of some additives, such as citric acid, caused the disintegration of the teeth. Frauhofer advised that people do not sit and sip theses drinks of a long time and that you should follow-up the energy drink with some water to help rinse away the potentially damaging acids.
Apr 29 2008
Posted by admin under Biography, Biscayne Dental Group, Dental, Dentist, Dr. Rita Dargham, Julio Hernandez, Miami, Smiles, South Florida, Teeth
I’ve often been asked “How did you know you wanted to be a dentist?”
My answer has always been the same: “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
As a child my answer never waivered….it always stayed the same. I had this immense fascination with art, and science. When away from such interests, I spent most of my time socializing with friends…always searching for more people to laugh and have fun with. At the insistance of a close family friend, while paving the way for medical school, I was asked to spend some time at a local dentist’s office. I did, reluctantly! What I saw, and experienced, felt like “home”. The dentist was having so much fun!! He spent his days using the fascinating properties of both art and science to create the beautiful smiles we all look for, in both ourselves, and in our friends and families!!! With this I felt I had found the perfect combination of smiles, laughter, and science!! And…I could still be a “Doctor”!!!!
Apr 29 2008
Posted by admin under Biography, Biscayne Dental Group, Dental, Dentist, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Dr. Rita Dargham, Julio Hernandez, Miami, Rita Dargham, Smiles, South Florida, Teeth
