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, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Florida, Miami, Sleep Dentistry, Triazolam
In the last five years, an amazing new protocol helping people to be comfortable during dental procedures has been developed. In fact, it is being marketed as “sleep dentistry” in many places, even though that is really a misnomer. Using the drug, Triazolam, often in only a single dose, we can safely and predictably relax almost anyone to the point where they can comfortably tolerate the dentistry that they want or need done. In order to administer this treatment, the doctor has to take training and be certified by the State Board of Dental Examiners. The drug Triazolam has been sold as a sleeping pill, but it has a wonderful one-time effect, and it’s one of the safest drugs on the market. Most patients tell us they are calm and relaxed during their treatment, yet still awake. When they return to the office for their next visit, they report having slept a good part of the day, and really don’t remember much about being in the chair! With modern dentistry, there really shouldn’t be any significant discomfort while dental treatment is being performed, but often people who were traumatized as children just can’t shake that fear, and that is where these types of drugs are so wonderful. The only downside is that people who take this medication pretty much are limited for that day; they aren’t allowed to drive or do anything critical; most want to sleep for four or five hours afterwards. If you know of anyone who has significant dental concerns, but is too afraid to take care of them, have them give us a call and we will be glad to explain the whole process. It is a wonderful answer to that long-standing problem.T
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.
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Cavities, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Florida, Miami, Preventative Health, Xylitol
Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and taste like sugar. It is found naturally and can be extracted from birch, raspberries, plums, corn and mushrooms. Technically it is not a sugar but a sugar alcohol that is sometimes called wood sugar or birch sugar. Our bodies produce up to 15mg everyday as part of normal metabolism.
The great benefit of Xylitol in preventing tooth decay was “discovered” in Finland in the early 1970’s. Streptococcus Mutans, bacteria found in the mouth, produces toxins and acids that can dissolve teeth when foods with refined sugar [sucrose] are eaten.
Xylitol is not fermented by oral bacterial, so it cannot cause cavities [caries]. It works its magic on many levels.
• It inhibits the growth of cavity-producing bacteria S. Mutans and lactobacilli. The number of these acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%
• It prevents the transmission of S. Mutans from mother to child
• It reduces the adhesion of plaque to your teeth
• It stimulates salivary flow creating a greater buffer capacity against acids and aiding remineralization of your teeth
Therapeutically, Xylitol is added to chewing gum or candy. The dosage is critical. To receive tooth decay prevention benefits, you must receive 6-10 grams of Xylitol per day. When reading the label of a Xylitol containing product, Xylitol should be the first sugar listed and, ideally, the only sugar component. To be effective, the Xylitol gum must be utilized several times a day over long periods - 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.
Xylitol is also to added to some oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, floss, fluoride supplements.
Chewing Xylitol gum after meals is a great alternative when brushing or flossing is not an option. Anybody who is at high risk for dental decay such as people with dry mouths or those with exposed tooth root surfaces should consider this decay prevention therapy.
On a precautionary note - excessive chewing could lead to headaches and/or pain in the TMJ joint near your ear. Don’t over do it!
Call our office for product recommendations.
Aug 12 2008
Posted by admin under Adult Dentistry, Biscayne Dental Group, Braces, Consultation, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Julio, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Dr. Rita Dargham, Invisalign, Julio Hernandez, Miami Cosmetic Dentistry, Rita Dargham, Your Smile Miami
Are you looking for new trends? How about straighter teeth. It seems more and more adults these days have come to accept braces as “socially acceptable.” These days you can run into an adult wearing braces almost every day in any major city in the U.S. That’s right braces are back!! Adults are wanting to look better and are realizing that straight teeth are a crucial part to their appearance. In fact, a current study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that people with beautiful smiles were found to be not only more attractive, but also more interesting, successful, intelligent and wealthy. Imagine what a beautiful smile can do for someone interviewing for a job. That could be your “one up” on the competition. There are a few ways to get beautiful teeth. Braces is just one option. Invisalign is another. Invisalign is the alternative to braces and is great for adults with a busy lifestyle. All these options are available at our office. Give us a call and stop by so we can discuss which option is best for you. What do you have to lose? The consultation is free and our office is great. Hope to see you soon.
Jul 22 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Dr. Julio, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Health, Miami, Miami Cosmetic Dentist, Miami Sedation Dentist, Smiles
Recent research released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee confirms there is a link between a person’s oral health and their overall healthcare status. The study found that those who had gone to their dentist for diagnostic and preventive care had lower healthcare costs and fewer incidences of:
Additionally, the study found that hospital admission was nearly 16% higher for those who received no dental services. X-ray costs were also found to be 12% higher for those with periodontal issues.
This most recent research confirms previous research by Mark Herzberg of the University of Minnesota. He found that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque can cause blood clots that induce heart attacks when they escape into the bloodstream.
Additional related studies also found that bacteria in dental plaque were also linked to:
We can all do our part to reduce the risk of diseases linked to dental bacteria by maintaining proper oral hygiene procedures at home and visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up.
Jun 26 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Dr. Julio, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Julio Hernandez, Miami Dentist, Special Offers, Whitening
Get a complimentary whitening kit, a $400 value, with completed new patient exam, cleaning, and x-rays. Keep your 6-month appointment recare visits and you will receive additional whitening gel annually for the rest of your life as our patient! Restrictions may apply.
Offers end soon! Call for details!
305-572-1600
Jun 22 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Bonding, Cosmetic Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry Booming, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Dr. Rita Dargham, Florida Dentist, Implants, Julio Hernandez, Miami Dentist, Patients, Rita Dargham, Summer, Veneers, Whitening
Cosmetic Dentistry Booms as Beautiful Smiles Make Summer Sizzle
As summer heats up, people around the country work frantically to get in shape and catch a tan in order to look their best for the beach, weddings, and family events. Now, new data gathered in an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) – Levin Group survey reflects that people are increasingly undergoing cosmetic dental procedures to help them look and feel their best for the summer months and beyond.
Who is the typical cosmetic dental patient?
70.2% of those inquiring about cosmetic dentistry are not ‘the young and the beautiful’ or even ‘baby boomers’ with disposable income. They are everyone in-between: 31-50 year olds. That means they’re people in the workforce or stay-at-home parents who just want to look and feel better for themselves, and by association, their jobs and personal lives.
Is cosmetic dentistry really booming?
Absolutely. 48.3% of dental practices reported annual production of more than $700,000 each year, with an average of $661,000 annually. At the same time, a third of all practices report they have more than 2,000 active patients who spend on average more than $400 per visit. Nearly 40% of responding practices report growth of over 15% in the number of cosmetic dental procedures performed in the past five years.
“As the numbers prove, people are increasingly aware of the amazing benefits cosmetic dentistry can provide,” American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) member dentist Dr. Julio Hernandez of Miami, FL. “Summertime is the perfect time for a dazzling new smile, ready for the fun of summer and the holidays ahead.”
Today’s cosmetic dental treatment options include:
Whitening – The most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure, many whitening options are now available to consumers in a wide range of prices. Dentist-supervised treatments remain the AACD recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.
Veneers – An increasingly popular procedure, veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.
Bonding – An option for chipped or cracked teeth, bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for a lifelike smile.
Implants – A replacement for dentures, implants are a stronger, more attractive option for replacing missing or lost teeth. An anchor is placed in the patient’s jaw, and a life-like ceramic restoration is built around it and matched to the original tooth color.
As with any dental procedure, the AACD recommends consumers consult with their dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment.
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”!!!!
