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 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.
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Biscayne Dental Group, Dental Emergencies, Florida, Julio Hernandez, Miami
Dental emergencies may be categorized as toothaches, injuries or broken appliances.
• Toothache If a toothache develops, using a brush and floss, clean the suspected area. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the gums or tooth [this may cause a burn]. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. Take acetaminophen [Tylenol] and call us as soon as possible.
• Evulsed Tooth If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Immediately call us for an emergency appointment. It is critical to get the person and their tooth to us within one half hour. This makes it possible to re-implant the tooth with a high degree of success. Find the tooth, and holding it by its crown, gently rinse it to remove dirt and/or debris. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, transport the tooth in a cup of milk, saline [salt water], or saliva [place tooth between cheek and gum, unless child is too young]. If none of these are available, use a cup of plain water.
• Extruded Teeth If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition the tooth using light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to us as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a moist tissue or gauze on the way over.
• Fractured Teeth First rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Immediate dental care is necessary. The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and could range from smoothing out the chip to bonding with a resin [tooth colored] material to placing a crown [cap]. If there has been pulp [nerve] injury, root canal may be necessary at once or at a later date.
• Soft Tissue Injury The tongue, lips or cheeks may be bitten, lacerated [cut] or punctured. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, bring the person to our office or a hospital emergency room. Sutures [stitches] may be necessary. Otherwise, clean the area with warm water on a gauze or clean cloth. Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area. Contact us for further instructions.
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.
Nov 23 2008
Posted by admin under Appearance, Beauty, Biscayne Dental Group, Cosmetic Dentistry, Florida, Julio Hernandez, Miami, Women
Unlike men, women are unique in that they go through different stages throughout their life determined by hormonal fluctuations. These stages can be summarized as: puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. The ages at which these stages occur can also be categorized by a females mating ritual. These stages can also be renamed as: the boyfriend years, the dating years, the reproductive years, and finally the cougar years. Of course, not all women will fall into these latter categories. However, almost all women will relate to the cosmetic decisions made by women in these stages of their lives.
Puberty and early adolescence are the years when girls discover themselves. They learn about their bodies and see the visible changes as they grow. Girls experience puberty at earlier ages than boys and sooner than their previous cohorts. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels in their bodies makes them feel different. Oral changes noted include changes with the microbial flora in the mouth. Certain gram negative bacteria respond to the increase in hormones by increasing in incidence as well as proportion. This increase is correlated with an increase in gingivitis represented by an overgrowth of gingival tissues and bleeding.
Management of the puberty-induced gingivitis requires a rigorous oral hygiene program. The program includes brushing a minimum of twice per day, especially after meals. Brushing should last a total of two minutes. Daily flossing is also important to remove the plaque in between the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach. Adjunctive treatment may also include an anti-microbial mouth rinse and use of interproximal cleaners. More frequent hygiene appointments may be required in more severe cases.
As the body changes, so does the attitude towards boys. Girls become more aware of boys and become fans of a growing number of teenage boy bands. These will be referred to here as the boyfriend years. They may not necessarily have or be allowed to have boyfriends at this age, but most of them certainly want one. It is these critical years where self-esteem is very important. As adults, we cannot do enough to boost a child’s self-esteem. They are bombarded by the media with certain unrealistic realities of what they should look like and act like. It is the parent’s responsibility to give them every fighting chance to compete in today’s environment.
One simple method is improving the child’s smile. Kids who are embarrassed to smile are more likely to have self-esteem issues. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment with braces is very popular with kids these days. Unlike the days when I was a kid, kids today look forward to getting braces and frequently beg the parents to take them in to the dentist. Parents should not underestimate the power of a good smile. Studies show that an attractive smile makes the person look not only more attractive but also more intelligent, more successful, and more interesting. Think of the advantages your kids will have in the job market in the future. As many of us are aware, we spend most of our lives dealing with issues we could not resolve in our early youth. As parents and teachers it is your responsibility to assure that self-esteem issues are not ignored.
Start with an early consultation with an orthodontist. It is recommended that parents bring in kids for an orthodontic consultation as early as age 7. Many problems that manifest as crooked teeth are actually growth problems. These growth problems are best diagnosed and treated early while the bones are still malleable. Treatment may include a series of orthopedic removable appliances or habit-controlling appliances. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is usually initiated between the ages of 12 to 14. This treatment may include braces or Invisalign®. The point is to get them smiling- and quickly. This may not guarantee a happy child but it will certainly give them a greater advantage.
Next time we will discuss menstruation and the dating years…stay tuned
Jun 16 2008
Posted by admin under Apprenticeship, Biography, Biscayne Dental Group, Braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Cosmetics, Dentistry, Dentists, Dr. Julio, Florida, General Dentist, General Dentistry, Happiness, Happy, Invisalign, Julio Hernandez, Miami Beach, Miami Dentist, Mood, Orthodontics, Smile, Smiling, Testimony, Your Smile Miami
A first person account from Dr. Julio as to why he chose dentistry as his field of work.
Many people ask me why I like to be a dentist. My answer: I was born to do this. I believe you really have to have the right personality to do this job. So many patients come in afraid of the dentist and not wanting to be there. I, on the other hand, usually have an ear to ear smile. My football coach in high school used to call me "Smiley". I am generally a pretty happy guy and that really helps patients feel at ease. We do a lot in our office to make every patient feel comfortable. We use iPods’ with relaxing music, aromatherapy, warm blankets, and lip therapy. Patients really appreciate it when we go the extra mile for them.
Besides being a happy guy, I’m also a little nerdy. I love studying and learning. I do a lot of continuing education. This gives me a better understanding of different areas of dentistry and a unique edge to really look at my patients as a whole. Besides Cosmetics, orthodontics is one of my favorite areas of dentistry. I did an apprenticeship for four years with an orthodontist. Today, I treat a full range of comprehensive orthodontic cases. This is a whole different area of dentistry that few general dentists explore. Of course, we see lots of kids for braces, but also many adults. The desire to have straight teeth has become so main stream, that more and more adults today are seeking treatment. Invisalign has also opened the doors today for many adults who have wanted straighter teeth without the use of braces. On the other hand, kids today are begging their parents for braces. I don’t remember ever begging my parents. I certainly didn’t look forward to getting them the second time around when I was in college. But today, I’m certainly glad I went through it. I think it is important to be proud of your smile.
I figure, if you’re proud of your smile you’re likely to smile more. Smiling makes you feel happy. Happy people are less depressed, have better relationships, more friends, and less stress. Okay, that is not totally scientific. But, I like to think that I am doing my parent to make the world a better place. After all, we all have to visit the dentist. So why not see someone who is generally happy, very knowledgeable, and is going to go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.
Dr. Julio
