Loyce Jones Dental

Gentle & Caring Dentist

2012-02-22T05:40:00.000-08:00

I know these are buzz words that every dentist would like to describe the care they and their staff provide. I guess I’ve never has anyone as for a mean and abusive dentist. So what should you truly look for when picking a gentle and caring dentist?

1. A good start is to ask your friends who they go to.

2. If the same name keeps surfacing call and talk to the staff. If what you are hearing on the phone does not sound like the rave reviews your friends gave, ask if you can have some time just to meet the dentist and sit down and talk with them. Dr. Loyce Jones loves meeting patients and will always find time at the end of her day to talk with you about your concerns. She’ll meet you at no charge because she wants you to fine the place you are most comfortable with.

Okay you found your dentist, you’ve done your interview and you are sure they are the one.

3. A comprehensive dental examination is the first appointment you should have. The time spent on this examination will give you some indication on how caring the dentist is. Dr. Loyce Jones allows 90 minutes for her comprehensive examination. She know this is the only way to get the necessary information about you, your dental history, dental concerns, and gather necessary information to answer all your dental questions. I know quantity does not always mean quality, but it does take time to do this well.

Okay, I know you are saying this is way to much, but think about it, if the dentist cares enough to spend this much time gathering a very thorough history they will care about you. GIVE US THE TIME, it makes a difference!

4. REVIEWING THE FINDING OF YOUR EXAMINATION. This is when Dr. Loyce Jones, or your dentist reviews with you the condition of your mouth and all that supports the mouth. She will review the appearance of your mouth, if this is one of your concerns. She reviews how your teeth, muscles, and joints all function together. Next she will discuss the structure of the teeth. Are they strong enough to make the journey? Lastly she will discuss the biology of your mouth, which includes the bone and gums that support the teeth.

This REVIEW may only take minutes at the end of your Comprehensive Examination or you may return for a separate appointment so you are not rushed. If you return for this second appointment, there is never a charge.

Gentle and caring dentist begins with giving you the time to be you from the very first visit!

If you have any questions please visit our website http://www.loycejonesdental.com/ or give our office a call 352-371-9831.

* Help for your teeth and gums *

2012-01-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film (plaque) on teeth and gums. If not removed, this hardens into a crust (tarter). The bacteria in plaque and tater can cause an infection called periodontal disease. This can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a special type of cleaning done by a general dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist. This cleaning removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums. This restores health to your gums and teeth.

YOUR EVALUATION

Your dentist looks at your gums for color changes, bleeding, swelling, and recession. Your teeth are checked for looseness and sensitivity. Full month x-rays show if a medical condition, like diabetes, is contributing to your periodontal disease.

PERIODONTAL PROBING

Periodontal probing helps measures how advanced your disease is. During probing, a tool (probe) measures the death of space (called the pocket) between the tooth and the surrounding gum. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the problem.

THE PROCEDURE

Scaling and root planning removes plaque and tartar from below your gum line. This controls the growth of harmful bacteria. It also helps gums reattached firmly to the teeth. Because this procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning, your mouth may be numbered. The cleaning may take 1 to 4 or more visits to complete.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Your mouth may feel sore and tender after treatment. Keep brushing and flossing teeth after each meal. Your dentist may tell you to rinse with warm saltwater every few hours. Pain medication may be suggested if you need it. Ask your dentist if you should use an antibacterial rinse.

Please call our office today to set up your evaluation @ 352-371-9831 or visit our website http://www.loycejonesdental.com/.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

2012-01-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

Some steps you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity include:

Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition).
If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:
- White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
- Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
- Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

If you would like to make appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones, please contact our office.
http:www.loycejonesdental.com

Reference: WebMD.com

Sensitive Teeth

2012-01-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth

· Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).

Tooth decay near the gum line.
Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to sensitive teeth.
Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.

· Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.

· Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.

· Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.

· Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.

Reference: WebMD.com

If you would like to make appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones, please contact our office.
http:www.loycejonesdental.com

Bread of The Mighty!

2012-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Each year we chose a community service to be part of. We have choosen the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. They have been part of our community for 25 years and serve Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, & Levy counties.

We would love to be able to get our patients and friends involved.

We ask if you have a dental appointment or happen to be in the neighborhood to drop off items from can goods to personal hygiene items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.).

We will be collecting food for all of 2012.

We started this in November of 2011 and so far with your help we have donated 238 pounds of food! We are so thankful to everyone that has helped us.

To learn more about the Bread of the Might Food Bank go to
http://www.breadofthemighty.org/index.html

Promote Good Brushing Habits with your Children

2011-12-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

Many parents do not know that childrens's teeth must be cleaned as soon as they start coming in. What they also may not know is that traditional toothbrushes may not be safe for toddlers to use themselves because they can be over inserted in the mouth or even swallowed.

Today, safer toddler toothbrushes are available that prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria. Using toddler toothbrushes can help children establish good oral heath habits at an early age.

It's never too early for parents to encourage their youngsters to start using toddler toothbrushes. "As soon as they are reaching frabbing for things, they are ready for it," says Academy of General Dentistry spokerperson Bob Roesch, DDS, MAGD. "It familiarizes children with having a toothbrush in their mouths, and they like to mimic their parents."

If you would like to make appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones, please contact our office.
http:www.loycejonesdental.com

Whitening Your Teeth

2011-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

At COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE, Dr. Loyce Jones, feels there is nothing quite like a patient that is happy with their smile. TOOTH WHITENING, is just one great way to begin the process of getting that smile you always wanted. Our philosophy on whitening might surprise you .

Did you know that most of our patients can have whiter teeth by just using an over the counter product? Crest white strips is our favorite over the counter product. If you are current with your dental care, and your dentist and hygienist have offered you whitening, you can always try Crest White strips to see if they meet your needs.

Most often the type of whitening a patient chooses is based in their wants and needs. Crest white strips have a multitude of styles and shapes. You just pick the one that suits you. The reason we recommend Crest White Strips is because they use the products we use in our office to whiten your teeth, just at a much lower dosage. It might take 1-3 boxes to whiten at the level you would like but give it a try. THE BIG “BUT”- to using an over the counter product is you must consult your dentist first. We will let you know if there is any reason you cannot whiten (ie infection, nursing, pregnant, tooth colored fillings or crowns, etc.)

OKAY what other ways can you whiten?

The most common way to whiten in a dental office is by having custom whitening trays made. This means you have upper and lower impressions made of your teeth, then our staff will make soft rubber trays to fit you. This takes two appointments, 1. Impressions 2. Delivery of the trays and whitening solution and instructions. Most patients that choose this method wear the trays when they sleep at night, or for 2-4 hours during the day. Wearing the trays 2-4 hours gives the solutions time to work. Most patients use the trays for 2-3 weeks depending on how white you want your teeth. REMEMBER- the good thing about all whitening techniques is you can most often titrate, or pick the level of whitening. You will be seeing your dentist regularly to monitor your whitening and answering any questions and they can help you decide what is a safe amount of whitening.

Dry Mouth

2011-12-06T05:41:00.001-08:00

Almost everyone’s mouth is dry sometimes. But if you feel like you have cotton in your mouth constantly, it may be time for treatment.

Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, in your mouth.

Feeling stressed can trigger dry mouth temporarily. But a persistently dry mouth may signal an underlying disease or condition, so it’s important to see your doctor, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates products that relieve dry mouth.

And because dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, you should see your dentist, too, says John V. Kelsey,
D.D.S., of FDA’s Division of Dermatology and Dental Products.

Dry mouth may make it difficult to speak, chew, and swallow, and may alter the taste of your food. It can also cause a sore throat, hoarseness, and bad breath.

Dry mouth can affect people of any age, but older people are especially vulnerable. “It’s not a normal consequence of aging,” says Kelsey. “Older people may take multiple medications that can cause dry mouth.”

According to the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America, dry mouth is a side effect of more than 400 prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, and high blood pressure medicines.
Other causes of dry mouth include:

cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation of the head or neck
hormone changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause
health problems, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease in which a person’s immune system attacks the body’s tissues, including moisture-producing glands
snoring or breathing open-mouthed

References: This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page⁹, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.