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Q:Are electric toothbrushes better the manual toothbrushes? A:Yes, if it is a quality(expensive) electric toothbrush with soft bristles. Harder bristled toothbrushes should only be used upon recommendation of your dentist. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years. www.michaelmaksimdds.com View Larger . . . Read more
Q:Are dental lasers beneficial for fixing cavities? A:Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would always be required to prepare the tooth for a filling. Lasers can often eliminate the need for using a drill and even anesthesia. However, if a tooth already has a filling some drilling may be needed . . . Read more
Q:What are some of the benefits of lasers used in dentistry? A:Faster healing and tissue regeneration. Preservation of more of the natural tooth. Reduced bleeding during and after treatment. Reduced need for anesthesia. Reduced need for stitches and sutures. Reduced risk of bacterial infections after procedures. Dr. Maksim has . . . Read more
Q:I lost several teeth to gum disease. What can I do now? A:When one or several teeth are missing due to periodontal disease, dental implants are an effective option. If the bone is strong enough to provide a suitable anchor for the prosthetic tooth, the implant can be placed. However, . . . Read more
Q:What is severe periodontal disease? A:Advanced periodontal disease – Gum pockets in excess of 6-7 mm are usually accompanied by bone loss and gum recession. Scaling and root planning will always be performed as the initial nonsurgical treatment. In addition to nonsurgical treatments, the periodontist may recommend surgical treatment to . . . Read more
Q:What is moderate gum disease mean? What does moderate gum disease mean? A:Moderate periodontal disease – If the gum pockets reach 4-6mm in length a more extensive scaling and root planning cleaning might be required. This cleaning is usually performed under local anesthetic. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry . . . Read more
Q:What is gingivitis? A:Gingivitis/mild periodontal disease – When the gum pockets exceed 4mm in depth, the periodontist or hygienist may perform scaling and root planing to remove debris from the pockets and allow them to heal. Education and advice will be provided on an effective cleaning regime thereafter. Dr. . . . Read more
Q:Who should treat severe gum disease? A:Before initiating any dental treatment, a periodontist should extensively examine the gums, jawbone and general condition of the teeth. When gingivitis or periodontal disease is officially diagnosed, the periodontist has a number of surgical and non surgical options available to treat the underlying infection, . . . Read more
Q:Is it true gum disease can harm more than just teeth? A:Gum disease can possibly cause these health conditions – Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis are all highly correlated with periodontitis and periodontal infections. The bacteria infection can spread through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. . . . Read more
Q:My wife says I have bad breath. Does that mean I have an infection? A:Bad breath – Continued halitosis (bad breath) which persists even when a rigorous oral hygiene program is in place, can be indicative of periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of an infection in the gum tissues. . . . Read more