Your Guide to Excellent Dental Health

Dr. Bart Kreiner, DDS, grew up in Bel Air, Maryland. He attended Loyola College in Maryland and the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Dr. Kreiner’s practice philosophy is to raise the standard of dental care, not just meet it, which he does daily at his own dental practice, Dr. Kreiner Family Dentistry. Here, he talks about many aspects of dentistry of interest to his patients, from fixing a chipped tooth to whitening teeth to how gum disease can affect you during pregnancy.

Facts Every Dental Patient Should Know

Even people who think they know a lot about dental health don’t know everything. Did you know that chewing ice is the biggest cause of chipped teeth? Or that eating cheddar cheese after ingesting sugar will decrease the likelihood of tooth decay?

What You Should Tell Your Dentist About Your Health

Don’t forget to tell your dentist of any change in your medical condition, and also to tell him of any serious allergies or other issues. This is not just to protect your dentist; it is to protect yourself.

Making a Dentist’s Office Clean

Sterilizing equipment is crucial when you are at the dentist’s office, and we do it properly. Nothing is reused that shouldn’t be, and people can rest assured that they are in a safe, sterile and caring environment that is doing all it can to raise the standard of dental care.

Creating a Soothing Dental Environment

Nobody should feel scared of the dentist, and at Bart Kreiner Denistry, the staff do all they can to make patients feel relaxed and comfortable. This includes not only a happy atmosphere, but also relaxing neck pillows, places to lie down, and TV programs and DVDs on tap.

Getting Children to Behave at the Dentist

Most children can learn to behave well at the dentist and not be scared in no time. The trick, first of all, is for the parents to set a good example. Then most children just need things explained to them carefully and patiently.

Why to Visit a Non-Participating Dental Insurance Office

Insurance providers often only prescribe the bare minimum. So if you want to get the best for your money, you may want to visit a dentist who will tell you what really needs to be done to your teeth and not only what the insurance companies will provide.

When to Use Oraverse

Oraverse will allow patients to return to work soon after their dental procedure has been completed, as it counteracts the effect of the numbing process. It is not, therefore, suitable for people who have had root canals or other more serious procedures, but good for those who only underwent a simple filling, for example.

Using Lasers to Remove Tooth Decay

Lasers are a fantastic way to get rid of simple tooth decay. They work quickly, the procedure is painless, and it is soothing and quiet for those who are scared of a dentist’s drill. Ask at your next visit if your dentist uses lasers.

Teeth-Whitening Tricks

Don’t think that just because you have had your teeth whitened that they will stay that way forever. You need to do special things to keep them sparkling white, such as avoiding red wine and too much java.

Basics of Prosthodontics

Everything you always wanted to know about replacing missing teeth – but were afraid to ask. Read this article to learn about what to do if you need full dentures or just one fake tooth.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are cemented in the mouth and are not intended to be removed, unless they need to be replaced. Most people adapt to them well, and before long, they feel like the real thing. Within just 48 hours, they can hardly remember that they have had a dental procedure.

Immediate Dental Bridge Placement

Replacing a bridge immediately can be possible if the treatment is planned properly. The benefits are that the bridge will fit better and look better, but for some reason most dentists are not doing this as part of their routine.

Natural-Looking Dentures

Many people dream of having perfectly straight and milk-white teeth. But if you have dentures made to look that way, the result is false-looking teeth.

The Truth About Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring is when minor adjustments are made to make a difference, usually in the way a tooth appears. However, it is not used often because it is rarely suitable for the majority of people, as this article points out.

What Are Periapical X-Rays?

Sometimes a plain old dental x-ray is not enough, which is why Bart Kreiner Denistry uses periapical x-rays, which show the entire tooth, including the root. It gives the dentist a better overall picture on what is actually happening inside the mouth.

Gum Disease During Pregnancy

You are more prone to gum disease, or periodontal disease, when you are pregnant. If it is severe, it can even affect your unborn child, resulting in low birth weight and even premature birth.

What to Know About Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry presents unique challenges to a dentist, and can be difficult yet rewarding. Sometimes it has to do with TMJ disorders; other times it is because of a nerve conditions such as Bell’s palsy.

How Missing Teeth Affect Your Health

You might think that a missing tooth is unsightly, and you are right. But did you know that missing teeth can affect not only your dental health, but your overall health as well? Talk to your dentist to see what treatment is available should you lose a tooth.

Fixing a Chipped Tooth

There are many ways to fix a chipped tooth, sometimes as easy as using a composite resin to make it look and perform better. It will not last forever, but could last up to a decade – and the best is that it only takes a few minutes.

Shadevision for Tooth Color Matching

It’s now a lot easier to make resin or prosthetics that accurately match the shade of your teeth, thanks to a new color matching program. In the past, dentists had to hold a color chart up next to your teeth. But this is much more scientific.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.