Kenneth J. Canzoneri Blog
Modern Technology In The Dental Office
May 13, 2014
I was recently asked why I am so concerned about bringing modern dental technology into my dental office.
The easiest way to explain how I feel is to draw a comparison with hospitals. If you or a family member goes to a hospital for a surgery, which hospital are you going to choose. The hospital with a fifteen year old surgery center or the hospital with the state-of-the-art equipment, such as CAT Scan, Robotics, Heart catheters and the list goes on.
A dental office is no different! We are working on the human body, your body. Dentists are responsible for making sure you can eat, show a youthful smile and keep your teeth disease free for as long as you live. Another important duty is to eliminate any infection in your mouth that can affect your heart, other organs or exacerbate diabetes and other health conditions.
Modern dental technology is dramatically improving a patient’s experience in a dental office. Certain advancements have also vastly improved the accuracy of the dental work being placed in a patients mouth.
We all have one life and one body. Let’s take care of it the best we can!
Gum Disease Can Damage Your Body
May 2, 2014
Everyday in the dental office I discuss with patients the danger of cavities, crooked teeth, jaw joint problems and other dental issues. The one dental condition that should worry people the most is gum disease. Over the last few years research has suggested that gum disease may contribute to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, pregnancy complications and osteoporosis. The link between gum disease and heart disease has been well documented for years. Research has found that diseased gums release significantly higher levels of bacterial inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream. These harmful components in the blood could travel to other organs, such as the heart and cause damage.
Research suggests that there is a relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Gum disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. A very important fact about gum disease is that other than bleeding gums, gum disease has few symptoms and rarely causes discomfort. The gums do not hurt until it is too late. To help guard against gum disease, visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, x-rays, and a thorough evaluation of your gums.
Say Goodbye to Gooey Dental Impressions
April 18, 2014
One of the biggest complaints I hear from my patients is that the materials dentists use to take impressions for crowns, veneers and bridges is extremely unpleasant. The impression material when it is placed in a patient’s mouth typically runs down the back of the throat causing patients to gag and usually tastes awful. To add insult to injury a patient has to sit and endure this anywhere from one minute to seven minutes waiting for the material to harden before it can be removed. Even though my assistant and I will stay next to the patient the entire time the impression is in their mouth, it is still ‘gooey’ uncomfortable, a little claustrophobic.
Last year a new digital scanner was introduced to dentists. The 3Shape Digital Impression Scanner. Not many things surprise me in dentistry anymore but the technology of 3Shape scanner is simply amazing!
How the scanner works is that when a dentist prepares a tooth for a crown (including veneers, onlays, implant crowns and many other dental restorations) a small camera is placed in the mouth and the scanner begins to take hundreds of color pictures of your teeth and gums. Once the dentist is satisfied that the scanner has captured all the information the scanner sends the 3D images to the lab by email. The scanner is in the mouth, taking its pictures, for about 45 seconds three times.
The advantages of the 3Shape scanner for patients are quick and comfortable impressions, high quality restoration fits and minimal grinding, reduced number of appointments due to fewer retakes, reduced overall chair time and most importantly a great patient experience.
Follow my Blog as I will continue to share more information about modern dental advances which are leading to better accuracy and a much improved patient experience in the dental chair.
Free Oral Cancer Sceening Now Thru Dec 2013
November 19, 2013
The Two Minute Exam That Could Save Your Life! New Patients please call and schedule your appointment for a Free Oral Cancer Screening now thru December 2013.
VelScope has developed the last technology in oral cancer detection and we have it here, its simple and takes just a few minutes. As Seen On The Dr. Oz Show and The Doctors
Kenneth J Canzoneri, DDS
626.446.1679
What Makes a Regular Cleaning Different from a Deep Cleaning?
June 6, 2012
One question that’s common around our Arcadia dental office is the one above: what makes a regular cleaning different from a deep cleaning?
In both cases, patients will end up with a cleaner, healthier smile. What sets them apart is what we’re targeting and why. With a regular cleaning, we’re just trying to remove any staining, plaque or tartar that have built up on your teeth since your last visit. But with a deep cleaning, we’re concerned about the infection related to that build up of stain and tartar especially below the gumline.
Why Are Deep Cleanings Necessary?
The primary reason a patient might need a deep cleaning is poor oral health. When teeth aren’t cared for properly, bacteria, plaque and tartar can build up around the gumline, causing gingivitis. If this gingivitis isn’t treated, the condition can worsen, creating pockets between the teeth and gums. As this happens, bacteria, plaque and tartar build up down below the gumline causing infection. It’s at this point that a deep cleaning becomes necessary.
How Can I Avoid a Deep Cleaning?
The simple answer to that question is: excellent oral health.
By visiting Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia office twice a year for regular cleanings, and by brushing and flossing regularly at home. You may even want to complete your at-home regimen by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
These steps won’t guarantee that you never need a more advanced procedure, but they’re your best defense against gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental procedures.
If you have more questions about regular cleanings, deep cleanings, or another service entirely, give our Arcadia dental office a call today. Our team would be happy to answer your questions or schedule your next appointment with Dr. Canzoneri.
Dr. Canzoneri serves patients from Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, and Los Angeles.
Safely Capturing Clearer Images with Digital X-Rays
April 25, 2012
If you’ve ever visited Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia dental office, you know how committed we are to treating patients with contemporary techniques and technology. That’s why we use digital X-rays instead of traditional radiography.
Why are we are committed to this technology? Because of the many benefits that come with it.
First and foremost, digital X-rays emit much less radiation than traditional X-rays do. That benefits everyone in the office, but especially you, the patient.
Second, digital X-rays use a simple digital sensor to capture images. Compare this with the clunky materials used to take X-rays the traditional way.
Third, digital X-rays don’t have to be developed. For us, that means not having to work with harmful chemicals. For you, that means less time waiting to see the results. Instead, we can simply display your results on a monitor, where you and Dr. Canzoneri can clearly look at them together. We can even make adjustments to the images, making them clearer to see, all so that you can be completely up to speed about the health of your smile.
We don’t want any of our patients to leave with unanswered questions on their mind. With digital X-ray technology, it’s now easier than ever to educate patients about how their smile is doing.
Want to know more about digital X-rays? Call Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia office today. We serve patients from Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, and Los Angeles.
Support Your Heart Health by Making Your Oral Health a Priority
February 27, 2012
Valentine’s Day is behind us and February is almost gone, but it’s never too late to talk about the connection between oral health and heart health. As studies have shown, the connection between the two isn’t negligible. Even though their relationship isn’t entirely clear to doctors yet, one clearly exists. And in large part, that connection is believed to involve gum disease, and the bacteria and plaque that cause it.
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to the formation of pockets in the soft tissue around the base of teeth. These pockets then make it possible for bacteria and plaque to find a way inside the bloodstream and, from there, to other parts of the body. When bacteria reaches the heart, the danger is that it might aggravate your arterial walls, eventually causing protective plaque to build up, blocking blood flow in the process and eventually triggering a heart attack.
If you’d like to find out more about the connection between your oral health and your general wellbeing, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia dental office. Dr. Canzoneri serves patients from all across the Los Angeles area and would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call today.
Ask The Expert…
February 21, 2012
Ask The Expert
Kenneth J. Canzoneri, D.D.S
Q: Is it true that oral cancer is very prevalent in men and how do I look for it?
A: Yes, it is true. Oral cancer has become the sixth leading cancer among men and is also increasing in young adults. The good news is that if found early enough the survival rate is very high. Your dentist or dental hygienist should do a yearly oral cancer exam. The FDA recently cleared the VELscope system, a breakthrough technology, to assist dental professionals in discovering cancerous and precancerous growths that may not be apparent to the naked eye.
The VELscope utilizes a safe, high energy, blue light with specialized filtering to evaluate the oral tissue for abnormal areas. It is completely free of any pain or discomfort.
Q: I am going to a friend’s wedding and want to bleach my teeth but I am worried that the bleaching material will damage my teeth. What should I do?
A: I am asked this question in my office at least 4 times a week. Teeth whitening when done correctly, is safe and it does not damage the surface of your teeth. Bleaching gels can cause some degree of tooth sensitivity but there are now desensitizing gels which can reduce the amount of sensitivity you may experience.
Q: I haven’t smiled in years due to my ugly teeth and I want to get veneers. I am nervous because some of my friend’s porcelain veneers look fake.
A: This is a complicated question which could take pages to explain. The simple answer is to find an experienced dentist and dental laboratory. In my opinion a high quality dental lab that can fabricate realistic veneers may be more important than the dentist. The best idea is to ask to see photos of patients that the doctor and the lab have completed. Websites with before and after photos may be a good source.
Q: I haven’t been to the dentist in a few years. I know that I have some old fillings and cavities but I am afraid that the dentist is going to drill my good teeth away.
A: I feel strongly that with the advances in, what dentists refer to as, adhesive dentistry, the preservation of tooth structure must be the goal of every dental professional. The advances in technology such as lasers, drills that are faster with less vibration, electric drills, digital x-rays, bonded fillings and porcelain have dramatically improved a dentist’s ability to take away the diseased portion of the tooth without harming the healthy tooth structure.
Oral Care Tips to Help Your Smile This Christmas and New Year
December 20, 2011
Given how many parties the holiday season is filled with and the prevalence of sweets served at these parties, our smiles need all the help they can get this time of year. That’s why, from all of us at Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia dental office, we’d like to share a few oral care tips with you, in addition to wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, and try to brush in between snacks if possible. One way you can do this is by keeping a travel-size toothbrush with you. If you’re not able to do this, another simple way you can keep your teeth clean and fight cavities is with xylitol gum.
With Sedation Dentistry from Dr. Canzoneri, You Don’t Have To Be One of the Millions of Patients Who Avoids the Dentist Every Year
December 9, 2011
Millions of patients avoid the dentist every year, and for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s because of anxiety. For others, it’s because of neck or back pain, a sensitive gag reflex, or a neuromuscular problem like TMJ dysfunction. Still others might need to have several procedures completed but only have time for one appointment.
If any of these describe your situation, sedation dentistry from Dr. Canzoneri’s Arcadia dental office may be right for you.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Dr. Canozeri uses a type of sedation dentistry called oral sedation. With oral sedation, patients will only need to take a small prescription pill before arriving for their appointment. As this pill takes effect, you’ll begin to feel sleepy and relaxed. (more…)