What Is Geriatric Dentistry? | Huntington Beach Dentist

Aging is a process we all deal with in the later parts of our lives. And with that, there are loads of changes that take place as we get to a certain age. Our bodies are beginning to break down and we need more to keep ourselves healthy. One area in our lives that may be neglected as we age is our dental health. Unfortunately, our dental health should be more of a priority since it is our first line of defense against our overall health.

Geriatric dentistry is the delivery of oral care to older patients, many of whom require diagnosis, management, prevention and treatment of dental problems associated with age-related diseases. According to research, more than half of all dental patients over 60 are on medication or are medically compromised in some way, while also showing increased sensitivity to medication used in dentistry, necessitating a specialized type of care.

Potential drug interactions. Elder patients may take medications that make them more vulnerable to drug interactions, medication errors and drug reactions, requiring special precautions to protect the safety and well-being of older patients.

Compassion. Geriatric-focused dental professionals take great care to minimize noises and distractions during treatment. And since older patients with cognitive limitations are easily overwhelmed, geriatric-focused dental professionals are also careful to communicate using short, simple sentences that relax the patient and ease the treatment process.

Patience and consideration. When dealing with elder patients suffering from dementia or physical impairments, experienced dental professionals understand that patience may not be enough and may need to delay a procedure for a later time.

If you would like to find out more about improving geriatric dentistry , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

Choosing the Right Type of Braces | Huntington Beach Dentist

In a world full of perfect smiles, those of us that don’t fall in line have a reason to feel like they aren’t up to snuff. If you happen to decide that straightening your teeth is the way to go, you have a decision ahead of you – the type of braces you will be using to improve your smile.

Now, not everyone qualifies for every type, so you may not have much of a choice. A consultation with your orthodontist is required, but here is a quick rundown of the types of braces available:

Traditional. Stainless steel braces are the most inexpensive types of braces. The main drawback to metal braces is that they’re very visible. They’re also known to cause irritation in the gums and cheeks while you adjust.

Ceramic. Ceramic braces are made to blend in with your teeth, but at a much higher cost. They’re built to withstand stain, but the ties can easily stain. Unfortunately, ceramic braces are much more sensitive and are prone to breaking or chipping.

Lingual. Even more inconspicuous than ceramic, lingual braces are tucked behind the teeth. The main problem with lingual braces, aside from the cost, is that they’re not ideal for most cases. These braces can also get in the way of the tongue, causing speech problems and/or injuries.

Invisible. Invisible braces are not like your conventional braces wherein you have brackets mounted to your teeth. Instead, you wear custom-fitted aligners or rubber trays for 20 hours a day, removing them only when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. The main advantage of these braces is that they require less frequent dental visits. The biggest drawback is losing the trays – replacing them can be quite costly.

If you would like to find out more about braces, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

The Many Benefits of IV Sedation | Huntington Beach Dentist

When we need to have a dental procedure done, it never ceases to make us nervous. For some, it is such an issue that they suffer from dental anxiety, especially when it comes to surgery. But these days, there really isn’t anything to fear – the dental industry understands that patients are nervous and have developed IV sedation as an option prior to the procedure, so you can rest at ease. Not only will sedation help ease you enough to calm your nerves, but it will also help your dental professional get the work done with the least amount of resistance. Here are some reasons you may want to mention IV sedation during your next dental procedure:

  • IV sedation kicks in right when it’s first administered, and the drug dosage can be altered to fit each individual patient.
  • A safe level of deep sedation can be reached with IV sedation, as where oral sedation and inhalation sedation can be unpredictable. IV sedation is safe and effective.
  • Certain treatments can be performed at a fast pace and with fewer office visits with the help of IV sedation.
  • With IV sedation, your gag reflex is greatly diminished. If you are using IV sedation for gag reflex, then your dentist may try inhalation sedation first.
  • IV sedation allows patients to be conscious, while also relaxing them. This allows them to cooperate with the dentist instructions and be relaxed at the same time.
  • Recovery time is typically shorter with IV sedation. This is mostly because the drug dosage can be tailored.

As you can see, you don’t need to worry about that dental procedure you’ve been dreading. There’s no reason to let your dental anxiety or sensitive gag reflex keep you from visiting the dentist.

If you would like to find out more about IV sedation, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

Why You Should Consider Opting for Veneers | Huntington Beach Dentist

When something happens to damage their smile, many patients become self-conscious about what can be done to repair the damage, especially if the fix is still fairly obvious to those around. Thankfully, we don’t have to think about things like this because we have veneers to repair.

Porcelain veneers offer superior benefits over other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. The fingernail-thin shells, which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a list of the top ten reasons you should really consider asking your dentist about your veneer options:

Discrete. Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.

Whiten stains. When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.

Straighten flaws. Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.

Fix chips and breaks. Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.

Fills gaps. Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.

Youthful. A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.

Conservative. Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.

Protection. Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.

Stain-resistant. Porcelain is stain resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.

Gum-friendly. Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

If you would like to find out more about porcelain veneers, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.