Friday, September 10, 2010

Periodontal Disease & Why It Matters


What is Periodontal or "Gum" Disease?

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "inflammation around the tooth.") This condition causes gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque grows and worsens below the gum line. As your body defends itself, bacterial toxins and the body's natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If left untreated, the bones, gums and tissue that support the teeth may be destroyed. Even worse, the teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Most people usually do not show any signs of periodontal disease until they hit their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Generally teens rarely develop gum disease, but they can develop gingivitis. Gingivitis is a the milder form of gum disease that can later lead to periodontitis. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases:

- Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
- Floss every day
- Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
- Eat a well balanced diet
- Don't smoke

Some recent studies have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies. So far, it is not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions, but the correlation definitely exists.

We encourage everyone to care for their teeth as a part of their overall health. Call us today to schedule your exam and routine cleaning.


Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Dental Insurance... Do You Need It?


There are many advantages to having at least some form of dental insurance. The benefits of having dental coverage include:


Dental coverage leads to better dental care
With better dental insurance, you can afford to have the treatments, surgeries, and regular check ups you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Many dental plans also cover the surgeries and medications you need to make sure that your teeth stay in peak shape.

Dental insurance can ensure better oral health
Many studies have shown that those who cannot easily afford dental care tend to neglect their oral health. Going extended periods of time without proper dental care will allow cavities and other conditions to fester and get worse. Patients who can afford dental care easily, however, may get more regular check ups, and so control conditions while they are less serious.

Dental coverage can help you stay financially healthy
If you develop a serious condition that has to do with your teeth or gums, it can be expensive and force you to spend money you don't have or use needed savings. Since dental surgery and other complex treatments can easily cost thousands of dollars, you may jeopardize your finances to keep your teeth healthy. Good dental coverage can put you in a position to be able to treat even serious conditions without breaking the bank.

Dental insurance can preserve your overall health
Our health depends a great deal on the food we eat. Strong and healthy teeth are needed to eat many of the essential foods, fruits and veggies we need to stay fit. With dental coverage, you can have the dental care you need so that you can enjoy the foods that will keep your body in great shape.


Kurz Dentistry welcomes dental insurance! We are in-network dental providers for many diffierent insurances plans including: Delta Dental, Met Life, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Concordia, United Health Care & Atlanta Care.

Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Whiter Teeth - Brighter Smile


Teeth Whitening Treatment just $350 per patient (reg. $450) or 2 patients for just $450 (reg. $900). Zoom! is a revolutionary teeth whitening procedure. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and maintenance.

Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Live Longer By Having Healthy Teeth ???


Most everyone is concerned about having a healthy heart and preventing heart disease. Well, some interesting facts have surfaced over the last 10 years. Research beginning in the 2000s suggests that your dental health may have a very direct relationship with your heart health. Several different studies conducted by cardiologists, and by periodontists (specialists in gum disease) now suggest that there are several connections between dental health and heart disease. People with gum disease or with deteriorating teeth are much more likely to have heart disease. These are correlative studies, not cause and effect studies, but further research in this area may in fact suggest that keeping your teeth, gums and mouth healthy is a key factor to keeping a healthy heart.

Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Benefits Of Dental Implants


A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.

Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time.

We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants.

Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Friday, April 9, 2010

4 Minutes A Day Will Help To Keep Decay Away


Proper tooth brushing in the morning and at night will help protect your teeth and gums from decay and disease. Here are simple instructions for brushing your teeth daily, once when you awaken and once before bed(2 minutes each time).


Now Let's Brush...
1. Apply a thin strip of toothpaste on your premoistened toothbrush.
2. Start your brushing with the upper molars (back teeth)and focus on the front surface of the tooth. Brush in a clockwise direction giving each tooth attention. Hold the toothbrush parallel to your teeth so they are resting slightly below the gumline. Apply gentle pressure to the bristles, so they are slightly bent. Gently move the brush in a circular motion for approximately 20 brush strokes, or roughly 10seconds.
3. Once all your brush strokes are complete, roll the bristles away from the gum tissue in a gentle sweeping motion.
4. Continue the above steps until the front of all your upper and lower teeth have been fully brushed.
5. To clean the inside surfaces, repeat steps 2 to 4 for the upper and lower premolars and molars. Then to clean the inside of your front teeth take the tip of the toothbrush, and in a flicking motion, direct the toothbrush from the gumline toward the end of the tooth. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
6. Gently brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks.
7. Finish by rinsing with water or mouthwash.

Contact Us Today To Learn Even More...
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com