1960s American Dental Association PSA VIDEO

"1960s American Dental Association PSAs"

Caspar Fights the Plaque Demon VIDEO

"Caspar Fights the Plaque Demon" video is geared toward children.

Cracked Tooth and How to Fix It

Cracked Tooth Information

Something that can happen is a cracked tooth. Here are some facts you should know if you ever have this dental problem.

What Causes a Tooth to Crack?

If you have a sharp pain when you bite down on a tooth, you may have a cracked tooth. Certain foods that are denser, like roast beef, may cause pain when biting. Sometimes, the cracked tooth will also be sensitive to temperature changes, especially cold.

Why do some Teeth Crack?

Sometimes when we bite on something hard, a portion of the tooth breaks or a crack develops. I have had this happen to me eating popcorn, nuts, and cherry pie ( there was a pit in the pie filling). I have had patients who have bitten on steel buckshot that was not removed from the duck that was prepared for dinner.

An accident that causes trauma to your mouth can cause a crack and/or fracture. A large filling can precipitate a crack due to stress on the outside walls of the tooth. 

I have seen cracks and fractured teeth happen due to grinding and clenching of teeth. I have even seen a weightlifter break a front tooth from clenching during his lifting. Sometimes, eating ice cream and drinking hot coffee at the same time will induce a fracture due to extreme temperature changes.

How does the Dentist Diagnosis a Cracked Tooth?

In some cases, it is easy for the dentist to see the crack upon examination. 

 Sometimes, it is difficult or impossible to see the crack and an x-ray may not show any evidence. Sometimes a fiber optic light can illuminate the area of the tooth to show the crack.

One of the easiest ways to diagnose which tooth hurts is for the dentist to use a frac-finder device. This is a plastic instrument that is placed over the suspected tooth over each of the cusps (points) of each tooth and having the patient bite down on the frac-finder. 

If the patient feels pain upon biting, it is usually a good indicator that the tooth has a crack. Testing with cold air on several teeth is helpful to diagnose the offending tooth. If the patient cannot identify a specific tooth that hurts, I ask the patient to wait until the symptoms reappear. 

When the patient feels pain upon biting, the patient will place their index finger on the sensitive tooth and go to a mirror to see the problem tooth. Sometimes, biting on a Q-tip swab will elicit the pain to let the patient know of the problem tooth.

What is the Treatment of a Cracked Tooth?

The treatment of the cracked tooth can be as simple as minor bonding with a composite (white) filling to having the tooth removed if the crack is extensive into the roots. 

In many cases treatment will be a full coverage crown. 

Endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) may be required if the pulp is involved..

It is not unusual for teeth to have small cracks and most are asymptomatic (problem free). It is important for the patient to contact his/her dentist if a tooth continues to hurt to bite and have pain.

If YOU have a cracked tooth, or any other dental issue, contact me.

Even if you already have a dentist, I'm available to answer any questions you may have. to help you understand your condition and what to discuss with your dentist.

Top 10 Topics in Dentistry

Dental health is a big issue for all ages.

Your concerns and needs are important to me.

As a dentist, I'm always wanting to know what questions my patients have and what they want to understand better. It helps to keep track of what is trending, and going viral, when it comes to conversations about teeth and gums.

There are many ways I can discover what patients are typically worried about, or fascinated with, and you may find it interesting how I attempt to learn more about patients in general.

The American Dental Association, on their consumer facing website Mouth Healthy, presents this list of the most popular dental issues.

Which ones are you most interested in? Something not on this list? Post a comment and I'll respond to it.

Top 10 Dental Topics (click on topic to read more):

(1) baby teeth

(2) sensitive teeth

(3) dentures

(4) root canal

(5) wisdom teeth

(6) thumb sucking

(7) baby bottle tooth decay

(8) gum disease

(9) dental sealants

(10) antiobiotic prophylaxis or pre-medication

Visit to the Dentist - Carol Burnett Show VIDEO

Even dentists like a bit of humor now and then.

Check out this video about a dentist visit on the Carol Burnett Show. First aired in March 1969.

Teeth Whitening - Some Basic Facts

Making teeth gleam with a bright whiteness is a popular trend, especially in California, where some take it to an extreme. But everyone wants their teeth to look as good as possible.

In most cases, whiter teeth can be achieved without looking unnatural and without harming the enamel.

There are many different kinds of tooth whitening treatments available, including some do-it-yourself kits. You should know some basic information about whitening products before rushing into a specific approach.

Teeth Whitening Facts:

• Whitening can give you a more happy and healthy appearance.
• American Dental Association recommends consulting your dentist before starting any teeth whitening method, at home or in the dentist office.
• Technically, "whitening" means restoring teeth to their original color, while "bleaching" refers to whitening teeth beyond their natural color
• Our teeth tend to get yellow, darker, and stained as we grow older, so whiter teeth can make us look younger.
• Tooth decay and gum problems must be solved before any whitening treatment can begin.
• Dentist applied teeth whitening treatment can be safer and more effective than home treatment kits. Your dentist should use a comfortably fitting mouth tray and a professional whitening gel that contains a special buffer to protect tooth enamel.
• Your teeth can increase in whiteness by 10 shades in just one treatment.
• A whitening program can include home treatments to maintain the purest and brightest white possible and prolong the effectiveness of the whitening.
• How long a whitening treatment lasts depends upon factors like personal dental hygiene, avoidance of staining beverages and foods, avoidance of smoking, and age of patient.

READ MORE

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening

http://www.aacd.com/whitening

Why I Became A Dentist

How does a person become a dentist?

There are several factors that led me to my desire to be a dentist. And how I ended up in Peoria, IL, but let's start with what led me to practice dentisty. It's a patient-centric tale.

First, as a young boy, I watched my dentist, Dr Robert McParland, as he did dental treatment in my mouth. Dr McParland first practiced on Pulaski Rd, in Chicago, on the second floor above a delicatessen. 

He was gentle and soothing in his methods. Patient comfort and understanding was always uppermost in his mind. He explained what he was doing and why. It made a huge impression on my young mind. I was witnessing genuine professionalism, mixed with human caring.

I would walk to his office. If you were a good patient, he would write a prescription and you would take the prescription to the deli downstairs for a free chocolate covered ice cream bar. 

Talk about a practice builder! 

He later moved his office to Montrose Ave. I would take two buses to see him at his office. It seemed as if I always had several cavities and a good check-up would only need one or two cavities filled. He was a nice man and could make small talk to me easily. He also seemed to enjoy his occupation. 

In eighth grade, I had to write down what my future occupation was going to be for the F. W. Reilly School paper. I thought being a dentist sounded good and I was the only one of eighty five eight graders to have it published in the paper.

As a young boy, I would buy model kits for airplanes, cars, and ships. I enjoyed following the instructions and assembling the parts to make the project. I never considered myself to be artistic, but I had a sense of what “looks right”. I was one of three boys from my grade school selected to go to Lane Technical High School, a magnet school on Addison St. 

It was a big deal to be selected to go to Lane Tech. Our school had over 5,000 boys and all had at least two years above average reading and math skills. Almost all of the boys were planning on becoming to be an engineer or a scientist. I had to pay attention in class and I enjoyed the challenging environment. 

I enjoyed science, but I couldn’t see myself in a laboratory all day. I wanted to have contact with people.

After high school, I attended Bradley University as a biology major. 

I briefly thought about being a physician, but I thought a dentist would have more autonomy in practice. I had good grades at Bradley and was accepted into the four dental schools that I applied, all in Illinois. I had to study more at Bradley and even more in dental school. 

After dental school, I was accepted into a dental residency program at John Cochran V.A. Hospital in St. Louis. I saw patients in the hospital that needed dental treatment. 

Every day was different. In some cases, I had to consult the patient’s physician regarding dental treatment. I attended rotations in the hospital, including anesthesiology. 

At one time, I thought about being an oral surgeon, but I thought being a general dentist would be more interesting. I get to see patients and improve their oral health and see their improved smile. 

It's a big deal to me to know I'm helping, in my small way, to enhance the lives of other people. 

A new smile can mean a whole new life of better chewing, improved digestion, an increase in social interactions, and a boost to self-confidence.

I hope you feel like you know me a little better now. 

I'd love to hear your story of how you got into whatever field you chose or business you have enjoyed.

LATER……How I came to Peoria.

Pain Free, Affordable, High Tech Dentistry

Our teeth and gums are extremely important. They're our tools for consuming the food we need to survive. They help us speak, whistle, and pass on oral traditions in the forms of song and story.

Three things often keep people away from getting their dental needs met.

(1) Fear of pain.

But my patients don't have to worry about that. I make sure they are comfortable and not experiencing any painful sensations whatsoever. With the fast acting, modern dental painkillers available today, there is no need to feel any pain at all. After your procedure, you may also need pain medicine as the novacaine wears off. In these cases, you can count on pain  being kept at bay, so you can get back to normal.

(2) Cost.

Your dental care will be provided at the most affordable rate possible. Specific cost-savings gained from improved procedures and more effective technology are passed on to patients in the form of affordable dental care.

(3) Modernization.

If you're seeking a dentist that maintains continuing education, to stay on top of the latest developments in dental technology, this is my specialty. State of the art equipment and enhanced technique generally means more comfort and faster treatments for you, the patient.

If you'd like to talk about your dental needs, or are ready to set up an appointment, please CONTACT me at:

James Lynn Davis, DMD

1318 W. Candletree Drive, #2

Peoria, IL 61614

Phone:

(309) 692-6206

Email:

molar75@gmail.com


Get started today with Pain Free, Affordable, High Tech Dentistry for a new and happier smile.

How to Brush Your Teeth VIDEO

Back to the basics of home dental hygiene. Check out this video by the American Dental Association, showing you how to properly brush.

Gordon J. Christensen seminar was fantastic

I recently attended another Gordon J. Christensen website seminar and it was incredible.

This retired dentist has dedicated himself to keeping up with all the latest dental technology and innovative practices.

He's really gifted in his ability to present information about the new scientific breakthroughs and proven techniques in advanced dentistry.

His seminars and clinical training are one of the ways I update my dentist skills set, so I can offer my patients the most advanced care for their gums and teeth.

Teachings by Christensen and his colleagues have such titles as "Affordable Treatment of Complex Cases," "Successful Real World Practice: Fixed Prosthodontics," "Faster, Easier, Higher Quality, Cost-effective Dentistry," "Optimal Peridontal Techniques for General Practice," "Implant Surgery," "Restorative Dentistry," "Implementing Cone Beam Technology into Your Practice," "Oral Surgery Secrets."

By attending the most prestigious and creative dental industry conferences and training programs, the expertise I bring to your individual dental needs is constantly fresh and upgraded for highest professionalism.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are now the most recommended type of crown, due to their greatly increased durability and natural appearing beauty.

Crowns protect a tooth or dental implant from destruction. Zirconia is a super hard ceramic material that also compares favorably with natural teeth. It's milled from a chunk of crystal.

If you'd like more information about zirconia crowns, please contact me.

James Lynn Davis, DMD
1318 W. Candletree Drive, #2
Peoria, IL 61614

Phone:

(309) 692-6206

Email:

molar75@gmail.com


Get started today with Pain Free, Affordable, High Tech Dentistry.

Your new smile will give you a whole new life!

Our Dental Services

Here are the dental services we provide at my clinic.

Dental Preventive Care, Diagnosis& Restoration

Professional Teeth Cleaning – We believe in the importance of regular preventive care. That’s why professional teeth cleaning with a preventive recall program tops our list of services. As a service to our patients, we have adopted a customized recall program. We perform periodontal screening and oral cancer screening on all of our patients.

Dental Sealants – This treatment applies a plastic material to one or more teeth to help prevent cavities. 

Permanent molars are most likely to benefit from sealants. The first permanent molars come into the mouth usually when a child is six years old. Second permanent molars appear about age 12. It is best to apply the sealant after the teeth have erupted before they have a chance to decay.

Mouth Guards – If you play an active contact sport (basketball, hockey, soccer, etc.), you should be wearing a mouth guard. While store-bought mouth guards are inexpensive, they provide less protection, are bulky and make talking difficult. Custom-fitted mouth guards are made in our office, offering you superior comfort and protection.

Dentures – Our denture features IVOCAP, an injection molded acrylic that is superior in quality. Our dentures include premium quality denture teeth.

Crowns – Crowns can be made with various materials, including all metal (sometimes gold alloys), all porcelain or zirconia. Dr. Davis will suggest what is best for your dental health and aesthetics.

Advanced Dental Technology

Digital Diagnostic X-rays – These x-rays offer immediate viewing of the imaged area with significantly less radiation exposure for the patient and better visualization of the area by allowing the enhancement of the image on the computer screen. No processing of chemicals and film is required, resulting in a more environmental healthy community.

Intra-Oral Camera – Patients can see fine detail and have a better understanding of the condition of their teeth and gums.

CEREC – This dental restoration device allows us to produce a ceramic (white) restoration using computer-assisted technologies like 3D photography and CAD/CAM. Teeth are restored in a single visit.

Itero Digital System – This is an image scanning system for crowns and bridgework that records the images of the teeth into a computer and forwards that information via the Internet to a laboratory to construct the reconstruction. The patient is not required to have putty impression material in his or her mouth for five or more minutes as with traditional impressions. This eliminates the discomfort of impressions and re-impressions with no mess or gagging. This saves time for the dentist and patient with better fitting crowns. Remakes are less than one percent.

Diagnodent – This is a non-invasive laser used for diagnosing tooth decay not visible to the eye and to the dental explorer. It works by scanning a tooth and measuring fluorescence inside that tooth. The measurement is expressed into a numeric value that relates the likelihood of decay.

Other Dental Services

Tooth-colored fillings

Bleaching

Fixed bridgework

Porcelain veneers

Implants

Implant supported dentures

Removable partial dentures

Let's get started on your better smile. Improving your chewing and smiling will give you a whole new life. CONTACT my office today.

How To Floss Your Teeth VIDEO

Flossing is part of the healthy habits that will help keep your teeth cavity-free. Watch this American Dental Association video to learn the proper flossing technique.

Welcome to Davis Dental Diary

Welcome to the Davis Dental Diary blog, featuring the thoughts, insights, and expertise of James Lynn Davis, DMD.

I'll be sharing news, information and experiences related to attractive smiles, keeping teeth healthy, and the practice of dentistry.

You'll find answers to your questions about tooth decay, teeth bleaching kits, root canals, dental implants, toothaches, tooth sensitivity to cold or hot, gum and tongue health, and my opinions about tooth-related issues in the news.

You'll find up-to-date information on a variety of dental and mouth care topics. I'll keep you current with trends and topics dealing with caring for your teeth and having a smile you can be proud of.

Feel free to post a comment. Your comment will appear, in most cases, within 24 hours, along with my reply. I publish comments after reviewing them, to weed out spammers and trolls. I never censor negative comments, as long as they seem sincere and rational.

If you want to set up an appointment, please contact my office.

James Lynn Davis, DMD
1318 W. Candletree Drive, #2
Peoria, IL 61614

Phone:

(309) 692-6206

Email:

molar75@gmail.com


Get started today with Pain Free, Affordable, High Tech Dentistry.

Your new smile will give you a whole new life!

Contact Us

Your your teeth and gums are so vital to your overall health and happiness.

You can get the necessary dental work done in a affordable, pain-free manner -- using the latest technology for increased efficiency and comfort. 

Contact me today to find out how easy and economical it can be.

James Lynn Davis, DMD

1318 W. Candletree Drive, #2

Peoria, IL 61614

Phone:

(309) 692-6206

Email:

molar75@gmail.com



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