Drs. Bloom & Wygodski
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Office News
We invite you to read our latest SmileLink Newsletter and to check out our website often for new information, or contact our office with any questions or concerns. Working together, we can help you achieve a lifetime of healthy and attractive teeth and a beautiful smile.
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Office Updates:
Laser Dentistry
Dr. Bloom is one of the first dentists in St. Petersburg to have a hard tissue laser for his patients. He upgraded his lasers in 2012 to the new Lightwalker Laser, which is actually two lasers in one, having a hard tissue laser AND a soft tissue laser that has revolutionized the way that we can treat many conditions. The Lightwalker not only allows him to do many fillings with no drill or needle injections, but also allows treatment of periodontal (gum) disease with a much less invasive, more comfortable procedure with quicker healing.
For periodontal treatment, or what is referred to as wavelength optimized periodontal therapy, we are often replacing incisions and stitches with a much less invasive and comfortable procedure that can have incredible results that are equal to traditional periodontal surgery
DentalVibe Injection System
DentalVibe is the only product that uses VibraPulse™ technology to stop the pain of anesthetic injections anywhere in the mouth! When we saw how it can reduce or eliminate injection pain we knew we had to try it for our patients' comfort. We are one of the few offices in our area with this new system.
We have tested it on patients who have told us they hate the injection part,and all say they did not or hardly felt the injection and want it used again next time. If you've been delaying needed dental treatment because of injection fear, let us help you with this new advance in comfortable dental care.
Implants
Dr. Bloom is now offering dental implants to his patients for replacement of missing teeth and stabilization of loose dentures for select cases. If you would like more info on this or a complimentary consultation to see if this is something that would benefit you, please call us at 727-384-4151.
Teeth Whitening
We believe that everyone deserves a great smile. That is why we offer many different kinds of teeth whitening. Our patients though have been really excited about our
Whitening Rewards Program
How would you like to get free whitening gel at your dental cleanings?
Whitening Rewards is available for a one time enrollment fee of just $119
(or only $49 for patients who have already started whitening in our office - wow!).
After you enroll in this program, you will receive customized whitening trays and whitening gel. When you return for your recommended cleaning visits, you will receive whitening gel absolutely FREE.
Single Tooth Anesthesia
As part of our commitment to provide the best possible dental experience for you, we use the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) system in our office. The STA™ System technology utilizes computer controlled anesthesia delivery enabling Drs. Bloom and Wygodski to deliver a virtually painless injection with a lightweight handpiece (instead of the dental syringe). The STA System lets patients realize enhanced comfort levels. Audio and visual confirmations make injections more accurate and effective.
This allows us to painlessly numb single teeth without the annoying numb lip and tongue effect lingering after you leave - this is especially great for our kids we treat! The positive patient response to this new technology has been great.
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SmileLink Articles |
Good To The Bone
When thinking of bone loss, we generally think of osteoporosis. We think about hunched shoulders and broken hips but what about your teeth? Bone loss means weakening teeth and jaw bones which can result in tooth loss. Knowing the signs of bone loss and how to rebuild can help you stay strong for the long run.
Bone loss is an erosion of bone density over time. Some of the early signs of bone loss are:
Receding gums – As the jaw bone begins to recede, it takes your gum tissue with it. Decreased grip strength – Just like with your gum tissue, bone loss affects muscle strength making your grip weaker. Weak, brittle fingernails – If your nails become more easily broken with seemingly no external cause, this could be a sign of bone loss.
If you suspect that you haven’t been taking care of your skeleton as well as you should, add some bone building measures to your diet and fitness routine. To safeguard those bones:
Schedule a bone density test – This simple test will assess your risk for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise – Weight-bearing exercises like climbing stairs and walking can improve bone density. Eat better – Add calcium-rich foods to your diet like yogurt, leafy greens and sardines. Take your vitamins – Add bone-builders like magnesium and vitamin D to your supplement routine. See your dentist – Stay on your regular checkup schedule and don’t hesitate to address concerns as soon as they occur. ---
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Pick Perfect
When it comes to restoring crooked, stained or damaged teeth, you have options. The most popular and beautiful solution is veneers. Veneers, usually made from translucent porcelain, can mimic natural teeth remarkably. Think you can’t afford veneers? Consider composite veneers for a strong, durable and less expensive solution to your restoration needs.
Composite veneers are made by applying a bonding agent to clean, dry teeth and then slowly layering composite material to the tooth. This process of layering is repeated until the desired density is achieved. Afterward, sculpting and polishing are used to create the final tooth look.
Besides cost, a major advantage to choosing composite veneers that it requires less reduction of the natural tooth. This makes them easier to replace than porcelain when they get worn. Also, a chipped composite veneer can be repaired easily without having to replace the entire veneer.
While composite veneers don’t mimic natural teeth as well as translucent porcelain veneers, they are a less expensive and easy to maintain option for correcting damaged teeth. This is especially true for teeth that are less visible.
Of course, composite veneers are just one available option when it comes to restoring your beautiful smile. Give us a call to further explore all of your options.
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Hit Me With Your Best Shot
You might be thinking, “I’m young, in good health and have good habits…I don’t need a flu shot,” but flu shots aren’t just for the at-risk. Anyone can get the flu, and while it may not be life-threatening to everyone, it can mean missed work, missed school, trips to the doctor’s office, trips to the pharmacy and cancelled events. Getting an annual flu shot can help you avoid the flu and keep your life on track.
With spring approaching you may be making plans like vacations and picnics and family reunions but no one ever plans to get sick. The financial impact of catching the flu isn’t limited to missed days of work and doctor bills. The flu can also result in wasted concert/theater tickets, postponed dates, non-refundable plane tickets and missed events.
Catching the flu can also impact your health in unexpected ways. Being sick may cause you to delay surgery and dental work, change your eating habits and affect your sleeping patterns.
Of course there are people that should always get a flu shot including the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. For everyone else, getting a flu shot is a pre-emptive strike against the physical, financial and emotional toll of getting the flu.
Luckily, flu shots are easier than ever to get. Check with your family doctor, local clinic or pharmacy and make a date to get a flu shot before the current flu season ends and the next flu season strikes.
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The Younger Games
As adults, we understand the importance of regular oral hygiene. We know that the best way to keep your teeth for a lifetime is to follow a good oral routine of brushing and flossing. Doing this helps remove biofilm, food debris and prevent decay, disease and bad breath. We know all of that and more importantly, we understand the implication of that. A five-year-old, on the other hand, may know it but does he really understand what it means? The question is as old as time, how do I get my kids to seriously care for their oral health?
One way to help build that foundation with kids is to make brushing fun. At an early age, it’s important to help them build those habits and routines. Help them want to brush with some fun and games.
The Sing-along: Challenge your child to sing two verses of ‘Row Your Boat’ or some other simple song while brushing. While offering some silly fun, this also helps your child brush for the appropriate amount of time.
Disclosing tablets or liquids: Offer your child some disclosing solution that will color biofilm and then challenge him or her to remove all of the color from their teeth. Seeing is believing.
Play dentist: After your child has brushed, play ‘dentist’ and inspect his or her teeth. Reward the child with a small treat like a sticker for going above and beyond.
Tooth Chart: Make a monthly chart and place a sticker or draw a star on it each time the child brushes. Offer rewards for goals met like brushing without being reminded or brushing for a correct amount of time.
Be Creative: Pretend that the tooth brush is a superhero and teeth are villagers that need to be saved from the evil Dr Plaque. Perhaps the brush is a fighter jet sent to battle alien invaders. Mix and match ideas to better suit your child’s personality.
While the best way to teach is the lead by example, playing games can help encourage behaviors that will develop into good oral habits. Once these habits become foundational, older children and teens will just instinctively brush and floss. If you aren’t sure that you are teaching your child the best technique for brushing and flossing, give us a call today for a family consultation.
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Pulp Friction
What could be worse than a painful, sensitive throbbing toothache? That prolonged pain and sensitivity to hot or cold could be something more serious than a cavity – it could be pulpitis. Pulpitis usually occurs when a cavity has penetrated through the enamel and dentin layers to reach the inner pulp of the tooth. This exposes the pulp (nerves and blood supply) to bacteria and infection resulting in inflammation and pressure. Often, the pain and pressure can build to the point where the surrounding teeth begin to hurt as well. This is known as referred pain.
There are two main types of pulpitis: Reversible and Irreversible. Reversible, as the name suggests, can be treated by removing the offending irritation and removing the decayed portion of the tooth. Once resealed with a dental filling, the pulp will heal and the tooth will again be healthy.
Irreversible pulpitis occurs when bacteria has damaged the exposed pulp. After the pulp has been damaged, it cannot be restored and will ultimately die. In this case, the tooth must be treated with root canal therapy or extraction.
The good news is that pulpitis is highly preventable. Avoid pulpitis by:
- Having regular dental checkups to spot problems before they start.
- Schedule needed fillings as soon as possible. Cavities will only get worse with time.
- Call us immediately if you experience sensitivity or pain.
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