If you have a cavity, there’s a good bet that we will recommend a filling. Dental fillings are safe and effective, but on some occasions, people may experience discomfort or tooth sensitivity after the procedure. Here are a few reasons why a patient may experience sensitivity after a filling. What is a Filling? A filling…
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Study Finds Charcoal Toothpastes Do More Harm Than Good
Categories: Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry
It’s time to give charcoal toothbrushes the official brush off. A new study suggests the so-called teeth whitening products are nothing but a gimmick that may do more harm than good. The new study published in the British Dental Journal examined 50 charcoal toothpastes to determine whether they lived up to their claims to whiten,…
Researcher Developing Revolutionary Gel That Can Regrow Tooth Enamel
Categories: Biomimetic Dentistry, Blog
Cavities are the main source of oral pain, affecting roughly about 35% of the world’s population. Traditionally, the methods used to treat cavities and tooth enamel erosion involve even more pain, a lot of money — and drills. But that could all change thanks to a professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Janet…
Dental Fillings Don’t Last Forever — Here’s Why…
Categories: Blog, Dental Health
Dental fillings used by Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, are meant to repair chips or small cavities in teeth. Fillings are made up of materials that are resistant to decay, like porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes, amalgam. Fillings are made to last — however, on occasion, harmful bacteria in our mouths can break down the…
3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are the #1 Choice for Prosthetic Teeth
Categories: Blog, Dental Implants
There was once a time when dental implants were considered rare and pretty expensive. Not anymore. All of us here at the Knoxville Dentist office Dr. James Erpenbach wholeheartedly recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Why? Because not only are they the proven replacement option for people who want to chew and talk comfortably…
A Bad Dental Filling May Do More Harm Than Good
Fillings are typically used by Dr. Erpenbach to repair chips or small cavities. They are often made from decay-resistant materials like porcelain, composite resin, and, on occasion, amalgam. However, as time goes by, the pervasive bacteria in your mouth can slowly start to weaken the bond between the filling and the surrounding tooth enamel. This…
Ozone Antiseptic Shows Promise for Treating Gum Disease
Categories: Biomimetic Dentistry, Blog
Ozone Therapy has been used here at the Knoxville Dentist office of J.D. Erpenbach DDS for many years to treat tooth decay and gum disease. Now, scientists are taking the treatment one step further, developing an ozone antiseptic agent called “ozone nano-bubble water†to treat severe gum infections. The Use of Ozonated Water In one ozone therapy study,…
4 Common Causes of Gum Recession — And What To Do About Them
Categories: Blog, Dental Health
Recession, or receding gums, is something I talk about quite often with my patients. In fact, we check for receding gums by taking gum line measurements at every dentist visit. Why are these measurements important? Because, besides attractively showcasing your teeth, your gums also protect your teeth and underlying bone from bacteria and abrasive food…
Reversing Damaged Tissue From Gum Disease
Categories: Biomimetic Dentistry, Blog
Anyone with advanced gum disease knows how much the condition can ravage the mouth. Gum disease literally destroys connective and periodontal tissues, causing tooth pain and tooth loss. The bacteria involved with gum disease are also associated with other health problems such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. Common Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease…
CDC Warns Parents: Pay Close Attention to How Much Toothpaste Kids Use
Smearing toothpaste on your toothbrush is a mindless action many of us don’t even pay attention to. In most cases, for adults, this is fine. But for parents of young children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a stern warning: Pay extra close attention to how much toothpaste your kids are using. How…
