2. Following extraction of teeth in the upper front area (smile zone): The bone is extremely thin in this area and following tooth loss, the bone almost always shrinks and diminishes in dimension. This results is inadequate bone and gum tissue and poor aesthetic results, no matter what the replacement option. Immediate bone grafting will prevent bone and gum tissue shrinkage and the unsightly defects that results. Bone graft will preserve the bone dimension and gum line creating a natural and cosmetic result following implant replacement.

3. Delayed implant placement: If a tooth has been extracted and there is normal healthy bone, but the patient does not desire implant placement right away for whatever reason, then the site should be grafted. This is done to preserve the bone and prevent it from shrinking. An implant can be easily placed later with predictable results. If not grafted, a defect can result, making it much more difficult and more costly to correct later.

At Tysons Dental our skilled Vienna dental implants provider, Dr. Alex Osinovsky believes in the benefits of using dental implants as a support structure for dentures for our Vienna cosmetic dentistry patients. An implant denture is an artificial prosthesis that replaces all of the teeth and some of the roots, thereby maintaining healthy gums and the integrity of facial structures.

An implant denture involves the surgical placement of four to six metal screws into the jaw (dental implants). These implants are then used to support a temporary denture through the osseointegration process, during which the implants naturally fuse into the jaw bone. Final dentures are placed three to four months following initial dental implants procedure.

An implant denture is a permanent restoration and can only be removed by Dr. Osinovsky or patients may opt to receive a removable implant denture. Dr. Osinovsky and his dental team can help you determine which option is best for you.

Why Choose Implant Dentures Over Traditional Dentures?

Our McLean / Fairfax cosmetic dentistry patients who have traditional dentures are all too familiar with the many disadvantages associated with conventional teeth prosthesis. Replacing missing teeth with implant dentures prevents several complications associated with traditional dentures, including irreversible bone loss and gum disease. Dental implants also allow our Vienna dental implants patients to enhance their quality of life by not worrying about loose dentures that are high maintenance and require frequent repairs.

Implant dentures are designed to provide our Vienna / Arlington cosmetic dentistry patients with a solid foundation for a successful replacement of their teeth. When performed by Dr. Osinovky, our Fairfax / McLean dental implants patients regain their ability to lead a more comfortable life without compromising their oral health.

Dr. Osinovsky is committed to helping dental implants McLean / Fairfax cosmetic dentistry patients restore their oral health and smile aesthetics. Please contact our practice to schedule your dental implants consultation.

What Is Osseintegration?

Osseintegration is the healing process during which the dental implant (titanium screw) naturally fuses into the jawbone. Most our dental implants McLean, Fairfax, Vienna and Arlington patients achieve full osseointegration within three to four months following initial treatment. However, it is important to note that poor oral hygiene and smoking as well as certain medical conditions may compromise osseointegration, so it is essential that all of our Vienna cosmetic dentistry patients follow specific maintenance instructions provided by Dr. Osinovsky and his dental team.

What Happens Next?

Following the osseointegration process, i.e. after the jawbone has successfully grown around the implant, Dr. Osinovsky performs a second procedure, during which he adds the abutment (anchor) on top of the dental implant. This post acts as the support structure for your dental restoration, either a crown or a dental bridge. However, prior to placing the final restoration, another one to two weeks of healing time is usually necessary. Once again, we provide all of our Vienna, McLean, Fairfax dental implants patients with a temporary dental restoration during this time.

What To Expect During Recovery

Just like any surgical procedure, the dental implants treatment requires some recovery time, during which you may experience mild discomfort, gum pain, swelling and bruising. However, when performed by Dr. Osinovsky and his skilled dental implants Vienna team, our patient trust with all their restoration needs, the risk of dental implants related complications are greatly reduced.

When placed by our Vienna dental implants expert Dr. Alex Osinovsky, dental implants give our patients the freedom to chew food comfortably, smile and speak with confidence. Dental implants in Vienna are strong, durable dental restorations that will feel and function just like natural teeth for many years to come.

The restorations used at Tysons Dental in Vienna are custom made for each patient to match the size, shape and color of their natural teeth. Although dental implants are not susceptible to cavities, it is important to maintain optimal oral health through regular dental visits and good oral hygiene.

Please contact our dental implant expert, Dr. Osinovsky at Tyson Dental to learn more about how dental implants can give you a reason to smile.

• A titanium implant that resembles a small, metal screw
• The abutment, which serves as an anchor to the dental restoration
• The restoration such as a crown, bridge or denture

By replacing missing teeth roots, Dr. Osinovsky and his team are able to provide patients with a functional and durable restoration that not only gives them a new, better-looking smile but, more importantly, prevents bone resorption (bone loss). Bone resoprtion is a process during which the jawbone begins to deteriorate, thereby resulting in a number of complications, including collapsed facial features.
Unlike dental bridges, dentures and other types of teeth replacement procedures, dental implants offer several benefits, including:

• Prevention of bone loss
• Preservation of facial structures
• Enhanced smile appearance
• Look and functionality of natural teeth
• Preservation of adjacent teeth
• Easy oral hygiene

Dental implants used by Dr. Osinovsky, an extremely qualified Vienna dental implants provider, are made of titanium, a biocompatible element that is corrosion-resistant and not rejected by the body. The quality of the materials coupled with Dr. Osinovsky’s experience and skills allow us to maintain our excellent track record of successful dental implants procedures.
At Tyson’s Dental we strongly believe that dental implants can enhance the quality of life for our patients who deserve to enjoy a comfortable and dazzling smile. To learn more about dental implants in Vienna at our modern, dental practice, please visit our dental implants page or contact us to schedule your consultation and find out if you are a good Vienna dental implants candidate. We serve cosmetic dentistry patients in Vienna, Arlington, McLean, Fairfax and throughout Virginia.

There’s an old joke that Halloween is a dentist’s favorite holiday – it stirs up business. But in reality, no professional dentist wants see mounds of candy setting back his hard work in building his patients’ beautiful smiles.

It might be simpler if our culture had never developed the annual ritual of giving children large amounts of free candy, but it’s a fact of life. But, according to Dr Alexander Osinovsky and The staff of Tysons Dental, Halloween doesn’t have to be a dental disaster. Here are 10 tips for a tooth-friendly experience without dousing the fun for kids and parents.

1)Set rules early – When your children are finished trick-or-treating and bouncing with a bag of candy, it’s going to be tough to discuss limits and rules for eating candy. Things are going to be much smoother if you have a sit-down before the big night – perhaps a day earlier – to discuss how the loot is going to be divided and doled out.

2)Screen the loot – Your Halloween ritual should include an end-of-night screening of goodies, not only for dental care, but for general safety. Make sure the candy is wrapped and there are no signs of tampering. This is a good chance to separate out candy that presents higher dangers to teeth. Make sure to get the screened candy out of the house. Take it to work, drop it off at a police station, or send it to the troops.

3)Control the candy – Even after screening, children and adults shouldn’t go on a binge with the sweets. Kids in a normal middle-class neighborhood can easily pull in several pounds or more of candy, and it’s the job of parents to make sure it’s doled out over a reasonable period of time. How much candy do you think your child should eat a day? Set a ration and stick to it . . . let the kids choose several candies at a set time every day; after school, after dinner, etc.

4)Soft and sticky – Gummy Bears, taffy, sticky caramels and similar candies stick between teeth and braces, allowing bacteria a nice long-term meal. Unless you are going to enforce strict post-chewing brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, it’s a good idea to pull this type of sweets from the candy pile right up front. Caramel and candy apples? Not if you want those fillings or sealants to stay in!

5)Hard candy – There are two ways to eat hard candy, and both are a danger to teeth. Sucking the candies provides a long exposure to the sugars that nourish cavity-causing bacteria. Worse is to crunch the candy, which may actually break fillings or teeth, or damage orthodontic work or sealants.

6)“Safe” candies – Soft, non-sticky candies, such as chocolates, M&Ms and peanut-butter are safest for teeth. And fortunately, they’re likely the first targets for your kids’ sweet tooth.

7)Set an example – The dirty little secret of Halloween is how much of the candy ends up inside the parents. Don’t let your kids see or suspect that you’re eating their stash without following your own rules.

8)Bait and switch — If you follow the tips above, you’re going to end up with a much smaller candy pot. Take the initiative and buy several bags of sugar-free candies to add to the pot, so it doesn’t look so whittled down. You can also toss in non-candy treats, such as small toys, party favors, glow sticks, etc.

9)Gum for “dessert” – Sugar-free gum is recommended by the American Dental Association (and in some cases, carries a seal of approval). It can actually help counteract the sugar and stimulate saliva that keeps your mouth healthy. Give your kids an after-candy treat by giving them sugar-free gum.

10)Floss and brush – Your kids’ candy treat should be followed by flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

What is it—A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic protective coating for teeth. It is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These are the areas where most cavities form. Molars and premolars have grooves and crevices. Dentists call these pits and fissures. Food can get stuck in these crevices. Some are so deep that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach into them. Grooves and crevices provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause cavities. Sealants help to prevent this from happening. They cover the grooves and crevices so that food cannot get into them.

What it’s used for—Sealants are applied to teeth to help prevent cavities. In the past, they usually were used only in children. But adults also can get sealants Not only are sealants very effective, they cost a lot less than filling cavities. In children, sealants can be applied to baby molars to protect them from cavities. Eventually, these molars fall out and the new, permanent molars come in. These molars can be sealed, too. Most dentists recommend that sealants be applied to each permanent molar as soon as possible. This can be when the tooth is only partially erupted into the mouth. However, it can be done only if the tooth can be kept dry and free of saliva while the sealant is applied. If your child has a high risk of cavities, your dentist may decide to seal the premolars, or bicuspids, as well. The premolars are the teeth directly in front of the molars. Sealants can be used in adults who have an increased risk of developing cavities. Your dentist can suggest whether sealants are appropriate for you. Sealants can be put on teeth that show early signs of decay. But once the decay has broken through the enamel, the tooth will need a filling.

Preparation—Applying sealants is quick and painless. It can be done during a routine dental visit. No injections are needed. However, it is very important to sit still so the tooth or teeth being worked on will stay dry. This allows the sealant material to stick properly to the tooth.

How it’s done—The dentist/hygienist/Assistant cleans the area to remove any food or debris in and around the teeth. Then he or she makes sure the teeth are dry so that the sealant can stick. The sealant is applied in liquid form. It flows over and into the grooves and crevices. The sealant usually hardens (sets) within 20 to 60 seconds. Sometimes it is set with a special light.

Follow Up—Studies show that sealants can last a long time, sometimes as long as 15 years. But they don’t last forever. The dentist will check the sealants during routine visits. If necessary, the sealants can be replaced. Remember, sealants work well, but they can’t keep teeth cavity-free without some help. Keep brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting a dentist regularly.

Children with sealants still should: Brush twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss between any teeth that touch each other. Get the right amount of fluoride, either by drinking fluoridated water or taking fluoride liquid or pills. See a dentist regularly.

HERODONTICS is a term used to describe measures taken beyond reasonable means to salvage a failing tooth. This was after all the oath taken by dentist traditionally: to save the tooth, no matter what it took. Herodontics meant taking any heroic measures in performing several treatments on a single tooth in hopes of saving it, even when faced with poor chances of success. The heroic procedures were lengthy, costly, certainly not easy and mostly unpredictable. Times have changed. Our current knowledge base and technology has resulted in a paradigm shift in treatment recommendations.

The true answer is: ‘yes, we can but we shouldn’t because there are better, more successful, treatments we can offer”. And if one answers “No” then we must question its basis. Is it a personal perspective, an opinion consensus of many, or backed by reliable evidence and literature?

We no longer have to be heroes. Herodontics is history. Perhaps we can practice ‘simpractidontics’: Simple and predictable dentist and offer our patients current therapies that are more successful, cost-effective and longer lasting. And let’s educate our patients about such possibilities and engage them in making better decisions. Let’s pull the plug on that problem tooth and spare our patients the pain frustrations, and the disappointments. Let’s give them better dentistry and make them happier and healthier. Let’s take an oath in doing right and become a different kind of hero.

Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a feeling of being a little edgy. Too much stress could be taking a toll on your mouth, teeth, gums and overall health.

Some potential causes are:
Mouth sores and /or cold sores
Clenching or grinding of teeth
Poor oral Hygiene/unhealthy diet
Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing conditions

Here are a few tips that can help prevent some of these stress related health problems.

Mouth Sores: Ulcers /canker sores are not contagious and usually run their course in 7-10 days . Although the etiology is not known, experts advice to stay away from spicy foods or foods with a high acidic content (like tomatoes or citrus fruits) while they are present.

Teeth grinding/Clenching: Stress may make you clench or grind your teeth and often unconsciously. This is also known as bruxism. It puts a lot of stress on the joint in your jaw as well as the wearing away of the enamel of your teeth. This habit can be harmful to your oral health. See your dentist and ask what can be done for this. He or she may recommend a night guard or another appliance to help you minimize the actions

Poor Oral Hygiene: Being under stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip your normal oral hygiene habits and/or develop unhealthy eating habits. Remind yourself the importance of healthy eating and hygiene habits.

Gum Disease: Stress Leads to excessive dental plaque and can lead to gum disease. Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly and good oral habits will help you reduce your risk for periodontal disease.

The bacteria that cause these diseases release toxins that can circulate in the body. Especially in the body’s arterial system. The more advanced the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of the arteries become, thus causing narrowing of the arteries and this is a key factor in heart disease.

Gum diseases have been shown to contribute to diabetes, kidney disease, pre-term labor, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer.

With proper deep cleanings and removal of these bacterial build-ups on a regular basis, caught in early stages, may help prevent or lessen the effects of these conditions and lead to a healthier heart.

- Trenna Nelson, RDH

Dental floss (or dental tape) helps remove debris between the teeth and prevent plaque formation by removing the film of bacteria before it has a chance to harden into plaque. Flossing also reduces the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Once made from silk fibers, today’s floss is usually made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. It may be treated with flavoring agents, such as mint, to make flossing more pleasant.

The ADA does not recommend using a floss strand more than once. Used floss might fray, lose its effectiveness or may deposit bacteria in the mouth.

You can floss before or after brushing your teeth as long as you do a thorough job. If you use dental floss before you brush, the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth. Some people brush their teeth and unfortunately skip flossing for any number of reasons. That’s not a good idea.

Interdental cleaners are special wooden or plastic picks, sticks or brushes that are used to clean between teeth. Here are some of our favorites:

Proxabrush cleans between the teeth and also can be used to clean around the implants. It can have cylindrical or tapered shape, and is available in thin or ultra thin size.

Stim-U-Dent Plaque Removers are soft wooden cleaners that clean between the teeth and gently invigorate gums.

Squirt Brush is cylindrical proxy brush tip that attaches to a liquid reservoir that can be filled with an antibacterial rinse or your favorite mouthwash. Helps irrigate the interdental area between teeth during use to help flush away debris. Replaceable brush tips are available below and should be changed after each use.

Rubber tip stimulator is designed for gingival (gum) massage and interdental (between the teeth) cleaning. The rubber tip is latex free.

Floss Threaders can be used to remove plaque around bridges, braces and implants. Designed to slide easily between tooth surface and appliances.