Westport Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Westport, Fairfield, Darien and New Canaan, Connecticut

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Smile Makeover




Take a look at this fantastic Smile makeover done with amazing Porcelain Veneers!


posted by Dr. Worthington at 9:34 AM

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Having practiced dentistry for over 25 years, I have seen many Type I and Type II diabetic patients in my practice. I have had numerous conversations with their physicians regarding their glycemic control as it relates to their periodontal status. I have also felt that periodontal disease should be considered a complication of diabetes, as it is so prevalent in that population.

The International Diabetes Foundation has very recently published their guidelines for oral health in people with diabetes, a copy of which is enclosed. You will note that they now find that periodontal disease is, in fact, a named complication in both Type I and Type II diabetes.

I have formed The Fairfield Oral Systemic Evaluation Center in my office to help patients and physicians evaluate and treat Periodontal Disease in the hopes of maintaining better health for those patients with Diabetes.

posted by Dr. Worthington at 7:05 AM

Friday, July 24, 2009

When Crowns can really look like Teeth.

We have all seen people with crowns or caps in their mouth that just don't look like teeth. They can be opaque looking often with a dark line near the gum edge. These are a type of crown that have metal (sometimes precious, sometimes not) under the porcelain. In order to cover that metal, a lab technician must add an opaque layer of porcelain that can sometimes show through the outer layers of what is called body porcelain. Although these crowns or caps can be serviceable they tend to be less aesthetic and often don't look like teeth.

Lava Crowns are a relatively new type of crown that employ a Zirconia Oxide core that is computer generated and replaces the traditional metal core. These zirconia copings also come in many tooth shades so that there is no need for that opaque layer of porcelain that can affect the aesthetic outcome of a crown. As a result you have a crown that more closely mimics the the true characteristics of natural enamel thus looking more like a tooth should.

Give us a call at 203-256-8073 for a complimentary consultation to see how you can benefit from this amazing new technology

posted by Dr. Worthington at 7:36 AM

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Can Bleeding Gums Contribute to Heart Disease?

You Bet it Can!

A growing body of evidence points to a strong relationship between oral and Systemic Disease. Our goal at The Fairfield Oral Systemic Evaluation Center is to diagnose and treat oral inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease and other oral conditions. By diagnosing and treating oral disease, the progression and complications associated with many medical conditions may be minimized.

If your gums bleed or you have loose teeth or bad breath you may have periodontal disease that could be as big a risk factor as smoking with respect to Heart Disease, Diabetes and Stroke.

Contact the office today at 203-256-8073. This call could save your life!

posted by Dr. Worthington at 11:28 AM

Monday, June 29, 2009

Dental Implant vs. Bridge

How does one decide how to replace a lost tooth?

This is a dilemma faced by many patients and unfortunately the answer is not always that simple.

Dental Implants are wonderful however, they are not for everyone. There are indeed many contraindications to implant placement. These include but are not limited to taking Bisphosphonates like Actonel, Fosamax and Boniva, a history of uncontrolled Diabetes and history of Radiation therapy. Sometimes there is not adequate bone to hold the implant in place or the teeth on either side of the missing one need restoring anyway and the patient chooses not to have a surgical procedure.

However, in situations where a patient has no contraindications using a dental implant to replace a missing tooth an Implant can be the best and most conservative option. I place and restore dental implants all the time with tremendous success. I too would choose that option if the situation should arise in my own mouth.

If you are presented with such a dilemma give me a call at 203-256-8073 for your Free Consultation and let's see if indeed Dental Implants are for you.

posted by Dr. Worthington at 8:37 AM

Monday, June 22, 2009

How do you choose who should do your Porcelain Veneers?

When we talk about real estate we zero in on Location, Location, Location. When considering any Cosmetic Dental procedure like Porcelain Veneers the mantra is Experience, Experience, Experience!

Don't hesitate to ask the dentist how many Porcelain Veneers he or she has done. Feel free to ask to talk to a patient or 2 who has gone through the procedure. Make sure that all the before and after pictures are actual patients of the dentist. Beware! Just because the dentist can computer generate a change in your smile doesn't mean they can actually do the work.

After doing more than two thousand Porcelain Veneers I feel very comfortable doing the most complex cases as easily as the simple ones and I love doing it! Give me a call and lets talk about what we can do for you.

posted by Dr. Worthington at 12:36 PM

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Wonderful World of Dental Implants

Imagine a lost tooth being replaced with a bionic one of sorts!

That is now possible with the wonderful world of dental implants! A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium that can be place in the bone where a tooth was lost. Once healed, the dental implant serves as an anchor for a crown or cap that can look exactly like the one that was lost

In addition to replacing one tooth, Dental Implants can also be used to secure loose fitting dentures or "plates". Many people have upper dentures that function very well but hate their lower denture because it constantly moves causing pain and irritation. Dental implants can be placed in the lower jaw and a special snap type attachment can be added to the inside of the denture so that the appliance can be "snapped" into place minimizing any movement.

For more information on Dental Implantc and other Cosmetic Dental procedures visit my web site: Worthington Cosmetic Dentistry. We offer a Free Consultation so you can learn about all the amazing options available to you as well as the exact cost.

posted by Dr. Worthington at 7:31 AM