The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) was started in 1952 and is the only national organization solely dedicated to serving the interests and needs of the general dentists. The organization has grown to be the second largest dental association in the world.
The goal of the AGD is to hold the dental profession accountable for delivering a high level of patient care and quality dentistry. These principals have deep roots in continuing education to ensure its members and the profession could stay abreast of the latest technology, techniques and trends. [More]
Dr. Castaneda will be attending the Myotronics 42nd Anniversary Seminar held in Seattle, WA on July 18-19. New materials and techniques for aesthetic and restorative dentistry have propelled the public interest in dentistry to new heights. Aesthetic, Restorative, or TMD, the common denominator influencing all major dental procedures is occlusion. Neuromuscular evaluation with Myotronics instrumentation provides the doctor with additional information to aid in optimizing diagnosis of the occlusion that leads to more predictable and durable treatment. Dr. Castaneda will return from this seminar with a vast amount of knowledge to share and implement.
When looking for a qualified cosmetic dentist, a good place to start is with your general dentist whom you visit regularly. Many of the procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist may be outside of the scope of your current dentist’s practice, and he or she may have somebody they recommend. It is important to get all regular dental work taken care of prior to visiting a cosmetic dentist. Most cosmetic treatment should be performed on a relatively healthy mouth.
Another good resource is to check with family members and friends who have undergone cosmetic dentistry treatments. Each practitioner is different and has a different chair side manner. Ask people you trust whom they would refer. When you visit the cosmetic dentist, he or she should be willing to show you some before and after photos of similar cases. If you like the results, that can go a long way in deciding which dentist to choose.
Finally, you should look for a dentist who is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Members of this group must maintain a level of training and competency in order to retain their accreditation.
If you are seeking a cosmetic dentist, specializing in sedation dentistry and same day restorations, in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda today and schedule an appointment.
Now that the panic created in the ’90s over mercury levels in amalgam fillings has calmed somewhat, a more rational evaluation of the perceived problems can be adopted. It is concluded that the amounts of mercury vapor releases from dental amalgam is in such small quantities as to be harmless, even in a mouth full of dental work. That said many people might still desire to have all such work revised with the latest filling alternatives containing no trace of mercury.
In most cases, removing all existing amalgam fillings and replacing them with a composite alternative is not worth the associated risks. The only medical benefit is in the patient’s own perception of safety. Meanwhile, real risks of infection and problems with local anesthesia outweigh any actual benefits from removing amalgam filling that contain trace amounts of mercury.
However, poorly created fillings, or fillings mixed with too much mercury may justify replacement. It is best to consult with a trusted peridontist, cosmetic dentist, or oral surgeon to find out if current amalgam fillings are defective in any way. If removal and replacement is recommended, or desired by the patient for aesthetic reasons, the procedures can still be effectively completed. The benefits of sedation dentistry make the prospect of replacing all old fillings with new ones, if not exactly a pleasure, at least more palatable than when the original work was performed.
To find out more about amalgam filling replacement using composite fillings in the Shawnee area, contact Dr. Castaneda today.
