Did you know there are hundreds of different types of toothbrushes on the market today!

It can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right toothbrush for your dental hygiene.

Here are some easy tips to help break it down and find the right toothbrush for you!

1. Manual

   Manual toothbrushes are the oldest types of toothbrushes and feature a hard handle with bristles on one end. Certain manual models may contain a tongue scraper. These toothbrushes are very inexpensive and come in many different colors and designs. They are easy to travel with but can be hard to use for people with arthritis.

2. Battery Powered

   Battery powered toothbrushes often contain a large-handled base that can hold two AA batteries. The bristles will vary and some will spin, while others simply move back and forth in a gentle pattern. Another type of battery-powered toothbrush features bottom bristles that are stationary like a manual toothbrush, while the upper bristles will spin in a circular fashion. The battery-powered brush can clean more effectively, but the bulky base may not be comfortable to hold for some users.

3. Sonic

   Sonic toothbrushes are newer model toothbrushes use sonic power to clean teeth. Instead of spinning or moving in a predetermined pattern, the bristles will vibrate intensely to shake lose any hidden plaque and debris that are hiding between teeth. While other kinds of toothbrushes only will clean where the bristles can touch, sonic power will clean areas that bristles can find. A sonic toothbrush is plugged into a household outlet.

4. Chewable

   A chewable toothbrush is a small piece of plastic that has bristles on one end. They are used at times when water, toothbrush and toothpaste are not easily accessible. After a meal or simply to freshen your breath, pop in a chewable toothbrush, chew it for a few minutes, spit it out and you should have clean teeth and fresh breath. Remember, Chewable brushes should not be swallowed, and they are not meant to replace regular brushing and flossing.

If you have more questions, or would like to book a cleaning and consultation today

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Do you think your teeth are too short and your smile is too gummy, or that your gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving others the right length?

Wondering how easy it is to correct, and get that smile you always wanted to see in the mirror?

Then Dental Crown lengthening might be the solution for you.

How it Works; during this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Then your gum line is sculpted to give you a new smile.

But before starting any cosmetic work wouldn’t it be nice to see the finished product, and be totally confident exactly what the procedure will look like at completion?

At DaVinci Dental Care, Dr. Barquero will first complete a Digital Smile Design Analysis (DSD) this is for the patient, and the dental team to clearly create and see how your new smile will look and feel on you before any work begins.

Once the patient and the Dental Team have the right look achieved our Periodontists then goes to sculpt the perfect smile for you and make it a reality!

If you have more questions, or would like to arrange a Digital Smile Design Consultation now,  contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

In dentistry, floss is classed as an interdental (between teeth) cleaning aid, it is a cord of thin filaments used to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and wiped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums or underneath them as toothbrushes do not clean between teeth or below the gum line.

There is an old saying in Dentistry… Only floss the teeth you want to keep!

The common advice is that flossing should be carried out once per day prior to brushing, completing all teeth to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to reach between them.

Used in addition to brushing as part of regular oral hygiene flossing can reduce cavities, gingivitis and halitosis compared to brushing alone.

For more information on dental procedures and treatments contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincidentalcare.com

Experience the DaVinci Difference!

Did you know Teeth Whitening is the most asked for cosmetic procedure!

It is also one of the simplest cosmetic procedures if done right. Doing it right means using a proper whitening agent and an appropriate whitening accelerator.

The most practical accelerator is an LED lamp emitting cold blue light with a wavelength of around 465 nanometers. This wavelength of light is ideal for activating the hydrogen peroxide and accelerating the whitening process.

Most teeth whitening treatments can be done in approximately 30 minutes to one hour, in a single visit.

Experience the DaVinci Difference! To reserve an appointment, or if you have any questions about your anticipated treatment contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Not everyone is a good candidate for Dental Implants, over health of the patient is an important factor, more so than the age of the patient.

A patient in good medical condition, with a good oral hygiene regime along with a healthy diet will have a high success rate for implants.

Another important factor is the condition of the jaw bone, many people will need to augment their upper bone prior to placing implants.  Prior to starting the procedure x Rays are taken to determine the health, and depth of the bone where the implant will be placed. If all is in good order the first stage is the placement of the implant.

Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to bond with your natural bone then once the final crown is placed will look and act just like your other teeth.

They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your perfect smile and bite.  Dental implants are usually made up of titanium which is very compatible with the human body and bone. The use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years giving many people back their smile and a good bite.

However, regardless of age, there are many reasons why a Dental Implant may fail; a patient who does not practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, or a patient who smokes will have a much higher failure rate for implants.

If you would like a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for implants contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com to arrange a Digital Smile Design Consultation today and start the process to release your perfect smile.

Experience the Da Vinci Difference!

What is a Cavity …and why you shouldn’t wait to visit the Dentist if you think you have one?

If you are like most people, you may suspect that you have a cavity, or that perhaps something is wrong with a tooth but you hesitate to visit the dentist.

Joining the many who find out they do indeed have a dental cavity when they visit a dentist due to severe pain. But did you know pain due to dental cavities range from very mild to severe depending on how it progresses.

In some cases, if the decay progresses very slowly, pain may be totally absent. It can also manifest as ‘sinusitis-like’ pain in the cheek bones, pain in the ears, neck, shoulders and back.

Early detection, restoration and prevention helps in many ways, it stops decay from spreading to other healthy teeth, gums, bone and organs. It stops the pain, clears the infection and ensures your dental treatments are non-invasive and cost effective for your pocket book.

Here are a few signals which should trigger you to call the Dentist Stat:

Food getting stuck between or on the teeth

This is one of the most common complaints people have, and is directly related to major dental decay. Since decay creates ‘holes’ or cavities on the upper surface of the teeth or on the sides, the gap between the teeth is increased. This in turn causes food to get stuck between the teeth. The food then stuck between your teeth can release putrid smells giving you bad breath.

It is painful to chew properly with certain teeth

When dental decay progresses to the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth full of nerves, and the periodontal space, which is the tissue that anchors the tooth to the bone, an infection is created and pus is formed. This is what causes the pain when biting down on the affected area.

Highly sensitive teeth

One of the first signs of dental cavities is sensitivity to cold foods and is an indication that the tooth may still be alive with a high possibility of saving the tooth with a filling. If not treated on time you will then start to feel sensitivity and pain when you consume anything hot, this may be a sign of a now dying or dead tooth. Once this happens it may warrant a root canal treatment or other more invasive options which increases the time length, and cost of treatment.

Chipping off or fracturing of teeth

If you find your teeth chipping off when you bite or chew on anything moderately hard, it is a sign of serious dental decay making the enamel vulnerable to fractures.

Darkening of teeth

Darkening of teeth which were earlier fine is a sign of dental decay. When the decay progresses to the pulp, it destroys the dentine, and the dying or dead pulp produces certain pigments which makes the teeth look dark.

Swelling in gums

When the dental decay reaches the pulp of the tooth it then progresses to the tissues surrounding it along with the bone, it also continues to generate more pus which can cause swelling in the gums and often has to be treated immediately with Antibiotics.

Sinus Lift Surgery and what to expect after.

A sinus lift is surgery that lifts your upper sinus membrane to add bone to your upper jaw in the area of your upper jaw. It is sometimes called a sinus augmentation.

The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted.”

A sinus lift usually is done by a specialist, this could be either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist. Most patients have only a little discomfort after a sinus-lift procedure.

 What It’s Used For

A sinus lift is done when there is not enough bone height or density in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for dental implants to be placed successfully. There are several reasons for this:

Bone Loss in the upper jaw — usually due to tooth loss, age, and the anatomy of the skull, the back of the upper jaw has less bone than the lower jaw.Bone may have been lost because of periodontal (gum) disease.Tooth loss may have led to a loss of bone as well. Once teeth are gone, bone begins to be resorbed (absorbed back into the body). If teeth have been missing for a long time, there often is not enough bone left to place implants.The maxillary sinus may be too close to the upper jaw for implants to be placed. The shape and the size of this sinus varies from person to person. The sinus also can get larger as you age.

Sinus lifts have become common during the last 15 years as more people get dental implants to replace missing teeth.

How It’s Done

Your surgeon will cut the gum tissue where your back teeth used to be. The tissue is raised, exposing the bone. A small, oval window is opened in the bone. The membrane lining the sinus on the other side of the window separates your sinus from your jaw. This membrane is gently pushed up and away from your jaw.

Granules of bone-graft material are then packed into the space where the sinus was. The amount of bone used will vary, but usually several millimeters of bone is added above the jaw.

Once the bone is in place, the tissue is closed with stitches.

Follow-Up

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling of the area. You may bleed from your mouth or nose. Do not blow your nose or sneeze forcefully, as either one could cause the bone-graft material to move, and loosen the stitches. Your dentist may give you saline sprays to keep the inner lining of your nose wet and prescribe medicine to prevent congestion and inflammation. You also will be given pain medicine, an antibiotic and an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection.

A follow up check-up is completed 7 to 10 days after surgery as this time the dentist will evaluate the surgical site, remove stitches if they will not dissolve on their own, and make sure the area is healing properly.

After a sinus lift the area will need to approximately 6 months for the material to harden and integrate with your jaw, implants can then be placed usually within 6 to 8 months.

 Risks

Infection is a risk of any surgical procedure. However, this rarely occurs after sinus lifts.

On rare occasions, the existing bone does not integrate with the bony graft material, and the grafted area does not develop a blood supply. If this happens, any implants placed in this area will fail because there is no live bone for them to attach to. If this happens, you can have the sinus lift procedure repeated.

 Tips for after Care of a Sinus Lift:

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS. This may be longer if indicated. You may sniff all you like but NO BLOWING.

Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose.  Sneeze with your mouth open.

Do not drink with straws

Do not spit.

Avoid any activity that causes pressure in your nasal cavity.

Avoid “bearing down”—as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure.

Smoking must be stopped.

Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided for at least 10 days.

When to Call a Professional:

After a sinus lift, contact your surgeon if:

Any swelling or pain gets worse over time. (It should decrease after the first two days or so.)The bleeding does not stop after one to two days.Bleeding is bright red and continuous. (Normal bleeding after this procedure oozes slowly and is dark red with possible clots.)You think the bony material may have been dislodged after sneezing or blowing your nose.Pain does not decrease over time.You develop a fever.

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can affect your entire body including your teeth and gums. People with diabetes are more prone to conditions that may harm their oral health, so it’s essential to follow good dental care practices and to pay special attention to any changes in your oral health and consult with your dental team regularly.

Here are a few points to remember to keep you at your optimum oral health: Cavities and gum disease

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of:

1. Tooth decay (cavities).

Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the hard, outer surface of your teeth (enamel). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth. You can combat this by keeping your blood sugar level as close to normal, and of course practice the habit of daily flossing and brushing three times per day.

2. Early gum disease (gingivitis).

Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental deep cleaning it’ll harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva — the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums will become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.

3. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and your teeth to loosen and even fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

 Some tips to consider when your visit your dentist next:

 At each visit update your dentist about the status of your diabetes. For instance IE: know your HgA1C level to determine how well controlled your diabetes is (good control is indicated by a level under 7%). If you’ve had a hypoglycemic episode in the past (low blood sugar, also called an insulin reaction), you are at increased risk to have another one. Tell your dentist when your last episode was, how frequently such episodes occur, and when you took your last dose of insulin, if you take it.

See your diabetes doctor before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Ask your doctor to talk to your dentist or periodontist about your overall medical condition before any dental treatment is performed. If oral surgery is planned, your doctor or dentist will tell you if you need to take any pre-surgical antibiotics or need to change your meal schedule or the timing and dosage of if you take insulin.

Make sure to give your dentist your diabetes doctor’s name and phone number to include in your personal file. This information should be readily accessible by your dentist should any questions or concerns arise. Bring your dentist a list of all the names and dosages of all medications you are currently taking. Your dentist will need to know this information to best prescribe medications least likely to interfere with the medications you are already taking.

Keep in mind that healing may take longer in people with diabetes. Always follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions closely.

 And remember….Prevention is Key for healthy teeth and gums!

Experience the benefits of Computer-controlled Local Anesthetic Delivery Systems at DaVincis Dental Care and you will feel a whole new way to have pain free dental treatments.

In the mid-1990s, work began on the development of local anesthetic delivery systems that incorporated computer technology to control the rate of flow of the anesthetic solution through the needle and assist with pain management. This concept is now called computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD). The first of these CCLAD devices, such as the Wand™ was introduced in 1997.

This system enables the dental team to accurately manipulate needle placement with fingertip accuracy and deliver the LA with a foot-activated control. The lightweight hand piece is held in a pen-like grasp that provides the user with greater tactile sensation and control compared to a traditional syringe. The available flow rates of LA delivery are controlled by a computer and thus remain consistent from one injection to the next. The greater control over the syringe and the fixed flow rates of the LA drug are responsible for significantly decreasing the pain of the injection, which helps to dramatically improve the overall experience for the patient.

Experience the DaVinci Difference Today!

Do you need to remove all the old mercury-laden silver fillings for fear of related health issues?

A hot topic in dentistry today revolves around the use of silver fillings (amalgams) in our mouths.

Many Dental professionals and people from around the world are currently debating this hot topic.

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and, at certain levels, can cause neurological issues, autoimmune disease, chronic illnesses and mental disorders. But the questions is; whether an unknown quantity of mercury vapor in our silver fillings at a constant exposure poses a significant health risk.

Amalgams consist of 50% mercury along with a combination of silver, tin, and copper. Studies have found that the amount of mercury vapor from amalgams varies from 1- 3 ug/day (micrograms/day), at the low estimation, up to 27 ug/day. This translates to 3% to 68% of workplace air quality standards that are allowable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, USA federal environmental agency). What this means is, at the high level with continuous exposure, the levels are shown to be unhealthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that the exposure to mercury vapor can greatly increase beyond this number due to our personal habits such as grinding of the teeth, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated drinks. This could lead to a fivefold increase in mercury levels after these activities.

In 2008, Scandinavian countries took action and banned the use of amalgam fillings for environmental and health reasons.

Although there are conflicting studies between Sweden and the United States. In Sweden, they have conducted a number of studies where people, with pre-existing neurological and health issues (Chronic Fatigue-type symptoms), had amalgams removed; 78% reported improvement in their health status. In the United States however, official studies hired by the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that “the current data is insufficient to support an association between mercury release from amalgams and the various complaints that have been attributed to this restorative material.”

At DaVinci’s Dental Care we take this issue very seriously, and use stringent protocols for the removal of all Amalgam fillings for our patients.

Firstly, a rubber dam isolating the tooth is used to collect the amalgam debris.A high suction machine is used in the room to prevent any gas from escaping.We also use science to help with the removal of mercury, as the only clinic in Costa Rica to use Micro dentistry, it helps our dental team see to the microscopic level making sure no microscopic particles are left in the tooth, or the mouth, further ensuring the safest approach for each patient.The amalgam fillings are then replaced with non-metal materials like composite and porcelain depending on the patient case.

If you have any question about your fillings, and would like further information contact our International Patient Coordinator today at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Does your insurance provider cover Costa Rica Dental Treatments? The simple answer is YES!

Many service providers cover out of country benefits for dental treatments, some even recommending out of country treatments. They know the quality of care is first rate in Costa Rica and with lower treatment cost it keeps insurance payouts lower, helping to keep premiums for clients to a minimum.

At DaVinci’s Dental Care we accept all insurance claim forms and can fill them out while you are completing your treatments to ensure you can submit and receive your insurance dollars back in your pocket book as quickly as possible.

Not sure what dental benefits you are covered for? Contact our International Patient Coordinator atclinic@davincisdentalcare.com for more information on Insurance coverage, treatments, and travel arrangements.

Experience the Davinci Difference!

Costa Rica is well known for its Eco Tourism, its lush rainforests and stunning coastline, but did you know it is fast becoming a world leader in Medical and Dental tourism?

People come from all around the globe to make use of Costa Rica’s top quality Dental specialists and facilities. They are flocking here in the in the millions, literally, last year over two million people visited Costa Rica, many of them coming to take advantage of excellent high quality treatment options available at a fraction of the price North Americans and Europeans would typically pay in their home countries.

What are the advantages to you?…

Let’s begin with;

The High quality dental care with up to a 60% savings on treatments.

Excellent facilities offering state of the art technology that many local dentist do not provide, such as on site labs, Micro Dentistry and cutting edge dental software such as Digital Smile Design.

A chance to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world and have the vacation of a lifetime.

According to global surveys Costa Ricans are among the happiest people in the world, and they love to share that, opening their hearts and welcoming people from all over the world to enjoy their country, culture, and everything Costa Rica has to offer. Airline carriers are taking notice and many of them have added nonstop daily flights from numerous destinations in Canada, the United States and Europe making it even easier, and cost effective, to get here.

It’s an opportunity to have a full service experience for your Dental Dollars, at DaVinci’s Dental Care we take service to the next level offering complimentary airport and appointment transportation, along with discounted rates on lodgings, tours and excursions.

We understand that for many it can be somewhat scary to travel to a foreign country for Dental care the first time and, we strive to make sure your trip is smooth, easy and secure and enjoyable. This kind of dental full service treatment isn’t typically available at your local dentist.

Have questions about Costa Rica or Dental treatments contact our International Patient Coordinator for further information on travel, treatments, and quotes at clinic@davincidentalcare.com

DaVinci’s Dental Care not your average dental care clinic… Experience for yourself the DaVinci Difference!