December is a time of festivities and sparkling celebrations with friends and family… Make sure your smile is as bright! Treat yourself to our Smile Refresher Special – A Professional Cleaning & LED Whitening.

Did you know Teeth Whitening is the most asked for cosmetic procedure…It is also one of the most economical and simplest cosmetic procedures that makes a big impact on your smile.

Doing it right means using the right technology and equipment along with the 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 nano meters. 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’s Difference!

For more information about the Smile Refresher Special  and other procedures

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

or call us today at 305 280 2272 or locally at 8884 4815

We recognize that continued public trust in our clinic, and the dental profession as a whole, is based on the commitment of each member of our team to highest ethical standards of conduct.

As a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) the team at Da Vinci’s Dental Care voluntarily agree to abide by the ADA principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a condition of membership in the Association. The ADA Code has three main components: The Principles of Ethics, the Code of Professional Conduct and the Advisory Opinions.

The Principles of Ethics are the aspirational goals of the profession. They provide guidance and offer justification for the Code of Professional Conduct and the Advisory Opinions. There are five fundamental principles that form the foundation of the ADA Code: patient autonomy, no maleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity. Principles can overlap each other as well as compete with each other for priority. More than one principle can justify a given element of the Code of Professional Conduct. Principles may at times need to be balanced against each other, but, otherwise, they are the profession’s firm guideposts.

The Code of Professional Conduct is an expression of specific types of conduct that are either required or prohibited. The Code of Professional Conduct is a product of the ADA’s legislative system. All elements of the Code of Professional Conduct result from resolutions that are adopted by the ADA’s House of Delegates. The Code of Professional Conduct is binding on members of the ADA, and violations may result in disciplinary action.

The Advisory Opinions are interpretations that apply the Code of Professional Conduct to specific fact situations. They are adopted by the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs to provide guidance to the membership on how the Council might interpret the Code of Professional Conduct in a disciplinary proceeding.

The ADA Code is an evolving document and by its very nature cannot be a complete articulation of all ethical obligations. The ADA Code is the result of an on-going dialogue between the dental profession and society, and as such, is subject to continuous review.

Although ethics and the law are closely related, they are not the same. Ethical obligations may—and often do—exceed legal duties. In resolving any ethical problem not explicitly covered by the ADA Code, dentists should consider the ethical principles, the patient’s needs and interests, and any applicable laws.

Experience the Da Vinci Difference!

If you have ever experienced a severe tooth ache than you know it can be quite painful and debilitating.

When you have a cavity or other trauma that has progressed to the point that it has affected the tooth root then a Root Canal Treatment may be a necessary first option.

Once the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth which contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, has become inflamed or diseased then you will feel pain in that area which will continue to escalate until either a Root Canal Treatment is performed or the tooth is extracted.

During a Root Canal Treatment, the Endodontist removes the diseased pulp, an Endodontist is a dental specialist who is specifically trained to perform procedures on the inside of teeth. This treatment can be performed usually within an hour and is relatively pain free. The Endodontist opens the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth, cleans out any infection and completely seals the cavity to ensure no bacteria can cause additional infection in the root canal. If the infected pulp is not removed properly, then pain and swelling can continue, infection can escalate and your tooth may have to be eventually removed.

DaVinci’s Dental Care is the only clinic in Costa Rica to invest in the Micro Enhanced Dentistry Technology to ensure every patient who needs a Root Canal Treatment has the highest success rate possible. Microscopic Dentistry helps the Endodontist to see all the infected areas of the pulp and root clearly, ensuring no harmful bacteria is left behind, standard loop glasses do not have the ability to see clearly at the microscopic level and can sometimes miss an infected area, which can lead to more pain for the patient and repeated dental procedures in future.

Causes of an infected pulp could include:

A deep cavity.Repeated dental procedures.A cracked or broken tooth.Injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip).

With Micro Dentistry and continued proper oral care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime.

Remember that regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary; as a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease.

For more information about Root Canals and other treatment options contact our international Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Experience the Da Vinci Difference Today!

Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to bond with your natural bone and once the final crown is placed will look 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. Basically an Implant is a post that is surgically placed in the upper or lower bone of the jaw and act in the same manner as the root of the tooth, they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth, or crown. 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.

Implants are completed in stages, usually they can be completed in two stages, however sometimes it will take three stages depending on the depth of the bone in the jaw.

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. The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone, this usually takes approximately an hour to perform. Once the implant has been placed the area immediately around the implant may be tender for a few days, during this time we recommend a diet of soft foods, warm soups and lots of liquids, you should not eat anything crunchy or hard during this initial healing process.

The bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration, which means the implant and your natural bone bond together creating a strong and stable foundation for your future crown to be placed. This is what makes the implant so strong, your natural bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. This healing process usually takes between 6 and 8 months, during this time the dentist will make a temporary crown, or bridge, to wear throughout the healing process.

Once the healing process has been completed it is time for the final stage of the restoration which is the placement of permanent teeth or dental crown. The crown is custom made in a dental lab with molds taken by the dentist to create the new crown which then matches the natural teeth surrounding it and completes the dental implant restoration process.

Not everyone is a good candidate for Dental Implants though, and there are many reasons why a Dental Implant may fail. The 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 and a healthy diet will have a high success rate for implants, however, regardless of age, a patient who does not have a good diet, or does not practise 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!

Brushing your teeth; an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

A worn toothbrush cannot do a good job of cleaning your teeth and harbours bad bacteria if not stored correctly.

The proper brushing technique is:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.Always brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Of course, brushing your teeth is only part of a complete and well balanced oral care routine.

You should also make sure to:

Floss dailyEat a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetablesDrink plenty of waterPractise Prevention and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.Contact our International Patient Coordinator at info@davincisdentalcare.com with any questions you may have about your anticipated treatment.

Design the perfect smile for you… An introduction to the science of Digital Smile Design (DSD) software.

What is Digital Smile Design (DSD), and what does it do for you – Through a step-by-step workflow DSDgives you, the patient, full aesthetic evidence of the virtual smile in a very personalized way. With the modern technology of digital processing, the dentist is able to show a vision of the final prosthetic result prior to completion and can then provide the necessary information to the dental lab technicians for the execution of the perfect future prosthesis for each patient.

How does Digital Smile Design (DSD) work…Using just two images, the face with the patient’s smile and an intraoral shot with a dental mouth opener, the DSD software then performs a series of accurate and mathematically controlled measurements to verify alignments, symmetries and proportions giving the patient the perfect smile before work has even commenced and ensuring your full satisfaction upon completion.

These precise mathematical references allows the dental team to proceed to a digital reconstruction of your smile exactly as the one the real restoration aims to achieve, allowing you to view, and makes changes if necessary before the restoration has commenced. Why is it important for you.

Knowing what your smile will look like prior to commencing treatment is valuable tool for each patient, it gives you the opportunity to get involved in your smile creation, enhances the communication between you and your Dental Team which in turn improves your experience and satisfaction level with the restoration.

Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what your new smile will look like before work is completed? After all you wouldn’t invest in a new boat without a water test first, or invest in a new car without first taking it on a test drive … why invest in something as important as your new smile without first knowing how it will look on you!

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Micro Dentistry… what’s in it for you?

The advantages of Micro Dentistry for the patient and the dental team are numerous: lower stress levels, effective control of the operatory field, less fatigue, improved ergonomics, and more efficiency.

The result is satisfaction and pride for the dental team and an unprecedented level of clinical excellence in treatment for the patient.

Micro Dentistry is a science-based tool, the goal of the Micro Dentist is to identify unsound tooth structure at the microscopic level, which will become a threat to the long-term stability of the tooth, and then neutralize or remove those structures with minimal disruption and invasion of the surrounding sound tooth structure. Minimal disruption of sound tooth structures provides the additional patient benefit of reducing or eliminating the pain associated with traditional dentistry.

As a direct consequence of higher magnification and the visualization obtained, treatment can be more precise and less invasive, thus preserving the oral tissues and dental structures from unnecessary substance loss during procedures such as diagnosis, cavity removal, and cavity preparation.

Experience the DaVinci’s Difference today and see for yourself the technology and science behind the Perfect Smile!

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us at 305 280 2272

Do you experience jaw pain while eating, talking? …. You may have TMJ

You might think to seek help with your primary care doctor for treatment, however it is your Dental Professional you should see first.

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of problems that cause pain and poor function in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement.

They’re also called TMD, or TMJ (short for temporomandibular joint) and may affect more than 10 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health, with women affected more often than men.

It can be incredibly debilitating, with severe TMJ simple tasks such as eating, or talking, can be difficult and can no longer be taken for granted.

For some people, the disc within the jaw joint slips out of position during sleep, waking up in the morning to find they can’t open their mouth more than 10 millimeters when a normal opening is approx. 50 millimeters.

Symptoms of TMJ may include:

Pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint

Pain in the jaw, neck, or face

Stiff jaw muscles

A jaw that locks or has limited movement

Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint

Changes in the fit between upper and lower teeth

Headaches, neck pain.

Ringing in the ear, or a sense of fullness in the ear.

If you think you may have TMJ and would like to schedule a consultation contact us at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Or call our International Patient Coordinator today at 305 280 2272

Is a partial Denture right for you?

Today with the advancement of dental technology there are multiple options in partial denture designs for patients.

Removable Partial dentures

A removable partial denture (RPD) is a denture for a partially edentulous patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons and who cannot have a bridge (a fixed partial denture) for any number of reasons, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge (i.e. distal abutments) or financial limitations. Patients can remove and reinsert it when required without professional help. Rather than lying entirely on the edentulous ridge like complete dentures, removable partial dentures possess clasps of cobalt chrome metal or plastic that “clip” onto the remaining teeth, making the RPD more stable and retentive.

Fixed partial dentures

Fixed prosthodontics can be used to restore single or multiple teeth, spanning areas where teeth have been lost.  This type of restoration is cemented to the abutment teeth, they are fixed and only the dentist can remove it.  The materials used for this type of restoration are: metal -porcelain, zirconia or all ceramic bridges (metal free)

Flexible partial

Which is widely considered to be the most comfortable. The final restoration can now be made very quickly with innovations in digital technology. Flexible partials are becoming much more popular due to their aesthetic qualities. While the cost may be higher than a partial made with visible metal clasps, the results of the flexible partial are beautiful, with high levels of satisfaction. Flexible partial fabrication involves only non-invasive procedures, and serves as a virtually invisible tooth replacement option.

Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!  Take advantage of our complimentary Digital Smile Design Analysis technology and let us create the perfect partial that is just right for you!

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us today at 305 280 2272

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have more questions?

Want to book a consultation?

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Or call us today at 305 280 2272

Do you experience Canker Sores… you could be lacking in B12

They may look pale or yellow like an ulcer with a red outer ring, they are not contagious. You may experience one, or more at a time, and for reason unexplained women seem to get them more than men.

The cause of canker sores is not clear.

It may be due to:

• Diet

• Weakened immune system (for example, from the cold or flu)

• Hormone changes

• Stress

• Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, including vitamin B12 or folate

• Less commonly, mouth sores can be a sign of an illness, tumor, or reaction to a medication.

• This can include:

• Autoimmune disorders

• Cancer of the mouth

• Infections such as hand foot mouth disease

• Weakened immune system — for example, if you have AIDS or are taking medication after a transplant

• Drugs that may cause mouth sores include aspirin, beta-blockers, chemotherapy medicines, penicillin, sulfa drugs, and phenytoin.

If you are experiencing Canker sores frequently and you would like to schedule a dental exam contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Or call us today at 305 280 2272

Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!

The term “healthy mouth, healthy you” is true – & it’s backed up by growing scientific evidence…
A healthy mouth and healthy body really do go together. Good oral hygiene and oral health has been proven to improve not just your oral health but your overall health level, helping to reduce the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years.

Boost Your Self-esteem and Confidence
Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth conditions but very bad breath — so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that’s free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better — you will smile and laugh more, you can eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies. The findings of these studies may suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.

Preserve Your Memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction — both skills used in everyday life. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

It’s never too early or too late to start practising good oral health habits: Healthy habits learned in childhood, and relearned if necessary in adulthood, can pay off handsomely for your overall health.

So when you’re tempted to shrug off your daily good oral hygiene habits – brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly – just remember that you’re affecting more than just your oral health.

Healthy teeth = Health Mind & Body!

Experience the DaVinci’s Difference… for more information contact our international patient coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us today at 305 280 2272