Regular Check-Ups Keep Old Dental Work From Aging
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- At 38-years-old, dental patient Jery Lobrow's teeth are showing signs of aging.
"I can see all the wear going on," said Dr. Marc Leichtung, of Manhattan Dental Arts.
Dr. Leichtung checks old dental work, to make sure it's intact, and looks for new problems that might still be small.
"Patients can come and get their smaller fillings done routinely instead of being fearful and waiting until these things become catastrophic," said Dr. Leichtung.
He says regular checkups are crucial and choosing a dentist who uses new technology can ease the fear of pain and keep the cost down.
Many doctors have tools to reduce the pain from shots. They also use lasers instead of knives and implants, not bridges, replace teeth.
"Today, we can put an implant right in that space," Dr. Leichtung said while assessing Lobrow's teeth. "These two stay healthy. Lasts for a lifetime."
What patients do away from the dental office is equally important. Dr. Leichtung recommends using an electric toothbrush. He advises patients to avoid sugar and for those who grind their teeth while sleeping, wear a night guard.
Lobrow sees the dentist every six months. He also brushes and flosses every day and rinses after every meal.
"Once I'm done I feel like my mouth is super clean," Lobrow said.
He says having healthy teeth is a No. 1 priority for him.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two full minutes twice a day.
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