Friday, January 27, 2017

Gum Pocket Reduction

At the Nicholas Cosmetic Dental center, Dr. Shireen Malik provides treatments which can improve the health of patients’ gums as well as their teeth. One of the restorative treatments she provides which patients also report significantly improves the appearance of their smiles is a gum pocket reduction.


Healthy tooth roots fit snugly into gum pockets, but some plaque inevitably creeps in. This is why deep cleanings and planings are necessary. When patients go too long without a deep cleaning, gingivitis can develop in response to bacteria colonies producing acid-causing plaque in the pockets, which the leads to periodontal disease. As bone and gum tissue decay, the empty space they leave behind become a home for more bacteria, and trap even more plaque.


Once an enlarged gum pocket has been cleaned, Dr. Malik may want to close it off. This may be as simple as making an incision and pulling a flap across a pocket, which would then be sutured. In some cases, it may require a full gum graft. However, once the pocket is reduced, the patient’s tooth root will no longer be exposed, making is much less painful and making their smiles more attractive.


Shireen Malik, D.D.S, operates the Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center at 1128 Walnut Street, Ste 500, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 191078. To schedule an appointment, call 215-279-1193 or visit NicholasCosmeticDentalCenter.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Snoring may seem comical, but obstructive sleep apnea is no joke. It can increase your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes – and even make you more dangerous on the road. Although sleep apnea has many dangers, we’ll discuss a few. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, scheduling a consultation is the first step in treating this sleep disorder.


Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure in people who have it. The frequent nighttime awakenings that plague people with sleep apnea cause hormonal systems to go into overdrive, which results in high blood pressure levels at night. People with obstructive sleep apnea are also more likely to suffer heart attacks and die in the middle of the night. The causes may be low oxygen or the stress of waking up often during sleep. Weight gain plays another role in the hidden dangers of sleep apnea. Adding weight raises your risk of sleep apnea, and up to two-thirds of people with sleep apnea are severely overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea can often be cured if you lose enough weight, but that can be tough to do.


If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options. For more information about the services we provide at the office, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

How Teeth Become Yellow Over Time

As humans, our teeth consist of four types of tissues: dentin, pulp, enamel, and cementum. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth followed by dentin and the outer layer which is enamel. The cementum portion of the tooth is located at the base of the tooth, which holds the tooth in place along the jawline. When these parts of your teeth become yellow in color, our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center can make them a little brighter using a variety of cosmetic options.


Dental enamel coats each tooth and acts as a protective shield. When the enamel erodes from too much acidic exposure, it causes yellowing to occur. Dentin which is the middle layer of the tooth naturally gives teeth a yellowish color. Dentin makes up most of the tooth and is a hard, yellow substance. Environmental factors can also cause teeth to turn yellow and so can different medications, smoking, and age. Smoking not only yellows teeth but it can do the same to fingernails. Age can factor into teeth yellowing because, over time, our enamel wears off, exposing dentin. Excessive tartar buildup can lead to yellowing of the teeth.


If your teeth are yellow, give us a call to discuss your whitening options. For more information about the services we provide at the office, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The moment has arrived, your child is one-year-old and it’s time to schedule their first dental visit. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want to preserve your child’s teeth and gums for years to come and we start this process by first introducing them to our staff to assure they feel comfortable in our dental chair. Here's what to expect! 


During your child’s first visit, one of our doctors will examine his or her mouth, teeth and gums, as well as evaluate adverse habits such as thumb sucking. They will also check to see if your child needs fluoride treatment and teach him or her all about cleaning their teeth and keeping their gums healthy. If your child has well surpassed the age of one, you will need to limit their sugar intake as a method of cavity prevention. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care and can offer dental sealants as a way to protect your child’s teeth. Once the oral exam is complete and you are satisfied with your experience, we will suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.


If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.