At Dentistry by Design, in Elk Grove CA, we are pleased to provide a full range of dental care services and dental treatments. Our services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay. “Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings. “This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.” Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment. “Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
The Laser Scanner Finds Cavities When They're Very Small
Maybe you've wondered why, after faithfully going to your dentist every six months, you are told at one of your check-ups that you have a large cavity. How did it get so large in such a short period of time? The answer is that the cavity was there six months earlier, it just wasn't detectable with X-rays or visual examination.
Sometimes very small cavities are not noticeable with conventional methods. However, with advancements in dental technology, the laser scanner can now pick up the start of decay in any tooth, even when other methods fail. The laser scanner allows us to repair a tooth when the cavity is still small, with an invisible, bonded filling.
The laser scanner also provides accuracy in determining the cause of pain or tooth sensitivity. It eliminates more involved measures for the cause of pain that may not be necessary, and instead identifies the exact area and extent of the problem. Patients welcome the use of the laser scanner to help them keep more of their natural tooth intact and give them all the more reason to smile.
The silver-mercury amalgam has been the standard material used for filling restorations for a number of years. Some practices still use it, but we use modern composite-resin fillings that bond tightly to remaining tooth structure and actually give it additional strength. They are made to match the shade of the natural tooth, so it is virtually invisible to add to the attractiveness of your smile.
Patients appreciate our use of non-metallic fillings, as they don't like the appearance of metal fillings that appear as a very noticeable black patch in light-colored teeth. They also do not bond as tightly as needed, allowing decay to eventually set in.
Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation. In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.” Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer. Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly. To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start. Toothbrush Tips Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method. Sports and Dental Injuries Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it. To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make. Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health. To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visitColgate.com
Bacterial infection of the gums is the most common reason for loss of teeth. The usual symptoms are bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. Many patients don't have these warning signs until the infection has reached an advanced state. It's best to seek treatment in the earliest stages of this problem. If you wait too long, surgery may be the only remedy to reverse the condition. Otherwise, nonsurgical methods can work very well to return your gums to a healthy state. Both types of treatment are usually covered under a dental insurance plan. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
You Won't Feel a Thing We are pleased to offer a type of innovative anesthetization known as the The Wand™. This utilizes a computerized system that administers a very precise amount of medication. It also pre-anesthetizes the gum tissue, so when the actual fluid is delivered, the area is already numb. Patients are so amazed they actually exclaim, "I didn't feel a thing!"
The Wand is precisely controlled for accuracy to provide just the right amount of anesthesia you need. This can reduce numbness in the face, lips, and tongue. Imagine not having any more "fat lips" when you leave the dentist's office. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Missing teeth do not make for an attractive smile or facial appearance. They can also cause difficulties in chewing and pronunciation of certain words. Modern advancements in dental technology provide a solution to give a complete smile once again – dental implants!
An oral surgeon inserts the titanium post, and Dr. Ionescu completes the procedure by custom-making the restoration that is placed over the post. These implants look just like your natural teeth, and function to allow you to comfortably chew every type of food. You will be very happy with your restored smile with dental implants. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Keeping your teeth clean is important for your overall health. Plaque and tartar that forms on teeth over time is no longer removable with just brushing. It sticks to the surface and between teeth and can only be removed with a professional cleaning. It is important to have our hygienist remove any build-up before it accumulates at the gumline and causes an infection in your gums. Gum disease is now recognized as a serious problem that can have an effect on more than your teeth. Research has shown that this affliction can affect or worsen conditions of diabetes, stroke, or the heart. Please take our advice seriously to have your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Kids Enjoy Coming to Our Office – Really! We can put your children at ease to enjoy all their visits to our office! We use the latest treatments in children's dentistry that make it easy for them, with less time in the dental chair. We enjoy teaching them how to take care of their teeth and inform them that proper daily dental care will help them keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. We look forward to their first visit at three years old and every one thereafter as they grow and change. No More Dental Fears We want all of our children to feel comfortable going to the dentist. We relieve their fears with our compassionate, friendly, and caring manner. Our parents have also been very happy that we can change their kids' minds to actually enjoy going to the dentist. We can help your child too if he or she has fears or anxiety over dental visits. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Dr. Ionescu takes great pride in the ability to administer painless anesthetic injections. He realizes, though, that some people become anxious just at the thought of receiving a shot. If you or a loved one become nervous when you need dental care, we have a solution that will relieve your stress.
By simply taking one pill that we give you an hour before your treatment, you will start to feel calm. You gradually reach a deeper level of sedation that makes you unaware of your treatment, but still able to respond to any questions. This type of conscious sedation works well for those with anxiety but also for those who have limited time for extensive work. Oral conscious sedation allows you to have more work done in one visit, instead of multiple visits. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Having a great smile lets you feel good as well as look good! You can achieve the smile of your dreams much more easily than you may think. Dr. Ionescu provides both the best preventive and dental health care as well as the latest cosmetic procedures. Today's smile makeovers require less time and are very affordable, so there's no reason to put off having your best smile. Come in and let us tell you how you can achieve that smile with bonding, crowns, whitening, veneers, and other options. Dentistry by Design Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-4662 ElkGroveDentistry.com
Theodore Ionescu, DDS, has been practicing comprehensive and aesthetic dentistry for over 20 years. Before coming to California he practiced in Germany, where he mastered German perfectionism and advanced technology. Dr. Ionescu has been practicing in California since 2000. He is a member of the American, California, and Sacramento Dental Associations, and to maintain his expertise in the most advanced procedures, he completes numerous hours of continuing education every year. Dr. Ionescu is a gifted dentist and enjoys complicated general and cosmetic procedures for adults and children. He has a lovely personality, and his manner is calm and kind. His emphasis on patient comfort as well as keeping up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry enables him to provide his patients with the best quality of care in the field. Dr. Ionescu has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, from cosmetic and restorative to surgical treatments. His approach to your treatment starts with patiently listening to you. Then, after a complete and thorough examination, he reviews and discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with you. Our patients rave about his thoroughness and attention to detail.
A Message From Dr. Ionescu
I have never believed that great dentistry was just a
practice. Great dentistry begins in a mindset; a dedication to
serving people on a personal level and embracing only the highest
standards. That is the environment we have worked to create at
Dentistry by Design.
My goal is to treat my patients with the
same care and concern that I would devote to my own family. If there
is a technique or material that is going to enrich my patients'
experience, I want to employ it. If there is a way to increase my
patients' comfort and lessen their anxiety, I want to find it.
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.
