Dental Plans

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental plans.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com 

Expiration Dates: They Even Apply to Dentistry

Expiration Dates: They Even Apply to Dentistry 

By Eric Seidel, DMD

Have you had a recent appointment to your dentist only to hear terms like “leaky margins” or “fractures” when referring to old restorations (crown, bridge, filling)? This is a daily discussion point that we have in our office when doing either new patient or routine examinations. One of the fallacies surrounding dentistry is that fillings or crowns are meant to last forever. Although there are several factors that contribute to the life expectancy of fillings and crowns, none of them last forever. It is very important, however, that when fillings or crowns have reached their end, that they are replaced in a timely fashion so there isn’t additional harm caused to the teeth. Waiting too long to replace leaking or fractured fillings can cause the need for unnecessary root canals, fractured, broken or lost teeth. During treatment, we often take photographs to be able to educate our patients on the condition of their mouths. Remember, if it looks bad on top it’s generally worse underneath.



There are several determinants that decide the true life of a restoration in the mouth. One of the biggest is how well it was initially placed. Assuming the clinician did a great job and the patient was cooperative, the normal life of a filling can be 10+ years (I’ve even seen some at the 30 year mark). Historically, amalgam or “silver fillings”, as most people refer to them, have great longevity. The downside is that they just don’t look good, contain mercury and never really bond with the teeth which can lead to the long term fracture of these teeth. They also do not allow x-rays to pass through and therefore can hide underlying recurrent or new decay until it becomes sizable. More modern white fillings may not wear quite as well as their silver counterparts, however they are friendlier on the opposing teeth, bond and help strengthen the tooth and look great. The newer generations of white fillings last longer and look better than ever. Crowns and bridges of the past were very durable, however, the bond between the white porcelain and metal would oftentimes fail leaving unsightly metal showing through. Today’s all white zirconia or emax crowns do not have that problem. However, most crowns fail for the same reasons fillings fail, not because they are broken or come out, but rather that new “recurrent” decay forms along the margin between restoration and tooth.



The primary cause of failure is new decay, caused by lack of adequate homecare, less than frequent professional care or as important as anything…. diet. The same processes that caused tooth decay in the first place are the same ones that cause dental work to fail. Improving homecare, more frequent cleanings, additional fluoride, improved diet and the use of xylitol will all help make dental work last for a very long time. We as clinicians pride ourselves on a job well done. Nothing is more complimentary than seeing our hard work stand the test of time. This, however, is a partnership between dentist and patient as both have influence on the long term success of dental care.



Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is co-owner and general dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates and an Invisalign Premier Provider.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com 

New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

By Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D.

 It's that special time of year again. Time to make some New Years resolutions and promise not to break them! Aside from the annual decision to truly become a regular at the local gym, I am planning on sitting in my own chair this year. Braces is what we are talking about. That famed adolescent arsenal of torture devises known as orthodontic treatment. As it has been said before; braces, they're not just for kids anymore.

Straight teeth, a better bite, and a sweet smile might improve your oral health. That glowing smile might just make you feel better as well. What better resolution to go hand and hand with that new physique than a beautiful smile to sport.

The truth is, there are large numbers of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment and for good reason. Why would any self respecting adult subject themselves to an adolescent right of passage? Simply put, things have changed. Just as we don't have to use those "corded" phones anymore, orthodontic technology has improved as well. Orthodontists now have many options available for the adult seeking an enhanced smile. Along with the traditional silver metal braces, we also have self-lighting braces which may decrease how often you have to visit the orthodontist. That may mean less missed work or more time at the gym. On second thought, maybe missing a little more work and spending a little more quality time with your super cool orthodontist seems like a better idea. I'll leave that choice up to you. If sliver metal is not your cup of tea, we also have esthetic options such as tooth colored braces and clear aligners which are removable. Some orthodontists even offer braces that are placed on the tongue side of your teeth to hide them from prying eyes. To match these high tech braces, we also have high tech wires. Newer materials may allow a more gentle tooth movement and some wires will even move your teeth based on the temperature inside your mouth!

Better materials can't account for the entire reason that adults are seeking the care of an orthodontist. Some just couldn't afford treatment as a child while others had treatment but didn't wear their retainers and have had some relapse. Whatever the reason, orthodontic treatment is relatively affordable now. Consider that this is an investment that can and should last for the rest of your life with good care and retainer wear. Second, most orthodontists offer a wide range of payment options to fit your needs. This can range from zero down with no interest payments to discounts and courtesies with lump sum payments. We want you to have that smile you have always wanted and for it to be affordable.

This all sounds good, but you don't want braces for "five years" again! Once again, orthodontists have an option for you. Most treatments take less than two years and some can be completed in a matter of months! Want the complete make over? We have a comprehensive option that could include everything from jaw surgery to just full braces or clear aligners. Want only the upper or lower teeth straightened, limited treatment may be for you. Just need a "touch-up", a removable appliance or set of removable clear aligners may suit you well. Maybe you have a missing tooth and need something limited to make that implant fit. Whatever your needs and desires may be, there's a great chance that your local orthodontist has something just for you!

Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D. is a dual trained orthodontist and pediatric dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates & Just Kids. He specializes in child and adult orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com 

Post-Treatment Care & Tooth Extractions

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about post-treatment care for tooth extractions.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com

Dental Plans

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental plans.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193

Missing teeth?

Missing teeth?
By Eric Seidel, DMD

One of the nicest changes in dentistry is that people are keeping more of their natural teeth for a lifetime.  As recently as 1960, studies showed that a majority of seniors were missing a vast majority of their teeth.  It is suggested that by 2020 this same age group will now have the majority of their own natural teeth.  This does not suggest, however, that people are still not losing teeth at too high a rate and that tooth replacement options are not as important today as ever.  It does signal a paradigm shift that once suggested that at some point in a person's life they would almost assuredly be wearing full dentures. 

Full dentures still offer people the opportunity to function reasonably well and have an attractive smile.  It is often one of the only options we have when someone is missing all of their teeth or have teeth that are no longer savable due to extensive periodontal disease or rampant tooth decay.  However, the primary downside of a full denture is the discomfort that they can cause (as they sit directly on gum tissue) and general retention.  Eating an apple or chewing a piece of steak is not the experience is once was.  They can be aided with the use of dental implants to get a superior fit.  In some cases implants can be used to entirely replace the need for a traditional denture.  Although this is a wonderful option we now have, cost tends to be the biggest barrier to the greater utilization of dental implants.

When a person is not missing all of their teeth, we then have more options at our disposal.  Implants, fixed bridges or partial dentures are all acceptable means of replacing select missing teeth.  I have them listed in the order that I present them.  Implants are still the nicest option we have to help restore a mouth to its original condition.  A workup must be completed as not everyone is a candidate for implants.  Fixed bridges work very nicely but require healthy teeth on either side to support them and are a little more difficult to maintain.  As with dental implants, fixed bridges allow us to achieve esthetics as nice as or nicer than the original teeth.  Partial dentures are the most economical way to replace multiple missing teeth, particularly on both sides of the mouth.  The challenge with partial dentures is maintaining good long-term retention and keep the supporting teeth healthy.  Although the esthetics are good, they are not at the level of implants or bridges. 

It is our goal today to maintain teeth for a lifetime.  Although great options exist today for tooth replacement, nothing is a nice as having our own natural teeth.  When this isn't possible we review the different replacement options available and find what will best meet the needs of the individual based on expectations, function and cost.  The only detrimental option is doing nothing.  Bite collapse, periodontal issues, TMJ issues, recession and excessive wear and fracturing and loss of other teeth can all result from lack of a complete dentition.  It is my belief that with good listening and comprehensive planning that we can find a solution that will work for anyone and allow them to have a full set of teeth and a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime. 

 Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193

Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth
By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

It is commonly known that nutritious foods keep our bodies healthy, but these foods also keep our teeth strong and cavity free. It is important to feed your family a well balanced diet from all food groups. Many children today receive too many heavily sugared, fatty meals that make them heavy and lethargic. These same foods commonly cause tooth decay. As a pediatric dentist, I commonly get asked about good snacks to send for school. I tell them crunchy foods like carrots, apples and celery help clean the teeth naturally. These foods are a better choice for a snack as opposed to raisins, fruit snacks and chocolate, which can cause cavities. Stay away from processed foods, like chips, and choose more natural fruits and vegetables. Now that it is getting warmer, many areas have farmer’s markets, which highlight fresh produce.

What about drinks? With spring and summer sports coming up, it is important to discuss sports drinks. Many parents are not aware that sports drinks can contain large amounts of sugar and acids. When consumed, these drinks break down the enamel layer of your child’s teeth and cause tooth decay. Juice is another tricky option. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children from the ages of 1 to 6 should only consume 4-6 ounces of juice a day. Juice should be limited to mealtimes and diluted with water. Soda should never be an option for children. Read the label and find a sport drink that has low or no sugar. Water is a better option for you and your family and should be the only thing consumed after nighttime brushing. And, never let a child take anything but water to bed with them. Doing this will only lead to cavities and pain for your child.

I also get questions about children chewing gum. I always recommend giving gum with xylitol sugar. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry approves the use of xylitol to help reduce tooth decay and the prevalence of the bacteria that cause cavities. Tooth decay is a bacteria that can be passed around families like the flu. A mother with cavities can pass her bacteria to her child through her saliva. Along with getting regular dental cleanings and treating the tooth decay, a mom can chew xylitol gum to help keep her intra oral bacteria controlled. Look on the ingredient list of the gum package to make sure that xylitol is listed first. It is commonly found in health food stores, but is starting to be found in more popular brands of chewing gum.

Find a dental home for your family with a dentist that you trust. Talk about healthy food options for your family and stress brushing and flossing every day. A healthy mouth is the first step to having a healthy body.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193

How to talk to your children so they don’t fear the dentist

How to talk to your children so they don’t fear the dentist
By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo


The definition of fear is to be afraid of something that is likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening. According to Peter Milgrom, DDS (WebMD), “twenty percent of people experience enough anxiety that they will go to the dentist only when absolutely necessary.” This neglect causes unnecessary pain and infection. When asked, most people would say that their fear of the dentist stems from a negative experience they had as a child. As a pediatric dentist, it is our goal for children to have positive experiences so they will not develop this fear. Without realizing, or intending, parents can translate their own fear to their children.

Tips for how to talk to your children about the dentist:

• Talk positively about the dentist. Please don’t use words like shot, hurt, or pain. Instill in your child that the dentist is there to help them and not hurt them. Don’t threaten “going to the dentist” when your child is misbehaving.
• Take care of your own oral health. Be a good example for your child and brush and floss at home, as well as having your own checkups every 6-months. This will also keep you dentally healthy and avoid any pain, or discomfort.
• Let the dentist (or hygienist) explain what is going to happen during your child’s appointment. Give your child basic information about the visit and let the dentist and their crew use tell, show, do. Tell, show, do is a process that dental professionals use to ease children into the visit. We TELL them what we are going to do, SHOW them what we are going to do it with and then DO the procedure. A pediatric dentist works only with children; therefore, they use only “child friendly” terms for the dental tools. For example, we don’t call the hand piece used to clean a cavity a “drill.” We may call the hand piece “Mr. Whistle.”
• Please don’t share your negative experiences. We all want to be “honest” with our children, but this is not the time to share all of the bad things that have happened to you when you were their age. This will only put in their mind that the dentist hurt you and they will hurt them.

Bring your child to the dentist as early as possible (preferably age 1) and continue to come every 6-months for a professional cleaning and exam. When the proper steps are taken for prevention, your child will already have a healthy relationship with their dentist if or when they get a cavity, or other dental issue. Waiting until your child has a toothache to see the dentist is not the best game plan. The last thing we want is to have your child associate the dentist with pain. If your child has frequent check-ups, then they are less likely to have pain and infection.


Following these steps will start your child onto a happy and healthy dental journey that will take them into adulthood.


Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a pediatric dentist and co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates.

How to Prevent Cavities for Yourself and Your Child by Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

How to Prevent Cavities for Yourself and Your Child
by Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

Most people are aware of the things they must do and avoid to prevent cavities, but I want to highlight the major points.  First of all, brushing 2-3 times a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste is a must.  After a day of eating, your teeth need to be cleaned before bedtime.  If not, all of the bacteria will adhere to your teeth and start breaking down the enamel causing cavities, or decalcification.  Please remember to also brush your children’s teeth.  Most children still need help properly brushing their teeth up to the age of 7.

    Second, flossing is needed to clean the areas of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.  You can floss as much as you would like, but your dentist wants you to floss every night to prevent cavities between your teeth and to keep your gums healthy.  Your children also need help flossing.  Some kids have wide gaps between all of their teeth, but these gaps close and some kids don’t have these gaps at all.  Your dental hygienist can show you how to floss your own and your children’s teeth.

    Third, fluoride is needed to keep teeth healthy and strong.  Most toothpaste has fluoride in their ingredients.  Fluoride can stop new cavities from forming and help remineralize the little ones that have already formed.  Most cities have fluoride in the water supply.  Gettysburg does not have fluoridated water.  The first step is to find out if there is fluoride in your water source.  With this knowledge, talk to your dental provider and determine if your children need a supplement during the years when their permanent teeth are forming.  This would be ingested fluoride helping the teeth that are forming.  The other fluoride source is topical.  This is the “fluoride treatment” after your dental cleaning.  This helps keep the teeth that are already in your mouth cavity free.

    Fourth, sealants are recommended for your children’s molars when they erupt.  Sealant is a material that flows into the grooves of your molars and make the area smooth thus preventing cavities from forming by making it easier to keep these teeth clean.  A child can still get a cavity in a sealed tooth.  If a person eats lots of sticky candies, or chews on ice, etc. it can break off the sealants (or parts of the sealant) letting the bacteria reach the grooves.  Your dental professional will check the sealants to make sure that the sealants are not breaking down.  At this time, your dentist will determine if the area can be sealed again, or if a cavity is already formed.  Sealants in combination with the above mentioned prevention would make sure your child stays cavity free.

    Fifth, the sugar contained in soda combines with bacteria on the teeth to produce acid that eat away a tooth’s protective enamel.  Diet soda is worse because it has its own acid that erodes enamel.  With both drinks, the acid lasts for about 20 minutes and starts over again when you take another sip.  Soda isn’t the only sugary drink.  Please limit drinking other sugary liquids like sports drinks.

    Last, and the thing that ties all of the above together are regular dental visits.  When you visit your dentist every 6 months, they are able to assess your situation and offer guidance and treatment to keep your teeth healthy. 

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Seidel and DeFilippo and Dental Associates.

Drs. Seidel and DeFilippo and Dental Associates.

353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193  

Dentist: Doctors of Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193  
   

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Foods That Stain Your Teeth: Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

How Enamel Protects Your Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Enamel is kind of like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.
But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough.

In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching -- with some luck and good dental care.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193

For The Sake Of Your Heart-Clean Your Teeth

Perhaps, you have heard that conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being  overweight, being physically inactive, and having a family history of early heart disease exposes one to the risk of having a heart attack.

While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to realise that you do have control over many others regardless of your age, background, or health status. Protecting your heart can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, taking healthy vegetable soup, maintaining a healthy weight and regularly but properly brushing your teeth.

Read the entire article: http://www.floss.com/for-the-sake-of-your-heart-clean-your-teeth.html
 
By:Brian Ssenoga
Full Article and embedded video appeared on www.Floss.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 

Dental Emergencies

BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH COMES OUT
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

PERMANENT TOOTH THAT IS KNOCKED OUT
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child usually do not require emergency attention.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP, OR CHEEK
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes and if it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
 
Article appeared on www.Floss.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193