Friday, 11 April 2014

Smile Big Contest!!

BIG NEWS! Enter our "Smile Big" contest and your child's picture could be featured on a billboard! Like our Facebook page between April 10th and 19th (if you already like our page you are still able to enter). Then post a current picture of your child with his/her toothbrush, along with a poem about why he/she loves coming to the dentist on our Facebook page and you will be entered to WIN BIG! Share with your Facebook friends! If you have any questions please call the office at (717) 334-8193 and ask for Jennifer.

*Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook

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

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Top Dental Symptoms: Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org


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

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Top Dental Symptoms: Jaw Pain or Popping/Clicking in the Jaw

Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org


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

Are x-rays of baby teeth really necessary? By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

There are unseen cavities that the dentist cannot find between your child’s teeth without taking x-rays. They are crucial for early detection and the filling of any cavities that may be present. Once a cavity is present it will not go away on its own. These cavities between your child’s teeth start small and will continue to become larger until it makes a visible hole in the tooth. Once this happens, then a simple filling won’t be enough to fix the decay. Now, the tooth may need either a stainless steel crown with nerve treatment or the tooth may need taken out. Prevention is crucial in dentistry and x-rays help the dental professional keep your child’s teeth healthy.

There are different types of x-rays that your child may be exposed to at the dentist. Cavity detection x-rays are also called bitewings and one is taken on both sides of your child’s mouth. These are the most common x-rays that will be taken on a regular basis. As your child grows, we want to make sure their permanent teeth are all present and coming in correctly. The x-ray that shows your chlid’s facial bones and underlying permanent teeth is called a panoramic x-ray. If your child has pain with a specific tooth, then a periapical x-ray will be taken to show the entire tooth from the crown (the part you can see) to the root underneath, along with the developing permanent teeth and surrounding bone. An occlusal x-ray will be taken of the front top or bottom teeth to check and see how much longer it will be until they come out (a panoramic x-ray will also tell you this). Also, periapical or occlusal x-rays can be taken to detect cavities in your child’s front teeth. Your child won’t require x-rays at every visit. Many times, bitewing x-rays are taken on a yearly basis. If your child is more cavity prone then we may take more frequent x-rays until their dental disease is in control.

Most parents are worried about dental x-ray radiation and this fear will prevent them from allowing the above x-rays. At our office, all necessary prevention is taken by draping your child with a lead apron and using the most up-to-date x-ray machine that will emit the least amount of radiation possible in order to obtain an image. Please, if you have any fears, ask your dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be happy to have a conversation with you and address any concerns you may have. Our purpose is always to help your child and maintain their oral health in the best way possible. In order for us to do this then x-rays will be needed.

Remember, it is very important to be helping or monitoring your child when it is time to brush and floss. Older children, who you are confident won’t swallow the liquid, may benefit from a fluoride rinse. Also, make sure your children are getting a cleaning every six months. Our purpose is prevention and early detection of any cavities.

Visit www.colgate.com for further information.

Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Associates.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193



Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Top Dental Symptoms: Cracked or Broken Teeth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons- brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org


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

Monday, 24 March 2014

Alignment: Only for Tires?

It is not new knowledge in the dental world that teeth that are crooked, crowded, rotated or generally out of position are not healthy for the mouth. What we know is that crowding, besides causing esthetic (cosmetic) issues, can also cause changes in the bacteria that are in the gums and can lead to more advanced forms of gums disease. Improved oral hygiene and more frequent visits to your dentist can help to combat this condition, but it always leaves the patient in a compromised situation; fighting an uphill and sometimes losing battle. Today we know that gum disease not only causes problems in the mouth but also systemically puts us at higher risk for such conditions as diabetes, strokes, heart disease and pre-term babies.

Teeth that are tilted or rotated present another set of issues. Recession, bone loss, abfractions (notched areas along the gumline where enamel is lost) and cracked, worn or broken teeth and fillings are a handful of the concerns that we see on a daily basis from teeth that are out of position. Teeth are intended to destroy food, not one another. Occlusal or night guards can be worn and do greatly help, particularly because a lot of people brux or grind their teeth while sleeping. However, this does not help during normal function throughout the daytime or if a person has a clenching or grinding habit while awake.

Treatment for such damage can be very time consuming and expensive. Grafting procedures are helpful, but if the occlusion or bite issues are not resolved then these will not be a permanent solution. Crowns and fillings can help fix the broken or fractured areas but also can become broken or worn if the bite is not corrected or protected.

Today we know there is a much better solution than just fortifying the teeth or only providing nighttime protection. Realignment of the teeth using a process like INVISALIGN is a very easy, comfortable and predictable method to not only straighten and align teeth, but also to help create a healthier oral environment for the whole mouth. If teeth are properly aligned and the teeth are in a protected bite, dental work lasts longer, gums stay healthier and we create a smile that is both esthetic and functional.

INVISALIGN works well for those who have never had braces or those who have done orthodontic treatment and have not worn retainers for years and have allowed their teeth to shift. It is typically completed in less than one year and helps provide a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime. A consultation can give you all the information you need on the process and determine if alignment will help create the beautiful and healthy smile you have always desired.

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

Above Article By: Eric Seidel, D.M.D.



Wednesday, 5 March 2014

How to Brush


Learn the technique recommended for the best cleaning.

From the video library at Colgate.com we have a short video providing educational tips on the best method to brush your teeth.

To view this video in its original library, please visit: Colgate.com


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