Life Changing Impact of Jaw Expansion with Preventative Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment

May 4, 2012 — admin

Here is a great testimonial that our office received recently.

Dear Dr. Pannu,

[S.S.] started his orthodontic work in January 2011 and since then we have noticed the following changes in him- little did we realize that orthodontic work can have such far reaching impact:

Beginning in March 2011, we found his snoring decrease a lot. His bed clothes were far less “crushed”. He actually slept through the night with his head on the pillow- earlier he would have turned 90 degrees and have his feet hanging over the side of his bed. His sleep had improved so much that he was better rested in the mornings and less grouchy. His teacher remarked in April that he was “settling in” nicely. The best part of it was he surprised us with a perfect 100% score in his Science STAR test that he took in May of 2011- he had scored significantly lower in his previous years and I think this improved “focus” is directly related to his improved sleep which is a result of his mouth closing properly during sleep.

Another issue [S.S.]  had (still there a little) is dry skin near and around his mouth- he would also have severe thirst issues as he slept with his mouth open, snoring. This used to flake badly and we had a bottle of extra virgin olive oil on his desk for him to apply always. Since March- April, we have seen considerable improvement in his “dry skin” issue. Even during the cold spell we had in August and September, his skin did not dry out as much. I am going to observe this during this winter to conclude that this has also improved.

Another problem he used to have was occasional bed wetting. This used to make him feel very bad and lose confidence. Since the start of his treatment he has not wet his bed even once.

I want to take this special season of Diwali to thank you and your staff for making a big difference in our child’s life.

 

Sincerely,

 

M.S. [patients mother]

- Santa Clara

Posted in Children's Dentistry, Community Events, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health Conditions, Orthodontics. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Are You Wise on Wisdom Teeth?

September 14, 2011 — pannu

Adults have 32 teeth that each has a specific purpose. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt in the very back of the mouth when a person is between the ages of 17-25. Normally, there are four wisdom teeth: two on top, and two on bottom. However, some people have more; these are called supernumerary teeth. A few people have less than four third molars – lucky!

In prehistoric time, humans needed wisdom teeth to help digest roots, nuts, and barks. Today, our diet doesn’t require such sever mastication. Many people find their wisdom teeth to be a pain in the neck – or jaw.

The average mouth is designed to hold 28 teeth. When the jaw isn’t large enough to hold all 32 teeth, the wisdom teeth can grow sideways, partially emerge, or remain trapped below the gums. (more…)

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Nitrous Oxide Rave

August 16, 2011 — pannu

Sedation dentistry is becoming more and more popular as a way to provide quality, comfortable, and efficient dental care for patients. At Pannu Dental Care, the main means of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas). In other words, it’s “all the rave” in dental offices, but what makes this method so popular and successful compared to other sedation options?

To answer this question, you must ask a few other questions:

First, what is Nitrous oxide? The chemical compound is N2O, or, an oxide of nitrogen. Nitrous oxide is a sweet smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas. It is an oxide of nitrogen.

How is it used in dentistry? Nitrous oxide is used for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. As the gas enters the body through inhalation, the patient is sedated. This state carries with it a mild euphoric feeling, which is why it’s nicknamed “laughing gas.” Dr. Pannu and his team mix the gas with 50 to 70 percent oxygen. Don’t be fooled by it’s nickname, however. Under Nitrous oxide sedation, the patient won’t  laugh uncontrollably, but is able to breathe independently, remain in control of all bodily functions, be fully responsive, and enjoy comfortable dental care.

What are the benefits to using Nitrous oxide over other forms of sedation? With Nitrous oxide, the depth of sedation is adjustable. Inhalation of the gas is safe for the lungs and heart. Nitrous oxide begins working in just 20 seconds and wears off shortly after the procedure is finished without any “hangover” effect. Finally, because of its versatility, this sedation works well for a range of procedures and needs of patients, including a fear of the dentist, a strong gagging reflex, and the completion of several dental procedures in a short period of time.

At Pannu Dental Care, your safety and comfort are our top priority, so we will give you a five-minute trial at your consultation appointment to see if Nitrous oxide sedation is right for you. Dr. Pannu and his dental team are highly trained in the administering of sedation, and you will be closely monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety. 

For more information about Nitrous oxide and how it can help you with your dental care needs, call the Pannu Dental Care office closest to you to reserve an appointment with Dr. Dalvir Pannu. We have offices located in Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont, and San Jose, California.

Posted in General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Children and Dental Hygiene

August 2, 2011 — pannu

As most parents know, it can be difficult to get kids to brush their teeth as often and as thoroughly as they should. Flossing might be even more of a challenge, especially if your children are still very young. Fortunately, you can help them develop healthy habits to keep their teeth strong for life.

There are many different kinds of flavored toothpaste and mouthwash designed for kids; your child might need to try several different flavors before settling on one she likes. Some types of mouthwash will temporarily turn tongues and teeth blue – a great incentive to get children to thoroughly brush away the coloring.

Children should brush their teeth for two to three minutes. You can help them time it by putting a timer in the bathroom, or purchasing a brush with a built-in timer. You can also have them brush for the length of a song; most children’s songs are no more than three minutes long.

Children may miss parts of their molars, or forget to brush their tongue – help them create a mental checklist or acronym to remember every part of their mouth. Make sure flossing is included in this checklist.

When children brush their teeth is also important. Brushing right after having sugary or acidic drinks (such as soda, lemonade, or fruit juice) can weaken enamel. Have them wait at least an hour before brushing. Additionally, get them to use a straw to reduce contact between soda and teeth. However, this is only a minor reduction, so it’s best to encourage them to drink more water and less soda.

Your child might be scared of going to the dentist, but let them know proper brushing and flossing habits will make them – and their dentist – all smiles! To schedule a dental visit for your child, call the Pannu Dental Care office closest to you. We have offices located in Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont, and San Jose.

Posted in Children's Dentistry, General Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

What’s behind your bad breath?

June 28, 2011 — pannu

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can be a result of several factors and may be a sign of other health problems. If you suffer from bad breath, it’s important to have treatment right away.

First, it’s important to know where your bad breath comes from. All of the foods you eat begin to break down in your mouth. As the food is digested, it’s moves into your bloodstream and, eventually, into your lungs, which causes you to give off the odors in your breath. If you eat foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions, brushing and flossing only covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Poorly oral hygiene also causes halitosis. This cause is much more serious. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, food particles and bacteria can remain in your mouth, promoting harmful bacteria growth between teeth, around gums, and on your tongue. This causes bad breath and can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause bad breath, as well as stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste, and irritate your gums.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can damage teeth, gums, and your jawbone. Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities). Certain diseases, sicknesses, medications, and oral conditions, such as dry mouth, are also to blame for halitosis.

Dr. Dalvir Pannu and his team at Pannu Dental Care utilize state-of-the-art treatments to diagnose the cause of bad breath and, if the cause is of dental or oral origin, treat the condition. Call your Pannu Dental Care office, located in Fremont, San Jose, Cupertino, and Dublin, California.

Posted in General Dentistry, Oral Health Conditions. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Visualize Your New Smile Before Treatment Even Begins

June 24, 2011 — pannu

When it comes to beautifying your smile, Dr. Dalvir Pannu knows you have several options.

At Pannu Dental Care, located in Dublin, Fremont, San Jose, and Cupertino, California, patients can choose from a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry procedures to achieve the level of health and esthetics they want for their smile.

As a dentist with years of training and experience under his belt, Dr. Pannu wants to work with you to identify what you’d like to change about your smile and determine the best way to achieve your smile goals. Dr. Pannu and his team will provide you with only the highest quality treatment and will do everything possible to ensure that you love your brand new smile.

In addition to having a consultation appointment at one of the Pannu Dental Care state-of-the-art dental offices, looking through the photo gallery of past patients will give you a great idea of what kinds of smiles are created by Dr. Pannu and his team. In the photo gallery, you’ll see before and after pictures and testimonials of Invisalign, braces, veneer, dental implant, gum treatment, and wisdom teeth surgery patients.

Look through the photo gallery, and then call your neighborhood Pannu Dental Office to begin the journey to your brand new, beautiful smile.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Pannu Dental Staff. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Children’s Dentistry: A National Issue

June 17, 2011 — pannu

Your child’s smile is a wonderful thing. Proper dental care for your child is instrumental to ensure good oral health in the future.Studies show that good oral health plays a big role in overall health, too.

As children’s dentists, our Pannu Dental Care team of doctors understand developmental oral health, as well as common and not-so-common dental issues in children. The Pew Center on the States also understands. Every year, they survey all 50 states and grade each on a number of factors in order to ensure more children have access to adequate dental care. The Pew Center just released this year’s report, and some stand-outs include:

  • Maryland earned the highest score in the nation, meeting 7 of 8 benchmarks
  • Massachusetts received “national leader” status with an “A”
  • Ohio held on to their rating of “B” from last year’s report
  • Utah improved to a “B” from last year’s rating of “D”
  • Wyoming received the lowest rating, getting a “D” instead of last year’s “F” (more…)
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How Pannu Dental Care Treats Sleep Apnea

June 16, 2011 — pannu

Traditionally, obstructive sleep apnea is treated by a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine consists of a mask that fits on the patients face as they sleep while a machine provides a continuous stream of air flowing. This keeps the soft tissue from relaxing and blocking the air passage. Unfortunately, only approximately half of sleep apnea sufferers can tolerate the CPAP machine.

Pannu Dental Care offers a more comfortable method of treatment. Recently, simple mouth guards have proven more successful at treating sleep apnea and they are easier to tolerate, for many, than CPAP. A sleepguard holds the bottom jaw forward during sleep, keeping the airway passage open. This allows the patient to get a good night’s sleep without having to wear a mask.

Dr. Pannu is committed to providing patients with the best, most advanced treatments for their sleep apnea disorder. He is an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and will be attending their annual meeting in Boston June 2012.

If you believe you suffer from sleep apnea, the team at Pannu Dental Care can help. Our dentists and dental specialists serve patients in Cupertino, San Jose, Fremont, and Dublin, CA. We care about your comfort and quality of life. If you’d like to know more about how we can treat sleep apnea, call the Pannu Dental Care closest to you.

In a recent blog post, we discussed the dangers of sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder is most often associated with snoring, but is also very dangerous in some cases. Obstructive sleep apnea can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep and causes grogginess during the day.

Twelve million Americans, or 4.5% of the population, suffer from sleep apnea. However, as many as 10 million more aren’t aware they have it. The condition occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth and throat blocks the air passage. As you can imagine, it’s never a good thing to have your air passage blocked! Premature death has resulted as a result of sleep apnea in rare cases. The team at Pannu Dental Care is trained to address sleep apnea and help you rest comfortably at night.

Dr. Pannu and his trained staff have extensive experience with advance screening tools for sleep apnea and snoring. For a total evaluation of the upper airway, Pannu Dental Care is equipped with the Eccovision® Acoustic Pharyngometer and Rhinometer. The Pharyngometer and Rhinometer are a non-invasive, fast and easy, office based system that tests the air and nasal passageways. By using acoustic reflection technology, which is similar to a ship’s sonar, sound waves are sent through the air and nasal passageways to clearly identify the location and severity of any obstruction. The test is complete within minutes.

Joey N. Dacany, a registered dental assistant of extended function at Pannu Dental, screens the patient with help of  the Pharyngometer.                      

Joey is using the Rhinometer to test the patient’s nasal airway. The computer graphically displays the results of the study.

After the results from the Pharyngometer and Rhinometer are produced, the  study is then concluded with the Embletta® X100, a sleep study device. The Embletta® X100 is worn during sleep and uses advanced digital technology to produce sleeping pattern data. This information that comes from the device is then uploaded to a sleep physician who can interpret the final results. If it is discovered that the patient does indeed suffer from sleep apnea, the physician will then prescribe treatment. Joey is demonstrating to the patient how to use the Embletter device.

 

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How Are Your Teeth and Heart Connected?

June 8, 2011 — pannu

We’ve been told our whole lives about how important it is to eat right and exercise to maintain a healthy body. We’ve also been taught how to take care of our teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. But, do you know how closely these two are related? More studies show that the key to maintaining overall health begins in our mouths – not so much by what we eat, but by how well we care for our teeth and gums.

Consider these alarming statistics:

  • 80% of Americans have gum disease!
  • People with gum disease are 270% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke!
  • Diabetics are twice as likely to develop gum disease!
  • Gum disease increases the risk of some cancers by as much as 59%!

Indeed, good oral health is an important key to maintaining overall health. This makes sense considering the mouth is the gateway to the entire body. Small bacterial infections cause gum disease and can actually spread throughout your body through your bloodstream. These bacteria get caught in arteries, contribute to circulatory diseases, and lead to heart attack and stroke.

In diabetic patients, gum disease causes even more trouble. It makes controlling diabetes more difficult, and exaggerates problems normally caused by diabetes alone, like kidney failure, poor circulation, and blindness.

We know oral health is as important as a healthy diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy body. Regular checkups and routine cleanings help keep those larger health issues under control, and also help you maintain a bright smile. Pannu Dental Care has a team of general dentists and dental specialists who will help you live a healthy, happy life. Call Pannu Dental Care at our San Jose, Cupertino, Dublin, or Fremont dental office to schedule your consultation.

 

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Different Strokes: The Right Brushing Techniques for Children and Adults (Part 1)

May 23, 2011 — pannu

If you read this blog regularly, you know that choosing a quality toothpaste is essential in caring for your teeth and gums. Equally important is using the proper technique when brushing your teeth. You might not realize it, but children and adults need to use different brushing methods.

The equipment for brushing in children and adults is similar: both should use toothbrushes with soft bristles, but children need brushes that are small enough to fit their hands and mouths. Everyone should also use fluoridated toothpaste, and only a pea-sized amount (a smaller pea for children), but parents need to use non-fluoridated toothpaste for children under two or children who have not yet learned to spit out the paste.

Once you’ve bought the proper tools, it’s time to begin brushing. Today, we will focus on brushing for children.

You should teach your child the following brushing method (Remember: Supervise brushing for your child until they are about six years old and have achieved the manual dexterity to brush properly):

1.)    Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline.

2.)    Use gentle, circular strokes to clean the fronts of top teeth one at a time, and brush away from the gums.

3.)    Use the same circular motion to brush the fronts of bottom teeth and the backs of teeth.

4.)    Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean the biting surfaces. Be sure that the bristles get into the crevices and grooves of the teeth

5.)    Lightly brush the tongue to remove bacteria.

6.)    Spit out the toothpaste and rinse the mouth with warm water to remove loose food debris and plaque.

If your child has any two teeth that touch, floss between those teeth after burshing. And floss the sides of all teeth. Flossing removes the bacteria and plaque that brushing can’t reach.

Be sure that your child brushes twice a day, for two or three minutes each time, to thoroughly remove bacteria and ensure that all surfaces of their developing teeth receive a good dose of fluoride. And don’t forget how important it is to schedule dental checkups­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ and cleanings every six months. The American Dental Association recommends that every child start visiting a dentist after their teeth begin to emerge or no later than their first birthday.

Pannu Dental Care provides children’s dentistry and general dentistry to patients in their Cupertino, San Jose, Fremont, and Dublin, CA, locations. Contact the location nearest you today for an appointment.

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