“A new study led by a University of California, Berkeley, researcher could give women a little extra motivation to visit their dentist more regularly. The study suggests that women who get dental care reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third.

The analysis, which used data from nearly 7,000 people ages 44-88 enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study, did not find a similar benefit for men.

Published online in the journal Health Economics, the study compared people who went to the dentist during the previous two years with those who did not.

“Many studies have found associations between dental care and cardiovascular disease, but our study is the first to show that general dental care leads to fewer heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a causal way,” said study lead author Timothy Brown, assistant adjunct professor of health policy and management at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health.

In the world of health and medical studies, causality is typically determined through randomized controlled trials in which two or more groups of people are essentially equal, except for the receipt of a treatment or intervention, such as a new drug, a periodontal procedure or a health education class. The group that did not receive the treatment – the control group – is compared with the group that did. Differences in outcomes between the groups are attributed to the treatment.

But randomized controlled trials are not always possible, so researchers sometimes turn to a statistical approach called the method of instrumental variables to rule out other potential factors that could account for different outcomes between groups. The use of instrumental variables is common among economists to evaluate the effects of economic policies, but it is less well-known in the clinical setting.

Data from the Health and Retirement Study had been collected every two years from 1996 to 2004. This longitudinal study followed the same individuals over time, and each biennial survey included questions on whether subjects had visited the dentist and whether they had experienced a heart attack, stroke, angina or congestive heart failure during the prior two years. Deaths from heart attacks or strokes were also included in the analysis. The study took into account other risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, high blood pressure and body mass index.

The study authors suggest that for dental care to have a protective effect, it should occur early in the development of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers did not have data on the type of procedures used during the dental visit, but they pointed to other studies that indicated three-fourths of older adult dental visits involved preventive services, such as cleaning, fluoride and sealant treatments.

Oral health experts recommend twice-yearly visits to the dentist, as well as brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Those wearing dentures should make sure they stay clean to prevent the growth and buildup of plaque and bacteria.”

The full article is located at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/203353.php Their sources are Sarah Yang, University of California — Berkeley // All rights reserved

Call and schedule your dental exam at one of Alabama Family Dentistry’s Convenient Birmingham locations.

• Acton Road Family Dentistry // (205) 823-2258
• Warrior Family Dentistry //  (205) 647-3181
• Gardendale Family Dentistry // (205) 631-7301

Commonly known as “fillings”, dental restoration is the repair of a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring it back to its normal shape, appearance and function. The names of the materials that are used to repair damaged teeth are often included in the name of the restoration process. Below are examples of the options dental patients have when they trust one of the three Birmingham area practices of Alabama Family Dentistry.

Amalgam Restorations

What are amalgam restorations?

• An amalgam is an alloy or combination of two or more metals.
• Amalgam fillings (silver fillings) are made up of mercury, powdered silver and tin.

What happens during amalgam restorations?

• The decayed areas are prepared by undercutting and shaping an area that will hold the fillings in place and maintain the life of the the fillings.
• The combination of metals are mixed and then slotted or “packed”  into the prepared areas of the tooth / teeth.
• The fillings harden and replace the missing tooth substance once the amalgam restoration is completed.

Bonding or Composite Restoration

What are composite restorations?

• Composite restorations are fillings made of a plastic tooth-colored resin material and are commonly referred to as white or plastic fillings.

What happens during bonding / composite restorations?

• Bonding is the actual process of fusing the filling material to the tooth…The filling “bonds” or “sticks” to the tooth.
• The plastic tooth-colored resin material is placed into the cavity in layers until the tooth is restored to its original form and then an ultraviolet light is used to harden the material.
• Once “bonded” the composite material is hard wearing and can even be chewed on immediately after the restoration is finished.

Inlay Restorations

What are inlay restorations?

• An inlay is a prefabricated solid filling that is specially prepared for a particular tooth’s cavity.
• Most inlays are made of gold or tooth-colored porcelain.

What happens during inlay restorations?

• An impression of the prepared cavity is taken using an elastic material.
• The unique impression is then sent to a dental technician who will craft the inlay accordingly.
• The inlay is then cemented into the particular tooth that it has been made for.

Crown or Replacement Crowns

What are crowns or replacement crowns?

• A crown replaces the natural crown of a tooth when a significant portion of the original crown of a tooth has been damaged.
• Crowns may be made of porcelain, gold or a combination of the two materials and some crowns are made of acrylic.

What happens during crown procedures?

• The tooth’s crown is trimmed and made an even level.
• An impression is taken of the prepared tooth
• The dentist sends the impression to the dental technician who will make the replacement crown.
• Once made the newly crafted crown is cemented onto the tooth.
• Crowns can also be made for healthy teeth, when they form part of a bridge and when new crowns can be used to improve the appearance of a tooth.

Restorations are partial or complete reconstructions of damaged teeth that allow for a patient’s smile to be rejuvenated! Using these various tooth restoration services allows for Alabama Family Dentistry’s Birmingham partner dentists to restore or replace lost tooth structure, multiple teeth, and even oral tissues. Contact Acton Road Family Dentistry, Warrior Family Dentistry or Gardendale Family Dentistry for more information on their dental services today!

Acton Road Dentistry Alabama : Patient Testimonial

” I hated going to the dentist. But when I needed to get my teeth,cleaned ect. This was where I went. I had to have two wisdom teeth done and they pulled them and I didn’t even know it , huh ? Loool. They took their time making sure everything that needed to be done was done and done with care! Great staff. ”

- From Insider Expert’s user, Umm N.

Make your appointment at Acton Road Dentistry with Dr. Blake Maddox or Dr. Jing Li today! Call (205) 823-2258

Acton Road Family Dentistry: Birmingham Dentists serving Central Alabama

Great, Friendly Dentists and Staff at Acton Road Family Dentistry

” My old dentist retired and I needed a new one. These guys made me comfortable from the first visit, and were very careful and competent. They didn’t even get mad when I freaked out a little and got all panicky about a cavity. Just calmly explained what the deal was and waited until my little freak-out was over, all smiles. Very kind folks. ”

Patient Testimonial by Xmeromotu from Google Business Search and Reviews on maps.google.com

Warrior Family Dentistry: Birmingham Dentists serving Central Alabama

Warrior Family Dentists Provide “Great Service!”

Call (205) 631-7301 to Schedule a dental appointment with Birmingham Dentist Jared Murrell, DMD

” Dr. Murrell was very professional while also having a good “bedside manner”. I’m anxious about dentistry and he put me at ease through a difficult procedure. I didn’t have to wait in the waiting room and was seen at appt time Office staff friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.‎”

- Patient Testimonial by Heather on Google’s Business Search and Reviews

Click here to learn more about Gardendale Family Dentistry!