Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2016 -- Hesitation toward dental treatment is a typical fear. Nearly 50 percent of people begin to feel uneasy or stressed whenever thinking about visiting the dentist. Now, with sedation dentistry available, dental fear is becoming a distant memory.

Dr. Don Reid's main goal is to help make his patients feel relaxed and comfortable during any type of dental visit. "Very little else makes a difference if the patient doesn't have a nurturing and understanding staff in their corner. We aim to care for and understand our patients as unique individuals and at absolutely no time will we force an individual to feel self-conscious about their dental needs or fears," states Dr. Reid.

Well-known dental fears include: Fear of embarrassment about the condition of their teeth, fear of gagging and fear of injections. Other fears include not getting numb from the Novocain, fear of the drill and fear of dental sounds and smells.

Dr. Reid begins with a topical solution that 'pre-numbs' the injection area. Then the local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area being treated. This temporarily blocks feeling to the nerve and should last one to two hours or longer.

Studies have proven that nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) is the first and best option for highly apprehensive patients. "After receiving nitrous oxide gas, a patient who was fearful and severely anxious is now going into treatment breathing calmly and visibly relaxing," notes Dr. Reid.

Oral conscious dentistry is the most common technique used to relieve dental patient fears. The technique is easy and requires no needles. It is a premedication in the form of a pill. Best of all, the medications create such a comfortable experience that most patients do not remember the visit; it's as if they've slept through the treatment. Dr. Reid remarks, "There is a new variety of oral medications that can be used to increase the onset and shorten the effects time. There are some patients that require IV sedation or general anesthesia instead of oral conscious sedation based on significant health history."

About Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid is a certified sedation dentist and can provide many levels of comfort. Inside an open and nurturing environment, individuals realize they aren't being judged or simply looked down upon due to their anxiety over dental care.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/16/2015 -- If an individual has sensitive, painful teeth, he/she needs to make an appointment to see the dentist to find out what is causing the sensitivity. The dentist will examine the teeth, determine the cause of the teeth sensitivity, and recommend a proper treatment plan.

Dr. Reid will check a person's teeth for sensitivity to cold, air, or heat. He will want to know if the patient eats foods that are high in acid such as soda, chocolate and coffee. Other foods that tend to cause more acidity include grains, sugar, dairy products, fish, processed foods, and meats like corned beef and smoked turkey. Also, mention any stomach problems such as reflux that may bring acid into the mouth.

"You may also want to avoid high-phosphorus drinks like beer or hot chocolate made from cocoa mix packets. Mineral sodas or sparkling water can be a good substitute. If you do wish to drink alcohol, go with lower phosphorus red or white wine," states Dr. Don Reid.

A complete examination by Dr. Reid will determine the cause of the painful sensitivity. Dr. Reid says, "I will look inside your mouth to check for decayed teeth and if needed, x-rays will be taken. You may also be checked for signs of teeth grinding or clenching." Many times excessive tooth grinding and clenching at night is a major factor in teeth sensitivity.

Dr. Reid may start out with a special oral hygiene program for home care, but he may also suggest professional treatment or recommend using a fluoride rinse or gel.

The following are treatments that Dr. Reid may suggest:

- Stabilizing the bite or occlusion with either minor bite recontouring or a night guard
- Recommend desensitizing toothpaste
- Apply special chemicals to the sensitive areas.
- Fill cavities or deep grooves in any exposed root.
- Apply a fluoride varnish to the root surface

The teeth can become sensitive again. Be sure to follow the home-care treatment plan. Although it doesn't work for everyone, the vast majority of people are delighted to find they can go back to enjoying all the frozen desserts and ice-cold drinks they've been avoiding.

From his initial entry into the field of dentistry, Dr. Reid has strived to do his best to provide the exceptional dental care he feels his patients deserve.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid call, 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2015 -- New patients are given one and a half hours to allow Dr. Reid to diagnose all the causes and effects that they are facing and will be detrimental to their oral health. Using operating room microscopes, soft-tissue lasers, Cat Scans and Cad/Cam digital photography are critical to allotting time for questions and concerns to be fully addressed. This type of diagnostic time is extremely important and very rare in most dental offices.

With digital radiography, Dr. Reid takes x-rays of the teeth with 90 percent less radiation to the patient than with a regular x-ray machine.

Then he stores the x-rays on the computers to access them faster than ever before. Additionally, the images can be sent electronically to insurance companies decreasing processing time and resulting in faster treatment.

The desire to be a better clinician inspired Dr. Don Reid to purchase, train and now uses an operating room microscope for all of his procedures.

Dr. Reid states that, "I believe microscopes will be the standard of care one day in dentistry as it is in neurosurgery." Dr. Reid is a founding father and lifelong member of the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry.

Dr. Reid and the hygiene team utilize dentistry's latest technological advancement, the soft tissue laser for periodontal (gum disease) therapy.

In restorative and cosmetic dentistry we can contour and trim gum tissue easily and adequately with almost no discomfort. Unlike removing tissue with a scalpel, a laser doesn't cause bleeding or swelling. Having a comfortable post-operative experience is now the norm. The laser can be used in conjunction with root planning which is a deep cleaning around the teeth and root. This kills the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Tahoe Dental Artistry utilizes CAD/Cam digital imagery to make virtual impressions of the teeth, eliminating the need for those messy trays filled with 'goop' that had to be held in the mouth until the 'goop' set. "Digital photography provides a much more comfortable and time saving experience for the patient. Equally as important, it produces more precise and accurate measurements allowing for better fitting crowns and bridges," remarks Dr. Reid. CAD/CAM digital photography creates a 3D computer scan of the teeth.

Dr. Reid provides the services and technologies his patients need to create a solid dental foundation.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2015 -- Many patients find themselves interviewing cosmetic dentists, for their baby boomer cosmetic dentistry make-over, but really do not understand their options. Dr. Reid notes, "Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns will last for many years if correctly bonded by a skilled, cosmetic dentist."

Veneers are just one of many options available in cosmetic dentistry to baby boomers to create a beautiful smile as well as repair signs of aging. Veneers are used to cover badly stained teeth, reshape chipped or broken teeth, and fill gaps between teeth. They are tooth colored porcelain shells that are permanently cemented to the front portion of the teeth. Although they are very thin, veneers become very strong when bonded to the teeth.

With veneers—as opposed to crowns—the natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer. An impression of the teeth is taken and is used to make veneers that fit exactly over the teeth. Adjustments are made where needed and then cemented to the teeth and all this being done with little or no anesthesia. Porcelain veneers remain popular because their appearance is natural and realistic.

Dr. Don Reid remarks, "The benefits of veneers outweigh the disadvantages by a hundred to one. Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Due to porcelain veneers translucent qualities I can match them to your own teeth for an extremely natural look."

They are very stain resistant and very durable, lasting up to ten years. Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials. For teeth that resist whitening, veneers can make even the darkest teeth appear bright white. Dentists may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor curves, overlaps, and small gaps.

One disadvantage is that veneers are unsuitable for those who clench or grind their teeth and cannot usually be repaired if they chip or crack.

Dr. Reid's practice is driven by its philosophy and mission to offer complete diagnosis and educational opportunities for supporting comfortable, healthy and esthetically pleasing dentistry for a lifetime.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2015 -- Recognized as an expert on occlusion, Dr. Donald Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry was recently invited to speak at the Global Specialty Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from May 21-23. He was among twelve international speakers from eight different countries to address bite problems and solutions.

Dr. Reid co-created BiteFX, an occlusal-based software, together with Doug Brown of Dynamic Thought. This software is now being used in teaching institutions and private practices all over the world.

"My mission in conjunction with BiteFX is to change the way dentistry is taught around the globe," explains Dr. Reid. "Bite problems are often taught poorly in the majority of dental schools, subjecting patients to needless problems such as facial pain, head pain, and the loss of teeth and crowns. Particularly in dental schools in Latin countries, hardly any courses are taught on occlusion problems. This is extremely important in treating patients with unexplained pain."

BiteFX is a software product with a portfolio of intuitive animations and clinical photographs that help explain occlusal/bad bite disease quickly and effectively for patients.

Symptoms of occlusion:
- Sensitive or painful teeth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Biting – chewing discomfort or pain
- Loss of gum and bone tissue
- Jaw and gum pain
- Clicking noises, ear congestion
- Aching jaw joints
- Headaches
- New restorations don't match teeth
- Painful crowns
- A feeling of looseness

Due to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment, creating a proper functional bite requires someone with extensive hands-on experience as well as up-to-date knowledge regarding this specialty treatment. Dr. Reid has successfully treated jaw and bite problems at Tahoe Dental Artistry and uses BiteFX exclusively to explain problems and solutions to his patients. In addition, he lectures internationally on Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment of Bite Disorders as well as other areas of dentistry, such as Behavioral Integrity–Driven Practice Development, Architectural Principles of Esthetic Smile Designs, and Health-Centered Dentistry. He is published in leading dental journals and magazines.

To make an appointment or set up a consultation with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/27/2015 -- While most dental offices have to send their dental implant patients to a radiology specialist for a scan, Dr. Donald Reid is one of the very few dentists in the United States with a cone-beam CT scanner conveniently integrated in his practice, Tahoe Dental Artistry.

The i-CAT® Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging System allows Dr. Reid to analyze the anatomy of his patient's mouth, face, and jaw areas by producing complete three-dimensional views of these oral and facial structures. This then leads to more accurate treatment planning and predictable outcomes for needed surgical procedures.

The i-CAT® plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as providing accurately assessed tooth relationships and relative anatomy for orthodontic treatment. Not only does it expose patients to less radiation than regular CT scans do, it also makes 3-D imaging quicker, easier, and much more cost effective.

"Alarmingly, some doctors perform complicated procedures like implant dentistry without the scans. If an individual is thinking about getting dental implants anywhere else, they should be sure to ask about the Cone Beam CT Scanner and whether or not it is part of that doctor's surgical planning," says Dr. Reid.

From the initial diagnosis, through planning and treatment, to successful case completion, the i-CAT® provides Dr. Reid with the flexibility to select specifically desired scans in order to manage radiation dose control. Using this system, he can optimize orthodontic treatment plans, map surgical treatment plans, and place and restore implants with greater accuracy and confidence. This reduces surgery and anesthesia time, which translates into smoother recoveries for patients.

About Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid received Fellowship recognition from the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), as recommended by Dr Carl Misch, founder of the Misch International Implant Institute. The ICOI, founded in 1972, has members in over 80 countries. It is not only the world's largest dental implant organization but is also the largest provider of continuing dental implant education.

Make an appointment with Dr. Reid by calling (530) 587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/04/2015 -- New technologies of dental adhesion have allowed traditional mercury amalgam fillings to be replaced by amalgam-free composite fillings, which are a much closer match to natural teeth in terms of durability, comfort, performance, and appearance.

"I often get requests from my patients for an 'upgrade' of their fillings. What they really want is for their outdated metal fillings to be taken out and replaced with modern, tooth-colored restorations," offers Dr. Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry.

A broken tooth can be quickly and easily restored to its natural beauty using composite fillings as a plausible alternative to getting a dental veneer or crown. These amalgam-free fillings involve state-of-the-art ceramics and resins, which help to maintain the healthy, remaining tooth structure.

"Composite fillings not only restore decayed teeth, but are also used for cosmetic improvements. They can change the color of the teeth or restore the shape of deformed teeth. The end result is essentially invisible fillings," Dr. Reid adds.

To prepare a tooth for a composite filling, it is treated gently and the weaker parts of its structure are removed before conditioning the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin layer of resin is applied. The length of time it takes for the resin to bond to the etched surface depends on the size and location of the cavity. After the composite filling is placed, Dr. Reid shines an intense light on it for less than a minute to get it to completely harden.

When composite resin fillings were first introduced, they were used only on the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure of the back teeth. However, they have been vastly improved and can now be used on the back teeth as well.

Many dental professionals agree that these tooth-colored composite restorations are safer and more environmentally friendly compared to conventional fillings, given that they do not contain mercury. While the American Dental Association (ADA) declares that the use of mercury in metal fillings is harmless, there are ongoing debates within the dental field regarding the adverse effects of mercury amalgam fillings.

About Dr. Reid's Practice
Dr. Reid's practice is driven by its philosophy and mission to offer complete diagnosis and educational opportunities that support comfortable, healthy and esthetically pleasing dentistry for a lifetime.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/31/2014 -- Behavioral studies in the American Journal of Social Psychology have proven that individuals who have bright, white smiles and who are physically attractive have an advantage in both social and professional situations.

Dr. Donald Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry performs cosmetic dentistry that can change a person's life and boost their self-confidence by giving them the smile they have always desired. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that offers procedures such as whitening, teeth straightening, porcelain crowns and veneers, and reshaping teeth.

"A straight, white and well-aligned smile not only brightens your day, it also positively affects the way others perceive and interact with you," says Dr. Reid, "Besides, having straighter and whiter teeth motivates you to get rid of some bad habits such as consuming food that stain the teeth, smoking and drinking sugary beverages. This not only helps the teeth stay bright and white, it also improves your overall health."

In addition to esthetics, cosmetic dentistry also involves maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Before any cosmetic procedure can take place, problems like a bad bite or crooked teeth must be taken care of. These problems often cause severe, ongoing headaches. The teeth that are misaligned cause the bite force to be out of balance, radiating pain into the muscles and nerves of the head. Most people tend to be unaware that they have a bad bite and not just a regular headache.

To help patients easily understand the destructive effects caused by bad bite, Dr. Reid has even created BiteFX software animations.

About Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid is a long-standing member of the American and Californian dental societies, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/29/2014 -- Patients suffering from malocclusion (bad bite) or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) often experience a significant amount of pain or discomfort as they may have to put up with migraines, headaches and/or clicking noises when adjusting their jaw. At Tahoe Dental Artistry, Dr. Donald Reid provides long-term relief using the O'N'E Solution™, a single set of resin-composite teeth that is placed over the upper teeth.

The O'N'E Solution™ prevents patients from grinding their teeth while sleeping. Each O'N'E Solution™ is custom-designed so that the upper and lower sets of teeth engage comfortably, solving the problems caused by bad bite or TMJ.

This solution differs from porcelain crowns or veneers, where each piece is made separately and then affixed to a tooth. The O'N'E Solution™ is a single piece of composite restoration material that can be worn for many years and serves the same purpose as porcelain crowns and veneers. "Until the patient is ready for a more permanent result with porcelain crowns or veneers, they will be comfortable with the O'N'E Solution™," says Dr. Reid.

"Another benefit of the solution is the flexibility it offers in the patient's future plans for permanent porcelain restorations. Should the patient choose to replace only the front teeth before deciding when the other teeth should be restored, they can easily get that done," adds Dr. Reid. All or some of the O'N'E Solution™ teeth can be replaced with permanent porcelain restorations at any time.

The O'N'E Solution™ is custom-fitted, meaning that every patient gets their teeth prepped just as they would before receiving crowns or veneers. This eliminates the need to schedule additional dental appointments when the patient is ready for permanent porcelain restorations. "The entire transition from O'N'E Solution™ to permanent restorations can be completed in just one appointment as no further tooth prep is needed," Dr. Reid sums up.

Possible causes of malocclusion include poor dental treatment, genetic heredity, an unhealthy lifestyle and injury. Fortunately, malocclusion is treatable. In the event that your ligaments, muscles, joints and/or bones in your jaw are misaligned and cause pain, request a consultation with Dr. Reid to discuss what can be done. Call Tahoe Dental Artistry at (530) 587-9560 today.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Contemporary Product Solutions, (CPS) a publication that reviews all things dental that contribute to better patient understanding for dentists, assistants, hygienists, front desk associates, clinicians and the dental laboratory world-wide, reviewed Bite FX in their February 2014 publication.

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/14/2014 -- Dr. Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry and Doug Brown, a software animation developer who runs Dynamic Thought LLC in Truckee, CA developed software animations to help patients understand the effects of occlusion or how your teeth fit together.

Dr. Reid says, "I'm marketing the newly developed dental appliance to dentists and their patients around the world." But his initial focus is existing clients of BiteFX, the animation that helps dental patients understand why they're having headaches or grinding their teeth.

The process of explaining malocclusion (bad bite) problems was confusing to patients and difficult for them to grasp the concept of what was wrong with their teeth; Dr. Reid realized that something had to be done to make it easier to explain to individuals who were complaining of jaw pain, face pain and other discomforts. He and his partner invented Bite FX.

Upon reviewing Bite FX, Contemporary Product Solutions said, "When concepts of malocclusion and the damaging effects resulting from an improper or unbalanced bite can be demonstrated graphically and visually, patients can better appreciate the need to follow specific recommendations and undergo subsequent restorative treatment."

CPS did a follow-up review with five dental offices that have integrated the BiteFX software into their practices. They provided their opinions about its ability to streamline patient education and understanding of malocclusion problems and recommended treatments. Overall, the dentists and dental team liked the software's presentation settings and the ability to show movies and pictures that help patients grasp the concept of malocclusion problems. These include tooth wear, traumatic bites and wear patterns, as well as what a restored and stable occlusal plan looks like.

Bite FX includes over 75 animations – movies and pictures that demonstrate and explain occlusion to patients making them aware and able to understand occlusal problems. The conclusion of the review is that Bite FX saves dentists and staff time by demonstrating occlusion-related problems and treatments.

Dr. Reid created BiteFX software animations depicting all the destruction effects caused by malocclusions or Temporal Mandibular Disorders. Dr Reid's software received world acclaim by the foremost authority and influential clinician in the history of dentistry, Dr Peter Dawson. To make an appointment with Dr. Reid call (530) 587-9560.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/01/2014 -- At most dental offices, on the first visit, patients typically receive an injection of anesthesia, have a tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on the tooth. The second appointment is generally made for a couple of weeks later. At that time, the patient will get another injection, have the temporary restoration removed, and have a permanent restoration placed.

Now with CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology it takes just one office visit to get a porcelain crown. CEREC allows Dr. Don Reid, of Tahoe Dental Artistry , to restore teeth with crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays with just one appointment. First, digital impressions are made of the teeth, using a special, highly precise camera. The CEREC machine then uses the digital image to design a custom restoration for the patient, matching the color precisely with the shade of the natural teeth. "The machine then fabricates the restoration while you rest comfortably. It is fast, accurate, and painless," comments Dr. Reid.

This time saving, computer-aided process allows Dr. Reid to efficiently construct, produce, and place individual ceramic restorations directly at the point of treatment.

Within a short time, Dr. Reid can bond the new restoration to the tooth, and the dental work is completed. The result is a durable, natural-looking restoration that is cost effective, comfortable and beautiful. "We do away with the trouble of a making two trips with CEREC. One visit porcelain fillings, ceramic crowns, or veneers could end up being the appropriate choice for you," remarks Dr. Reid.

The patient will be in and out in a single visit with a permanent restoration. Dr. Reid states, "With CEREC, you will have fewer injections and less time taken from your busy schedule for dental appointments."

Visit the website at Tahoe Dental Artistry and call Dr. Reid today for your individual consultation. For dental care and treatment call (530) 587-9560 to schedule an appointment. You will be on your way to an excellent smile.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry urges his patients to get a ‘shingles vaccine’ of Zostavax®. He says, “If you had chicken pox as a child, I urge you to get the shingles vaccine as soon as you turn 50 years old.”

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2014 -- The only way to reduce your risk of developing shingles is to get vaccinated. Adults age 50 years or older can receive a single dose of the shingles vaccine called Zostavax®. If you had chicken pox the virus is still in your body years later. Almost one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster. There are an estimated one million cases each year in this country. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles; even children can get shingles. "However the risk of disease increases as a person gets older. About half of all cases occur among people 60 years old or older," remarks Dr. Reid. Particularly relevant in dentistry, one of three branches of the trigeminal nerve may be affected: the ophthalmic branch, the maxillary branch, or the mandibular branch.

Shingles is a painful skin rash and symptoms happen in stages. At first you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu but not have a fever. Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain area. That's where a band, strip, or small area of rash may occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes two to four weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may leave scars. Dr. Reid goes on to say, "It's possible that you could also feel dizzy or weak, or you could have long-term pain or a rash on your face, changes in your vision, changes in how well you can think, or a rash that spreads. Particularly relevant in dentistry, one of three branches of the trigeminal nerve may be affected: the ophthalmic branch, the maxillary branch or the mandibular branch." If you have any of these problems from shingles, call your doctor right away.

Shingles is treated with medicines. These medicines include antiviral medicines and medicines for pain. Starting antiviral medicine right away can help your rash heal faster and be less painful. So if you think you may have shingles, see your doctor right away. People who have medical conditions that keep their immune systems from working properly, such as certain cancers and HIV, and also people who receive anti-rejection drugs, such as steroids and drugs given after organ transplants are also at greater risk of getting shingles.

Typically people who develop shingles have only one episode in their lifetime. In rare cases, however, a person can have a second or even a third episode. Dr. Reid explains, "Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body in a dormant (inactive) state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

It is hard to believe that something as simple as flossing can have a profound impact on your whole body. Reputable studies have shown that daily flossing may increase one’s life expectancy by as many as seven years.

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/12/2013 -- When you floss, you help prevent your gums from becoming inflamed. What is happening when your gums are inflamed is that you have a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. Dr. Donald Reid, Tahoe Dental Artistry comments, "This harms your arteries through two mechanisms: the bacteria find their way in to your arteries and hang out (causing plaques), and your body mounts a response to the bacteria in your mouth, causing inflammation, which in turn can cause your arteries to narrow." This can lead to a serious immune response such as a cardiac (heart) event or a cerebral (brain) event. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a toothbrush works by physically removing plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laden film, from your teeth with its soft bristles. Toothpaste enhances the effect of the toothbrush, and kinds that contain fluoride help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. But brushing has one big drawback: A toothbrush's bristles can't adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums [source: ADA].

Dr. Reid remarks, "That's where floss comes in. It's a tool specifically made to remove plaque from the tight spaces between the teeth and under the gums." The ADA suggests that flossing before you brush also helps make brushing more effective: With less plaque caught between your teeth, the fluoride in toothpaste can get to more parts of your mouth.

Dr. Reid recommends using unwaxed floss. Before brushing your teeth, measure a length of floss, approximately 18 inches, and wind each end around your middle fingers. Grasp one to two inches of the floss with your index finger and thumb; then gently glide the floss in between the teeth in a sawing motion and do not snap the floss between the teeth as this can cause trauma to the gum tissue and angle the floss so it hugs the tooth in a "c" shape. Gently slide the floss up and down the surface of the tooth making sure it goes slightly below the gumline (sulcus). When complete, angle the floss to hug the tooth in the opposite direction, and repeat this step. When the tooth surface is 'de-plaqued, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaky sound as opposed to none when it first slides over the slippery surface of the plaque. "Squeaky clean and into the sulcus' is the goal. It takes 36 hours for the bacteria to grow back after flossing, so by flossing once daily you can beat the bacteria at its own game.

Gum disease raises the danger of heart attack by as much as 25 percent. It increases the risk of having a stroke by a factor of 10.

Dr. Reid concludes, "It is no longer enough to just keep an eye on trouble spots in the gums. Instead, aggressively controlling periodontal disease will be a top priority for preserving and improving our patients' overall health and their enjoyment of life. In fact, it will mean that if our patients' teeth and gums are not healthy, we can assume that they are not healthy overall."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Donald Reid, Tahoe Dental Artistry can help his patients who suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). Simply put, TMJ is the syndrome that happens when the muscles in the jaw and the temporomandibular joint are out of alignment or misaligned, causing problems when chewing.

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/24/2013 -- TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, which is a fancy way of saying jaw joint. Clinically, Dr. Reid refers to problems associated with the TMJ (jaw joint) as TMJ syndrome or TMD (disorder). But many patients just call it 'TMJ'. Often, TMJ syndrome presents itself as a popping sound and sensation near the jaw joint.

"In easy to understand terms, the ligaments, muscles, bones and joints do not line up, thereby causing pain," explains Dr. Reid. Symptoms of TMJ can be agonizing and may include the following: Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth; headaches and/or dizziness; tenderness in jaw muscles; earache; jaws that sometimes lock open when yawning or if mouth is held open; or spasms or cramps in the jaw area. Additional symptoms that may occur are earaches; stuffiness; or ringing in the ears; numbness in fingers and arms; difficulty swallowing; pain behind the eyes and unexplained loosening of teeth.

Dr. Reid, a TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments of your problem. In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn't clear and can be a combination of ailments.

"Our treatment includes no pills, no shots, no surgery, and no side effects. We can treat these problems because they are most likely caused by clenching your teeth when you're sleeping and occasionally throughout the day," states Dr. Donald Reid. When you clench your teeth you use some of the strongest muscles in your body that can cause morning and tension headaches, and even damage surrounding joints, teeth, and other muscles.

Dr. Reid says, "TMJ problems can afflict people of all ages, although patients under 40 are more susceptible and it occurs more frequently in women." Left untreated, the TMJ symptoms increase in number and severity as you get older.

The high-intensity contractions of these powerful muscles become painful and the forces generated cause pain in surrounding tissues, joints, and other muscles. By reducing the intensity of the clenching, you're effectively minimizing the source of the pain.

In order to determine the best course of treatment, an accurate diagnosis is imperative. Consult with Dr. Reid to determine if you are suffering from TMJ syndrome. Many times all that's needed is a simple adjustment to your bite (the way your teeth come together) or a small mouthpiece that corrects the way your jaw joint closes.

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Dr. Don Reid collaborated with several other dentists on the design for occlusion software that would clearly explain to dental patients how their bite was affecting their health. Dr. Reid is the dentist behind BiteFX who transformed his practice by learning how to explain occlusion successfully to his patients and now teaches regularly on occlusion-related topics.

Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2013 -- The system, named BiteFX would easily explain to patients why they may have temporal headaches, why they were grinding their teeth or why they have breaking teeth. BiteFX is an animated software program that shows the patient what a natural bite is supposed to look like and explains how their occlusal disease is causing problems for them.

Dr. Reid says that, "Before BiteFX was invented, trying to explain occlusion (bad bite) to his patients usually got me a blank stare or a look of confusion." With BiteFX, patients understand complicated concepts that were previously difficult and time consuming to explain. Dr. Reid goes on to say, "However, I found that when I replaced the out-dated tools with the new 3D animations – bingo! The lights went on. A moving picture makes all the difference." Dr. Reid's patients easily comprehend what he is explaining to them and the system is a time saver for both him and his patients.

Before designing the BiteFX Splint which is the oral product of the system, Dr. Reid used several companies to make the splints he needed, but was never satisfied with their product. He decided to design his own splint and had it digitally manufactured at nSequence® in Reno, NV. Dr. Reid takes complex measurements and impressions of his patient's teeth and sends the information to the company and they manufacture the splint according to his specifications.

He used to use a loupe for all of his measurements, which is a simple, small magnification device used to see small details more closely, but now uses an operating room microscope for all of his procedures.

The splint is the returned to Dr. Reid and because of the enhanced magnification used while taking the measurements the splint is placed in the patient's mouth where it fits perfectly. The splint is worn at night and puts the patient's bite in what should be the patient's natural bite, relieving headaches and bruxing or grinding of teeth. When the splint was added to the system, Dr. Reid noted that patients were amazed at how much better they felt.

Dr. Reid created BiteFX software animations depicting all the destructive effects caused by malocclusion or Temporal Mandibular Disorder. Dr. Reid's software received world acclaim by, as many dentists say, the foremost authority and influential clinician in the history of dentistry, Dr. Peter Dawson. Dawson's Center as well as universities, dental schools and private institutions around the globe are using Dr. Reid's software to enhance student's comprehension of the human masticatory system during the physiological act of chewing. The system is now being marketed globally.

Dr. Reid is regularly published in leading dental journals and magazines.

He teaches hands-on programs for complete reconstructive dentistry as well as advises colleagues with clinical dilemmas. These lectures are held at The Sequence Center for Advanced Dentistry, located in Reno, which is a multi-faceted organization that has become an industry leader in its 26 years of serving dentists locally, nationally and worldwide.

Dr. Reid is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, graduate of the Center for Advanced Dental Studies, Misch International Implant Institute and is both a pioneer and a founder of the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry.

He is a long standing member of the American and California dental societies, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

For more information about the BiteFX software CLICK HERE or watch this video.

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Donald Reid, DDS, FICOI, Tahoe Dental Artistry, has been invited by The Dental Library's national organization to launch and take the helm as the contributing author for http://www.TahoeRenoDentalLibrary.com.

Lake Tahoe, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2013 -- The Tahoe Reno Dental Library is meant to offer important news and information about changes and opportunities in dentistry specific to families in the Lake Tahoe area.

The Dental Library is an organization of prominent dental professionals who have agreed to research and write or edit articles about dental issues and developments for their local communities. The Dental Library organization finds relevant information on technologies, trends and techniques in today's dental health care system. Local residents can find up-to-date news about dentistry and the potential impact on your family's future dental care.

Dr. Reid is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a graduate of the Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Misch International Implant Institute. He was a pioneer in the field of microscope-enhanced dentistry and was a founder of the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry. He is a long standing member of the American and California dental societies, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

About Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid is a clinical instructor on dental occlusion and is co-founder of BiteFX®, a patient-education software system that allows dentists to show patients a simple video of their diagnosed malocclusion.

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