South Florida Cosmetic Dentist Warns Against Badly Trained Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Charles Nottingham, a dentist from Smile South Florida, describes the dangers of getting cosmetic procedures from dentists without advanced training and experience.

Nationally there are over 150,000 dentists, and the number is growing at a rapid rate. However, a staggering quantity of inexperienced students graduate from dental school every year and enter directly into practice. Some of these graduates go on to get specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, but many become general dentists who attempt specialized cosmetic dentistry without the necessary expertise.

A survey by Harris Interactive revealed that 11% of Americans annually (and the number grows every year) received an in-office cosmetic dental procedure to beautify their smiles. High-quality cosmetic dentistry can transform your appearance, but poorly executed dentistry can prove disastrous.

Here’s a shocking statistic from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry: over 25% of  Americans’ yearly expenditures cosmetic dentistry is spent re-doing and correcting unsatisfactory dental work from a previous visits. “While cosmetic dentistry can be transformative, badly performed dentistry can lead to a lifetime of pain and problems.” says Dr. Charles Nottingham, one of the best cosmetic dentists in Florida.

A report by the Surgeon General found that over 39 million people, or 22%, experience some kind of oral-facial pain in a given six month period. The report estimates that 12.2% of Americans suffers from toothache, 5.3% from jaw joint pain, and 1.4% from face or cheek pain.

Founder of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, Ronald E. Goldstein estimates that 50% of American dental work is spent on cosmetic procedures. Undoing other dentists’ shoddy work accounts for an estimated one-seventh of the over $80 Billion spent on dentistry in the U.S. In a 2004 Wall Street Journal article, various cosmetic dentists estimated that re-doing others’ work accounts for 25% to 50% of their work.

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Nearly 30% of Americans are afraid of visiting the dentist and even will put up with pain or discomfort to avoid dental visits. However, for those people, there is another way: sedation dentistry.  It can also be called oral sedation dentistry, anxiety-free dentistry,  and relaxation dentistry.

Available for both general and cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry can be used for procedures from simple cleanings and root canals to complete smile makeovers. At a dental visit you and your dentist will agree on the needed treatment. The dentist will give you a prescription for a drug such as Valium, Ativan, or Sonata.

“Most of the drugs have been available for years and all are safe to use,” says one of Miami’s best sedation dentists, Dr. Kenneth Anenberg, cosmetic dentist from Smile South Florida. “Some of the prescriptions last longer than others, so the amount of time necessary for your treatment will help determine what kind of medicine you will receive.  Be sure to tell the dentist about other drugs you are taking and details of your medical condition.”

The day of the procedure, you will take your medicine before the appointment – how far in advance will be determined by how long your treatment will take. You will need a companion to drive you to and from your appointment. When the dentist starts the procedure, you will feel relaxed and, possibly, drowsy, points out Anenberg, a Miami sedation dentist.  Most patients don’t sleep deeply unless they’ve been administered general anesthesia, which most dentists don’t provide.

Some dentists provide Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) instead of or in addition to prescription medicine.  In use for more than 100 years, Nitrous Oxide is particularly good to combine with other sedation dentistry medicines since it provides pain relief and has some anti-anxiety properties.

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The Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida have announced an Exclusive Agreement with da Vinci Studios, a premier provider of veneers and crowns. Because of their outstanding quality and customer service, da Vinci will be the only line of veneers and crowns that the Miami cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida use. Da Vinci studios is the dental lab for ABC’s Extreme Makeover show and Fox’s The Swan. Only the top dentists in the U.S. can become certified da Vinci dentists.

“Da Vinci products are absolutely the best available in the U.S. We didn’t feel the need to carry any other brands of veneers and crowns. Da Vinci provides everything we need,” said Dr. Charles Nottingham, Smile South Florida’s top dentist. “It’s a pleasure to work with them.”

Smile South Florida’s top cosmetic dentist in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area, Dr. Charles Nottingham, has maintained a close relationship with the owner of da Vinci Studios, Daniel Materdomini. Dr. Nottingham and Daniel speak regularly about maintaining the best cosmetic dental practices with da Vinci veneers. In fact, the Daniel sent his own mother to Dr. Nottingham for a full cosmetic reconstruction – and were very pleased with the results.

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Reprinted from ada.org.

CHICAGO, May 27, 2010 – If you participate in organized sports or recreational activities, there’s always the risk of injury to the mouth, says the American Dental Association (ADA).

In a recent NHL playoff game, a Chicago Blackhawk player was struck in the mouth by a speeding puck. Although wearing a mouthguard, according to news reports, the player lost seven teeth in the incident, which serves as a reminder that acute dental injuries can occur when least expected.

Unlike many National Hockey League (NHL) players, most people will not face a slap shot, rocketing up to 100 mph, which poses clear injury risks. The same is true for swinging sticks and flying elbows. In many situations, mouthguards can help reduce the incidence and severity of dental injury.

“I dread picturing the degree of damage that the player might have sustained without wearing a mouthguard.” ponders ADA consumer advisor Matthew Messina, D.D.S., a general dentist from the Cleveland area. “A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your mouth, cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw.”

Injury risk nearly two times greater

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Researchers examined 35 men with prostate inflammation. They found that the men with the most severe prostatitis also showed signs of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis has been linked to other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, so researchers suspected a possible connection to prostate disease as well.

This study compared levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – an indicator of prostate disease – with the clinical attachment level (CAL) of the teeth and gums and teeth – indicating possible gum disease.

The research about prostate health and gingivitis was conducted by periodontists at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and has been published in the Journal of Periodontology.

This finding supports the belief that oral health and whole-body health are deeply connected. Gum health problems – not just full-blown periodontal disease, but the bleeding gums, swollen gums or receding gums that can indicate gum disease – can indicate the presence of other inflammatory issues.

Reprinted from: http://www.thewealthydentist.com/blog/1210/gum-disease-and-prostate-health/

Miami and Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist Dr. George Kolos and his team at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have recently started offering the Makkar PPM sports appliance, a mouth guard which is specially fitted to each user and has been proven to enhance sports performance. Invented by Dr. Anil Makkar, each appliance is custom-designed and manufactured for each individual. The device aligns the athlete’s head, neck and spine improving balance, range of motion, flexibility, endurance, and oxygen flow during athletic activities.

The appliance works on the principle that the muscles of the face, jaw and neck should be aligned to be most efficient and restful. Most people do not have that alignment naturally and the result can be headaches, neck strain, and cracked teeth.  The benefits that users experience are the result of a more efficient neuromusculature, and enhanced oxygen flow through an increased airway. Most athletes see improvement in their performance immediately.

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Reprinted from Delta Dental.

How a Trip to the Dentist Could Save Your Life

Using the force of Star Wars technology to spot rogue cells, dentists are on the front lines of the war against oral cancer – a disease that kills an American every hour. More than twenty-seven years ago, the country launched the Strategic Defense Initiative program, otherwise known as “Star Wars.” Today, some of the technology originally aimed at identifying enemy missiles is helping dentists and medical professionals identify a different kind of potential killer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 30,000 people in the US are diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx. Since this form of cancer is typically discovered late in its development, the death rate is higher than that of many other forms of cancer, including cervical cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, of those diagnosed with oral cancer, less than half will still be alive five years later. Each year, this stealthy killer takes the lives of approximately 8,000 Americans.

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Known for being on the cutting edge of dental technology, Miami dental center Smile South Florida is giving its patients more reasons to smile than ever. Using Waterlase dentistry, Miami cosmetic dentist Dr. George Kolos and his certified staff of Waterlase dentists and hygienists, take the pain out of many of dentistry’s most feared treatments.

Waterlase dentistry combines the precision of surgical lasers and the elemental power of water to gently perform several procedures that keep Smile South Florida’s patients’ teeth healthy. This treatment method can be used to handle major dental work such as filling, bondings, cavity removal, decay removal, and many more procedures.

“Whether we’re caring for the patient’s teeth, bone, or gums, Waterlase technology is always our first choice for treatment,” says the Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist. “The benefits are endless. From less anesthesia, to less bleeding, to fewer appointments, to improved efficiency and accuracy, we’re providing the absolute cutting edge in dentistry, and the best part is that our patients reap all the benefits.”

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FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — internationally recognized cosmetic dental practice Smile South Florida has recently added a top Miami cosmetic dentist to its lauded staff. Bringing over 20 years of cosmetic and restorative dental experience to his new home at Smile South Florida, Dr. George Kolos, DMD, looks forward to providing his patients with beautiful and healthy smiles for years to come.

Dr. Kolos is currently practicing from Smile South Florida’s Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton offices. The Miami dentist was invited to join Smile South Florida due to his body of work as a Ft. Lauderdale cosmetic dentist, his status in the dental community, and his personal relationship with Smile South Florida’s leading dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham.

“The opportunity to practice alongside my colleagues at Smile South Florida was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” says Dr. Kolos. “The team has made an impression across the globe as leaders in cosmetic dentistry. Working in this atmosphere of advanced technologies with a world-class staff that practices patient-friendly treatment makes it easy to come to work ready to make a difference in my patients’ lives.” Continue Reading >>

Dr. Nottingham is amazing. He’s caring person... I am a very difficult dental patient and have dentists in my family. I felt I would never let anyone do this to me but him, and I was right…He’s the most talented dentist I know and my crowns were perfect from the day he put them in..(believe me I was amazed also).Its been 2 weeks and I feel like they were always my teeth. MY husband who was against me even doing this says my teeth look great.

Doris was my assistant…..She was so kind to me. I felt so comfortable with her and she works so well with Dr. Nottingham..I am someone who hyperventilates at the thought of a dentist and she just took such good care of me.

Treatment Length with Dr. Nottingham: 30 years.

Review of Dr. Charles Nottingham – Cosmetic Dentist Posted On DR.Oogle Dentist Guide

Dr Nottingham has always been there in my time of need. When my dentures cracked during the holidays, he got me right in and taken care of. He genuinely cares for his patients.

His staff is wonderful. I would never go to another dentist. He is dedicated and caring. he made such a difference in my life when I got my new dentures.

Treatment Length with Dr. Nottingham: three years.

Review of Dr. Charles Nottingham – Cosmetic Dentist Posted On DR.Oogle Dentist Guide

Dr Anenberg is by far the best dentist that I have ever visited. He and his staff provide optimal levels of excellent customer service and ensures that all visits are pain free. Dr. Anenberg takes the time to discuss his procedure, ensures that all questions are properly answered and provides his input on the end product. He is very gentle and during his procedures he ensures that his patient is pain, stress and anxiety free. I feel confident in my smile and am grateful to Dr. Anenberg for all he has accomplished. Andrea S.

Treatment Length with Dr. Nottingham: 6-8months.

Review of Dr. Kenneth Anenberg – General Dentist
Posted On DR.Oogle Dentist Guide

Enjoy Cosmetic Dentistry at its finest in this Smile Gallery with Mozart providing the background music!

Da Vinci Studios, the dental laboratory for ABC’s Extreme Makeover said the following about our Smile Gallery:

“I have never seen a smile gallery as extensive as Smile South Florida’s and where the final result of every case is of such a high standard.”

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We are proud new patients of Dr. Nottingham.

I researched his office prior to my dental exam & I am 200% impressed and pleased to have selected him as my primary care dentist. He by far surpassed my expectations for myself and my man.

We both had our consultations at the same time and it was the best thing ever. I enjoyed seeing what we both needed to fix and it gave both him & I something to “Smile” about knowing that we’re both able to share our dental visits together. Boy, we truly learned alot.

We highly recommend Dr. Nottingham to everyone we know, as a matter of fact I’ve already given out 3 referrals so far. We have no regrets about the care and treatments we’ll receive. We felt good when we left the dental office and his staff is by far the best I’ve known.

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I love coming here. The facility is modern, clean and relaxing. I am generally seen within 5-10 minutes of my appointment. i have had 4 pain-free visits, great oral health advice and expert care. I have recommended them to everyone I know.

Treatment Length with Dr. Nottingham: six months.

Review of Dr. Charles Nottingham – Cosmetic Dentist Posted On DR.Oogle Dentist Guide