Oral Healthcare for Seniors

Having more candles on your birthday cake and fewer teeth in your mouth do not necessarily go hand in hand. Oral healthcare for seniors is extremely important.  It is true that aging does make your teeth more susceptible to dental damage due to wear.  However, there are several things you can do to maintain excellent oral hygiene and decrease severe oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.

1. Brush your teeth properly. Use proper brushing techniques with a soft bristled toothbrush.  Hard bristles can damage the enamel of your teeth or your gums.  Not brushing thoroughly or brushing too fast can leave behind harmful tartar and plaque. Make sure to brush for two minutes at least twice daily.

2. Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from hard to reach places. Flossing teeth is very effective in reducing the incidence of gum disease.

3. Drink plenty of water daily. This can help wash away harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. Drinking water can also help increase your saliva production and avoid dry-mouth or xerostomia.  Saliva is important when discussing oral health because it both lubricates the mouth and balances the mouth’s acidity, thereby preventing tooth decay.  Certain diseases or medications can affect how much saliva is produced in the mouth.

4. Quit smoking. In addition to reducing the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, the health of your gums and teeth can be improved by not smoking.

5. Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings. Routine dental exams can catch oral health problems early on. This is very important to prevent further damage.

Practicing good oral hygiene can help seniors enjoy healthy smiles for years to come.
If you notice changes in your oral health, experience increased tooth sensitivity, or have any questions regarding your overall oral health, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Recksiedler or Dr. Gulbransen.

Dental Implants– Benefits of the Specialist Team Approach to Treatment

Are you confused about where to go for dental implant treatment?  Many different dentists claim to be ‘leaders and experts’ in the field of implant dentistry.  There are a number of implant centers and general dentists who offer to provide both the surgical and restorative aspects of dental implant treatment.  In order to decide what your best option is, it is critical that you understand how the team approach to dental implant treatment can benefit you.

Dental implants combine the best of science and technology, often involving the expertise of several different dental disciplines.  Traditionally, complex implant treatment has been provided by a private practice team consisting of a surgical specialist and a prosthodontist who specializes in tooth replacement and restoration. This team of dental specialists work together to draw up a treatment plan that best meets each individual patient’s needs.

Oral surgeons and periodontists are ADA-recognized surgical specialists who have completed post-graduate surgical residencies and are experienced in the management of potential surgical complications.

Prosthodontists are ADA-recognized specialists in the replacement and restoration of teeth. Prosthodontists receive at least 3 years of additional training in an ADA accredited hospital or university-based program after graduating from dental school.  Postgraduate prosthodontic programs include literature reviews, lectures, extensive clinical training and rigorous hands-on laboratory experience.

Dentists who advertise as cosmetic dentists or implantologists may not have any additional formal training beyond four years of dental school.  In fact, continuing education in ‘cosmetic/implant dentistry’ is largely unregulated. Patients should understand that there is a significant difference between residency-trained specialists and dentists who have taken a weekend course on reconstructive dental work. The vast majority of general dentists have relatively limited experience with patients missing all of their teeth, or those with more complex and complicated cases.  Prosthodontists deal with complicated cases every day.

After an initial comprehensive examination, Drs. Gulbransen and Recksiedler consult with other team members to determine if implants are the right solution and what, if any underlying dental issues need to be addressed to insure the success of the implants.  Communication among team members ensures that every step of the process goes smoothly and the best possible results are achieved.  The teamwork continues long after implant placement.  Follow-up examinations with Dr. Gulbransen, Dr. Recksiedler and other team members are very important.

Dr. Gulbransen and Dr. Recksiedler, as the prosthodontists, are the ‘quarterbacks’ of your dental restorative team.  Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach to your dental care.  They supervise your treatment from your initial consultations to your follow-up care after treatment and will interact with other dentists, specialists and technicians to coordinate your dental treatment plan.

If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants, please contact our office for an appointment.  Dr. Gulbransen or Dr. Recksiedler will assist you in determining the appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation.  We will work with your surgical specialist [oral surgeon or periodontist] to execute the plan in the most convenient way possible.

Continuing Education in Prosthodontics

Continuing education in the field of Prosthodontics is very important at the office of SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS.  March 12-14, 2015, Dr. Gulbransen attended the ACADEMY OF OSSEOINTEGRATION annual meeting in San Francisco.  

Dr.Gulbransen is proud to be a member of this specialist organization which meets annually to promote professional excellence and fellowship in the field of implant dentistry.  Academy members share the common goal of moving the field of osseointegrated implants forward through clinical and evidence-based research and education.

Known for its diversity in cutting-edge presentations by world-renown speakers, this internationally acclaimed conference provides excellence in education and development of dental implant technology.  A variety of educational seminars offer a unique and significant opportunity to view the latest research and developments in the dynamic field of dental implant dentistry.

Here Dr. Gulbransen is shown at the conference with his son-in-law, Dr. Scott Recksiedler, who will be joining the practice in July 2015. 

San Diego Prosthodontic Specialist

What makes the Office of San Diego Prosthodontic Specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen So Special?

In today’s world, you have a choice when it comes to your dental care. We encourage you to ask questions and involve yourself in treatment planning your care. We enjoy informing our patients about their oral health and all the treatment options available to them.

Experience does make a difference.

San Diego prosthodontic specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen specializes in prosthodontics, one of the nine recognized specialties within the American Dental Association [ADA]. Prosthodontists are trained to replace missing teeth, gum tissues and bone in the mouth and to make your smile beautiful as well as functional.

He received his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dentistry, where he was selected to the national dental honorary society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Gulbransen has received four additional years of training after dental school.  After completing a one year dental General Practice Residency at the La Jolla Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Dr. Gulbransen went to Los Angeles where he completed a two year prosthodontic residency at the Wadsworth VA Hospital.

During this residency in advanced restorative dentistry, he was selected to be the Chief Resident. Dr. Gulbransen spent an additional year of training in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the UCLA Medical Center. This is where he learned to rehabilitate patients with oral and facial defects caused by cancer or trauma. He has enjoyed practicing as a specialist in restorative dentistry in La Mesa since 1984.

This additional post-graduate education after graduation from dental schoolincluded reviews of the literature, advanced level courses, clinical and laboratory experience and treatment of patients. This specialty education provided skills and knowledge beyond the training of general dentists.  He is also trained in the hands-on technical aspects of laboratory fabrication of complex dental prosthetics and complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics. Dr. Gulbransen has enjoyed practicing as a prosthodontic specialist in Maxillofacial Prosthetics in La Mesa since 1984.
His wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Prosthodontics is evidenced by the respect he enjoys in the San Diego dental community. In fact, he has been recognized every year since 2007 by a jury of his peers as a “Top Dentist” in San Diego County in the field of Prosthodontics.

On-Site Fully-equipped State-of-the-Art Dental Laboratory

Our practice also enjoys a fully-equipped prosthetic dental laboratory on premises, staffed with two full-time, experienced dental laboratory technicians. This ensures complete control and timely delivery of superior quality customized crowns, bridges, dental implant restorations, dentures and facial prostheses.

We have the ability on site to accomplish all phases of complete denture fabrication, most implant supported restorations and cast precious metal crowns and bridges. A custom milling machine is available for the fabrication of high-end implant supported restorations. All phases of fabrication of silicone facial prostheses, from sculpting to processing and painting are handled in our laboratory. Our in-house laboratory is designed to assist Dr. Gulbransen and allows him to provide high quality care to his patients.

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Fred and Ian
Full-Time Laboratory Technicians

Continuing Education and Professional Affiliations

Dr. Gulbransen at San Diego Prosthodontics is committed to continuing education. He attends numerous professional and scientific meetings to insure that he is up to date in the use of the latest treatments and technologies. As an active member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Dental Association, Dr. Gulbransen stays abreast of the latest techniques and technologies in the dynamic field of prosthodontics 

Commitment to Digital X-ray and the Latest Technology

Our office employs state of the art electronic technology, including digital panoramic and intraoral x-rays. SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS is proud to offer the latest in modern sterilization and disinfection techniques. Vigorous safeguards, exacting cleaning procedures and controlled professional standards are designed to protect the health and welfare of both patients and practitioners.

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Dedication of our Exemplary Staff

Our friendly and professional staff strives to make your experience in our office both positive and rewarding. Every member of our staff has been with us at least 10 years—we think this says a lot about our office and we are very proud of our dental team. We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding your dental treatment, including insurance, billing and office procedures. All of our staff members are CPR certified. We know your time is valuable and we take pride in being efficient and timely, while still maintaining a warm and caring atmosphere.

Are You Too Old for Dental Implants?

Are you too old for dental implants?

It is a common misconception that dental implants are not appropriate for aging patients. The good news is that dental implants can be placed in adult patients of any age as long as there is sufficient bone present to support the implants and your overall general health is good.

Rather than your age, the main criteria for being able to pursue dental implant treatment revolve around your overall health.

The ideal candidate for dental implants should possess good general health, adequate bone in the jaw, healthy gums free of periodontal disease and a desire to improve the quality of life.
It is possible for a patient to be too young for dental implants because implants should not be placed until growth is complete and the jawbone is fully developed. However, dental implants can be successful in patients in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. There are a number of factors to examine when considering options for replacing missing teeth.

First, it is important to undergo a thorough dental evaluation by a dentist who understands all of your options.

Dr. Gulbransen is a trained dental specialist in Prosthodontics. After examining you, he can discuss if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Contact our friendly office staff to make an appointment with Dr. Gulbransen.
With proper care and a healthy patient of any age, dental implants can be maintained for many years.

What is the difference between a partial denture and a dental bridge?

 

A partial denture is a dental prosthodontic appliance (artificial tooth or teeth) that can be removed from the mouth and cleaned like conventional dentures.  Partial dentures are often referred to as removable partial dentures or RPD’s.  Partial dentures are one option available to replace missing teeth.  Artificial teeth are added to an acrylic base with metal clasps that hook and fit around existing teeth located on either side of the missing teeth. These clasps help to stabilize the partial denture and hold it in place.

 

A dental bridge, however, is different from a partial denture.  It is another option available to replace missing teeth.  A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device that is permanently anchored in the mouth and is also referred to as a fixed partial denture.  A dental bridge literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth are missing.  Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared and capped crowns and then the replacement teeth are attached to those crowns to form a bridge.

 

While conventional fixed dental bridges are highly effective in restoring oral health to the mouth, they do require the natural teeth surrounding the gap to be trimmed down and capped with crowns that will support the bridge.  Implant-supported bridges are an ideal alternative for some patients who have sufficient jawbone density.  Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, where they integrate into the bone and can be used to support the bridge without the need for alteration of natural, healthy teeth.

 

Both partial dentures and dental bridges are options for replacing missing teeth. Every patient is unique.  To learn if you are a good candidate for a partial denture or a dental bridge, with or without dental implants, schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Gulbransen, a trained specialist and Prosthodontist.  After evaluating your mouth, Dr. Gulbransen will advise you of all the options available to you to restore your beautiful smile.

 

 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you interested in learning about alternatives to traditional removable dentures?  If you or someone you know has lost teeth through an accident, disease or decay, dental implants may be an excellent tooth replacement option.  With the advent of predictable cutting-edge dental implant technology, there are many viable treatment options available to patients who previously had no choice but to wear dentures.  Now there are many fixed and removable options which utilize placement of dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants can be used when:

• All of a patient’s teeth are missing
• Several teeth are missing
• A single tooth is missing

To learn more about dental implants, click here.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?  Every patient is unique. General overall health as well as the health of your mouth are all important factors when considering dental implant placement and restoration.  Additionally, adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support dental implants.

Not only are traditional dentures sometimes difficult to adjust to, but loss of natural teeth causes bone loss and deterioration called resorption.  Placement of dental  implants in the areas where the original teeth were, minimizes this bone resorption.

The first step is to visit our office for a consultation and complete evaluation with Dr. Gulbransen.  Treatment options vary with individual needs.  For information on  your initial appointment, click here.  As a trained dental specialist in prosthodontics, Dr. Gulbransen is well equipped to provide patients with all of their treatment options.  There is no standard, cookie-cutter treatment modality–every patient has their  own individualized treatment planning process.  Successful implant placement involves a coordinated team approach composed of prosthodontic dental specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen, the oral surgeon or periodontist who surgically places the implants, and the lab technician.  For information on our team approach,view our blog.

Please call or e-mail our office at staff@sdprostho.com with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to having the opportunity to assist you with your prosthodontic needs.