Thursday 18 December 2014

Weston family dentist : Kids : Anxiety

How to Lessen Anxiety Over your Kid's First Visit to the Family Dentist
As a Weston family dentist office we treat a large and growing number of kids at our practice. From time to time we think it is a good idea to remind parents just how important getting children started with good dental hygiene habits is and how important their part as role models are. 
Getting your child ready for their first visit to the dentist (a new and therefor unpredictable experience) can be made easier if you take the time to familiarize him or her with what to expect (in general terms). Rule number one is not to mention anything that can be associated with pain.
Easing the anxiety kids have about dentists
When your child asks what the dentist is going to do answer in very general (but truthful) terms like he's going to ask you to say "ahh" and then he's going to count your teeth and check your smile.  You may even want to role play at that point. Have your child sit down, say ahh and then use a tooth brush and count his or her teeth. If you hold up a mirror they can see what's going on and the experience is no longer totally unpredictable.
If you have no personal anxiety about visiting the dentist, you may want to bring your child with you on your next appointment. This way they can become familiar with the surroundings and sample the toys, blankets, TV and aquarium that we keep just for kids.
Dr. Pyle has been treating kids for over 25 years and is an expert in managing their anxiety and concerns. Leave the "explaining" to him and don't attempt to explain x-rays, cavities or any other procedures. Just tell your kids that the dentist is the person who keeps their teeth strong and healthy.
If you have any questions about scheduling your child's first appointment, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Read more:

Monday 1 December 2014

Family dentist : Mouth Guard : Youth Sports

What Youth Sport Has the Most Dental Injuries?
You might think that youth football or hockey generates the most injuries involving the mouth. After all they are both heavy contact sports both with other players and the ground or ice. But if you guessed either of those sports you would be wrong. What you may find surprising is that the sports with the most mouth injuries include baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, softball and gymnastics. Most pros in those sports don't wear mouth guards and as a result kids don't wear them either. That's not good news.
Mouth guards, even cheap stock models can help prevent broken, cracked and lost teeth as well as jaw and joint fractures. Any of those injuries can be extremely painful and all of them are expensive to fix. Protecting your active kid from mouth injuries by insisting they wear a mouth guard while playing sports is an easy, inexpensive way to guard your kid from injury.
There are Mouth Guards and then there are Mouth Guards
Like all pieces of sporting equipment mouth guards come in different grades of quality and features. Here are the three most common:
  • Stock mouth guards. These are plastic and come in small, medium and large. They are cheap but if your kid won't wear them because they hurt you don't get any protection.
  • Boil and Bite. This is an attempt to customize a plastic guard. It's an improvement but it is still not customized to the child's mouth.
  • Customized sports guards. These are what Dr. Pyle provides at our Weston dental practice. These guards are not only customized to the child's teeth but to the width and shape of the mouth. They are by far the most durable and most comfortable. If your child has braces this is the way to go.
If you have an active child you want to make sure he/she has a mouth guard. If you want the most comfortable and most durable mouth guard, call us at our Weston dentist office and make an appointment for a fitting. Read more:


Tuesday 18 November 2014

Kids Weston : Child Dentistry : Dental Office

Kids Dentistry Weston – That All Important First Visit
Kids' dentistry is as much about child psychology as it is about the health of their teeth. At our Weston dental practice we treat kids from age 3 and up and we have developed a system and environment that can take the fear out of a trip to the dentist office but it requires your assistance in order for it to be totally effective.
That first visit to the dentist can have a lasting impression about dental visits and dental care. If it is at all possible we recommend that you take your child with you when it's time for your dental appointment. This gives the child an opportunity to visit the office, meet the nice people, play with the games we have for children, gaze at the aquarium and in general form a favorable, non-threatening opinion of the nice people at Dr. Pyle's office. If you can do this a couple of times before your child's first exam it will less stressful when it's the child's turn.
Starting a Health Habit of a Lifetime
We've been treating kids age 3 and up for over a quarter century. Our child dentistry services include regular checkups, cleanings, sealants, fillings, Carifree cavity prevention, sports guards, orthodontic evaluations and digital X-rays. We use laser guided dentistry which can reduce the need for anesthesia and make the experience less stressful for the child.

If you have any questions just give us a call at our Weston dental office and we will be happy to help. Read more:

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry Weston : Teeth Whitening : Restorative

In Weston Cosmetic Dentistry is About More Than Great Smiles
We've found that most of our Weston patients believe that cosmetic dentistry is a purely elective procedure designed for esthetic purposes only. While some cosmetic dentistry does focus on perfecting a smile, there are many procedures that are classified as cosmetic that actually have a restorative function.
For example composite fillings, crowns and bridges are all classified as cosmetic dentistry but the all play an important restorative role. The procedures improve the look of the teeth but they also bring the teeth back to a healthy condition that allows them to function more efficiently.
Composite fillings replace decayed areas of the tooth with a material that is tooth colored rather than silver. Yes this makes the tooth appear more natural so you can call it cosmetic but it also performs the same restorative function as a traditional filling. Crowns strengthen cracked teeth and bridges replace missing teeth both important restorative procedures.
Speaking of Smiles – Cosmetic Dentistry Options
A beautiful smile is not only attractive it builds self-confidence. To get that perfect smile cosmetic dentistry offers teeth whitening, bonding and veneers to brighten a smile and cover imperfections.
Cosmetic dentistry is a special dental practice and you only want it performed by an experienced and qualified dentist. For over 25 years Dr. Pyle has been on the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry and is up to date on the latest technologies. Our office provides the latest in porcelain materials, tooth colored fillings and the ZOOM! teeth whitening system, a non-invasive technology that brightens teeth quickly and painlessly.

If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, give us a call or ask Dr. Pyle on your next visit to our Weston dental office. Read More:

Monday 20 October 2014

Exercise and Oral Health- dentistry: Weston FL

Exercise and Oral Health

Exercise has long been recognized as one of the most important ways to keep your entire body healthy and fit. However, over the last several years, researchers have found evidence that exercise can actually lead to poorer oral health, so we wanted to be sure our Weston area dental patients were provided with the latest information on this topic.

How do researchers know that exercise can hurt oral health?

An initial survey of Olympic athletes showed that their oral health was significantly poorer than those of ordinary people. In order to further study this, a recent study was conducted at a dental school in Germany. A group of highly active athletes were compared against a group of healthy non-athletes. Researchers then examined their lifestyles, and took measurements before, during, and after exercise. Although researchers had initially suspected that athletes might consume more sugary sports bars and drinks, the athletes’ diet could not account for their poor oral health. Instead, researchers noticed the longer an athlete exercised, the more cavities they were likely to have.

How can exercising more lead to cavities?

Researchers found that during exercise, the mouth becomes drier as it produces less saliva. The saliva that was produced also became more basic (the opposite of acidic). A moist mouth with balanced saliva is important to protect enamel and prevent bacterial growth, leading to the athletes developing much more tartar and plaque. The longer an athlete exercised, the drier and more alkaline their mouth became, even if they drank often.

How can I exercise and still have good Oral Health?

Thursday 18 September 2014

Family Dentistry : Services : Weston

Family Dentistry at Stephen J Pyle, DDS serves as the first line of defense and detection for serious health problems like gum disease and oral cancer. A dental exam typically includes periodic x-rays where these problems can be spotted and appropriate action taken. Serious gum disease can contribute to heart disease and stroke making the dental exam even that much more important to a family member's overall health.
Family Dentistry…Did You Know?
When people think of family dentistry they most likely think dental exams, digital x-rays, teeth cleaning, extractions and teeth polishing. However today, a trained dentist like Dr. Pyle can offer can offer additional services that might surprise you:
  • NTI Tension Suppression System. This is a custom fit dental appliance that patients can wear at night to significantly reduce migraine headaches and migraine associated stress headaches. Dr. Pyle was the first to offer this non-surgical, no-drug, no side effects therapy in Weston.
  • Customized sports guards. If you or your children play a contact sport or a sport that could potentially result in a dental injury (like tennis or racquetball) Dr. Pyle can create a custom mouth guard for protection.
  • Tooth colored fillings. This filling material looks and feels more natural and is an excellent alternative to traditional silver filling material.
  • Dental hypnosis. Certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis Dr. Pyle can put anxious patients at ease using dental hypnosis making the dental treatment process less stressful.
  • Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances.  If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea, Dr. Pyle can custom fit you for an oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea ( rather than using a CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – device.)
Family dentistry is an important part of your family's overall health care program. Regular dental examinations and maintenance can prevent major (and expensive) dental issues later on: read more

Friday 5 September 2014

Cosmetic dentistry : Weston FL

Improving Your Quality of Life Through Cosmetic Dentistry

If you think cosmetic dentistry is a luxury, think again. How you perceive the appearance of your teeth can have a major impact on your self-confidence, self-image and how you interact with others. If you are completely confident in your smile…you'll smile more often and that can change the way people think about you.
Imagine having the confidence of a perfect smile when interacting with business associates or clients. You will engage in conversations more freely and you won't have that nagging worry about how you appear to others. Cosmetic dentistry is not a luxury; it is not an exclusive service for the rich and famous, it is a means to improve the quality of your life.
With Cosmetic Dentistry You Have Options
Over the years there have been significant advances both in the techniques and materials used in cosmetic dentistry. At our practice we have been providing cosmetic dentistry and bringing brighter smiles to patients in Weston, Sunrise and Plantation for over 25 years. The advances made during that time are absolutely stunning.
Here is a short list of the options available when creating a more attractive smile:
  • Porcelain Veneers. An excellent alternative to crowns.
  • Teeth Whitening. There are a variety of new products available for whitening teeth at home.
  • Tooth Colored Fillings. You can eliminate the mouth full of silver look with tooth colored fillings that look natural.
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialty and you don't want to receive cosmetic dentistry care from any dentist other than one who has the training and experience to practice it.
If you have questions regarding the benefits of cosmetic dentistry or how it is performed, please contact our office and we will be happy to answer them: read more

Thursday 14 August 2014

Getting Kids ready for Back to School : Dental Care

Believe it or not summer is almost over and it is time to start thinking about getting your kids ready for back to school. Traditionally "back to school" supplies means clothes, notebooks, pens, backpacks and other school paraphernalia so your kids are good to go on day one. However, there is one item that is often overlooked and it can be the most important "tool" your kid will need in his or her scholastic year and that's good dental health.

 A back to school dental exam is a smart move and ensures that your kids are starting the school year without the distractions and potential pain that dental problems can cause. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tooth decay is the largest chronic infectious disease risk that your kids will face. Further, it is estimated that 19% of children 2 to 12 have undiagnosed tooth decay and that can lead to problems eating, speaking, focusing and generally leading a normal kid's life.

For a few tips courtesy of Dr. Stephen J. Pyle in Weston: Read more

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Dental Anxiety - Weston Dental Blog

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a fearful response to dentists and dental office visits.  About 75% of Americans experience some form of dental anxiety, most often mild apprehension.  However, for a smaller fraction, dental anxiety is much more serious.  Serious dental anxiety occurs in up to 10% of the population, and can lead to behavior such as difficulty making appointments, panic attacks, or extreme anxiety leading up to and during a dental appointment.

Why is dental anxiety problematic?

A person with severe dental anxiety may avoid dentists entirely.  Their teeth will decay without regular dental cleaning, which can result in pain, embarrassment, ugly teeth, bad breath, and most critically can lead to poorer general health.

What are common symptoms of Severe Dental Anxiety?

General panic symptoms are typically seen with Severe Dental Anxiety, including difficulty breathing, sweaty palms, racing heart, lightheadedness and feeling queasy.

How can Dental Anxiety be Managed?

One of the easiest and most effective ways is to learn relaxation techniques, such as breathing or meditation, which can help relax them during an appointment.  A similar option that we make available to our Weston Area dental patients is dental hypnosis, which is very effective in relaxing a willing patient.

Just knowing that there is a problem can allow our dental staff to address phobias, such as by telling our patients what we are doing in each step, or avoiding a particular procedure if at all possible.  We can make arrangements for you to signal us to pause during treatment while you calm down and relax.  We also offer other relaxation aids such as TVs and music and a beautiful salt-water living reef aquarium in our state-of-the-art Weston dental location: Read More



Tuesday 1 July 2014

Dental Care at Summer Camp | Weston Dental Blog


How can I ensure that my child’s teeth stay healthy while they are away at camp over the summer?

The best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy over the summer is to make sure they follow the same good dental habits they do at home.  Remember to pack them a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, and remind them that just because they not at home doesn’t mean they do not have to take care of their teeth.

In addition, many camps allow you to pack your child a meal or snacks. Nuts, fruits, cheese and crackers, and seed mixes are not only healthy, but also much better for your child’s teeth than a sugary packaged snack would be.  If your child is not yet using products containing Xylitol, now would be a good time to start.

Why Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in various fruits, berries, and vegetables. Studies have found that Xylitol promotes oral health, and is also thought to promote the repair of damaged enamel.   Xylitol is available in both gum and candies.   So when your child is eating at camp and a toothbrush is not readily available, chewing Xylitol gum is the next best alternative to brushing after the meal.

Mouth Protection

Finally, many summer camps (especially sports camps) involve a lot of strenuous physical activity.  All of this provides plenty of opportunities for a mouth injury.  If you know that your child’s camp will involve sports or other demanding activities, consider getting a mouth guard. Mouth guards prevent a variety of injuries, including jaw damage, loose or knocked out teeth, cuts in the mouth, and can even protect braces.  

We advise our Weston area dental patients that with a little thoughtful preparation, they can prepare their children to have both a fun time at summer camp, as well as insure that their teeth stay healthy! : Read More


Tuesday 24 June 2014

Getting the Facts about Dental X-Rays

What are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-Rays are X-Rays used by dentists to examine your mouth and teeth.  These X-Rays can be used to check for cavities, bone loss, and tissue masses, cysts, or tumors, as well as to examine the jaw and jaw joints.   X-Rays can also be used to examine new teeth (in children, or wisdom teeth) and tooth damage that cannot be seen just by looking in the mouth.  Dental X-Rays are generally useful for monitoring the state of your oral health, and are good at detecting oral health issues early before they become major problems.

What are the different types of Dental X-Rays?

There are several different types of Dental X-Rays, each of which focus on different parts of the mouth.

Periapical X-Rays focus on showing an entire tooth, including the tip of the root and the surrounding bone structure.

Panoramic X-Rays give a quick overview of the whole mouth, including the jaw and nasal area, but are not as detailed as other types.

Occlusal X-Rays are used to view either the floor or roof of the mouth.

Bitewings are a type of X-Ray that show the tops of the upper and lower back teeth and how they fit together.  They reveal cavities between the teeth and bone level around the back teeth.

How often should I have Dental X-Rays?

On average, an adult patient should receive bitewing X-Rays every 1 to 3 years.  However, this frequency is based on a variety of factors.  Younger children and teens need bitewings more frequently; children should receive bitewings every 1 to 2 years, and teens every 1 to 3 years.  Adults with a history of tooth decay are at higher risk of continued tooth decay, and so should also receive bitewings more frequently, with the exact frequency to be determined by your dentist.  For more information, visit our website at http://www.firstwestondentist.com



Tuesday 3 June 2014

What is TMJ disorder and TMD? | Weston Dental Blog



What is TMJ disorder and TMD?
The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs) are the joints in your jaw. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD, also frequently called TMJ disorder) refers to a number of possible problems that can arise within the TMJ or surrounding area. Low level TMDs may affect a large percentage of the population – up to 50% in one study. In some cases, TMDs can become severe, leading to chronic pain and limiting the movement of the joint. According to a recent survey, up to 9 million Americans suffer chronic pain from TMJ disorders.
What are symptoms of TMDs (TMJ disorders)?
Since TMDs are a family of problems, there are a large variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include clicking or popping noises coming from the jaw joints, pain in the jaw or nearby regions (face or neck), difficulty opening the mouth fully, a sticking or locking sensation in the jaw, or a feeling of discomfort when biting or pressing teeth together. Some forms of TMD can also cause headaches or earaches.
What are causes of TMDs (TMJ disorders)?
TMDs are generally caused by damage or misalignment of the joints and muscles in the jaw area. Accidents and sports injuries are one way this can happen. TMDs can also develop gradually, such as by grinding or clenching the teeth chronically, arthritis, or a misaligned jaw which receives stress when chewing. Diseases or substances (such as nicotine) that effect muscles can also cause TMDs to develop.
How are TMDs (TMJ disorders) diagnosed and treated?
If we suspect TMD in one of our Weston area dental patients, we will first look at X-rays of the jaw, and examine the patient’s bite action and jaw muscles. Further tests may then be needed to narrow down the severity and exact type of TMD. There are a variety of treatments for TMDs; one common treatment is to 'rest' the jaw by minimizing chewing and jaw motion, often involving a soft or liquid diet. Another option is to add a piece of plastic known as a bite splint to the teeth, which adjusts the way teeth fit together in order to minimize stress on the TMJ. Treatment is generally effective – the vast majority of cases treated by licensed dentists result in reduced or eliminated symptoms.


If you feel that you may have a TMJ disorder based on the symptoms you are experienced, please contact our Weston area dental office to make an appointment for a TMJ disorder assessment.

Friday 11 April 2014

What is Bite Disease? | Weston Dentist Blog



What is Bite Disease?
Occlusal Disease, or Bite Disease, is one of the three major diseases that affect the teeth (along with cavities and gum diseases). However, Bite Disease is often much harder to detect since it is not as well known. Bite disease is usually caused by a misalignment of the tooth surfaces or by excessive tooth grinding and clenching.
What are the symptoms and dangers of Bite Disease?
Bite Disease has a variety of painful consequences to your teeth. Common symptoms of Bite Disease include excessive tooth wear, increased sensitivity, sore muscles or jaw joints, headaches, cracks in teeth, loose teeth, or even broken teeth. These can cause serious damage, necessitating bridges, crowns, and other repairs for the teeth.

What can be done about Bite Disease?
We tell our Weston area dental patients that if bite disease is caught early, it can be treated before it causes major damage to the teeth.  This early detection will reduce the number of bridges and crowns required throughout a patient’s dental treatments.
How is Bite Disease detected and treated?
Our Weston dental office staff is trained to recognize early signs of bite disease before it becomes more serious (such as cracks or sore muscles instead of broken teeth). Your dental exam will include diagnosis for bite disease by examining the way you bite down (occlusal analysis), or by making a model of your teeth to study your bite. If you are diagnosed with Bite Disease, our dental staff will then begin any needed treatment. A common beginning treatment for Bite Disease, is a bite splint, a piece of plastic added to your teeth in order to create a temporary perfect bite, which will reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage. For a more long-term solution, we may reshape your teeth so that they fit together better and don't grind against each other.  Like many diseases, the key to effective treatment of Bite Disease is catching it early, so be sure to schedule regular visits to our Weston area dental office for early detection of any symptoms of Bite Disease!