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Katie loves helping our patients with all of their scheduling needs. She loves watching patients progress through their treatment to achieve their best smiles.

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Southern Delaware Dental Specialists

Welcome to Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, a unique specialist office with two of the most exclusive dental specialties, Orthodontics and Periodontics and implant dentistry.

Contact Info

20785 Professional Park Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947

+1 (302) 855-9499

info@dentaldelaware.com

dentaldelaware

How does sugar affect my teeth? Although we all li

How does sugar affect my teeth?
Although we all like to eat sweets and sugary food, an excess of sugar in your diet can be a source of damage to your teeth. Sugar is a favourite food for bacteria to grow on your teeth. When the sugar intake in our diet exceeds normal limits it encourages the natural bacteria that is found in our oral cavity to grow and develop from their normal healthy value to an unhealthy extent by developing a layer of biofilm on your tooth enamel.
There are several effects of this biofilm developed by sugar on your teeth. This biofilm slowly develops and starts tooth decay. When the tooth enamel continually gets exposed to biofilm and sugars, it starts to get weak and hollow spaces start to develop in it that are known as caries. If caries is not treated on time, they can also affect the deeper layers of your tooth that can lead to irreversible pulpitis that will require more extensive treatments.
The more sugary intake, the more it will cause dental problems. The biofilm that is formed by sugar not only causes caries but it also leads to the formation of dental plaque, calculus or even stains that causes the formation of an external layer of debris on your teeth. This layer gives your teeth a yellowish tinge or blackish stains if left untreated for a long time. Calculus can not be removed by brushing but only a dental practitioner can remove it by scaling.
The bacteria not only affects your teeth but also gums. Excessive sugar intake can lead to gum disease that include reddish, swollen, and bleeding gums. Moreover too much sugar consumption can serious health problems.
To avoid all of these diseases all you need is to lessen the amount of sugar intake in your daily routine and maintain your oral hygiene.
Visit our Southern Delaware Dental Specialists office for your regular dental checkups for a healthy mouth.

Southern Delaware updating our cpr to keep our pat

Southern Delaware updating our cpr to keep our patients safe!! Great work guys!

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Thanks Blaine and Evelyn for the amazing fresh egg

Thanks Blaine and Evelyn for the amazing fresh eggs!! We have the most amazing patients at southern Delaware!!

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With traditional impression techniques, dentists p

With traditional impression techniques, dentists place impression materials in the mouth for up to five minutes. This process is usually uncomfortable, especially for patients who are afraid of gagging. At Southern Delaware Dental Specialists we have the latest cutting edge technology, our Intraoral scanner allows us to make a 3d map of your mouth quickly and effectively.

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A canker sore, medically termed as an aphthous ulc

A canker sore, medically termed as an aphthous ulcer, is a small, circular, shallow lesion that can occur on your gums, inside the cheeks, tongue, roof, or the floor of your mouth. Aphthous ulcers can be painful and be a source of extreme discomfort, making chewing and talking difficult. However, most of the time, these ulcers are self-healing and resolve within a week or two. If they persist beyond this period, become enlarged, or are extremely painful, please consult our board-certified periodontist in Wilmington and get them treated.

Symptoms of canker sores
Canker sores usually appear round or oval and have a whitish-yellow center surrounded by a red border. There are three types of canker sores - minor, major, and herpetiform.
Minor canker sores usually resolve within a week and are superficial. Major aphthous ulcers are more extensive and deeper and are more painful. It can take 4-6 weeks for major aphthous ulcers to heal. They generally heal with scarring.
Herpetiform ulcers are uncommon and occur in clusters of 10-100 tiny sores. It is important to remember that these sores are not due to a viral infection. They heal within a week or two without any scarring.

Causes
Minor injury due to faulty dental work.
Deficiency of folic acid, zinc and Vitamin B-12.
Food allergy
Stress
Canker sores can also occur before menstruation due to hormonal changes.
Inflammatory bowel disease, GERD, and alike.
Weakened immunity.
HIV-AIDS

When should you consult a Periodontist?
Suppose you have unusually large sores that do not heal within a week or two; it's time to visit us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist and have it checked out. Recurring canker sores combined with eating and talking difficulties must be checked out and treated before they worsen. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms mentioned above, please reach out to us; our team will be there to assist you to better oral and overall health.

Enhance your smile with Dental Veneers! :-) Denta

Enhance your smile with Dental Veneers! :-)

Dental veneers can be thought of as wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells that are fitted on the front surface of your teeth to treat various aesthetic and functional dental problems.
Dental veneers can help change your teeth' color, size, and shape to give you a desired and dazzling smile. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or acrylic and are matched to your tooth shade to ensure they fit in seamlessly. They are the most seamless and elegant solution to rejuvenate and better smile.

What problems can Dental Veneers treat?
Discolored and stained teeth can often be a cause of significant distress for many. It makes people smile less often and can be a cause of lowered self-esteem. Normal teeth whitening treatments cannot treat heavy discoloration of teeth or congenitally discolored teeth. In such cases, dental veneers offer the best solution to ensure a beautiful glowing smile.
Dental veneers can be used to conceal cracked or chipped teeth.
Dental veneers can be used to reshape misshapen and crooked teeth.
Dental veneers can also be used to close tiny between two teeth.
They can be used to rebuild worn-down teeth.
It helps conceal large dental fillings.

Dental veneers are one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures owing to their multi-faceted use and capability of treating a wide variety of dental problems. If maintained properly, dental veneers can last up to 20 years and are often a one-time investment to gain a beautiful smile. So, why wait?
If you have any dental problems that are causing you to hide your smile, schedule an appointment with us to know if dental veneers are the right option for you. If you have any more questions, please reach out to us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists and rediscover your smile.

While you may think dental health is focused mainl

While you may think dental health is focused mainly on your teeth, did you know that your gums play a key role in both your oral health and your overall wellbeing?

If you’re experiencing sore, swollen or bleeding gums, it’s important to establish what could be causing this, as well as what you can do to improve your gum health and avoid the discomfort of swollen gums. 🦷

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Another beautiful smile transformation using porce

Another beautiful smile transformation using porcelain crowns! Porcelain crowns are designed to restore your teeth to their former, natural appearance. Unlike metal-based crowns, porcelain crowns focus on the aesthetic benefits as they’re designed to resemble your existing teeth, which is particularly important if you require a crown on your front teeth.

Book an appointment with us, and let us transform your smile! :-)

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Effects of smoking on teeth We all know smoking i

Effects of smoking on teeth

We all know smoking is bad for us; it is terrible for our health, can lead to cancer, and is a major cause of cardiovascular disorders. In addition, smoking and tobacco consumption also has adverse effects on the health of our teeth and mouth as a whole. In this blog, we will shed light on the effects of smoking.

Stained teeth
Smoking causes your teeth to discolor and stains them yellowish brown over long-term use.

Sensitive teeth
Smoking compromises the structural integrity of teeth and wears them down, which can cause sensitivity to cold and cold foods and liquids.

Dental decay
The compromised structural integrity of the teeth makes them susceptible to bacterial acid attack, which leads to dental decay. People who are chronic smokers tend to have a higher incidence of dental cavities.

Gum diseases
Smoking can lead to inflammation of the gums and cause gum diseases. In addition, it can also cause gums to discolor.

Canker sores
Smokers are susceptible to canker sores. They usually appear as small, round sores on the tongue, cheek, gums, roof, or floor of the mouth. They are often painful and cause eating and talking difficulties.

Decreases taste perception
Heavy and chronic smoking leads to lowering of taste perception.

Bad breath
Smoking leads to a typical bad breath and contributes to plaque accumulation.

Slower healing
Smoking affects the way your wounds heal and lowers your immunity. You may experience slower healing post-dental surgeries like dental extractions. In addition, smokers are more prone to dental infections like a dry socket post-dental surgeries.

Oral cancers
Smoking is a known cause of oral cancer. If you notice a lump or a non-healing ulcer on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheek, it may suggest oral cancer. It is imperative to get it checked and treated immediately by a skilled periodontist in Southern Delaware.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, please reach out to us. Our team will be there to assist you in your journey to a healthy smoke-free life.

Michael was unhappy with the size, shape and color

Michael was unhappy with the size, shape and color of his front teeth. Gum recontouring was performed to increase the size of his teeth. Porcelain crowns were placed to improve the shape and texture. He was really happy with the results!!!

“Do I really need teeth cleaning?" “Why do I

“Do I really need teeth cleaning?"
“Why do I need to go for teeth cleaning?”

If these questions are running in your head after a dental visit, let us put your mind at ease with this blog.

Ideally, it would help if you went for a dental cleaning once every six months, and there is a solid reason for it.

Our mouth is a host to millions of bacteria that can cause dental decay and gum diseases under the right circumstances. Our mouth naturally produces a sticky layer called a biofilm every day, where the bacteria reside. Over time, if proper hygiene is not maintained, this gets converted to plaque. The bacteria in the plaque metabolizes sugars from the food we eat and release toxic and acidic substances. The plaque can harden over time and form a tenacious layer known as calculus, commonly known as tartar. Dental cleaning aims to remove this plaque and tartar deposits on the surfaces of the teeth and gums. This ensures your mouth, and you are healthy and disease-free.

However, another question comes to mind, what if you brush regularly and floss? Do you still need to go for a regular dental cleaning? The answer is yes. Even after careful oral hygiene, some plaque and tartar can still form on the surfaces of the teeth, which mandates dental cleaning for optimal oral health. Moreover, regular dental visits and cleaning give your dentist a chance to examine your mouth at regular intervals. This means any oral disease, if present, can be evaluated and treated at the earliest to avoid any complications.
Therefore, it is recommended that you visit us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists at regular intervals to ensure you have a healthy mouth and to keep your pearly whites shining.

Christmas dinner at SDDS! The Southern Delaware De

Christmas dinner at SDDS! The Southern Delaware Dental Specialists team wishes you a fun-filled holiday season and best wishes for a happy New Year! 🥂🎄🎉⛄️☺️

Why are dental x-rays needed? Dental x-rays, bett

Why are dental x-rays needed?

Dental x-rays, better known as dental radiographs, are images of your teeth that allow a dentist to evaluate the teeth and surrounding structures. These are commonly used in a dental office, and the procedure is quite simple. Dental radiographs capture the inside of your teeth with the help of extremely low-level radiation or x-rays. These x-rays penetrate the teeth and surrounding structure and yield an image that is used to diagnose and treat dental illnesses.

If you have recently been advised to go for a dental x-ray at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, you may be wondering why? Read ahead as we elaborate on the need and uses of dental x-rays.

As mentioned, above dental x-rays helps us to evaluate and analyze teeth and nearby structures. This allows us to arrive at a diagnosis and plan a treatment plan accordingly. Dental x-rays are used to detect the following problems -

Dental decay. Dental x-rays allow us to see the extent of dental cavities. They are exceptionally helpful when there is a small area of decay between two teeth, as this is often not visible to the naked eye.
Dental x-rays can also show the areas of damage and decay beneath an existing dental filling.
Dental x-rays are used to assess bone loss and evaluate the degree of its severity.
It helps identify any infection present with the root of the tooth.
It shows abscesses and cysts present in the oral cavity.
Dental x-rays are needed between root canal treatment to ensure that the treatment progresses properly.
It helps evaluate the jawbone and remaining teeth which helps dentists plan for dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges.
It shows the exact position of wisdom teeth, which can help us understand if the teeth are impacted, infected, or will erupt normally.

The Southern Delaware Dental Specialists team wish

The Southern Delaware Dental Specialists team wishes you a fun-filled holiday season and best wishes for a happy New Year! 🥂🎄🎉⛄️☺️

Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety Sitting in a

Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open while a dentist does their job is not exactly a pleasant experience. However, dental visits can be a source of massive stress and anxiety for many people. This can cause them to avoid dental treatments even when it becomes an emergency.

Dental fear or anxiety often stems from the fear of the unknown. People anticipate pain, and some may have a bad past dental experience which makes them fear the dentist and dental office. Before we move on to the tips, you must remember that dentists are there to ease your pain and suffering. That being said, here are our top tips for dealing with dental anxiety.

Talk to us
Knowing how your appointment will progress and the treatment you may need helps you prepare for the treatment in advance. It also eliminates any fear you may have. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to talk to us. This will also help us take special measures to ensure your treatment happens in a calm and comfortable environment.

Ask someone to accompany you
Ask a family member or a friend you accompany you during your first dental visit. Seeing a familiar face provides you with a sense of relief and comfort.

Arrive on time
Make sure you come on time or 10 minutes earlier. This gives you time to get to know your surroundings which can help you calm down and feel better.

Breathe
If you can feel your heart racing, take a break and breath. Deep breathing relaxes the mind as well as the body and helps you cope better.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, please reach out to us. Our team of friendly and excellent dental professionals will be there to assist you.

Natalie was unhappy with the shape and color of he

Natalie was unhappy with the shape and color of her two front teeth. Full porcelain crowns were performed on her upper central incisors.

Porcelain crowns provide a great solution for a variety of dental issues such as chipped teeth or larger than desired gaps between teeth, just to name a few. The appropriate type to meet your specific needs can be determined by a comprehensive exam with one of our doctors. They will carefully consider your particular needs and desired outcomes to choose the best and most effective option for you.

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WHAT IS GINGIVECTOMY? According to recent data pu

WHAT IS GINGIVECTOMY?

According to recent data published by the American Dental Association, over 47% of Americans over 30 years suffer from periodontal diseases, commonly referred to as gum diseases.
Gums and the underlying bone hold the teeth in place. Their infection destroys supports which causes the tooth to become loose, and eventually, it's lost. In some cases, scaling and root planing isn't enough to treat gum diseases. A board-certified periodontist in Southern Delaware has to perform specific surgical procedures like gingivectomy.

What is gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is a periodontal surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of gingiva (gums) from in and around the teeth surface.
At times, gum diseases like gingivitis can cause the gums to swell and enlarge in height and width around the tooth. This covers the teeth surfaces, leads to pain and discomfort. Gingivectomy removes the excess gum tissue and gives the gums a chance to heal and come back to their normal position and structure.

What is the procedure for gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is generally performed using a surgical scalpel; however, dental lasers and cautery can also be used. Dr. Sanz at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist will start the procedure by marking the gums after administration of local anesthesia. Next, the diseased and excessive gums will be removed, and the area will be cleaned with saline and antiseptic solutions. The remaining healthy gums will be sutured back into position and allowed to heal. At times, they will also do a thorough cleaning before the surgical procedure. Once the procedure is done, a periodontal pack will be given. Dr. Sanz will guide about post-operative care and prescribe certain antibiotics and painkillers for a healthy and uneventful recovery.

If you notice that your gums have become enlarged and bleeding, chances are you suffer from periodontal diseases. It is imperative to get it checked at the earliest. Please contact us if you have any more questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our board-certified periodontist at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist.

HOW ARE GUM POCKETS TREATED? Gum pockets, medical

HOW ARE GUM POCKETS TREATED?

Gum pockets, medically termed periodontal pockets, are spaces or openings between the gums and the tooth. Gum pockets are a symptom of periodontitis, a destructive gum disease which is caused by bacteria. These bacteria accumulate in plaque and release acidic by-products, which are responsible for oral diseases. Gum pockets also give these bacteria an excellent hiding place, which further advances the diseases leading to progressive destruction of the gums and underlying bone.
If left untreated, the destruction continues, and gum pockets deepen, which eventually leads to tooth loss.

How are gum pockets diagnosed?
Our excellent periodontist at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists will conduct a thorough oral examination and measure the depth of your gum pockets with a periodontal probe. This is done to analyze the extent of damage and form a treatment plan. A gap of 1-3 mm between of tooth and gum is normal. However, if it exceeds 3 mm, it is a cause of concern. Gum pockets ranging from 5 to 12mm require precise periodontal treatments.

How are gum pockets treated?
Gum pockets are treated based on their size and depth, condition of your bone, and overall health.

Professional scaling and root planing
Periodontal pockets with a 4-5 mm depth can be conveniently treated with a professional dental cleaning and an aggressive at-home oral hygiene routine. Once the bacterial load reduces, it gives the gums a chance to heal and reattach with the tooth.
For deeper pockets where the tooth root has been exposed, complete scaling and root planing may be carried out for active resolution. This has to be accompanied by proper brushing, flossing, and specialized oral rinses.

Flap surgery for pocket reduction
Flap surgeries involve the removal of infected tissues while reattaching the gum to its proper position. Dr. Sanz at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists will recommend flap surgery in advanced periodontal diseases to save teeth and regenerate lost bone.

Odelia was such a pleasure to have in the office!

Odelia was such a pleasure to have in the office! She’s completed her implant treatment with us and we wish her well!

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Canine teeth are known to be sharp and pointy. The

Canine teeth are known to be sharp and pointy. There are 4 canines all together in the mouth. There are two placed on the top and 2 on the bottom jaw. The main purpose of canine is to tear food.

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