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By William R. Vacca, DDS  The late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once said “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.” In the last 30 years or so, there has been a transformation in the way that we diagnose, treat, and manage dental disease. Technology has vastly improved the way dentistry is practiced today, making dentistry more comfortable, durable, efficient, and esthetic for patients than ever before. In the year 2022, it is our job as dental health providers to integrate new technologies that maintain a high standard of excellence and accuracy, while building on the foundations and key concepts of the past. Below are just a few of the ways in which dentistry has changed and the exciting new technologies that we at Vacca Family Dentistry are providing. Oral Impressions One of the worst things about going to the dentist, whether it is 1950 or 2022, is getting an impression. Just the word “impression” when talking about anything dental makes people squirm. Well, we have good news and bad news. The bad news is that for a lot of procedures, an accurate impression is not only necessary, but integral to the success of your treatment. The good news is that for many of these procedures, a 3D scan can now be obtained by using a handheld digital intraoral scanner. At Vacca Family Dentistry, we use the Itero© scanner for crowns/bridges, Invisalign© clear aligner treatment for adults, night guards, implants, and removable partial dentures. Itero© captures the impressions then creates three-dimensional images within seconds to share with our patients. Our patients LOVE it! There’s no gooey material, no gagging, and patients like being able to visualize the anticipated results as well as the progress of their treatment. Best of all, according to many studies, a scan is actually more accurate than a traditional impression. So, when discussing treatment, ask about digital scans and the options available to you. Crowns and Bridges When it comes to crowns and bridges, the Gold Standard material is Gold (no pun intended). It is the most durable, easily adaptable, and easiest material on opposing teeth. In the past, posterior crowns were either Gold or other dark metal crowns. Then came a change to layered crowns Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns. This change was beneficial because crowns become more esthetic due to the porcelain, but the materials can be weak due to the layering process. The latest crowns are made of one of two highly esthetic, durable, and strong materials called Zirconia or Lithium Disilicate. These crowns are both known for fracture resistance, high density, high hardness, and wear resistance. Plus, there are no layers, and no metal. Cavity Fillings In the past, when you went to the dentist to repair a cavity, an amalgam or silver filling was placed in your tooth. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, zinc, and tin. Although these restorations last a long time, they can be aesthetically unpleasing and can cause teeth to fracture (requiring teeth to be extracted or fixed with crowns). Today, we us a highly esthetic, nanocomposite material that is moldable, shapeable, and when illuminated by a high-intensity curing light, hardens to a glass/tooth-like consistency. Composites come in different shades, allowing us to customize each restoration to each patient's natural tooth color. Please call our office for details on Invisalign at (804) 739-9191. We are always excited to share the latest dental advancements with you for the highest standard of care.

Gum inflammation—also known as gingivitis—is a common dental concern we see often here at Vacca Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA . It may start with mild discomfort, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues like gum disease or even tooth loss. The good news? With early care and consistent attention, gum inflammation is both treatable and preventable. What Causes Gum Inflammation? Gum inflammation usually begins with plaque buildup —a sticky film of bacteria that forms along the gumline. If not removed with daily brushing and flossing, plaque can irritate the gums and lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding. Other factors that can contribute include: Poor oral hygiene habits Smoking or tobacco use Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy or menopause) Certain medications Systemic health conditions like diabetes Signs to Watch For Early detection is key for healing gum inflammatin. If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to reach out: Gums that are red, swollen, or tender Bleeding during brushing or flossing Persistent bad breath Receding gums or increasing tooth sensitivity These are all warning signs that your gums may need professional care. What You Can Do at Home While it’s important to see your dentist, here are a few things you can do at home to help manage and reduce inflammation: Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe inflammation Use an antimicrobial mouthwash (ask your dentist for recommendations) Avoid smoking or tobacco use Still, even the best at-home care can’t remove hardened plaque or tartar—that’s where we come in. When to Seek Professional Help If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t wait. Our team at Vacca Family Dentistry in Midlothian offers gentle, thorough cleanings and tailored treatment plans to restore gum health and prevent future problems. Early intervention can help you avoid more extensive procedures down the road. Compassionate Care for Healthier Gums At Vacca Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile—starting with healthy gums. If you're concerned about inflammation, bleeding, or changes in your gum tissue, we’re here to listen, assess, and guide you through the next steps with care and professionalism. Call us at (804) 739-9191 or schedule an appointment online to learn more. Your oral health is our priority—and we’re honored to care for your smile.

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