America's Dental Expert Great Lakes Dentistry Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver

America's Dental Expert
Sectioning Teeth During Extractions
Extracting a tooth is never a simple procedure. The most unpredictable teeth to extract have multiple roots. Molars usually have three roots.
Depending on the anatomy of each molar root, how the roots develop, your dentist may elect to section the tooth to make the entire tooth easier to extract.
America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, explains why sectioning teeth, even during uneventful extractions, makes the procedure easier, faster, and reduces post operative discomfort.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com

America's Dental Expert
Bone Loss and Sinus Drops / Sinus Pneumatization
One of the serious consequences or side effects of losing a tooth is the jaw bone erodes over time. In the lower jaw, bone melts away and develops into a curved area where the tooth once was. In the upper jaw, bone loss occurs from both sides of where the tooth was, the top area called the crest, and the bottom area which is the floor of the sinus.
When the sinus area expands into the jaw bone, enough to communicate with the oral cavity, it's called pneumatization.
Bone loss and sinus dropping are two big consequences of missing teeth without replacing the spaces with dental implants.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com

America's Dental Expert
Consequences of Losing a Tooth
Sometimes, a patient comes into my office in so much pain that the only thing they want is for me to extract their tooth.
It's hard to evaluate your options clearly if you're in severe pain.
There are lots of consequences of having a tooth extracted, leaving you with a space.
In this episode of America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver reviews the myriad side effects of getting a tooth extracted, leaving you with a space. They're more than simply a gap in your smile.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com

America's Dental Expert
3D Printing in the Dental Office
A lot has changed in dentistry, in just the past couple years even. One area that is quickly evolving is laboratory work.
Traditionally, impressions are poured up in stone, making for a messy, contaminated, dusty lab area.
One area that is changing the fastest is the incorporation of 3D printers into the dental laboratory.
In this episode America's Dental Expert explains how 3D printers are making dental offices more efficient. Shawn Van de Vyver, D.D.S. also discusses how 3D printing can improve the patient experience and lower the cost of dental care to the average patient.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com

America's Dental Expert
Snoring and Tooth Grinding in Kids
Snoring is not good, and it's especially bad when it occurs in kids. Snoring in patients under 14 years old should never happen. Snoring is a sign of a sometimes severe condition; sleep apnea.
In this episode America's Dental Expert explains what sleep apnea is and what it means when it occurs in pediatric patients. Shawn Van de Vyver, D.D.S. also discusses teeth grinding during sleep in kids.
Sleep apnea quite literally means no oxygen during sleep.
Teeth grinding in kids is another sign of sleep apnea, but it can also be benign. Some kids grow out of their teeth grinding when their adult teeth erupt into their mouth.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com

America's Dental Expert
Bite Splints and Night Guards
Some dentists think half of Americans should be wearing a night guard when they sleep, and America's Dental Expert is no different.
Night guards, also known as bite splints, are acrylic appliances that protect your teeth from wearing down while you sleep. But why would patients get a bite guard custom made from their dentist when they can pickup a generic one from the local drug store?
In this episode America's Dental Expert explains the process how bite guards are traditionally made and the newest procedures for taking digital impressions and printing bite guards right in the dental office.
Do you have a dental question for America's Dental Expert?
Send your dental and other oral health related questions to America's Dental Expert, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, at DrVan@americandentalexpert.com