What is CAMBRA?

           

Recurrence of dental caries (decay) despite our best efforts is frustrating for both dentists and patients. CAMBRA (CAries Management By Risk Assessment) represents a paradigm shift in the standard “drill and fill” mindset.

CAMBRA analyses the patient’s specific caries risk and provides specific recommendations that can arrest and reverse the caries disease process. At last, our patients are empowered with the tools to prevent future decay.       

In collaboration with my colleagues Peter Rechmann, DDS and Howard Rose, the MyCambra app for the iPad was created. This app facilitates the dentist’s implementation of CAMBRA. MyCambra quickly identifies decay risks (low, moderate, high, extreme) with specific preventive recommendations for each patient. The patient’s progression towards a lower caries risk is closely monitored by the dentist and sent to their patients.

The University of California, School of Dentistry, has approved the MyCambra app, which can be downloaded at the Apple app store.

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Is red wine good for your teeth?

Red wine may help prevent caries according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.  These researchers reported that red wine and red wine without alcohol inhibit the growth of certain bacteria found in oral decay biofilm. Although the media coverage touted the possible cavity fighting effects of red wine, this study actually found that red wine with or without alcohol had no effect on the growth of S. mutans, the primary bacteria associated with dental decay.

The researchers reported that red wine and dealcoholized red wine were effective in limiting growth of decay causing bacteria. Could this mean that red wine may be good for periodontal health? Maybe if you hold it in your mouth for two minutes every seven hours for seven days – a small feat indeed! So what the study findings mean for oral health, if anything, is a guessing game.

Sorry! Red wine is enjoyable, but not for reduction of tooth decay.

To maintain oral health the ADA recommends:                                                                        Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.                                                          Clean between your teeth once a day.                                                                                           Eat a healthy diet and limit snacks.                                                                                               Visit your dentist regularly

What’s new for denture patients?

Our dental implant team is excited to offer an implant-supported fixed bridge (hybrid denture) that replaces traditional dentures for a fee of less than $20,000. This fee includes the implants and fabrication of the final bridge. From our over 60 years of combined dental implant experience, we have developed a procedure that is both efficient and cost effective. 

The Straumann fixed denture offers several important advantages over conventional dentures

• Improved chewing function and appearance
• A cost effective alternative from other providers and heavily marketed implant centers cannot duplicate – a better choice
• In some cases, the final fixed bridge can be completed in 2 days
• Genuine Straumann components 

The implant-supported, hybrid denture as described above is for denture patients who have adequate bone height and width. Specialized CBCT scans, radiographic and surgical guides, and bone grafting are not included in the base fee. The patient’s restorative dentist is encouraged to maintain primary care. Annual follow-up appointments are provided at our office for a nominal fee.

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