There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.
FlossingDaily flossingis the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Rinsing It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, its a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.
Over the years there has been some concern as to the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam is a blend of copper, silver, tin and zinc, bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that the exposure to the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can cause a variety of health problems.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.
The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe. Along with the ADAs position, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. The ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of silver fillings, and this is out of countless millions of silver fillings over the decades.
Although studies indicate that there are no measurable health risks to patients who have silver fillings, we do know that mercury is a toxic material when we are exposed at high, unsafe levels. For instance, we have been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of mercury in them. However, with respect to amalgam fillings, the ADA maintains that when the mercury combines with the other components of the filling, it becomes an inactive substance that is safe.
There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is the best option for you.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and dont know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces,exceptin between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush cant reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.
Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are created from an impression (mold) of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.
With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.
Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.
Its important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if youre a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one weak.
With many state-of-the-art dental treatments and prevention options available in dentistry today, there are fewer reasons for having to extract (remove) teeth. When something does go wrong with a tooth, we try to do everything possible to restore the tooth to its original function. Removing a tooth is the last option because we know that removal may lead to severe and costly dental and cosmetic problems if the tooth is not replaced.
Losing a tooth can be a very traumatic experience and its very unfortunate when it does happen. Injury, accident, fracture, severe dental decay, and gum disease are the major reasons for having to remove a tooth. If teeth are lost due to injury or have to be removed, it is imperative that they be replaced to avoid cosmetic and dental problems in the future.
When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone that helped to support that tooth begins to atrophy, causing the teeth on either side to shift or tip into the open space of the lost tooth. Also, the tooth above or below the open space will start to move towards the open space because there is no opposing tooth to bite on. These movements may create problems such as decay, gum disease, excessive wear on certain teeth, and TMJ (jaw joint) problems. These problems and movements do not result immediately, but will eventually appear, compromising your chewing abilities, the health of your bite, and the beauty of your smile.
If you are missing teeth, ask us if they need replacement and what options are available to you. Together we will select the best replacement option for your particular case. Prevention and early treatment is always less involved and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop.
Most of us have fillings in our mouths that date back many years and some may have even been placed during our childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark, and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh, and talk. Old fillings are not only unattractive, they may also be defective. When a filling is old, the margins (space between the tooth and filling) may eventually open and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially causing dental decay.
Your dentist can check your fillings and evaluate if they are defective and need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective for replacing old, unattractive or defective fillings.
As you can see, there are various options for replacing old, unattractive fillings. These treatments will provide strong, natural, and long-lasting replacement solutions to enhance the health and beauty of your smile.
Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections; often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect the health of your body!
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest stages, its called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is NOT regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums and eventually destroy the jaw bone that supports the teeth.When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss!
There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease and indicate that periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may:
Researchers conclude there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but enough research has been done to support that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.
To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce the plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Although thorough brushing and flossing remove most food particles and bacteria from easy to reach tooth surfaces, they do not reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of teeth. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves (called pits and fissures). Toothbrush bristles are too large to possibly fit and clean most of these areas. This is where sealants play an important role.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.
Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden.
After sealant treatment, its important to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or any hard or sticky foods. Your sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at your regular dental check-up.
Were all at risk for having a tooth knocked out. More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year! If we know how to handle this emergency situation, we may be able to actually save the tooth. Teeth that are knocked out may be possibly reimplanted if we act quickly, yet calmly, and follow these simple steps:
The sooner the tooth is replaced back into the socket, the greater the likelihood it has to survive and possibly last for many years. So be prepared, and remember these simple steps for saving a knocked-out tooth.
Straighter teeth perform chewing, biting and speaking functions more effectively than crooked teeth. In addition, a straight smile boosts confidence, is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and can help stave off a wide variety of dental ailments.
There are several types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. Each of these alignment problems negatively impacts the functionality and cosmetic appearance of the teeth.
Teeth can be straightened using either orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays. Orthodontic braces are usually affixed to the teeth for a set duration. The brackets and archwires are tightened regularly by the orthodontist and removed when treatment is complete. Fixed braces can be placed on the front side or back side of the teeth and are effective for most types of malocclusion.
Aligning trays are fully removable and are used where the malocclusion is less severe, and the teeth need to move a shorter distance. These trays are replaced every few weeks for the duration of the treatment, and have proven to be equally effective for straightening teeth.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 203 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestM E
a year ago
Dr Batra is knowledgeable, patient and kind. She knows her stuff and she takes the time to explain and answer all your concerns. The staff at this office are welcoming and friendly. Best dental office!!
Maryann Lane
a year ago
Dr. Batra gave me a new smile when she replaced my partial with a fixed bridge. I love it.
Alvin McBurrows
a year ago
Advanced Dentistry of Center City is a very good and professional dentist. Great experience!!!
Angel Eklich
a year ago
This office is really great the Dr. was amazing very nice women, she cares a lot about your smile. Wish I could of found this office years ago...staff is full of great people very welcoming enjoyable people.And if you don't have insurance like myself I find it still to be very accommodating and inexpensive lots of great plans and work to be done!
Kathleen Silan
a year ago
Very accomodating! Staff are nice specially Dr. Batra.
Anjali Ram
a year ago
Great experience....Dr Batra and Dr Cherian did such an amazing job with my root canal and crown.Everything was done in such a timely manner. I was in so much pain when i called the office.They fitted me in a day and took care of me .I started feeling better immediately after the root canal was done.I would recommend all my friends and family to this office.You guys are the best !!!Thanks Advanced Dentistry. Really enjoyed my recent cleaning and whitening appointment...the Hygienist is very thorough!!!
Lintels Design
a year ago
My implants was done like one year ago and it feel like a normal teeth or better....
Magdalis Melo
a year ago
I did LANAP and it was not painful. Doctor Pallavi Batra did an amazing job. She guide you the entire process, so you understand every step also she is truthful of the process. In the process of the treatment she was gentle and ask me if I was ok. In the end was worth doing this process. After I did LANAP a year later I started in the process of Invisalign and is going well and seeing results. I half way of the process and I'm already seeing results in my smile. I will continue coming to advanced dentistry in Philadelphia because of how helpful and community the staff is and the also the Doctor. What I like about Doctor Pallavi Batra she educates you in the process and suggest what process you should do depending of the situation.
Lauri Hunter
a year ago
Great service and attention to detail!
Josephine Carter
a year ago
My experience was great at this dental office. I recommended everyone to come to this office. I got several procedures including an implant which was done very well.
Anthony Caroto
a year ago
Advanced Dentistry of Center City is terrible. After an appointment that included being forgotten about in the waiting area, multiple staffers struggling with how to take x-rays, switching rooms and observing general chaos - I was told that I'd need a tooth pulled, but that it couldn't possibly be done that day. I then made an appointment with Walnut Street Smiles (same building, but has the good dentist who recently left Advanced Dentistry of Center City). He told me that my tooth was nowhere near in "must be pulled" condition and that if by doing so, Id have been in excruciating pain. SO glad i dodged that pain and $800 pricetag.
Renee Feduniue
a year ago
Do you have more than one hygienist?
Sharon McBurrows
a year ago
The staff are very professional. My dentist Dr. Batra is the best! She is excellent in her profession. If you want to have the best smile that you could ever have, I recommend Advanced Dentistry.
Shareese Hooks
a year ago
This is the dental office to go to for your services. Good staff and they talk you through everything so that you understand what services they are providing. I'm glad I found this office.
Maria Hinton
a year ago
My experience at Advance dentistry has been outstanding! I received the best treatment and care. Always a professional and pleasant atmosphere. And I also love the texts for upcoming appointments!
Dan Drufovka
a year ago
Do not have enough great things to say about the practice!!! Have been going through an invisalign treatment for 2 years and my smile has been transformed. The attention to detail and care that everyone puts in is something that is rare to find in the world today. If you are looking for a dentist look no further!
Earnest Austin
2 years ago
Good Morning. I just experienced having a dental procedure done by the most Personable, Patient, Kind and Caring dental team in Philadelphia. Advanced Dentistry is a TEN STAR DENTAL TEAM and I will recomend them without hesitation to anyone seeking their Magnificent professional services. I'm not easy to work with as I am without question, (TERRIFIED OF NEEDLES) I never saw it coming and I never felt it. Then the work stated. In a short time I heard," okay all finished". BEST DENTAL TEAM EEEVVVVEEERRRRRRR . All the best business progress and prosperities to Dr.Batra and the entire ADVANCED DENTRISTRY TEAM
Chanel Tartt-Minor
2 years ago
I really love my experiences every time I go to Advanced Dentistry Center City. Dr. Batra is very thorough when explaining to me what is going on with my dental health. Also, Dr. Batra and her staff are very friendly throughout my visits, their friendliness create a warm environment for me.
Devon Loney
2 years ago
Dr. Batra and her team are excellent! I've gotten many cleanings, periodontal treatments, a tooth/root canal extraction, an implant, and now invisilign with this office. Every aspect is always delivered with the highest of quality and care. This is coming from a person with extreme anxiety when it comes to the dentist: they will make you feel comfortable and at ease! The staff and Dr. Batra go above and beyond for their patients, so don't think twice, book your consultation now
Alyssa Monteith
2 years ago
This was the absolute worst healthcare experience I have ever had. Please do not come to this practice. I have never had a problem with any dentist in the past but after my experience with Dr. Batra I have developed a true fear of the dentist. Dr. Batra performed a standard cavity filling on me and I felt the most excruciating pain of my life. The doctor and her team did not seem to care at all. I was very clear in telling her how much pain she was causing me but she did not offer me any comfort or adjust my pain blockers. She just told me to hold still while she finished. I was crying, shaking, hyperventilating and dizzy from the pain. The team as a whole had terrible communication. No one introduced themselves to me. They would just come in, do something to my teeth, and leave with no explanation. Multiple times they left me alone in the room for minutes at a time with no explanation and with tools still sitting in my mouth. They were very rough and forceful. I am honestly surprised that they are allowed to maintain their licensing. Please spare yourself the pain and do not ever come here. I cannot emphasize enough. I will not be returning.