Dr. James DeFinnis was born and raised in Berwick, PA. After graduating from Berwick High School, he attended Bucknell University receiving his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in economics and a science minor. In 1999 he graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry. He participates in continuing education courses on a regular basis and covering a variety of current procedures. Dr. DeFinnis has studied under Dr. Frank Spear, the founder and director of Spear Education in Scottsdale, AZ which focuses on esthetic and restorative dentistry. He is a member of the Spear Faculty Club which is a selective group of dentists who have completed the Spear Mastery Continuum and assist in and mentor courses at the center. Since opening his Back Mountain Dental practice in 2000, Dr. DeFinnis has taken pride in expanding his education in areas which best serve the needs of his patients. His practice offers the best cutting edge technology in order to provide up-to-date options. Patient satisfaction is Dr. DeFinnis’ top priority.
 

Snack & Sip All Day? Reduce Decay!
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

   According to the ADA if you consume sugary foods and drinks, do so with meals. Saliva increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth. Limit between-meal snacks and sugary beverages. If you crave a snack, choose nutritious foods. If you chew gum, choose sugarless gum. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow and helps wash out food and neutralize decay-producing acid.   

   Drink water. Brush your teeth daily and floss daily with dental products that have received the ADA Seal of acceptance.    

   See your dentist regularly.
 

 Biomimetic Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Bio means life, and mimetic is a form of mimic. A biomimetic crown, then, mimics a natural tooth. Contemporary techniques allow dentists to remove minimal tooth structure - only that which is damaged. Then, with modern dental materials and CEREC technology, a dentist can create a biomimetic crown that closely imitates natural tooth enamel. Traditional crowns require significant reduction of the whole tooth, which can compromise a tooth’s health and increase the need for a root canal. Traditional crowns are also known to irritate the gums where they dip beneath the gum line. Conservative biomimetic crowns simply don’t present these issues. They restore function and appearance with less severe side effects as traditional crowns.

 Not All Crowned Teeth Need Root Canals
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    When a crowned tooth aches, you may assume you need a root canal, but that’s not necessarily true all the time. In some cases, a crowned tooth can ache because the tooth doesn’t fit properly in your bite. Or you may have a small cavity under your crown, but it hasn’t yet intruded on the tooth’s root. If the infection beneath your crown extends into the nerve of your tooth, root canal treatment might be required. If a tooth is very sore following a crown procedure, the nerve within the tooth may be swollen, and should return to normal over time. These situations do not call for a root canal, and they are but a few examples.

 Dental Insurance?
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Dental insurance pays for basic dental maintenance, and most policies have annual limits. Dental insurance won’t usually cover all that’s necessary to return a damaged or diseased mouth to optimal oral health. Your dentist should base a treatment plan on what’s best for your health and wellbeing, not on what your insurance will cover. At Back Mountain Dental, we help patients submit insurance claims and minimize out-of-pocket expense. However, we will never compromise our recommended treatment based on insurance coverage. We provide patients with the facts and treatment options, as well as estimated expenses. Our goal is to help patients make informed decisions.

 How Our Forefathers Brushed Their Teeth
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

   Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so I want to share some history about oral healthcare in North America.

   For toothpaste, American pilgrims used salt as a natural abrasive cleanser. Toothbrushes were fashioned from frayed twigs, or a more modern model was made with hog’s hair bristles attached to a small bone. American Indians likely used Yarrow root or sage rubbed against teeth to remove plaque and debris while freshening the breath.

   This was fine and good for people living in 1620, but in 2010, I strongly recommend that you choose an ADA approved toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush, brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once daily. Be sure to visit your dentist for six-month checkups and cleanings, as well.

 Dreaming Of A White Christmas?
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Our teeth are porous, so they stain just like a kitchen sink. Over time, wine, tea, coffee, dark foods, tobacco, and simple aging will cause teeth to discolor. This can make us look older than our years, and stained teeth appear unattractive and unhealthy. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers safe and effective ways to remove tooth enamel stains and renew a natural, white glow. Light-activated bleaching systems can be quite harsh on teeth. I prefer to use Deep Bleaching®, a system that combines a deeppenetrating bleaching agent, applied in my office, with potent home bleaching. Deep Bleaching® has shown the most dramatic and long-lasting results that I’ve ever seen.
 

 What's Good For Your Teeth?
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

   As a cosmetic and restorative dentist, I always tell my patients to take good care of their teeth. But what does that mean, exactly? Brush, floss, what else is there?

   What you eat and how you eat are very important to your oral health. Sugars and starches turn to acid in the mouth, so snacking throughout the day or lingering over a soft drink is not good for your teeth. You should eat, drink, and rinse your mouth with water. Most people assume that fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, but did you know that cheese and nuts are particularly good for your teeth? These foods have cavity-fighting power and important minerals that strengthen teeth against decay. For more about foods that are good for your teeth, visit my blog at www.SedationDentistWilkesBarre.com.

 Scared Of The Dentist?
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Half of Americans don’t visit the dentist each year, many because of a geniune fear of dentistry. If you feel stressed, scared, or anxious about visiting the dentist, I want to recommend that you visit my blog, www.SedationDentistWilkesBarre.com to learn how IV sedation dentistry can give you complete peace of mind and body during dental procedures. You don’t have to endure anything less than optimal oral health, a beautiful smile, and a comfortably functioning mouth. IV sedation has helped countless dental phobics overcome their fears - and it can help you!

 Tooth Shape Affects Appearance
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Sometimes people don’t need porcelain veneers or a full smile makeover. Take, for instance, the problem of sharp, fang-like incisors or jagged edges on front teeth. These cosmetic imperfections can make a smile look less than desirable – even animal like. In some cases, I can reshape sharp or jagged teeth edges in two ways. I can remove a minimal amount of tooth structure to smooth the edges. Or, if the problem teeth are small, or in the case of a chipped tooth, I may add structure, then shape the edges for an appealing appearance. These onevisit cosmetic dental procedures can make teeth look more attractive.

 What's Your Kissability Factor?
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

   Are you prepared for getting caught under the mistletoe? Here are a few tips for fresh breath and a sparkling smile. Breath Care: Mints, gums, and mouth rinses dry out the mouth, which only creates more of a problem. I recommend you carry a flosser and mini toothbrush with you. After eating, sneak into the bathroom and freshen up. Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking lots of water. You might also chew on fresh mint or parsley. Lip Care: Dry air and wind ruin soft, supple lips. To keep lips kissable, do not lick them. Also apply Chap Stick or Vaseline when you go outdoors. Tooth Care: Be sure to brush and floss daily, using an ADA-approved toothpaste. Also use a tongue scraper to remove odiferous bacteria. Following these tips will boost your kissability factor dramatically, so you can hang out under the mistletoe with complete confidence!

 Invisible Dentistry For Natural Beauty
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Do you have dark fillings or crowns? What if I told you that you can reclaim your all-white, naturallooking smile? Well, you can! Modern dentistry has given us metal-free, mercury-free, extremely durable materials for dental restorations. For instance, custom-shaded dental porcelain and composite resin produce crowns and fillings that blend beautifully with surrounding teeth. And with CEREC, I can often fabricate and place porcelain crowns in just one visit. If you’re ready to turn back the clock on your image, consider replacing your amalgam fillings and metal crowns with modern, safe, esthetic dental restorations. For more information, visit www.cosmeticdentistwilkesbarre.com!

 Minimally Invasive Porcelain Veneers
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Less is more? Absolutely, when it comes to porcelain veneers. If you’d feel better about your appearance with straighter, whiter, shapelier, or better aligned teeth, veneers might be the best solution. They’re much less invasive than crowns, and the results are spectacular. My philosophy regarding cosmetic dentistry is, in all situations I try to minimize altering natural tooth structure. For veneers, this means that I remove as little tooth enamel as possible, without compromising the esthetic outcome. Perfect your smile. Porcelain veneers do it all.!

 When Teeth Go Soft
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Did you know that tooth enamel is the second hardest material on the planet? It’s second only to diamonds. But acids in our mouths can weaken tooth enamel. Sugary, starchy, and acidic foods mix with saliva to create an acid that literally causes tooth enamel to soften. If you brush your teeth right after eating these types of foods, you can wear away tooth enamel. Over about an hour, saliva causes tooth enamel to re-harden, so it’s then that you should brush your teeth. Over time, this cycle of softening and hardening can cause tooth enamel erosion, which may lead to tooth sensitivity and/or discoloration. For more information on dental health topics, visit www.BackMountainDental.com.

 No Worries With Sedation Dentistry
By: Dr. Jamie DeFinnis

    Half of Americans don’t visit the dentist. Many have had bad experiences and are scared to relive the past. If you’ve searched for a dentist who understands your fear, recognizes that it is a serious problem, and respects your need for special treatment options, you may have been disappointed. I want to assure you, I understand, recognize, and respect dental anxiety. In fact, I offer dental sedation to help patients overcome their fears and receive the dental care they need for a healthier mouth, a healthier life, and a more attractive smile. I invite you to visit www.sedationdentistwilkesbarre.com for more information on sedation dentistry -- because you deserve a sensational smile!