Dr. Bruce R. Altschuler, DDS
Dentist
25882 Orchard Lake Rd Suite 105 Farmington MI, 48336About
Dr. Bruce Altschuler is a Dentist practicing in Farmington, MI. Dr. Altschuler specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Education and Training
Brooklyn College Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology 0
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Doctor of Dental Surgery degree 0
Provider Details
Dr. Bruce R. Altschuler, DDS's Expert Contributions
Do I need to have a CT scan before a dental implant?
A CT scan is usually a whole body scan which is unnecessary. What your dentist probably told you is that you might take a 3-D cone beam imagery set so that the dentist can precisely assess and then place the implant in exactly the most optimum position. These new techniques in radiology greatly assist the dentist to make the placement of the implant a success. DENTIST READ MORE
Can medications fix gingivitis?
In some cases with early gingivitis, after a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist or your dentist, and then the application of toothbrush, dental floss, perhaps a water pik, and the right toothpaste, your gingivitis can be arrested and will not progress. Everyone has a slight degree of gingivitis, which is chronic, but the need is to prevent the gingivitis to progress to the retraction of critical gum tissue, or to periodontitis. The addition of a slight change in diet will be helpful, eating fruits containing Vit. C such as strawberries, oranges or orange juice, or pineapple juice or grapes, raisins, or grapejuice every day (the human body stores vitamins A, D, E, K for longer periods but you need Vit. C every day). Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Eat a balanced diet. Brush your teeth immediately after every meal. See your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and a scheduled cleaning. There are no actual pill medications that will prevent or cure gingivitis. DENTIST READ MORE
How long is a deep dental cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning can take under an hour. It depends on your overall gingival (gum) health and how long it has been since you have had a cleaning and how well you have cleaned your teeth at home. It is assumed you are not referring to a deep periodontal scaling which could take longer, or might be divided up into sections of the teeth and thus require more than one appointment to complete. If you see your dentist regularly, say every 6 months, and your teeth are otherwise healthy, then you will have little problem with a deep dental cleaning. DENTIST READ MORE
Is a dental implant stronger than real teeth?
There is no substitute for real teeth. An implant takes the place of a tooth but is an artificial prostheses. If you can keep existing teeth--do so--and maintain healthy teeth by seeing your dentist every six months and getting your teeth cleaned. The implant is a good substitute when teeth are extracted. DENTIST READ MORE
Can I use a water flosser with implant-fixed dentures?
Yes. Use the lowest setting possible and use per the manufacturer's directions. I assume the implant is at least six months old and there are no complications with it. Do not hover over the implant with the nozzle but use as with all other teeth. Stop using if any pain, discomfort, or redness arises. DENTIST READ MORE
How long do molar teeth bridges last?
Your bridge is guaranteed to last from time of insertion to when you depart the dentist's office. Many bridges may require minor occlusal (bite) adjustment so do not hesitate to visit your dentist for such minor adjustments after just getting the bridge. There are too many variables to estimate how long the bridge will last, which is largely due to diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, the care of your teeth, and your general health. Many patients have had bridges last ten years or more, some going as long as 20 or even 30 years. The accepted answer to your question is to visit your dentist's office at least once a year for a cleaning and diagnostic checkup. DENTIST READ MORE
Is zirconium good for dental bridges?
Yes. Bridges are usually made from alloys of materials that provide non-corrosion, strength, and some slight give. It is suggested you let your dentist choose the material for your bridge as your dentist has had experience with hundreds of bridges. DENTIST READ MORE
Can gum surgery fix gum recession?
Some forms of gum surgery can provide restoration of some gum recession. Success largely depends on the patient health care, diet, and general state of health, and the amount of recession that needs to be restored and the extent of the recession. DENTIST READ MORE
Can I straighten my front teeth with braces?
Yes. Your dentist and orthodontist can explain what will need to be done and will perform diagnostic procedures to determine exactly what will be necessary. DENTIST READ MORE
Is the zirconia crown strong?
Yes. The Zirconia crown is now considered a standard in dentistry. You can review the various crown material options with your dentist but the "Zirconia" crown is a good choice. DENTIST READ MORE
Anxiety with health
Dropping a toothbrush on the floor means you need to thoroughly wash the toothbrush with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry it before using. You can also put the brush into a glass filled with mouthwash for a half hour, then rinse it thoroughly. You can also opt to get a new toothbrush for your mouth. You probably will not get any disease from it hitting the floor if you are still healthy. DENTIST. READ MORE
What type of braces is the most comfortable?
Comfort is out the window when wearing braces or removable appliances. Any of these involve the movement of teeth, which causes discomfort for a few days while your tooth movement is most effective and the associated discomfort is often accompanied by some pain from irritation of gums and lips by braces. Also, depending on your age and the condition of your teeth and bite, the dentist/orthodontist may prescribe certain treatment modalities that may be more discomforting than others for temporary periods to accomplish tooth movements that are needed to bring your occlusion (bite) into proper alignments. Instead of worrying about temporary discomfort why not look to the future when your teeth will look and function beautifully over an entire lifetime?? DENTIST READ MORE
What is the best material for a dental crown?
The best material for a dental crown is whatever your dentist recommends. How long a crown lasts is depending on a lot of factors involving your oral health and the condition of your bite, whether you smoke or drink alcohol, hot coffee, or acidic drinks, for example. So in today's modern dentistry, the best crown material is really dependent on your oral health. Your dentist can provide some options dependent on your health insurance druthers and your economic status. DENTIST READ MORE
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
The answer is that a dentist or orthodontist must evaluate your bite. If the dentist thinks invisalign will work for you use this treatment modality. However, if the dentist feels braces are needed for part or all of your treatment, then go with the experience of the dentist. You want your teeth to be healthy and attractive for the rest of your life. Look at any costs over a decades long timeline. DENTIST READ MORE
Which flosser is best for crowns?
Any hand held floss is good for crowns. The waxed kind may be easier to use for some people but the unwaxed thin kind may work best to get between tight spaces. There are also plastic devices that will hold a piece of floss for single use. Basically the technique is to use the floss once a day to four times a week depending on your dentition and your dentist's recommendations. Once you are past the tight spot between the teeth, go very gently with a little rocking motion down a bit. Do not tear into the gums at all. If you get any blood you are either working the floss too far down (or up for the top teeth), or your dentist may have to check your teeth again or prescribe a toothpaste like Paradontics. DENTIST READ MORE
Can gingivitis heal on its own?
Gingivitis can heal if you take certain very positive steps. First, limit the uptake of alcoholic beverages. Second, limit or eliminate smoking products, especially chaw tobacco. Third, increase your consumption of Vitamin C foods, such as oranges or juice, pineapples or juice, grapes or juice, limes, raisins, strawberries, cherries among other foods. Vit. C pills are unfortunately not very good. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and use any one of a number of gingivitis toothpastes, including Crest or Peridontax type toothpastes. Brush at least 2x a day, but preferably after meals. Floss as needed 1x a day or 4x a week. An electric toothbrush might be very useful. See your dentist at least every 6 months or more often if the dentist needs to monitor your progress. DENTIST READ MORE
Are zirconia crowns durable?
Dentists guarantee their crowns until you leave the office. Otherwise you are on your own. A zirconium crown should last for ten to fifteen years at least, and possibly more, providing you take care of your teeth and occlusion, and other factors do not interfere-- such as lack of proper diet, using chaw tobacco, excessive alcohol, high sugar drinks, etc. that may hurt the teeth or the gums or the bone holding the tooth. DENTIST READ MORE
How long after the implant can I go to the gym?
Going to the gym has nothing to do with your implant as long as you do not feel pain and you do not crunch down and bite your teeth while doing gym things. Since you have been 2 weeks since the implant your body has overcome any affects of the oral surgery. Wait 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and make sure your bite is even (let your dentist check on this) before you bite down hard during gym exercises. Make sure to keep the area around the implant very very clean in accordance with your dentist's instructions on oral hygiene. DENTIST READ MORE
Can hard brushing cause gum recession?
Use a soft tooth brush or get an oscillating soft toothbrush that is battery powered. Another idea is to get a waterpik type of toothbrush and water jet. Put the waterpik/toothbrush at its lowest setting. Use a nonabrasive toothpaste made for helping the gingiva (gums). Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol. Make sure you take enough vit.C in your diet and you may want to take additional vit.D in the form of a daily pill. See your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least every 6 months DENTIST READ MORE
Is gum swelling normal after getting a crown?
If your gums swell all over than that might be an allergic reaction. If the swelling is around the tooth you had your crown fitted then it might be excess cement or the crown is too long. Your dentist can adjust and remove excess cement and check the occlusion (bite) of the crown. Otherwise the swelling should have gone away by now. If not, check with your dentist. DENTIST READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- Maryland State Dental Association and the Howard County Dental Association
Professional Society Memberships
- Maryland State Dental Association, Howard County Dental Association
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Get to know Dentist Dr. Bruce R. Altschuler, who serves patients in Columbia, Maryland.
With over 50 years of experience, Dr. Altschuler is a top professional in the field of dentistry. He tends to patients’ dental needs at his private practice in Columbia, Maryland.
Recognized as a Maryland business owner (electro-optics and robotics company), inventor and scientist, he is also the Owner of Cobalt Research, LLC. His interests include sensors, 3-D vision, tele-robotics, laser aiming devices, biomimetics, mechatronics, mobile robotic platforms, advanced military systems concepts, and consulting.
Graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Brooklyn College, Dr. Altschuler went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
Furthering his training, he performed an Advanced Clinical Residency Program with the United States Air Force, where he served as Colonel (retired). He conducted research and development of high technology in the fields of dentistry, imaging, video, lasers, 3D mapping, holography, avionics, robotics, and military sciences.
Continuously advancing his professional efforts, Dr. Altschuler is a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Howard County Dental Association.
Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. They clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.
Happily married, Dr. Altschuler and his wife, Ruth, have three children and three grandchildren. His interests include R/C mobile robot building, backpacking, sailing, as well as photography and computers.
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