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Mark Birnbach

Bio

Dr. Mark Birnbach earned his B.A. at Queens College (CUNY), and his DMD from Tufts University. After graduation, Dr. Birnbach spent a year practicing in Switzerland. On his return to the states, he established his practice, which concentrates on esthetic and cosmetic dentistry. At his creek side location since 1977, he has taken over 3500 hours of continuing education. He is one of a few dentists in the world who has completed the Full Mouth Reconstruction Course at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Mark is now an instructor there. He has also completed hands-on esthetic courses with internationally known cosmetic dentists Bill Dickerson, Larry Rosenthal and David Hornbrook. He has conducted dental seminars on esthetic dentistry and thrice been awarded "Clinician of the Year" by the Boulder Dental Study Club. Dr. Birnbach has also been recognized as an expert in the field of TMD (! Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), the treatment of chronic head, neck & facial pain.

Specialties:

  • dentistry

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Alligator Study Gives Clues to Regrowing Lost Teeth

    TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Dentists, as it turns out, may have one more reason than the rest of us to be wary of alligators. The toothy reptiles may one day put those who install implants, bridges and dentures out of their jobs.

    Alligators continually make new teeth to replace t...Full Article

  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How can root canals be prevented?

    Root canals are necessary to eliminate the pain caused by an infected nerve in the center of the tooth. This can occur through decay (cavity) or fracture of the tooth.

    Brushing and flossing (to remove the bacteria and food that cause decay), avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and having one's teeth

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How can chewing gum help prevent tooth decay?
    Gum increases the salivary output, which helps to remove the food particles that can contribute to decay. That being said, sugar-free gum is the only type to be used, as sugar containing gums increase decay.  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    Who is at risk for tooth decay?

    Short answer- Everyone who has teeth!

    Longer answer- there are many factors that affect ones susceptibility to decay.

    Genetics can play a factor, as well as medical conditions (lack of proper formation of enamel). Fluoride makes teeth stronger (more resistant to decay) when ingested as the teeth

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What are the signs that a root canal is needed?

    Severe unstimulated pain. Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts for 15 minutes or longer. Swelling in the gum around the tooth. Tooth hurts to bite on. Tooth feels higher than the rest of the teeth (the first or only tooth to touch when trying to bite teeth together.

     Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What should one expect after a root canal?

    The symptoms of pain and swelling should subside and eventually go away completely. Any tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle and should have a crown placed to reinforce the tooth to keep it from breaking.

     Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What causes tooth decay?

    Bacteria in the mouth turn foods into acids that eat away at the tooth structure. Acidic foods (fruit juices) sugary foods, sodas, sports drinks, chewing gum ,sticky foods - all are part of the problem. Even diet sodas, though lacking in sugar themselves, have phosphoric acid as the preservative

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What should one expect after a root canal?

    The symptoms of pain and swelling should subside and eventually go away completely. Any tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle and should have a crown placed to reinforce the tooth to keep it from breaking.

     Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What increases my risk of tooth decay?

    Diet is the biggest risk for tooth decay. Sugary foods, sodas, sports drinks, diet sodas (the preservative is phosphoric acid), chewable vitamin C, chewing gum (that has sugar in it, as opposed to sugar free) refined carbohydrates that stick to teeth, frequent snacking between meals- all increase

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?

    When the tooth is forming, fluoride is taken up by the tooth and alters the structure, making it more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria which causes decay. Once the tooth has erupted into the mouth, the fluoride helps to reduce the effect of the acids on the outer surface of the tooth.

     Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How is a root canal procedure done?
    After adequate anesthesia, the main nerve in the center of the tooth is accessed by making a hole in the top of the tooth. Instruments ( files) are used to remove the remains of the nerve and blood vessels and to shape the inside of the root so that it can be sealed so that no further bacteria can...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How does root canal prevent tooth loss?
    Once the infected nerve tissue has been removed and the tooth sealed , the tooth can be restored with a crown. The gum and bone remain attached to the  tooth, so other than not having the ability to experience pain, it will function just the same as other teeth that have not had a root canal.  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    Who should avoid teeth whitening?

    Before attempting to whiten one's teeth, they should have an examination by their dentist. If there are holes in the teeth (cavities) the bleaching solution can cause extreme pain and potentially cause the nerve to die.

    If someone has crowns on their teeth, whitening will not change the color of

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    What happens if plaque and tartar in my teeth aren’t removed?

    The accumulation of bacteria on one's teeth, both hard and soft, triggers the body’s immune response, which responds by sending blood the area. This can cause bleeding gums when brushing and flossing. If not removed, the gum and bone are lost and cannot be replaced. This creates both sensitive teeth and

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Birnbach
    Mark Birnbach answered:
    How are crowns used in root canals?
    Once a tooth has had a root canal, it becomes more fragile. Furthermore, the tooth may have had extensive decay/cavity and fillings prior to the root canal, leaving little healthy structure. A crown surrounds the remaining tooth structure to reinforce it so one can chew normally.  Full Post