Computed Dental
Radiography
~Dental x-rays
go digital
Smarter
A relatively new dental imaging process has forever changed the way dental
evaluations are conducted. Usually, a dental consultation includes taking
x-rays to gather structural information, evaluating the external and internal
structures of the mouth, and finally, diagnosing and recommending treatment
for any problems. All of which requires considerable time, effort, and
patience.
Faster
But now, digital radiography has not only simplified and shortened this
process, but improved it as well. Within seconds, and with minimal radiation
exposure, we can take a look inside your mouth and almost instantaneously
pull up a large, clear, accurate image onto our computer screen to evaluate
together.
Safer
 Thanks
to digital radiography, revealing your oral health status is as simple
as relaxing in the dental chair while a tiny 'sensor' is positioned briefly
inside your mouth. The sensor acts like a miniature VCR camera, except
that its chip is sensitive to x-rays, not light. The result? For one,
our patients are exposed to 90% less radiation than with traditional x-ray
techniques. What's more, a highly detailed image translated onto our
computer screen carries with it all the conveniences of other digitized
images: it can be rotated, magnified, adjusted for contrast, and even
color-coded for educational purposes. Further, we can store it easily
and efficiently in our computer files, eliminating paper files as well
as image wear and tear. For insurance purposes, referrals, or patient
education, it can be easily, inexpensively and faithfully reproduced any
number of times.
 Better
For our patients, digital radiography makes for fast and easy evaluation
of even the most complex dental conditions. The detailed computerized
image is truly worth a thousand words, allowing us to immediately point
out and discuss the findings with our patients. Together, we can examine
the outer and inner structures and tissues of each tooth, as well as the
surrounding roots, root canals, and gums. Situations or procedures that
may have been mysterious and frightening are rendered reasonable and non-threatening.
We're able to plainly explain all the steps of any recommended restoration
or cosmetic procedures. And because it helps our patients understand the
root issues behind their dental health, we can work together to determine
the very best treatment options for each case. There's no doubt about
it: digital radiography results in better patient care all the way around.
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Temporomandibular
Disorders
~Strain, pain and ways to refrain
A Painful Twist
of Events
When you chew, the muscles connecting your lower jaw to your skull move
the jaw forward, sideways, open and shut. During normal chewing, your
lower jaw and connecting joints on both sides are synchronized: the joints
on each side slide and rotate just in front of each ear. However, the
jaw may accidentally twist during one of these motions, causing pain in
the jaw muscles themselves. This condition is known as Temporo-mandibular
Disorder (TMD). TMD may include a variety of problems with jaw muscles,
the TMD joints, and the related facial nerves, or may be associated with
direct injury to the jaw area. A variety of events seem to cause and aggravate
TMD, including both strenuous physical jaw work and stressful mental situations.
And unfortunately for the victim, TMD is the most common non-dental related
chronic source of oral-facial pain.
All Pain, No Gain
The strain related to TMD tends to over-work the jaw muscles, especially
if the problem-causing events are habitual. This strain may lead to a
wide range of symptoms on both sides of the face, head or jaw, including
headaches, side headaches, neck pain, worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized
oral tissues, muscle soreness, or pain while biting, chewing or yawning.
Or, a person may have an earache, but no related infection; sensitive
teeth, but no related dental problems; jaw pain and soreness prevalent
in the morning or late afternoon; or sometimes the jaw will actually become
locked and stiff during talking, yawning or eating. For some reason, TMD
is much more common among women than men.
Take a Load Off
Most of the time, TMD can be taken care of with minor at-home treatment
suggestions, without surgery. This usually entails simply resting or "unloading"
the joints, taking non-aspirin pain-reliever, and practicing stress management
or relaxation techniques. It's also important to break whatever habits
lead to the problem in the first place: consciously stop that daily grinding
and clenching, or ask your dentist for a nighttime mouthguard if you're
an nocturnal 'grinder'. If the problem doesn't respond to such measures,
then physical therapy, ice/hot packs, posture training, and a splint may
be in order. Further, you can give your muscles a chance to relax by a
temporary switch to soft foods and by avoiding chewing gum.
As simple as the
treatment may sound, the condition also tends to by cyclical. That means
it may recur during significant emotional experiences, whether good or
bad. So it's a good idea to take an active part in your own treatment,
ask your dentist to explain the causes of your particular TMD problem,
break those contributory habits, carefully follow his suggested regime,
and schedule routine follow-up check-ups so that he can evaluate the condition
over time.
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Teeth Whitening
~You don't have to be a movie star to have a smile that shines
A Personal Decision
It's understandable to desire a beautiful smile, including white and shining
teeth. One of the most popular, effective and safe means of achieving
this is through dentist-supervised tooth whitening. Tooth whitening can
be used to lighten your teeth color, with one treatment lasting as long
as 5 years. As far as safety concerns go, several recent studies have
proven whitening both safe and effective; several of the required products
have also received The American Dental Association's seal of approval.
Although a few patients may notice slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity
during the process, these side effects are resolved when the treatment
is over.
A Professional
Diagnosis
It's important to discuss with your dentist all possible outcomes of whitening
your teeth, as well as the specific whitening system that would best suit
your needs. There are some people who simply are better candidates than
others for a successful whitening treatment. For example, if your teeth
are darkened to a yellow, brownish or orange tinge as a result of age,
coffee, tea, or smoking, chances are very good that you'll be able to
obtain satisfactory results through teeth whitening. About 90 percent
of patients do. However, if your teeth are darkened to a grey tone from
fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline use, whitening results may not be as
dramatic. Further, whitening does not lighten artificial materials such
as resins, silicants or porcelains. And finally, people with very sensitive
teeth, periodontal disease, or worn enamel are usually not good candidates
for whitening either.
A Practical Design
There are a number of different whitening methods used today. However,
most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home whitening. The at-home
whitening process requires a few separate steps. First, the dentist or
hygienist will make impressions of your teeth, used to fabricate a comfortable,
lightweight, customized whitening tray appliance for you. Such whitening
trays are designed to be so thin and comfortable that they're wearable
night and day, while talking, working, sleeping, etc. When you receive
the finished whitening trays and usage instructions, you'll also be given
the whitening materials, and recommended whitening session lengths. A
system requiring two to four hours per day will generally take you three
to six weeks to complete, while others requiring nighttime wear may be
completed within 10 to 14 days.
A Pristine Delight
Although no one can predict precisely how light your teeth will become,
you'll typically see a two-shade improvement as indicated on your dentist's
shade guide. And your new, brighter smile will be preserved the longest
if you're willing to forgo such habits as smoking, drinking coffee and
drinking tea. After one to five years, should you notice that the new
color has become less bright, you may choose to have a touch-up. The second
procedure is often less costly than the first, as you can often reuse
the original whitening trays. Second treatments generally require less
treatment time, as well.
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Four Steps to an
Attractive New Smile
~ Porcelain Veneers
Chipped, stained,
discolored, unevenly spaced, and even slightly crooked front teeth can
be restored into a more natural, pleasing smile with the simple application
of porcelain veneers. These thin shell-like coverings are bonded to the
problem teeth to create a more attractive color, shape or size. Porcelain
veneers provide a long-lasting, stain-resistant alternative to crowns.
The four-step process includes consultation, preparation and application
and follow up.
Consultation
First, we will discuss the exact changes you have in mind. It often helps
to look at customized examples of possible final results together, either
by taking an impression of your mouth and having a "wax up"
made, or by using a computer enhancement program called digital imaging.
Preparation
Next, we prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers by delicately buffing
or filing approximately one half of a millimeter from the surface of the
recipient teeth. Sometimes this requires a local anesthetic. We then take
a mold or impression of your teeth and send it to a special professional
dental laboratory. The laboratory will carefully produce your custom fit
porcelain veneers. Custom provisional veneers will be placed so you will
be able to see instant results of what your smile will look like.
Application
At your third appointment, we will test the fit and color of your new
porcelain veneers by applying them temporarily with water or glycerin.
Once they are perfectly compatible, he will use a special dental cement
to permanently affix them to your teeth. Finally, a visible light beam
will be used to activate the cement's hardening agent, creating a strong,
beautiful finished product.
Follow Up
After the porcelain veneers are applied, your new smile will need daily
cleaning and flossing, plus regular dental visits for professional care
and maintenance. It is also wise to ask how a night-guard can help protect
your new investment. A night-guard may prevent unconscious grinding pressure
while you sleep.
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