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Curious in learning about conditions, disorders or
diseases dealing with dentistry that can be prevented, relieved or even
cured? Look no
more! We're working hard to remain on top of the latest health-related
discoveries and various subjects to keep you in outstanding health. Click
on the titles below to learn more about them!
Diagnodent
Finding Decay The Easy Way
 One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify
and fill cavities. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity
of an entire tooth, this is key to preventing a host of future problems.
Historically, that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been
an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of dental exams. However,
such methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful: cavities
can hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces.
Further, mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those
cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. Enter DIAGNOdent:
a revolutionary, thorough means of detecting cavities.
Laser Reflection Spots Imperfection
DIAGNOdent technology uses a laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing
reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover
decay. First, we take a benchmark reading by aiming the laser onto one
of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces, then continue on around, shining
the laser into all suspect areas. As it pulses into grooves, fissures
and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength which
is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated
electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed
on a screen. Any variation from the healthy baseline value stimulates
emission of a different wavelength and alerts us to a weakened area of
decay. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies
even the tiniest bit of decay. This means shallower, simpler fillings,
preserving more tooth structure, and it provides a specific means of
monitoring suspicious areas without repeated x-rays.
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Don't Let Oral Cancer Sneak Up On You
Oral cancer is a dangerous, yet somewhat preventable, type of cancer.
It kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma)
cancer, and only half of all patients diagnosed will survive more than
five years. The most common risk factors for oral cancer are tobacco
use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure,
habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. Although 80-90%
of oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol
excessively, 25% of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors
at all.
We could very well be your #1 soldier in the fight
against oral cancer. Statistics show in about 10% of patients, dentists
notice
a problem area first. During a regular dental check-up, we
will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white
or red spot or small sore. Other signs of oral cancer can include:
- A sore
that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, rough spot,
crust or small, eroded area
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in
the mouth or on the lips.
Two
different tests are used to determine if the spot is cancerous or not. A brush
biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless
or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous
cells when the disease is still at an early stage. A scalpel biopsy,
which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious
and dangerous looking areas. Remember to visit us regularly. If
you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, call us immediately.
Together, we can fight and win the battle against oral
cancer.
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Meet The Terrible Twins: Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Two of your worst enemies could be lurking around in your mouth as you
read this. They are serious, vicious, sly and oftentimes successful.
So, who makes up this evil pair? Tooth decay and gum disease. That’s
right. These two nasty conditions are created by naturally occurring
oral bacteria, and the acids they produce. Unchecked tooth decay leads
inevitably to gum disease, which even conservative estimates say is present
in at least 80% of the population. Gum disease, in turn, is responsible
for up to 70% of adult tooth loss.
Your mouth’s constant supply
of normal bacteria produces a sticky “plaque” and
they deposit it on your teeth. Foods containing carbohydrates (sugars
and starches) combined with the plaque form a strong acid, which erodes
your enamel and breaks down gum-tooth connecting fibers, thus allowing
further bacteria and toxins to invade unprotected tissues. This process
allows your tooth, tooth root and jawbone susceptibility to become damaged
or even destroyed by decay.
So, let’s stop these culprits in their
tracks. Make it a daily habit to brush twice with fluoride toothpaste
and clean between your
teeth with floss or interdental cleaner. Also, cut down on snacking;
eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and remember to visit us regularly
for a professional cleaning and oral examination.
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Knock Out TMD/TMJ, and Be Pain Free
Do you suffer from pain in or around the ear, headaches or neck aches?
Is your jaw tender, or make clicking or popping noises when you open
your mouth? If these are true, you might have TMD/TMJ or Temporomandibular
Disorder.
Under normal conditions and functioning, the little triangular-shaped
joints located in front of each of your ears are lined with cartilage,
thus allowing these joints to move with a smooth, gliding motion to open
and close your mouth. But if you have TMD, the cartilage normally lining
the joints is worn down, exposing nerve endings and creating jaw pain.
Since TMD is caused by severe teeth grinding or stress: physical, psychological
or emotional, this problem, once assessed, can be easily treated. If
your TMD is associated with teeth grinding, we can prescribe you a mouth
guard to protect your teeth from any further grinding damage. If your
TMD is stress-related, we may prescribe muscle relaxants for relief or
suggest physical therapy, counseling and certain stress-reducing exercises.
So, don’t remain in pain any longer! Call our office today and
schedule an appointment to see if TMD is ailing you. We are here to help
make your life pain free!
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