Dental X-Rays

What Are the Benefits of Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-ray examinations are an important tool and provide valuable information that helps your dentist evaluate your oral health. Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen while doing an oral exam; an X-ray examination can reveal small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations, infections in the bone, periodontal disease, abscesses and/or cysts. Finding these dental problems at an early stage can save time and money and could prevent any unnecessary discomfort.

With the use of Digital x-rays we are able to provide a better service to our patients. New technologies have allowed us to make your experience with dental x-rays more comfortable and convenient. That sharp little film has been replaced with a smooth electronic sensor that instantly puts the image onto a computer screen, allowing the dentist and the patient to see the x-ray immediately. X-Rays play an invaluable role in the diagnosis in dental problems, but many people are concerned about exposure to x-ray radiation. Digital X-rays are computer generated images that use a sensor that is highly sensitive and require up to 90% less radiation than traditional dental x-rays and are as accurate and can reveal things that film cannot. The digital image can magnified 300 times its normal size to enhance diagnosis and manipulated to correct contrast and color adjusted to reveal hidden problems. Digital technology also allows the patient to become more involved in their own dental health. It allows the Doctor to enhance and outline areas of concern for the patient to see what the doctor is prescribing and why. It is important to us that our patients understand the need for dental treatment and the ways in which we propose to improve their dental condition.

How often you need X-rays is decided by your dentist based on your needs. In most cases, new patients require a full set of x-rays to evaluate their oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow-up patients require x-rays to monitor their gum condition and their teeth for decay. In any case, Digital Dental X-Rays have made the entire process a lot more exciting and easier than the old days!

You Deserve a Beautiful and Exceptional Smile!

We all know that a person’s smile is the first thing we notice, whether you are meeting for the first time, smiling at a stranger as you pass them by, or even at a job interview. A beautiful smile is an important asset, not only do white teeth enhance your smile, but they make you feel more confident about your appearance. Our office is proud to announce that we have a new whitening system that is fast, effective, comfortable and in everyone’s price range.

Sinsational Smile uses patented and FDA approved products. This system combines LED technology with an exclusively formulated whitening (FDA approved) gel. This special gel contains more than just ingredients for whitening. It contains a proprietary catalyst which when combined with LED light, activates the whitening gel to work at a faster rate, resulting in a brighter smile and whiter teeth in less time, allowing you to have a beautiful smile in as little as Twenty minutes! You deserve to have a
beautiful and exceptional smile.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. Research has shown that when teeth are
normal and healthy there are no apparent adverse effects on the tooth’s enamel.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Aging, smoking and the ingestion of dark
pigmented food and drink such as coffee, tea, cola and red wine are the leading
causes of tooth discoloration.

Are there any side effects?

Only a small percentage of people may
experience a slight tingling sensation during treatment. This subsides once the
teeth are rinsed.

Does teeth whitening work for everyone?

Teeth whitening is not effective on
individuals with stained teeth as a result of certain medications,
decalcification, or those who were born with grayish teeth. It is not
recommended for pregnant or nursing women or children under 14.

Will teeth whitening affect my dental work?

Although Sinsational Smile will not whiten
crowns, fillings, veneers or other dental work, the process does not adversely
affect these structures.

How many treatments will you need?

The number of treatments necessary will vary
based on your need and color preference. Ongoing whitening treatments may be
repeated on a scheduled basis to maintain and rejuvenate your smile. Though
most people will notice a big difference after only one treatment, several
treatments could be necessary to achieve the sparkling white teeth you desire.

How long will the results last?

Whitening duration vary greatly from person to
person. Certain food and drinks as well as other factors (i.e. tobacco,
medications, and age) can all affect the longevity of your results. Results can
last for up to one year, especially if between visits you continue to use the
whitening pen. This easy to use pen can be used anywhere and takes only a
couple of minutes to help you keep your teeth looking their whitest.

Who should consider teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. All
whitening procedures work best on natural, healthy teeth and should not be used
by people with poor oral health, pregnant or nursing women or anyone advised by
their dentist not to have their teeth whitened. However, most people are good
candidates for this treatment and see substantial improvements after one
treatment.

How Smoking Can Affect Your Dental Health

Most of us know that smoking is bad for our health, but did
you know that smoking is also a major contributor to many dental problems?
Cigarettes aren’t the only ones to blame, all forms of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, cigars and hookahs, pose dental and health concerns. Any type of tobacco use greatly increases risks for oral cancer, gum disease (periodontal disease), gum recession (this
could increase the risk of tooth decay). Smokers are four times more likely to develop periodontal disease than nonsmokers.
Tobacco may also limit blood flow to the gum tissue and affect the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. An example of this effect is receding gum tissue. A receding gum line exposes the tooth and roots and
increases your risk of developing sensitivity to temperature and tooth decay in
these unprotected areas. Smoking also delays the healing process after oral
surgery and increases your risk of developing dry socket. Research has also
shown that people who use tobacco products are more likely to have the
following:

Oral Cancer
Bad Breath
Stained Teeth
Tooth and bone loss
Less success with periodontal and implant
treatment
Recession
Mouth Sores
Facial Wrinkling

If you are ready to quit smoking, talk to your doctor, they
can recommend different methods and options to help you quit. There are also
many health organizations that are ready to help step by step and offer
support. Your insurance company can also direct you smoking cessation programs
that they may cover. Quitting any tobacco product isn’t going to be easy, but the benefits you gain will be well worth it, because you’re worth it!

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and change. There are many obvious changes throughout a woman’s body during pregnancy, and some that are not. Pregnancy can cause some changes in your oral health if not monitored closely. The changes in hormone levels can aggravate the gum tissues and exaggerate the way they react to the bacteria in plaque. The gum tissues usually become red and swollen and often bleed when brushing or flossing, this is called pregnancy gingivitis. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy and if left untreated can lead to a more serious form of gum disease.

Statistics have shown that only half of expecting mothers receive proper dental care. It is very important for women to have good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups as part their prenatal care, to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis and tooth decay. The problem with gum disease or periodontal disease is that the infected tissues are toxic reservoirs for bacteria. The toxins released can attack the ligaments, gum tissue and destroy the bone surrounding your teeth causing pockets that allow bacteria into the bloodstream. Research has shown that women with gum disease are six times greater at risk for preterm or low birth weight babies.

There is a long standing myth that a woman looses a tooth for every child she has. Of course this is not the case, but circumstances and changes in the mouth may make it appear so. The myth goes on to claim the fetus draws calcium directly from the mother’s teeth and results in weakened teeth that decay or might be lost. In fact, the mother’s diet and nutritional supplements give the developing fetus all he or she needs to develop. Increased cavities are a result of increased snacking and poor oral hygiene.

There are many ways in which you can prevent these oral complications during your pregnancy, the first thing, consult with your physician and your dentist; they will be able to provide the best course of treatment and preventative care.

Brushing 2-3 times a day after meals whenever possible
flossing every day before bed to remove plaque build up
If suffering from morning sickness, rinse your mouth frequently with water and/or brush your teeth as often as possible to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting. If tooth brushing causes morning sickness, brush without toothpaste and use a fluoride mouth rinse afterwards
Eat healthy snacks and rinse with water afterwards
Schedule routine cleanings and dental checkups

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and untreated dental disease can be harmful to you and your baby. Be sure to include your oral health in daily routine and keep your dentist informed of any changes in your health, oral health and the month of pregnancy you are in.