The dental field has undergone significant improvements since its beginning 200 years ago. In the early days, even the simplest procedures according to our modern standards were messy, painful, lengthy and even life-threatening ordeals.
Going in to the dentist today to replace a crown or a filling can be done in no time and there are no dangerous risks involved.
The dental technology advancements we enjoy today over the crude technology of the past is vast and numerous. Here are just a couple:
High-tech x-rays. Digital x-rays are quickly replacing the traditional film based x-rays. Digital x-rays are more efficient and faster and the amount of radiation the patient is exposed to is significantly less.
Digital x-rays include inserting an electronic senor onto the patient's mouth which captures the image and relays it to a computer. Dentist no longer have to leave the x-ray room to take each individual image.
With digital x-rays, the patient's images can be compared to better monitor progress.
Cavity detection lasers. In the past, dentist would detect cavities by poking every individual tooth with a sharp instrument. A tooth would be looked at for cavities if the instrument stuck into the tooth. This time-consuming and inaccurate method of cavity detection has gotten replaced with diode lasers. The lasers can accurately and efficiently screen all teeth for cavities and provide additional information for the dentist alerting him or her to either monitor the at-risk tooth or to have the cavity treated right away.
CAD/CAM technology. Crowns and bridges use to take multiple office visits, with time in between for the crowns to be made. Sometimes when the crowns came in the fit or the coloring wouldn't be correct. The CAD/CAM technology available today, however, allows the dentist to take a picture of the patient's tooth and drill it to be ready for the crown. A machine makes the crown based on the image measurements. Patients can now get their crowns the same day.
Improved implants. The early implants were often unstable and uncomfortable, often failing. With better materials and improved techniques, dental implants can now last 15 years or more and the vast majority of them are now successful.
Better bonding and filling. Today's bonding substances are made of resin, which gives it a shiny look. The bonding used today also lasts longer.
Most dental patients are likely use to the amalgam (metal alloy) fillings. Today's fillings are now composite or porcelain, which add to the aesthetics of the patient's smile.
Thinner veneers. Veneers are thin coverings that go on the outside surface of the tooth. They help reshape and enhance the appearance of an unsightly tooth. Traditional veneers require the surface of the tooth to be shaved to accommodate for the thickness of the veneer. New veneer materials, however, result in even thinner veneers which mean less of the tooth needs to be shaved off.
More effective gum treatment. A main cause of gum disease is the presence of germs and bacteria that have accumulated between the pockets of the gum that surround the teeth. Older gum disease treatment merely sought to reduce the size of the pockets. Today's gum treatment not only closes the pockets, it uses regenerative, not surgical methods for stimulating gum tissue growth as well as that of the jaw bone.
Better mold materials. There was a time when mold and putty used for impressions and to properly fit dental appliances was messy, nasty-tasting and caused occasional discomfort and reactions. Today, alginate impression molding material is non-toxic, has a longer shelf life, is easy to make and is cost-efficient.
Dentistry has come a long way and will continue to progress as more technology becomes available. The new dental technology enables dentists to do what couldn't be done in the past. Modern dental procedures are safe, quicker and significantly less painful.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
What Dental Implants Can Do for Your Smile
Maybe you have a missing tooth that you have since given up trying to hide because it's in a conspicuous place in your mouth and it is always the focus of attention when you smile. Since then, you've given up smiling altogether.
You haven't been to the dentist in a while, but you're sure there are easy solutions for the embarrassing hole in your smile.
You may have or haven't heard of dental implants.
Dental implants are the ideal solutions for patients that have one or two missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are made up of three parts: the rod, abutment and crow. The titanium rod is inserted into the jaw bone where the missing tooth was located. The abutment attaches the crown to the top of the rod. The crown is often a regular porcelain or resin dental crown that looks like a tooth.
It isn't just patients who are missing one or two teeth who can benefit from dentures. Patients with multiple missing teeth and even those who are missing all their teeth can have their smile renewed with the use of dental implants.
How Dental Implants Improve Your Smile
Fill in gaps caused by missing teeth. As you know, it is embarrassing to have a gap in your smile, especially when it is highly visible. Dental implants not only immediately eliminate that empty space and restore your smile, but they also save you from further dental issues associated with missing teeth such as the nearby teeth shifting and growing crooked.
Serve as anchors for dental bridges. You may have an area in your mouth where there is a grouping of missing, loose or highly decayed teeth. Bridges are anchored on either side by implants to hold the line of crowns in place, whereby giving you a full mouth of teeth that look and feel natural and function properly.
Serve as anchors for dentures. Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and ill-fitting. They also must be taken out at night for a cleansing soak. Older patients with traditional dentures can't enjoy many of the foods they once enjoyed because there is a risk of being the subject of those embarrassing moments when their dentures pop or slide out of their mouths.
Dentures that are anchored by dental implants won't slip, become loose, fall out or need to be taken out at night to be cleaned. The sturdiness and security of dental implants allows denture patients to have a full set of dentures that look, feel and function like their natural teeth. Implant anchored dentures enable wearers to eat in confidence.
Not only do implant anchored dentures stay in place to enable natural chewing, but the reduction in denture sliding and slipping also result in clearer speech, which is especially important for older patients.
Dental implants have many uses to treat and recover imperfect and uncomfortable smiles. They can do anything from filling in missing teeth to improving one's bite and speech. They make dentures function more effectively and feel more comfortable.
Whether you're ashamed to smile because of missing teeth or you're apprehensive about eating out with friend because your dentures may accidentally come out, implants can be a great option to repair your smile.
Consult with your dentist before deciding about getting dentures as they are not recommended for use by every patient.
You haven't been to the dentist in a while, but you're sure there are easy solutions for the embarrassing hole in your smile.
You may have or haven't heard of dental implants.
Dental implants are the ideal solutions for patients that have one or two missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are made up of three parts: the rod, abutment and crow. The titanium rod is inserted into the jaw bone where the missing tooth was located. The abutment attaches the crown to the top of the rod. The crown is often a regular porcelain or resin dental crown that looks like a tooth.
It isn't just patients who are missing one or two teeth who can benefit from dentures. Patients with multiple missing teeth and even those who are missing all their teeth can have their smile renewed with the use of dental implants.
How Dental Implants Improve Your Smile
Fill in gaps caused by missing teeth. As you know, it is embarrassing to have a gap in your smile, especially when it is highly visible. Dental implants not only immediately eliminate that empty space and restore your smile, but they also save you from further dental issues associated with missing teeth such as the nearby teeth shifting and growing crooked.
Serve as anchors for dental bridges. You may have an area in your mouth where there is a grouping of missing, loose or highly decayed teeth. Bridges are anchored on either side by implants to hold the line of crowns in place, whereby giving you a full mouth of teeth that look and feel natural and function properly.
Serve as anchors for dentures. Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and ill-fitting. They also must be taken out at night for a cleansing soak. Older patients with traditional dentures can't enjoy many of the foods they once enjoyed because there is a risk of being the subject of those embarrassing moments when their dentures pop or slide out of their mouths.
Dentures that are anchored by dental implants won't slip, become loose, fall out or need to be taken out at night to be cleaned. The sturdiness and security of dental implants allows denture patients to have a full set of dentures that look, feel and function like their natural teeth. Implant anchored dentures enable wearers to eat in confidence.
Not only do implant anchored dentures stay in place to enable natural chewing, but the reduction in denture sliding and slipping also result in clearer speech, which is especially important for older patients.
Dental implants have many uses to treat and recover imperfect and uncomfortable smiles. They can do anything from filling in missing teeth to improving one's bite and speech. They make dentures function more effectively and feel more comfortable.
Whether you're ashamed to smile because of missing teeth or you're apprehensive about eating out with friend because your dentures may accidentally come out, implants can be a great option to repair your smile.
Consult with your dentist before deciding about getting dentures as they are not recommended for use by every patient.
How to Avoid Cavities, Even After Enjoying Some Snacks
When the holiday season comes around, it's almost inevitable that you'll be surrounded by sweet and sugary snacks of one kind or another. If you have something of a sweet tooth, you may find the temptation a bit much, even if you understand that eating too much of the stuff can have a negative impact on your teeth.
Still, that doesn't mean you have to feel guilty about it. It doesn't even mean that you have to completely abstain from the sugary goodness of the holidays.
It just means that you have to be extra dedicated to your dental hygiene routines and maybe follow some of these guidelines to avoid a potentially bad situation.
Brush More Than Before
If you're eating a lot of sticky, sugary snacks, brushing your teeth regularly becomes even more important. If you give sticky foods enough time on your teeth, it can really promote the accumulation of plaque.
If this plaque sets up in hard to reach places, you're looking at an eventual cavity.
It may seem odd, but if you're snacking on these types of foods and candies throughout the day, you may choose to carry a toothbrush and travel-sized tube of toothpaste with you. You can leave it in your desk or car and make sure your teeth get a good cleaning after you enjoy a snack or two.
Get Plenty of Water
Water serves two purposes here. The first is to naturally rinse some of the lingering sugar out of your mouth. The second is to be used as a rinsing agent. You can actively swish the water around your teeth to help remove food particles and sticky food remnants from your teeth.
Some kind of dental mouthwash may actually be more effective in these situations, and if you have access to it, then go for it. But many people are snacking on these foods while they're away from their dental hygiene supplies. Water, on the other hand, is usually more readily available.
Know Your Snacks
Some snacks have a lower sugar content than others, but still enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. It's also important to note that something things that we know are healthy - like some delicious fruits - may also have a very high sugar content (and stick to our teeth).
Remember, it's not all about sugar, but how long the sugar sticks to your teeth. And if you have less-sticky, less-sugary snacks, you'll be in a better position to avoid those cavities.
Go Sugar-free
Sugar-free gum can help you reduce the risk of cavities even further. It helps in two ways.
The first, the gum can help grab those food particles and pull them off your teeth.
The second, the gum helps produce saliva, which is how your body naturally tries to fight bacteria buildup on your teeth.
For many of us, it can be difficult to give up the sweet snacks that we grew up loving. We know that they might not be the best thing for our teeth, but we'll still make exceptions from time to time. And, really, that's okay. Because as long as you're careful about it, you can still enjoy the occasional snack and avoid some cavities.
So, don't feel guilty about a little snack, but do make sure that you remember to follow these guidelines afterward.
Still, that doesn't mean you have to feel guilty about it. It doesn't even mean that you have to completely abstain from the sugary goodness of the holidays.
It just means that you have to be extra dedicated to your dental hygiene routines and maybe follow some of these guidelines to avoid a potentially bad situation.
Brush More Than Before
If you're eating a lot of sticky, sugary snacks, brushing your teeth regularly becomes even more important. If you give sticky foods enough time on your teeth, it can really promote the accumulation of plaque.
If this plaque sets up in hard to reach places, you're looking at an eventual cavity.
It may seem odd, but if you're snacking on these types of foods and candies throughout the day, you may choose to carry a toothbrush and travel-sized tube of toothpaste with you. You can leave it in your desk or car and make sure your teeth get a good cleaning after you enjoy a snack or two.
Get Plenty of Water
Water serves two purposes here. The first is to naturally rinse some of the lingering sugar out of your mouth. The second is to be used as a rinsing agent. You can actively swish the water around your teeth to help remove food particles and sticky food remnants from your teeth.
Some kind of dental mouthwash may actually be more effective in these situations, and if you have access to it, then go for it. But many people are snacking on these foods while they're away from their dental hygiene supplies. Water, on the other hand, is usually more readily available.
Know Your Snacks
Some snacks have a lower sugar content than others, but still enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. It's also important to note that something things that we know are healthy - like some delicious fruits - may also have a very high sugar content (and stick to our teeth).
Remember, it's not all about sugar, but how long the sugar sticks to your teeth. And if you have less-sticky, less-sugary snacks, you'll be in a better position to avoid those cavities.
Go Sugar-free
Sugar-free gum can help you reduce the risk of cavities even further. It helps in two ways.
The first, the gum can help grab those food particles and pull them off your teeth.
The second, the gum helps produce saliva, which is how your body naturally tries to fight bacteria buildup on your teeth.
For many of us, it can be difficult to give up the sweet snacks that we grew up loving. We know that they might not be the best thing for our teeth, but we'll still make exceptions from time to time. And, really, that's okay. Because as long as you're careful about it, you can still enjoy the occasional snack and avoid some cavities.
So, don't feel guilty about a little snack, but do make sure that you remember to follow these guidelines afterward.
Laser Dentistry: An Innovative and Modern Dental Practice
As digital technology advances, laser application has become the trend in modern dental practices. The Laser is a modern and innovative tool in the hands of a qualified dentist. The term LASER stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Lasers deliver energy in the form of light which allows for specificity in the treatment. Use of the laser in dentistry increases the efficiency, ease and comfort of the treatment.
Laser application is of two types, namely, hard tissue application and soft tissue application. A laser can be used in hard tissue application for the prevention of dental caries, bleaching, removal and curing, preparation of cavities, addressing dentine or bone hypersensitivity, growth modulation and for the purpose of diagnostics. The soft tissue applications include wound healing, removal of damaged tissue, uncovering of partially erupted teeth or impacted teeth treating oral cancers, re-conturing of crowns and frenectomies.
Lasers used in dental treatment or surgeries act as a cutting instrument. The intensely focussed light energy interacts with some of the biologic tissues to cut or open the surface of the tooth. It also acts as vaporiser of tissues making removal of dead or damaged tissue much easier. As compared to the practice of dental drilling, the use of lasers in dental treatments cause less pain, thus reducing the need for an anaesthetic. It reduces the anxiety in patients who have a fear of dental drills making the experience much more comfortable. Laser use minimises the bleeding and swelling of the treated area, thus causing less discomfort to the patient.
In laser assisted root canal treatment, the doctor can access the root canal of the tooth, remove the damaged or infected pulp, clean the internal area, fill and seal it. The tooth is restored by fitting a cap or crown so that the patient goes back to use the tooth in the normal manner.
The advantage of laser technology in dentistry is that it targets bacteria or infected tissue with better accuracy. As a result, it preserves a larger portion of the healthy tooth structure which is good for the patient. There is no discomfort associated with the jarring sounds of the drill and there is much less bleeding during the procedure. All this reduces the chance of infection, adds to the patient comfort and makes for an easier surgery.
Professional Laser Dentistry makes for an innovative dental practice although some precautions must be taken. Protective eyewear is crucial for the doctor, the chair side assistants as well as the patient during a laser dental procedure.
Integrity Dental in Australia offers the revolutionary Biolase Laser Technology for pain free and comfortable dental treatments. With this revolutionary laser assisted technology, the clinic offers the highest level of service and care to its patients.
Welcome to Integrity Dental where we have been dedicated to creating healthy and beautiful smiles for over 30 years. We endeavour to provide you with the highest level of service and care that will exceed your expectations.
Laser application is of two types, namely, hard tissue application and soft tissue application. A laser can be used in hard tissue application for the prevention of dental caries, bleaching, removal and curing, preparation of cavities, addressing dentine or bone hypersensitivity, growth modulation and for the purpose of diagnostics. The soft tissue applications include wound healing, removal of damaged tissue, uncovering of partially erupted teeth or impacted teeth treating oral cancers, re-conturing of crowns and frenectomies.
Lasers used in dental treatment or surgeries act as a cutting instrument. The intensely focussed light energy interacts with some of the biologic tissues to cut or open the surface of the tooth. It also acts as vaporiser of tissues making removal of dead or damaged tissue much easier. As compared to the practice of dental drilling, the use of lasers in dental treatments cause less pain, thus reducing the need for an anaesthetic. It reduces the anxiety in patients who have a fear of dental drills making the experience much more comfortable. Laser use minimises the bleeding and swelling of the treated area, thus causing less discomfort to the patient.
In laser assisted root canal treatment, the doctor can access the root canal of the tooth, remove the damaged or infected pulp, clean the internal area, fill and seal it. The tooth is restored by fitting a cap or crown so that the patient goes back to use the tooth in the normal manner.
The advantage of laser technology in dentistry is that it targets bacteria or infected tissue with better accuracy. As a result, it preserves a larger portion of the healthy tooth structure which is good for the patient. There is no discomfort associated with the jarring sounds of the drill and there is much less bleeding during the procedure. All this reduces the chance of infection, adds to the patient comfort and makes for an easier surgery.
Professional Laser Dentistry makes for an innovative dental practice although some precautions must be taken. Protective eyewear is crucial for the doctor, the chair side assistants as well as the patient during a laser dental procedure.
Integrity Dental in Australia offers the revolutionary Biolase Laser Technology for pain free and comfortable dental treatments. With this revolutionary laser assisted technology, the clinic offers the highest level of service and care to its patients.
Welcome to Integrity Dental where we have been dedicated to creating healthy and beautiful smiles for over 30 years. We endeavour to provide you with the highest level of service and care that will exceed your expectations.
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