Showing posts with label health department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health department. Show all posts

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Advances in Dental Technology

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.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The Benefits of Having a Dental Plan

When it comes to the dentist, there are thousands of people who don't go to the dentist unless it's an emergency. The most common reasoning behind this, isn't that they are afraid, but that they simply cannot fit it into their tight monthly budget. Because of this, people are paying more money out when they get to the dentist because the problem has become serious and a simple cavity has now worked its way into the root of the tooth and root canal is needed, where before the client may have gotten away with a simple filling.

Many people these days are looking at dental plans to assist them with managing their oral health in the most effective and cost effective way. A dental plan enables a person to take out cover paying an amount monthly which provides them with significant discounts when it comes to their dental appointments. For example, clients can save up to around fifty percent, sometimes more on routine dental check ups, which saves them considerably in the long run, making their oral health care something that they can afford.

The first benefit of an effective dental plan is the price. You will find you pay a nominal monthly amount, which you can easily incorporate into your budget. This means that you pay in each month, the same amount and in return you save when you need any dental treatments, whether it's a simple check up or you want to have dental implants where you have missing teeth. Either way you will find that the dental plan is an affordable solution.

You will find that you will save a considerable sum of money in the long run and you don't have to come up with a huge lump sum when you need urgent care. The price you pay monthly will be paid back over and over when you use the dental plan for your oral care. A few dental appointments, a professional clean and maybe a root canal treatment will pay for a years worth of monthly installments, you can see how you save every time you or your family member visits the dentist.

Further you will find you can get the dental care you need as you need it. Before you may have held off on seeking dental treatment for some minor sensitivity because you knew you couldn't afford the bill this month, but if that bill was halved or more, then it makes it easier to go to the dentist and increase the chances of preserving your teeth moving forward.

Remember a tooth doesn't grow back. Yes you do get two sets of teeth in your lifetime, but once your permanent teeth push through, you have to do everything you can to ensure that you provide your teeth with the care they need so that you don't lose them, but rather preserve them for as long as possible.

With dental plans you don't only receive the finest dental care, but you get a choice of dental professionals you can choose from. These dentists have been hand selected by the dental plan provider to ensure you receive the best quality care and treatment. All dentists will have the finest credentials,so you can use them with confidence.

There are some dental plans that provide you with instant access to your plan so you can get the dental care you need. This is very advantageous, as once you are accepted for the plan, you can start using it straight away. There are also a handful of dental plan providers that guarantee acceptance, another benefit in the long run.

Avia Dental offers affordable dental and discount plans from as little as $8.25 per month. This company helps their customers save up to fifty percent, if not more, on their dental expenses with free prescription and vision discounts. The company guarantees acceptance and customers can start using their new plan straight away, there is no waiting times. Avia Dental works with more than forty thousand dentists throughout the United States, all of which have the finest credentials. Their plans include individual plans, groups, families and plans specifically designed for seniors.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

What Is Proper Oral Hygiene?

You may have grown up hearing about the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth. You do both of those on a daily basis, yet when you visit your dentist, he or she finds a cavity or the start of gum disease.

If this happens regularly, it may be an indication that your oral health hygiene practices are not as they should be.

What is the right way to go about maintaining your teeth and gums?

Proper Dental Hygiene

Brushing is the most basic element of keeping your teeth and gums healthy and free of disease and decay. Many patients, both children and adults, however, brush the wrong way.

Brushing

It is recommended that the toothbrush used is of soft to medium firmness. The brushes with the hard, or very firm bristles can scrape off and damage one's tooth enamel. They can also scratch and cause injury and discomfort to the soft, sensitive gum tissue. To maintain their cleaning effectiveness, toothbrushes should be thrown out and replaced every three months.

Correct teeth brushing involves a gentle circular motion over the teeth and gums. Too many patients are overzealous in their brushing too violently and applying too much force on the teeth and gums.

With the busyness of life, few patients brush the required two minutes. There are some fun ideas and tips for both kids and adults to get the full two minutes of brushing in, such as listening to a favorite song or a friendly, family competition.

Flossing is another important part of proper dental hygiene. Many patients are either nervous about flossing, are too impatient to properly floss or think that flossing is unnecessary with daily, thorough teeth brushing.

Flossing is a must in order to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Flossing gets to plaque, decay, and lodged food particles in between teeth and along the gum line, two places where a toothbrush can't reach.

Proper flossing can be tedious and takes time. Both sides of each tooth need to be flossed. Gently slide the floss along one side of the tooth, going just below the gum line. If you've never flossed or you typically don't go down far enough, your gums may be sensitive and bleed a little. Some bleeding the first few days of flossing is normal. If your gums bleed excessively or they bleed long after you've established a flossing routine, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as you may have gum disease that requires professional treatment.

Flossing needs to be done at least once a day, preferably twice a day. Nightly flossing before going to bed will greatly reduce the formation of cavity causing plaque and tartar.

Regular dental office visits is the third important component of healthy oral hygiene. Patients are encouraged to schedule routine dental cleanings and check-ups every six months. As important as it is to have a professional look at and examine your teeth, some patients go for sometimes years between dental office visits. The longer a patient goes between dental check-ups, the higher the risk one has for getting gum disease and tooth decay. The dentist has the tools and equipment to examine and thoroughly clean your teeth. He or she can clean your teeth better than your flossing and brushing can. Tartar build-up, for example, can only be removed with dental equipment.

A dentist is a certified professional who has extensive training and knowledge in dental care. He or she can spot possible dental concerns that patients would easily overlook.

Proactive treatment is the best and most effective way to maintain a healthy mouth.

Proper, daily teeth brushing and flossing and regular, six month professional cleanings and examinations are all important for a clean, healthy mouth.