Dental Procedures Archives

Why do I need Dental X-Rays

January 29, 2015

Filed under: Dental Procedures — Tags: cavities, dental crowns, dental exam, dental hygiene, dental x-ray, dentist, dentist office, full mouth x-ray, oral care, oral health, orange county dentist, smiles, xrays — Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson @ 11:38 pm

By Dr. Jeremy B. Jorgenson

Have you ever wondered why you need x-rays taken at the dentist? Although dentists are heroes, they don’t have x-ray vision. Dentists can identify areas of concern on the visible surfaces of the teeth, but a dental x-ray is necessary to see what is going on underneath the surface, in-between teeth, and at the root. Dentists can learn a lot of valuable information about the history of your teeth and the current state of your mouth by taking dental x-rays.

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

Your dentist will generally perform a set of Full Mouth x-rays (FMX) on your first visit, every few years, or if you experience any significant health changes. A set of Full Mouth x-rays takes images of all upper and lower teeth. More often, your dentist will take Bitewing and Periapical x-rays. Bitewing x-rays can be taken of both upper and lower teeth and are focused on just the crown of a tooth. A Bitewing x-ray can detect cavities or changes in bone density. Periapical x-rays can be taken of any tooth, but generally only show one to two teeth at a time and include the root to the crown of the tooth.

Panoramic x-rays are a type of extraoral (outside of the mouth) images. They take a picture of the entire mouth structure in a single photo. Ask your dentist for more information on other types of x-rays.

At Advanced Dental Care, we use digital x-rays which emit about half the radiation of traditional film x-rays. Digital X-Rays work by placing a rectangular sensor in the mouth that acts as a backdrop for the image of the tooth. The images are generated right into your chart and can be viewed instantly!

Occasionally, a patient will have questions about the safety of taking dental x-rays. The American Dental Association works very closely with the FDA on radiation safety. Digital x-rays combined with trained professionals and equipment monitoring provide for minimal doses of radiation exposure which have been found to be completely safe.

Digital x-rays have been a great technological advancement for the dental field. Ask your dentist to show you your crowns and roots at your next dental visit!

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Are you getting the Fluoride Treatment you deserve

January 20, 2015

Filed under: Dental Procedures — Tags: dental cleaning, dental exam, dental hygiene, dentist, dentist costa mesa, dentist irvine, dentist office, dentist santa ana, fluoride, oral care, oral health, orange county dentist, restorative dentistry, wellness — Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson @ 12:16 am

By Elizabeth M. Thurm, RDH

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride Treatment Benefits

Fluoride is an all natural element that is present in water supplies, minerals, and many foods. When it is delivered to the tooth surface it can dramatically reduce the rate of caries and have a reparative effect. Fluoride treatment works primarily and most effectively as a topical mechanism (whether it is being delivered through drinking tap water, foods, products, or beverages) to remineralize tooth structure, to prevent demineralization and to inhibit plaque bacteria. When fluoride is present on the tooth surface and in plaque it inhibits acid demineralization by reducing the solubility of the tooth mineral. Fluoride treatment accelerates the remineralization process by adsorbing to mineral crystals within the tooth and attracting calcium ions. In addition, fluoride ions incorporate into the remineralizing tooth structure, resulting in the development of fluorapatite-like crystals. These crystals are less soluble than the original enamel mineral and make remineralized lesions less susceptible to future demineralization.

In plain English, fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevents them from eroding!

Everyone can benefit from the use of fluoride treatment and it’s effects through their toothpaste, although, some patients may need an added amount due to different circumstances such as root exposure, sensitivity, high plaque levels, dry mouth and the individual’s caries risk. Don’t forget to ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you can benefit from added amounts of fluoride.

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The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

January 13, 2015

Filed under: Dental Procedures — Tags: dental checkup, dental cleaning, dental exam, dental hygiene, dental x-ray, dentist, dentist costa mesa, family dentist, gum disease, oral care, oral health, smiles, teeth — Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson @ 12:20 am

By Dr. Jeremy B. Jorgenson

Maintaining Healthy Teeth

I know, I know, visiting your dentist two to four times a year isn’t always convenient or looked forward to, but going to the dentist regularly is exactly what can prevent you from having a painful and unpleasant dental experience later. In dental care, prevention and education are key.

Like other conditions and diseases of the body some are governed by genetics and environment, but a large part is also based on what we do to take care of ourselves. Unfortunately, dental care can often take a back seat to other things until the symptoms become urgent, painful, or even embarrassing. Don’t wait until a dental problem arises. Visiting your dentist at least two times a year can screen for oral cancer, issues with breath (an indicator of internal health), active decay, periodontal disease, orthodontic conditions, damaged teeth, etc. Finding a problem in its early stages will provide a wider variety of, and often cheaper, solutions to your oral conditions. The exam can also reveal other serious problems with health such as high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and more.

You should discuss with your dentist all medical history and any issues that you might be concerned about. Your dentist should be an integral part of your healthcare team just like your regular physician. In fact, you might even be seeing your dentist more often than your other healthcare providers. Prevention is the best thing you can do for your mouth and your body.

The dental exam should consist of an oral cancer screening, x-rays, an exam by your hygienist which may include probing and periodontal charting, and an oral examination by your dentist. The exams are quick, but can reveal a lot about the state of your health. Dentists are here to help and to reduce any fears you may have about dental procedures. Be open and express your concerns. You’ll take care of yourself in the long run and be glad you took care of that cavity before it became a root canal (ouch!).

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