PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
DIGITAL X-RAYS
Computers are a fixture in everyday life. They also play an important role in our dental office. Besides using computers to track your appointments, treatment details and insurance records, we use them to help capture, store and transmit your dental x-rays.
The dental x-rays produced using the computer are called digital dental x-rays (also called digital images or computerized dental radiographs) and can be displayed, enhanced, and magnified on the computer monitor.
- Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly and produce less than ½ the radiation exposure of conventional x-rays.
- Digital x-rays do not need to be processed, this eliminates the wait time to diagnose x-rays.
- Digital x-rays eliminate the need for film and film processing chemicals that generate biohazardous waste.
Why are dental x-rays needed?
Many diseases of the oral cavity (including the teeth, surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when the dentist examines your mouth. An x-ray examination may help the dentist see:
- Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations.
- Bone destruction from a tooth infection (e.g., an abscess) or from a cyst.
- Bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Some types of tumors.
- Fractured teeth and the effects of trauma.
- the position of unerupted teeth in children and adults
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can prevent unnecessary discomfort and help with more serious health problems.As well as save time, money. Digital x-rays may be able to help Dr. Eckermann detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam.
If you have any questions for Dr. Eckermann, please click"Ask The DR."
SEALANTS
Tooth decay often occurs in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where plaque tends to accumulate. Sealants serve as a barrier against tooth decay.
Dr. Eckermann recommends sealants for children and teenagers because the likelihood of developing decay begins as soon as their adult teeth appear. Sealants are plastic material (resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth- the premolars and molars. The resin bonds to the depressions and grooves (called pits and fissures) in the backs teeth. A sealant is a barrier that protects tooth enamel from plaque and acids.
The back teeth have uneven pits and fissures that are difficult to keep clean because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. Sealants form a thin covering to keep out plaque and debris and decrease the risk of decay. The sealant procedure is virtually painless and only takes a few minutes. Good oral hygiene at home and regular hygiene care appointments are important to prevent tooth decay in between the teeth- spots the sealants cannot cover.
Sealants are extremely effective in preventing tooth decay on the back teeth and can save our patients money in the long run.
If you have any questions for Dr. Eckermann, please click"Ask The DR."
Fluoride
Over the past few decades, tooth decay has been reduced dramatically. The key reason: fluoride. Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Fluoride is like any other nutrient; it is safe and effective when used appropriately.
Fluoride is obtained in two forms: topical and systemic. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth making them more decay-resistant. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride therapies.
Systemic fluorides are those that are ingested into the body and become incorporated into forming tooth structures. Systemic fluorides can also give topical protection because fluoride is present in saliva, which continually bathes the teeth. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation or dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges.
As a result of the widespread availability of these various sources of fluoride, the decay rates in both the U.S. and other countries have greatly diminished.
Professionally-applied fluorides are in the form of a gel, foam or rinse, and are applied by Dr. Eckermann’s Dental Hygienists during dental visits. These fluorides are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides, and therefore are not needed as frequently.
If you have any questions for Dr. Eckermann, please click"Ask The DR."
