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Cavity Detection & Fillings


Modalities

Cavity Detection

During the oral examination our dentists use a high resolution intraoral camera that is able to show the patient a full Realtime view of their mouth mucosa, gingiva, and individual teeth. This camera also has an innovative technology  that our dentists can use to detect dental cavities. 

Intraoral Imaging

The gold standard of cavity detection is still intraoral x-ray technology, in which our dentists utilize a digital image sensor to view in detail and see cavities that may be deep within the tooth. Digital imaging can be used by dentists/specialists/hygienists to immediately observe and identify dental conditions in that specific area easier.  The information acquired also helps professionals accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and provide a specific treatment plan for the patient. This modality prevents the hidden problems in the dental health to remain undetected. The technology further limits the radiation exposure to the patient, making it more beneficial (up to 80%-90% less radiation than the conventional x-rays). Recognizing and treating dental issues at an early stage can spare you time, economically, unnecessary distress, and your teeth! 

Dental x-rays may uncover:
  • Cysts/Abscesses
  • Bone loss
  • Cancerous/Non-cancerous bone lesions
  • Tooth Decay
  • Developmental deformities
  • Positioning of roots and teeth
  • Tooth interior/gumline problems

Fillings

After your initial oral examination, following the intraoral diagnostic xrays evaluation &  the removal of a cavities or plaques our dentist is ready to apply dental filling made up of resin.  The resin based (with a slightly higher cost, but will match the color of your teeth), can last up to 5 years. Ceramic (or porcelain based) fillings can last on average up to 7 years, and match your teeth color as well, with a bit more resistance to abrasion and staining but more brittle to resin. Glass ionomer filligns (composed of acrylic & fluoroalluminosilicate) can last up to 5 years, can also match the tooth color, specialy if mixed with resin. The traditional amalgam (which is now used less, due to the possible risk of mercury poisoning), will not match the color of your teeth, but can last for up to 10 years & is the least expenisve. 
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Panoramic X-ray

A panoramic x-ray can give our dentist a general view of the state of dental health of our patients. This general view includes a 2 dimensional image of our patients teeth, upper jaw, lower jaw and surrounding structures in a single capture. It can be used to diagnosed cysts, tumors, retained teeth, moved teeth, or even detect cavities. It can also be used by Orthodontists to assess a strategy for patients that need braces. This innovative technology can also be utilized today to create a full 3D model of the patients jaw. 

Safety

Are dental X-beams safe? 
 
We are all exposed to regular ionizing radiation throughout our daily lives. With digital x-ray technology, the benefits outweigh the risks. This modality promotes better wellbeing and security for the patient, as it is a fast process which diminishes the time of exposure. Likewise, since the advanced picture is caught electronically, it is also beneficial for the environment as there is no need to dump waste products and chemicals into nature (old conventional technology). 
 
Despite the fact that X-rays deliver a low level of radiation and are viewed as generally safe, dental practitioners still play it safe to confine the patient’s introduction to radiation. These safety measures include just taking those X-beams that are essential/necessary, and utilizing lead apron shields to ensure the body is not unnecessarily exposed.  If the patient is pregnant, and an x–ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
 
How frequently should you get X-rays done? 
 
The requirement for dental X-rays is based upon every patient’s individual dental need. Your dental practitioner and dental hygienist will suggest essential X-beams based upon the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age, and risk of infection. 
A full mouth series of dental X-beams is suggested for new patients. This series is typically useful for up to five years. Bite wing x-ray images are recommended up to twice a year at checkup visits and can detect dental issues.

Extractions

There are times patients need to discuss tooth extraction procedures with our providers. It may be due to severe tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease, broken tooth that cannot be repaired, or wisdom teeth removal. Other dentition may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as encroachment of teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment . The removal of any tooth can lead to a compromised chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, shift of other teeth, which can have a major impact on your overall dental health . This is why it is very important for the dental provider to reach a consensus with the patient, and discuss alternatives, and procedure replacement beforehand. Our dentist philosophy is very conservative, if the tooth can be saved with another procedure such as a root canal, it will be done. Anything that can benefit the patient in the long run is the preferred treatment.
 
The Process of Extraction
 
Before the extraction, your dental provider will need to numb your tooth, lower jaw and surrounding gums with a topical anesthetic & then a local anesthetic agent for complete numbness. During the extraction/operation patients will feel high pressure caused by the forceps and from the appendage of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. This pressure should not cause pain or discomfort as the anesthetic numbs all of the local nerves, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please inform us right away.
 
Sectioning a tooth
 
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
 
After Extraction
 
Some bleeding may occur outside of the dental office. Placing a piece of moist gauze bandage over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can help  reduce an upkept hemorrhage.
 
Blood clot that figure in the empty socket
 
This is an important character of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot . Avoid rinsing or spitting for two dozen hour after the extraction. Avoid use of a straw, smoking or drinking hot liquids.
 
Swelling
 
Swelling can occur as a normal healing process. To aleviate the area and reduce the swelling, you can place a pack of ice for 10 min and off for 20  minutes. Repeat this cycle as you spirit necessary for up to 24 hours.
 
Pain and Medications
 
If you experience pain you may use non-prescription pain respite medications such as Acetamenophen or Advil (Ibuprofen).
 
Eating
 
Make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Do not drink hot liquids or alcohol for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.
 
Brushing and Cleansing
 
After the procedure avoid brushing your teeth near the extractin site for one day. After that you can resume gentle cleansing . Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning twenty-four hours after the extraction you can rinse with salt water(1.5 teaspoon of salt in a cup water) after meals and before going to sleep.
 
Dry Socket
 
Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged, and the healing is significantly delayed. Following the place extraction teaching will reduce the chances of development prohibitionist socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be centrist to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad perceptiveness or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry . Your doctor will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to sooth the pain.
 
Healing
 
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This mental process can take from weeks to months to get used to. However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any problems. If you do notice any discomfort, or pain please come to the office ASAP for a follow-up visit.