When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

November 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

When a child is born, there are numerous questions that parents ponder about. When should my child start seeing a dentist? Is definitely one of the most important questions parents ask.

It is recommended that the first visit should be a little after the first tooth starts to show, generally six months after. You may think that it doesn’t make sense to go this early. However, for your child to have the proper checkup and good oral hygiene throughout, the sooner you take them the better. Taking them from an early age will also get your child accustomed to going to the dentist and slowly rid any anxiety they may have about visits to the dentist.

Preparing Your Child For The Visit

Taking a child to the dentist isn’t an easy task. Especially, when it comes to toddlers. It may be hard to explain to them exactly where you are taking them or what is going on. Which results in them usually being fussy throughout the visit and possibly afterward also. However, you can be prepared at your end beforehand. Speak to a family dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and discuss with them what to expect. Be sure to take with you all your child’s medical record.

What Typically Happens During The First Visit at Sterling Heights, MI Dentist?

The first visit to the dentist is usually an introductory session in which Dr. Farhat will examine your child and gets acquainted with them. This allows your child to get comfortable with the environment. If the child is non-cooperative or too fussy then the dentist may recommend rescheduling the session. The last thing they want is for your child to associate their practice with the feeling of discomfort in any way.

The initial few visits are short, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. If your child is old enough to understand what is going on then visits can be smoother. You can discuss with them beforehand what is going to happen so they are more comfortable. Usually for toddlers, one of the parents is asked to hold the child while they are being examined.

Family dentists say that the first visit varies depending on the age of the child, but generally consists of:

A complete oral examination which includes the examination of teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues
If any plaque is present at the time then a gentle cleaning is performed to remove plaque and polish the teeth
An X-ray
A demonstration for the parents on how to properly brush their child’s teeth
An assessment of the amount of fluoride that the child may need

If you have any questions or concerns then you can ask the dentist at any point during the visit.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

For both children and adults, it is recommended that they visit a dentist every 6 months. This will help them maintain a good oral hygiene regimen.

What Can I Do At Home For Good Oral Health Of My Child?

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child gets the proper oral care when they are young. Since the child can’t take care of it by themselves. A parent should do the following:

After feeding, clean their gum with a soft, damp cloth.
As their teeth start to develop and come, make sure to brush them. You can find brushes designed for toddlers that use soft bristles. You can start brushing with just water at first and then consult a doctor as they turn 2 to see if you can use toothpaste or not.
The action of sucking tends to lead to misalignment of the teeth and can even cause decay especially if your child is constantly sucking on a baby bottle. It is recommended that you closely monitor your child and don’t allow them to excessively suck on bottles and pacifiers. Also, don’t give them any bottles to drink from as they are going to sleep at any point of the day.
It is important to brush their teeth at night, as the flow of saliva is high at that time of the day. If not cleaned there is a higher chance that the child may develop a cavity in their teeth.
Brush with your child, the best way to show them the importance of brushing their teeth is to do it with them.

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to do With the Dentist?

November 27, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to do With the Dentist?

Did you know that your dentist could help you when it comes to sleep apnea and snoring? Snoring is one of the conditions that people with sleep apnea face and rather than ponder about the cause, it’s time you consult your dentist for sleep apnea Sterling Heights, MI because it is most probably due to your oral health.

Which is exactly why it is no surprise that most dentists ask you about how well you sleep during oral checkups. They can early diagnose patients with the condition through an oral examination.

It is estimated that 22 million Americans deal with sleep apnea and a majority of them go undiagnosed. The condition may vary from individual to individual but the interruption in breathing can be dangerous.

There are three oral reasons why the disruption occurs, these are:

A small jaw
A large tongue
Flaccid muscles at the back of the throat

How to tell if you have sleep apnea?

Dr. Farhat says there are various signs to sleep apnea. One of the first telling sign of sleep disorders is the grinding of your teeth. Which is exactly why dentists can diagnose sleep apnea at an early stage. They can notice the tooth surface becoming worn out which raises a flag telling them that the patient has been grinding their teeth.

Grinding results in not just your teeth wearing out but also receding and inflamed gums. As the teeth wear down, it also becomes more susceptible to cavities so that is another sign dentists look for.

Along with teeth grinding, sleep specialist says the three oral reasons for disruption listed above are also signs of sleep apnea.

What does sleep apnea do?

As you grind your teeth while you sleep, there is a shortness of breath, which automatically tells your brain to wake up. In order to grind your teeth, you must close your mouth which closes one of the two passages of air into the body. You see as you sleep, you don’t really control where the air goes from the nose or the mouth. So if one of the two passages are sealed off, the brain automatically directs you to wake up because it isn’t getting enough air.

Sleep apnea results in individuals constantly waking up through the night, which impacts their sleep quality and can lead to them feeling fatigue in the morning. The disorder has also been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

What are some sleep apnea treatments?

Before you begin any treatment related to sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend a sleep study. This will note your sleep cycle and your brain activity as you sleep allowing them to determine if it is disrupted or not.

There are different sleep apnea treatments you can opt for with the night guard being one of the easiest to access.

While most individuals opt for an over the counter night guard, this is usually not the best solution. A custom-made night guard is a better option and your dentist can help you with it. The guard will reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding, in turn, reducing the chances of sleep apnea.

For those that have a serious case of sleep apnea, surgery might be recommended.

If you feel that you have sleep apnea then it is important you consult your dentist right away. Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI not only help diagnose the condition but also provide you with the best treatment option for sleep apnea.

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

November 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

Not smiling because of a gap or missing tooth in your mouth can really bring your confidence down. The loss of a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can also lead to discomfort and other problems.

The most common solution to the loss of a tooth is a dental bridge. Dr. Farhat will help explain exactly what a dental bridge and the how dental bridges benefit patients.

What is a dental bridge?

When you’ve lost a tooth or have a gap between your two teeth a dental bridge is placed to fill that gap. The reason it is called a dental bridge is that it forms a bridge between the gap with a replacement tooth. The bridge looks like a real tooth, so your smile will look good as new.

Overall, there are four types of bridges that can be fitted to your mouth. The dentist determines the best fit based on the situation. The most commonly used dental bridge is fitted with crowns on both sides of the gap.

The second type of dental bridge is the cantilever bridge, which is used when there is only one tooth next to missing tooth. The crown is placed to one side of the tooth to secure the bridge.

The third type of dental bridge is Maryland bridges, which require a metal framework or porcelain to hold the bridge in place. While this works great, the false tooth position isn’t as strong as it is when it’s cemented in. That is why this particular bridge is not recommended for teeth that exert force while chewing.

The last type of dental bridge is known as the implant-supported bridge. These dental bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing. The teeth are held with dental implants that attach securely to your jawbone for stability. A dental implant is placed for each missing tooth.

How does the procedure occur?

The procedure for fitting a dental bridge is not considered a surgery, which means you will not be sedated when you get your dental bridge. But if you are feeling nervous about the getting dental bridges, you can request to have your dentist sedates you. Your dentist will numb the area where the dental bridge will be.

Before the procedure starts, your dentist will take measurements of the gap so there’s a perfect fit. At times, your dentist may put a crown in the patient’s mouth so they don’t feel discomfort while they wait for the bridge to be made. Once it is made, cement is applied and the bridge is placed.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Thanks to the local anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. But the procedure does take a few hours which means that your mouth will have to remain open. Some patients do experience pain or soreness in their jaw but it isn’t anything too painful and can easily be resolved with the help of painkillers.

Recovering from the procedure

Since dental bridges are artificial, there’s not necessarily a set healing time. So as soon as you leave the dentist’s office you can usually eat whatever you want. It may feel a bit weird having the bridge at first but you’ll get used to it over time.

What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that there are numerous benefits to dental bridges.

A Beautiful smile: The dental bridge removes any gaps in your smile, making it as if you never lost a tooth.
Eating habit back to normal: Bridges allows you to eat without any pain, which means you no longer have to worry about feeling pain in your gums or jaw.
Improves speech impediment: After losing a tooth, many people have trouble speaking. A dental bridge will most likely eliminate the speech impediment that occurs after a loss of a tooth.

Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world. Luckily there are different types of dental bridge options that can help fill the gap. Just make sure you approach reliable dentists in Sterling Heights, MI to have this cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Going to someone you trust will give you ease of mind and more confidence that you will have your perfect smile back.

Ask the Dentist: Waterpik vs. Flossing

November 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Differences Between Waterpik and Flossing

A healthy smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Yes, it looks good but ensuring you keep good oral hygiene is important so you don’t develop cavities or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems so oral hygiene is vital for your overall health.

Most people think that just brushing their teeth gets the job done. While it is good practice to brush your teeth twice a day, the process doesn’t completely remove all food particles from the mouth. Food particles and plaque build up in the little gap between your teeth and under the gum, a brush isn’t enough to target these areas. That is why all dentists in Sterling Heights, MI and the American Dental Association recommend flossing every day.

When it comes to flossing, you have two options either use a floss or Waterpik. But how can you decide without knowing the pros and cons of each? We have you covered, we have the insights from Sterling Heights dentists that will help you choose which is a better option for you.

Waterpik vs Flossing, Which is Better for You?

Waterpik

Waterpik uses water to rid plaque and food particle between teeth and under the gum. Also, known as oral irrigators or dental water, the process uses pressurized water stream to get the job done.

Who is Waterpik recommended for?

Flossing may be hard if individuals:

have braces
have crowns
have bridgework done
have dental implants

Waterpik may also be recommended for those individuals with arthritis or anyone that finds it difficult to use a string floss.

Benefits of Waterpik

Waterpik makes it easier to reach tightly packed spaces between your teeth. Spaces where you may have trouble squeezing in a floss. Flosses are thin but at times a lot of effort is needed to squeeze them in tighter spaces which results in the application of a lot of force. Due to the force, the floss may be jammed into your gum and it starts to bleed. With a water pick, the stream of water can easily maneuver through the tight space and clean it.

The process is much easier than flossing. It may take a little time for you to fiddle with the settings and get that right but the application of Waterpik is easy. You just need to make sure that you clean all sides of each tooth with it and do it slowly. There are no risks to using Waterpik.

Disadvantages of Waterpik

While the process is easy to use, it may not be as effective at getting plaque out as compared to flossing. It can loosen plaque but the pressure isn’t enough to completely get the plaque out. That is why some use a floss to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik. The technology is also a lot more expensive than dental floss.

Flossing

Dental floss has been a practice to clean teeth since prehistoric times while it wasn’t patented until the 1870s. Floss was initially made out of silk until the second World War when nylon replaced silk. You can find floss pre-cut, long strands, flavored, and in different varieties.

Who is floss recommended for?

Floss is recommended for everyone, it should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.

Benefits of floss

Floss is a great way to target food particle, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth. It allows you to target the plaque and get rid of it before it turns into tartar. Using a floss gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can exert more force and maneuver the floss in the direction that you want to get the right angle for cleaning.

Disadvantages of floss

It may be difficult at times to reach areas that are too tightly packed with the floss. If you go too far down in your gum with the floss it can result in your gums bleeding. So you need to be careful and do the process slowly.

Once you are done flossing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water to get any loose particle of plaque out.

When it comes to picking between the two, it all depends on which of the two you are more comfortable with. Many find it easier to just floss their teeth after they brush, it requires a bit more effort but you have complete control over the process. Dr. Dhoon at Greeley Dental Care agrees that floss is also more effective at getting rid of plaque. If you are too lazy to floss on your and need something easier to use then Waterpik is the next best option. Either way, one of the two should be a part of your oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays healthy.

Why You Should Get Invisalign Aligners

November 15, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Why You Should Get Invisalign Aligners

Metal braces are slowly becoming outdated. While they help align your teeth to give you that perfect smile, braces just don’t look right cosmetically. You also have to keep them on for a long period of time, which can be tasking and painful. Which is exactly why the Invisalign aligner has garnered so much support. It is the hassle-free way to perfect your smile.

All You Need to Know About Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign is a “clear” way to straighten teeth. The aligners are of thermoplastic, which is a translucent material so it almost looks as if they aren’t even on. The treatment has been around for over two decades now but in recent years you find that more orthodontists are recommending it to their patients.

The aligners are custom designed to help straighten your teeth. Your mouth is scanned from which the aligners are designed. The process is slow and there are numerous different aligners you will receive throughout. In fact, you get a new aligner every two weeks. Every time you get a new aligner it is slightly different than the last. Each time the aligner works on making your teeth straighter, moving it just slightly. This happens throughout the treatment, which generally lasts about a year or so.

4 Reasons Why Invisalign Aligners Are Right For You in Sterling Heights, WI

1. It’s a clear solution

Metal braces can be a pain to deal with and they aren’t appealing at all. Aesthetically Invisalign is clearly the better solution, as it almost appears as if they aren’t even on. So you don’t have to hide your smile anymore or avoid the things you love to eat because of braces, Invisalign provides you with the same benefits without the hassle.

2. Easier to maintain your oral hygiene

When compared to braces, Invisalign experts in Livonia, MI agree that it is much easier maintaining a good oral hygiene with Invisalign. With braces, you find it difficult to brush and floss, having to work around the wires and buying special equipment to get the basics done. That is not the case with Invisalign, when you need to brush and floss, you can remove the aligners and take care of your oral hygiene.

Just be sure to brush and floss after every meal or snack you have so it doesn’t get stuck in the aligner, which can allow bacteria and plaque to build up.

3. Continue to eat what you love

We’ve touched upon this point before. You will not have any restrictions to what you can eat with these aligners. The reason for that is because when you eat, you can simply take the aligners out and then put them back on after brushing your teeth. There’s no way of doing that with braces and there are a few limitations to what you can eat. You can’t eat anything that is too crunchy or would stick to the metal, which deprives you of food you may love.

4. No emergencies related to your aligners

A reason why dentists in Sterling Heights recommend this treatment is due to the fact that you won’t encounter any emergencies related to Invisalign. Metal braces are delicate and the wires can break causing you a lot of discomfort. When this happens you have to rush to the orthodontist to have it repaired in an emergency. There are no such issues as Invisalign is a two-piece aligner, one for the top half of the mouth and another for the bottom, that has no wiring or complicated components attached.

Don’t wait any longer to get that perfect smile. With such a simple solution, contact Sterling Heights dentist and be on your way to a more confident, happy you.

What is deep teeth cleaning?

November 7, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Basic Teeth Cleaning vs. Deep Dental Cleaning

The National Institutes for Health (NIH) estimate that Americans lose about 12 permanent teeth by the time they reach 50 years of age. The biggest reasons for that tooth loss is gingivitis, cavities as well as periodontal disease. Fortunately, Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat says that regular dental cleaning can prevent those problems. Today on the blog we discuss what you need to know about the difference between a basic dental cleaning and deep dental cleaning.

Basic Dental Cleaning

Dentists recommend basic dental cleaning at least twice each year. The appropriate number of cleanings each year can vary depending on the specific risk factors that you may have. For example, more basic cleaning sessions may be scheduled in case you smoke, have diabetes or have a family history of periodontal disease.

The dentist will start by examining your gums and teeth carefully in order to identify the locations where plaque buildup is most serious. He or she will also assess the overall health of your gums.
The dentist in Sterling Heights will then use a variety of instruments (A small mirror, tooth polisher, and a suction hose) to clean the surface of the teeth and gums. The dentist or dental hygienist may ask you to rinse your mouth periodically during the basic dental cleaning in order to remove plaque and other debris.

The Sterling Heights dentist or hygienist will also floss your teeth to remove every last bit of the plaque loosened from your teeth. Some people may notice some bleeding in the gums during the cleaning procedure. Tooth sensitivity may also occur for a while. The teeth will feel smooth once the dentist has completed the cleaning exercise.

It is important to note that basic dental cleaning focuses on the visible parts of your teeth and gums. The procedure can be completed during one dental visit.

What is deep teeth cleaning?

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will recommend deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planning) after examining you and realizing that the distance between your teeth and the gum tissue around it exceeds the normal range. The healthy pocketing (size of the gap between teeth and gums) is usually less than 3mm.

Deep cleaning can also be recommended in case you have taken long (a year, for example) without undergoing basic dental cleaning. People with moderate gum disease may also be asked to undergo deep cleaning in order to arrest the progression of the disease.

Deep cleaning is done in quadrants. There are four quadrants in total (lower left, lower right, upper left and upper right quadrants). The process starts by numbing the target quadrant or side of your mouth. The Sterling Heights dentist or hygienist will then use manual, ultrasonic or laser tools to scale the surface of your teeth below the gum line in order to remove all the plaque and tartar that has accumulated there.

The area being cleaned will also be irrigated with an antibiotic solution in order to kill all the germs there. You may be asked to take oral antibiotics for a few days. Sterling Heights dentists ask patients to come in for a follow up appointment in order to check and confirm that the infection has been controlled and that your teeth and gums are healing as expected after the procedure.

Note that deep cleaning of all the four quadrants may not be done during one visit depending on the magnitude of the work that needs to be done. Deep cleaning or scaling and root planning is also billed per quadrant. Talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights and confirm what it will cost you to have the procedure done in case your insurance company won’t meet that cost.

It is never a good idea to postpone a deep cleaning your teeth and gums once your dentist in Sterling Heights recommends it. Any delays can lead to further bone loss and possible systemic infection. Avoid those complications. See your Sterling Heights dentist and let him or her do everything possible to protect your oral and overall health from the dangers posed by plaque, tarter and bacteria.

Benefits of Dental Implants

October 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the substitutes installed to replace the roots of your missing teeth. The replacement crown or replacement teeth are anchored onto these implants. According to a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, dental implants have numerous benefits. This article discusses some of those benefits.

They Improve Your Appearance

Sterling Heights dentists say that people tend to look older once they don’t replace any natural teeth that they lose. This aged appearance is due to the loss of bone mass in the areas where there are no teeth. The facial structure becomes distorted as more bone is lost. For example, your lower face will shrivel and the chin will look longer.

The use of dental implants can reverse such deteriorations in your physical appearance. This is because the implant will act like the natural tooth root and keep stimulating more bone material to be deposited around the implant in order to withstand the forces exerted when you chew food. You will, therefore, look younger once your facial structure is restored by the installation of dental implants.

The Remaining Teeth Will Stay Healthy

Some dental restorations, such as dental bridges or partial dentures, require the surface of the surrounding teeth to be modified in order to create space for the restorations. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist will grind down the teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing tooth in order to anchor a dental bridge onto the nearby teeth. This grinding removes some enamel on those nearby teeth. As you may already know, enamel loss is almost irreversible so the neighboring teeth will be at risk of being damaged too in future.

In contrast, the installation of dental implants leaves the remaining natural teeth intact because the implant is installed in the jawbone. Any restoration will then be supported by the implant without affecting the surrounding teeth. This is a sustainable option since it preserves the existing natural teeth in your mouth.

Caring For Your Teeth Is Easy

Dental implants make it easy for you to care for your teeth because you can brush and floss normally. The implant-supported restoration acts and feels like your natural tooth. This is unlike other restorations, such as wire-supported bridges, which create crevices where food particles can be trapped. Dental experts in Arizona agree that brushing and flossing are harder with such restorations since barriers are created between teeth. Such an environment makes it easier for bacteria to thrive and cause dental diseases or infections. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently treat infections in people with such problematic restorations.

Greater Comfort

Dental implants give you the chance to be normal again in numerous situations. For example, you will no longer have to chew gingerly in order to prevent your removable dentures from falling out. Similarly, you will not have to be self-conscious when you smile since there will be no gaps in your dentition.

Instant Results

It is possible for some people to get their implant-supported restorations during one visit to the office of their dentist in Sterling Heights. However, each case is different so you will need to ask your dentist to explain your chances of getting the restorations in place during one dental visit. The instant results you obtain can last a lifetime since properly cared for dental implants can last for a lifetime.

As you can see, dental implants give you a long-term solution to missing teeth. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist about your suitability for dental implants so that you can schedule a visit and start enjoying the benefits in the discussion above.

The Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction

October 17, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction

Dentists often recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed as a precautionary measure against the possible risks that come with leaving those teeth in place. The common problems associated with wisdom teeth include dental misalignment when the wisdom teeth push the existing teeth out of their positions. Are you wondering whether you should or should not have your wisdom teeth extracted? Read on and discover the benefits and the drawbacks of asking a dentist in Sterling Heights to remove your wisdom teeth proactively.

The Advantages of Extracting Wisdom Teeth

You avoid future expenses. The preventive removal of wisdom teeth allows you to spend a modest sum now on tooth extraction so that you can avoid having to spend more later on when those teeth cause problems that make it necessary to have the wisdom teeth extracted. For example, it will cost more to realign your teeth once the wisdom teeth distort the alignment of the teeth near them.

Surgical complications are avoided. The elective removal of wisdom teeth by a dentist in Sterling Heights also has an added benefit of saving you from several complications that can arise later on. For example, some people suffer permanent nerve damage when the wisdom teeth are pulled later on when they are fully developed.

Daily dental care is easier. It can be hard to keep your wisdom teeth clean on a daily basis. This is because those teeth are located at the farthest point inside your mouth. Consequently, dental experts in Shreveport, LA say that food particles may remain trapped around those teeth resulting in the development of gum disease. The removal of the wisdom teeth can avert such a risk.

The Disadvantages of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Loss of normal teeth. The proactive removal of wisdom teeth can make you lose a pair of perfectly normal teeth based on just a suspicion that they may cause problems years later. The avoidance of this needless tooth loss could have extended how soon you would require dentures or other dental prosthetics once the remaining teeth are lost. This is particularly likely since an extra set of molars would have reduced the wear and tear on the others as you chew.

The potential for complications to develop increases. Each dental procedure carries some risk of potential complications. For example, tooth extraction has risks of bleeding excessively, developing infections at the extraction site and suffering nerve damage during the extraction. These complications may be transient and mild or permanent. All these complications may be too high a risk for an elective procedure.

Some people react to anesthesia. Extracting wisdom teeth requires the use of anesthesia. This may be a challenge for those who have a history of developing a reaction to anesthesia. It is imperative that you alert your dentist in Sterling Heights in case you reacted to anesthesia during a previous surgical procedure.

Which Option Is Better For You?

As you can see, extracting or leaving the wisdom teeth comes with possible benefits and drawbacks. Schedule a consultation with a Sterling Heights dentist so that your unique situation can be assessed. The dentist may order periodic X-rays to monitor how your wisdom teeth are developing so that an informed decision can be made regarding whether to extract them proactively or leave them to develop and function alongside your existing teeth.

Facts about Dental X-Rays

October 11, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Facts about Dental X-Rays

If you treasure your dental health and go to your Sterling Heights dentist’s office regularly, chances are high you have had dental X-rays taken from time to time. This article discusses the facts about dental X-rays that you need to know.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are 2D images taken of your oral structures in order to make it easy for your dentist in Sterling Heights to assess your oral health and design an appropriate treatment plan in case any adverse condition is detected.

Dental X-rays may be digital or film images. Digital dental X-rays are newer, faster and safer than film X-rays. This reduces any risks that you may be exposed to as you undergo the diagnostic imaging procedure.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Intraoral X-Rays. Intra means “within or inside”. Intraoral dental X-rays are therefore X-rays that are taken from inside the oral cavity. These images allow the dentist to take a close look at the different structures within your mouth, such as the roots of your teeth, the supporting bone mass and any cavities developing in your mouth.

Extraoral X-Rays. These are taken from outside the mouth. Extraoral X-rays are used to look at the bigger picture of your oral health. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist may need an extraoral X-ray in order to find out whether you sustained any fractures to your jaws during an auto accident. The X-rays may also be used to assess the alignment of your jawbones with the bones in the skull.

How Often Can One Have Dental X-Rays?

X-rays carry a risk of exposure to radiation. For that reason, most dentists in Sterling Heights will limit how often they ask you to undergo dental X-rays.

However, you will usually be asked to have routine dental X-rays done once each year to monitor your dental health and address any issues that develop.

Other dental X-rays will be ordered based on the challenges you are facing. Remember, X-rays are a diagnostic tool that will only be ordered by your Sterling Heights dentist when needed.

Shreveport’s dentist Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that people who are switching from one primary dental care provider to another should give the new dentist the recent dental X-rays taken by the previous dentist in order to avoid having to repeat the imaging process so soon after other images were taken.

What Safety Measures Are Taken During the Process?

Sterling Heights dentists and radiologists take several precautions to limit your exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

First, they drape you in a leaded apron to protect your lower body from radiation. A leaded thyroid collar protects your thyroid gland from radiation.

The dentist will also limit how long the imaging process takes so that your teeth are exposed to the lowest level of radiation possible. As mentioned earlier, digital X-ray equipment emits about 80% less radiation than the traditional X-ray machines.

It is important that you notify your Sterling Heights dentist if you are pregnant so that he or she can take any extra precautions necessary or even postpone the imaging procedure in case it isn’t urgently needed.

As you can see, the facts about dental X-rays speak for themselves. Don’t be misled by the misconceptions that abound about this diagnostic tool. Speak to a dentist in Sterling Heights about your concerns so that you can be given the right information. After all, good dental care starts with you and your dentist having the right information about what is going on in your mouth.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

October 9, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion refers to the wearing away of the enamel on your teeth by the acids in the foods and drinks that you consume. The symptoms and signs of enamel erosion depend on how advanced that enamel loss is. This article discusses some of those signs and symptoms of tooth erosion that dentists in Sterling Heights frequently observe in their patients.

The Early Symptoms of Enamel Loss

Teeth Discoloration

The erosion of the enamel of your teeth brings the dentin closer to the surface. Dentin is naturally yellowish. Your teeth will, therefore, become discolored once this substance is exposed or brought nearer to the surface of the teeth. However, you should avoid making a premature conclusion that your discolored teeth are caused by enamel loss because other factors, such as poor dental hygiene and cigarette smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored.

Tooth Sensitivity

You can also suspect that you are suffering from enamel loss in case your teeth are sensitive. The sensitivity is usually caused by the exposure of dentin once the enamel is eroded. Dentin is softer and more sensitive to temperature variations. Consequently, your teeth will become increasingly sensitive as more dentin is exposed.

Rounded Teeth

Enamel loss occurs gradually and in small amounts. The sharper edges of your teeth are the first to lose their enamel coating since they are instrumental in chewing the foods responsible for causing the tooth erosion. Those sharp edges, such as the ridges on your molars, will therefore start becoming rounded. This will spread until all your teeth take on a rounded appearance.

A Sandblasted or Transparent Appearance

The tips of your teeth can also look sandblasted or transparent during the initial stages of enamel loss. The sandblasted appearance is a result of the pitting that is occurring on the surface of the teeth exposed to acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis. Those teeth start becoming transparent because the enamel is getting thinner.

The Advanced Symptoms of Enamel Loss

Cracked Teeth

As enamel loss worsens into an advanced form, the teeth will start cracking in the areas where pitting occurred. Those cracked segments will feel rough when you pass your tongue over them. The cracks will allow acids, bacteria and food particles to get into the deeper sections of your teeth. This will trigger other dental problems, such as cavities and extensive tooth decay. Dental experts in Livonia, MI agree that your dentist in Sterling Heights may then have to perform complex dental procedures like root canals or install dental crowns. Some of the affected teeth may also need to be extracted.

Dents

Dents (also called cupping) will develop on the biting surfaces of your teeth. The dents are an indicator that enamel loss isn’t occurring uniformly on the affected surfaces of the teeth. The problem with such dents is that they will cause bite forces to be distributed unevenly across the teeth surfaces. This uneven distribution of bite forces accelerates the rate at which the teeth wear out since some sections will be subjected to greater stresses than others are.

Extreme Sensitivity

Extreme teeth sensitivity results when enamel loss is advanced. At this stage, you will feel a sharp or stabbing pain each time anything hot or cold touches your teeth. Many people try to avoid eating since the pain is too much to bear.

It is important for you to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights for a comprehensive examination when you notice any of the signs and symptoms discussed above. That professional will take the necessary steps to address the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. This may save you from losing your teeth to the advanced form of enamel loss.