best dentist in sterling heights mi Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

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.

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

October 3, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Should I go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

September 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Should I Go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

You have made the appointment. And to prepare for it, you have made the necessary arrangements: requested for a day off work, arranged for childcare at home, or put your business dealings on hold (or in the hands of a capable deputy). You have also rescheduled your other things to do so you can make time for much-needed dental care.

But a few days before your scheduled visit to the dentist, you begin to feel under the weather. The sniffles are non-stop, the headache starts to throb, your limbs are jelly, and you feel a fever creeping in.

You start to question: Should I go to the dentist if I’m sick?

It’s a valid question and one that needs a proper answer because it involves not just your health and safety, but also the health and safety of your dental care providers. Without the necessary precautions, your illness can get worse or lead to complications. At the same time, if it’s contagious, it can potentially spread to the dental team and even to the other people present in the clinic, too. To make the right decision, there are some factors you should consider. We asked our friends at Laurich Dentistry to see their thoughts.

What to Take Into Consideration

If your illness affects the respiratory area and particularly the throat and mouth, it may be time to cancel the appointment. When you’re coughing and sneezing as the dentist works in close contact with your mouth and nose, the infection can quickly spread.
If you have a cold, undergoing dental treatments while suffering from a runny or stuffed nose can make it difficult for you to breathe.
If you have a cold sore, it can be exposed to irritation during dental procedures. At the same time, your dentist and nurse may also be exposed to viruses from the cold sore, especially if proper precautions were not taken.
If you have flu symptoms such as high fever, body pains, headache, chills, and fatigue, it may be best to reschedule. This is because the general recommendation for people with flu is to avoid going to public places to prevent infecting other people in the vicinity.

If you feel sick during the days prior to your dentist appointment at Dental One Care, take note and list down your symptoms. Call the dental office in advance and share your list of symptoms so your dentist can determine whether or not you are fit to proceed with the appointment. Should the latter turn out to be the best route, for now, your trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will be happy to reschedule your session to the nearest available date.