One of the finer points of a root canal procedure involves protecting patients from bacterial infection with the use of a “dental dam.” This involves placing a soft latex or silicone shield over the patient’s teeth and holding it in place with a clamp so that only the affected tooth pokes through an opening in
read moreAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, because the 5-year survival rate of these cancers is about 50%, there are also 8,000 deaths attributed to oral cancer each year. However, recent research shows that such cruciferous vegetables as broccoli, cabbage, and garden
read moreWhen purchasing a toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles that have rounded ends. Hard bristles can wear away enamel, as can a “death grip” on your toothbrush that leads you to exert too much pressure on tooth enamel, which abrades teeth. With this in mind, use a light touch when brushing. If the bristles become
read moreAn American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey indicates that 99.7% of adults believe that a smile is an important social asset, which helps explain why tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Professional tooth whitening is particularly effective because dentists are permitted to use hydrogen peroxide at the 6% legal limit.
read moreIf you ever have received a prosthetic joint implant, you may be aware that implant patients have been advised to take antibiotics prior to undergoing a dental procedure. This recommendation has been made to prevent “bacterial endocarditis,” a life-threatening heart infection. The antibiotics prevent bacteria from being released into the bloodstream during a dental procedure
read moreIf you are concerned about exposure to radiation from dental x-rays, you should know that a routine exam, which includes four bitewing x-rays, is equivalent to less than one day of natural background radiation or a short plane trip (1-2 hours). By properly shielding patients’ bodies while taking x-rays, the radiation exposure is even lower.
read moreIf you are concerned about exposure to radiation from dental x-rays, you should know that a routine exam, which includes four bitewing x-rays, is equivalent to less than one day of natural background radiation or a short plane trip (1-2 hours). By properly shielding patients’ bodies while taking x-rays, the radiation exposure is even lower.
read moreNight time snoring is not only annoying, but it may also be indicative of a far more serious problem. “Sleep apnea” is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing, snorting and choking noises, and instances of shallow breathing. “Obstructive” sleep apnea occurs when muscles at the back of the throat (which support the
read moreIf you are missing teeth and want the best long-term tooth-replacement option, consider dental implants. This increasingly popular treatment involves the surgical implantation of a titanium post that integrates with the jawbone. Several months after being screwed into place, the implant and bone become so solidly joined together that the implant can accept a prosthetic
read moreWhile many people believe that sugar-free beverages do not pose a danger to teeth, the fact is sugar-free drinks and confections can be as damaging as their sugary counterparts. It is important to know that, whether or not a drink contains sugar, it is the acid in those drinks that does the damage. Sugar is
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