X-Rays at Mt. Tabor Dental, Part I

X-rays, or radiographs, were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen, a German physicist. He came upon the use of x-rays by accident as he was experimenting with vacuum tubes. The first x-ray taken by Röntgen was of his wife’s hand. This discovery eventually led to the use of x-rays to diagnose dental disease.

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X-ray waves make very small wavelengths, which means they are higher in energy than ultraviolet waves. Like other forms of energy, x-rays travel in waves and can either be absorbed by or pass through solid objects, depending on density. Bones and teeth are very dense, while soft tissues like the gums, tongue, and cheeks are less dense. This makes the conditions of teeth and jaw bone easy to see and monitor.

X-rays have made it convenient and crucial in the detection of dental caries, or cavities. As a cavity forms in a tooth, the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth lose mineral content, allowing more x-rays to pass through.  This becomes apparent on an x-ray as a dark spot, or “radiolucency.”

Dental x-rays can help dentists diagnose other tooth and jaw problems, such as cracks, gum disease, infections, root canal and nerve problems, and cysts.  X-rays can also be used to plan various dental procedures, such as implant placement, denture fabrication, wisdom teeth extraction and orthodontic treatment.

Traditionally, x-rays have been taken using x-ray sensitive film on one side of the area to be captured by the x-rays passing through your body. Technology, however, has improved many ways in which x-rays are taken and used for your dental health.

Dr. Beck at Mt. Tabor Dental uses an all-digital dental x-ray system.  The benefits of digital x-rays include significantly less radiation exposure and much faster processing times.  Check out our next blog to find out why digital x-rays are better and why Dr. Beck uses them for his patients!

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

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If there’s a teenager or young adult in your house, it’s probably time to consider having wisdom teeth extracted.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, so called because they appear much later in life than other teeth when a person would presumably be wiser, are the farthest back of the molars to develop.

Wisdom teeth are situated at the very of your jaw and generally begin to come in between 17 and 21 years of age. Dentists call these teeth “third molars.” Some patients have third molars that erupt and don’t cause any problems.  They are able to eat and chew normally, unaware of their wisdom teeth.

For most of us, however, these teeth can cause problems.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

There are many reasons that Dr. Beck and other dentists may recommend wisdom teeth extraction.  Sometimes the jaw is not large enough to accommodate all three molars.  Due to their location, third molars are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss, often leading to cavities and infection.

If there’s not enough room in your mouth for these teeth, they may become impacted. Symptoms that indicate impacted wisdom teeth include:

• difficulty opening your jaw
• swelling the gums at the back of your mouth
• pain when chewing, biting or opening your mouth
• bad breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see Dr. Beck immediately for treatment and possible wisdom teeth extraction. In some instances, a third molar will only partially erupt, leaving a pocket of gum tissue called an operculum that can lead to an infection.  In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth that remain embedded in the bone can develop cysts and tumors that can affect other teeth.

Dealing With Wisdom Teeth

Dr. Beck at Mt. Tabor Dental recommends a comprehensive dental exam to help you determine the condition and health of your third molars. Regular dental visits with Dr. Beck will help ensure just the right time for wisdom teeth extraction. Oral exams and x-rays help Dr. Beck follow the progress of your development, pinpointing any potential problems before they start.

Even if your wisdom teeth currently pose no problems, it’s a good idea to get them taken out during young adulthood. The roots of these third molars are not fully developed, and the bone surrounding the teeth are less dense, resulting in less pain and faster healing. Getting rid of wisdom teeth before they become a problem is a definite indication of true wisdom!

Replacing Missing Teeth

Are you missing any teeth?  Patients lose teeth for any number of reasons: large cavities, infection, trauma or periodontal disease.  Whatever the reason, Dr. Beck at Mt. Tabor Dental can give patients a number of options for replacing missing teeth.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

We are designed to function at our best with a full set of teeth. Each tooth – including eye-teeth, incisors, bicuspids and molars – have a specific job in maintaining good digestive and oral health.

There are many reasons why missing teeth must be replaced.  The most important reason is that over time, the remaining teeth continue to shift and grow into the space, possibly complicating future treatment. This movement also puts greater stress on remaining teeth, leading to jaw pain. Greater occurrences of tooth decay are likely, since shifting teeth result in spaces that harbor plaque and are difficult to clean.

Missing teeth can also lead to additional loosened or broken teeth, as well as jaw bone loss. These conditions cost more money and pain to treat in the long run.

Options to Replace Missing Teeth

Dealing with missing teeth can be an uncomfortable and even painful experience. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat permanent tooth loss in adults.

• Dental Bridges – If you’re missing adjoining teeth, a bridge can be made to replace them. Bridges are cemented to remaining teeth in order to stay immobile.
• Partial Dentures – Attaching to remaining teeth using a metal frame, these partial dentures are removable.
• Full Dentures – A set of full dentures are used when all remaining teeth are removed. They fit over the gums, are removable, and need regular adjustment.
• Dental Implants – Instead of removable dentures, a set of implants can be surgically inserted into remaining jawbone and fitted with crowns.

Prevent Further Problems

Once missing teeth have been replaced, it’s important to continue good dental hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Brush twice a day and floss once each morning or evening to keep food particles away from the cracks and crevices where they tend to hide.

It’s also extremely important to visit Dr. Beck at Mt. Tabor Dental at least twice a year for regular dental checkups!

Latex Allergy Health Tips

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Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex has become an increasing health problem. According to the American Latex Allergy Association, about 3 million people in the United States have a sensitivity to natural rubber latex.

What is Natural Rubber Latex?

Natural rubber latex is an ingredient commonly found in many consumer goods such as balloons, appliance cords, hoses, hot water bottles, pacifiers, tires, condoms, rubber bands and even shoes.  Latex is also found in many dental and medical supplies including masks, gloves, syringes, catheters and bandages.  Natural rubber latex is derived from a milk-like substance found in rubber trees.  With so much exposure to latex, more and more people are developing sensitivity which may lead to allergic reactions.

Who is Affected by Latex Allergies?

Like other allergies, latex allergy usually develops after repeated exposure in susceptible individuals. Those who have had repeated surgeries or have worked in health care are especially at risk for developing a latex allergy. Because of similar proteins, those who have allergies to foods such as avocados, tomatoes and bananas are at increased risk of becoming allergic to natural rubber latex. Those who have skin conditions that require medical care may also be at risk.

Symptoms of a Latex Allergy

The Type I latex allergy is an immediate reaction to one or more of the proteins that naturally occur in the latex. Type IV latex allergy is known as a delayed hypersensitivity that results in a reaction to the chemicals used in processing and manufacturing natural rubber latex. With Type IV, symptoms generally occur in the area exposed to Natural Rubber Latex from 48 to 96 hours after contact.

When the proteins in the latex come in contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes, a patient may experience minor symptoms such as hives or nasal congestion and watery eyes. Symptoms can include the following in varying degrees:

• Sneezing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Hives
• Swelling
• Abdominal cramps
• Shortness of breath

These reactions may begin as a mild event but progress into a more serious condition. In some cases, a much more severe reaction called anaphylaxis may occur which lead to difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue and nose as well as loss of consciousness and even death.  Anaphylaxis is a very serious medical condition and demands prompt medical attention, which your dentist is trained and able to provide.

Avoid Exposure to Natural Rubber Latex

The best way to treat this condition is to completely avoid any contact with natural rubber latex. If you experience an allergic reaction when exposed to latex, it’s important to be prepared to share this information with others. An alert identification bracelet is especially useful for this purpose. Keep any medications with you that treat this allergy, along with non-latex gloves and any other pertinent medical information.

It’s extremely important to notify anyone involved in your health care regarding your latex allergy. Dr. Todd Beck at Mt. Tabor Dental urges you to tell your dentist even if you think you may be sensitive or allergic to latex.  There are non-latex products that can be used to safely and effectively treat patients with latex allergies.

The Dentist Can Help Calm Dental Anxiety

It is estimated that nearly 40% of the population avoids routine dental care due to fear.  Delaying dental treatment can, of course, lead to a whole host of problems.

For many people just the thought of going to the dentist can be frightening. There is, however, great news! Modern dentistry provides many strategies and opportunities to alleviate your dental anxiety.

Be Honest With Yourself

It might be difficult to admit that you’re afraid to see a dentist, or it might be difficult to know exactly what bothers you about the situation. To help narrow down the source of your fear, think through your past experiences and write down any details that were disturbing. Common dental fears can include embarrassment over the state of your teeth, feeling out of control in a dentist’s chair, potential for pain, needles, gagging, and the smells or sounds associated with the dentist’s office.

Then take some time to write down what would make an ideal dental visit for you. What would you like about the dentist, his/her staff, the office, and the procedures?

Be Honest With Your Dentist

Grab your notes and bring them to your dental appointment. Take this opportunity to be open and honest about your fear and talk with your dentist. Be specific about past experiences and sensory triggers – like sounds, smells and tastes – that aggravate your anxiety. This kind of honest conversation will also build the relationship between you and your dentist . If you’ve had bad experiences with dentists in the past, you may feel that all dentists are bad – this just isn’t true. When your dentist knows you are fearful, he can take extra steps to help make your appointment a more relaxed experience.

Ask Questions

Fear of the unknown can only intensify whatever anxiety you might feel while you’re at the dentist’s office. Ask questions regarding what procedures will be done at each visit, from a simple cleaning to more complicated dental procedures. If you’re sensitive to any particular aspect – such as the sound of a drill – ask if you can listen to your mp3 player to drown out the sound. Knowing the details ahead of time will help alleviate any nervousness that might linger.

Ways to Deal with Dental Anxiety

Dr. Todd Beck at Mt Tabor Dental offers a few tip  to help reduce your fear of going to the dentist:

• Choose an appointment time where you will not be rushed and can arrive relaxed.
• If the sound of the dental drill bothers you, ask for head phones so you can listen to music during your appointment.
• Ask for a blanket if you are cold, since staying warm can really help with staying relaxed.
• Make sure you and your dentist have a signal (such as a hand raise) to let him or her know you need to take a break.
• Ask your dentist about nitrous oxide (laughing gas).  Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective modality for treating dental anxiety.  For those patients who are very anxious, your dentist may also prescribe an oral sedative prior to your dental appointment.

With all the modern anesthetics, materials and techniques available today, doing to the dentist does not have to be anything to fear!

Photo Credit:

Image: Louisa Stokes / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Dentist’s Guide to Toothpaste

Photo by Toasty Ken

Toothpaste and toothbrushes have become so commonplace that we take them for granted. These basic elements of cleaning teeth, however, have been carefully cultivated over hundreds of years.

The History of Toothpaste

The toothpaste that we currently use on our teeth contains three basic elements:  an abrasive,  a flavoring and a soaping agent (the suds). These three fundamental materials that clean our teeth are a vast improvement over what has been used in the past.

Previous ingredients used to clean teeth included salt, crushed bone or seashells, ashes from fires, sand, pumice, charcoal and baking soda. At times, sweeteners like honey were added to improve the flavor. The first toothpaste in the form that we know it was invented by Washington Wentworth Sheffield, a dentist from Connecticut. His creation, called Creme Dentifrice, was available as early as 1850 – but not in a tube. The first toothpaste to be packaged in tube form was colgate toothpaste, called Colgate Ribbon Dental Creme, and was first sold in 1896.

So Many Toothpaste Choices!

There are so many different types of toothpastes available that patients often ask Dr. Beck what kind he recommends. The most important qualities to look for when choosing toothpaste are not brand or cost, but rather whether you like the taste and texture. You will, after all, be putting it in your mouth at least twice a day.

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Additionally, your toothpaste should contain fluoride, especially in Portland where the drinking water does not have adequate amounts of the tooth-strengthening mineral. Most mainstream brands, especially those with the American Dental Association seal, contain fluoride.

What About Tooth Problems?

If you have problems with tarter building up on your teeth, Dr. Beck recommends using  an anti-tarter toothpaste, which usually contain an active ingredient called pyrophosphate.  If you have sensitive teeth due to root exposure or wear, consider using a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, which can block the tubules in teeth that cause sensitivity.

From whitening toothpaste to tartar control, it doesn’t matter all that much what type of toothpaste you use as long as you’re brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.  Dr. Beck and his team of skilled hygienists at Mt. Tabor Dental can answer any questions you may have about toothpastes and other oral health products.