Make Your Teeth Last For A Long, Long Time

In the last decade, dental technology has advance by leaps and bounds. New materials and methods help dental work last longer. However, there is still a chance that many patients will eventually have to have additional procedures to repair crowns, implants, and other dental appliances. But data isn’t destiny. There are some simple methods that can employ that will allow you to maintain your dental work for 2 or 3 decades with no problem.

 

Regular Dental Visits

For most people, dentist recommend a visit to your dentist and hygienist at least every 6 months. However, given that most of our patients see us for periodontitis or receding gums, we urge our patients to visit every 3 or 4 months. That allows Dr. Berdy to identify potential complications in your treatment and our hygienists to make sure your mouth stays clean and free from infection.

Bridges 

Loose bridgework can be caused by periodontal disease or cavities. It can make your bite feel unstable and make your bridge feel sensitive to temperature changes.

Dentures & Partials

As your jaw, gums, and underlying bone structure change, you may notice that your dental appliance may begin to fit differently. To avoid discomfort and further bone loss, denture wearers should schedule more frequent visits to their dentists to monitor and respond to changes.

Crowns & Implants

Because they aren’t made of enamel and dentin like regular teeth, they are not vulnerable to cavities and decay. However, proper oral hygiene is even more important for this group because gum and bone can become infected and weaken support for your implant. Smoking and diabetes also exacerbate implant failure.

Digital x-rays….what they mean for you?

X-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool that allows us to see potential problems below the gum line and other areas we can’t easily see. We have been using digital x-rays in our office for several years. Many of our patients have commented that having a set digital x-rays is more comfortable for them than back when we had traditional film x-rays. The real advantage to the patient is that they are exposed to 80% less radiation! 

Digital x-rays are more user friendly, faster to take and develop, and from an environmental point of view are non-polluting. There are no more messy, harmful chemicals to get rid of and no more physical film which could ultimately wind up in a landfill. We have an instant picture of the area we are examining (therefore, no waiting) and we can send copies of these x-rays via email, thereby saving duplication time, stamps and envelopes. Best of all, the image quality is now better than traditional film based x-rays! Digital films are much clearer and can easily be magnified instantly on a computer monitor.

What’s the deal with fluoride?

A new study in the Journal of Dental Research examined the levels of fluoride in the body. As you may know, fluorides have been added to our drinking water supplies and toothpastes to reduce the incidence of decay. We also use fluorides following your periodontal cleaning to prevent decay and relieve tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Rinses and gels that have more fluoride than over the counter products can also be prescribed in certain cases. This study adds on to the already strong base of scientific evidence that fluoride is safe and effective in the prevention of cavities (decay). 

This new study is considered by researchers to be the best science to date because a more accurate and reliable scientific method was used to measure exposure from all sources of fluoride. The take home message: when properly used, fluorides are safe and effective when properly used, but using fluoride does not alleviate the need to properly clean your teeth by brushing and flossing in a regular routine after every meal (when possible). As always, if you have questions about home care techniques, don’t hesitate to ask myself or  your hygienist!