Tech Talk With Dr. Cranska

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By Jeffrey Cranska
Family Laser Dentistry

Modern dentistry is dynamic. Changes to improve patient comfort and quality of care are always being developed. The use of improved dental materials, modern delivery systems, lasers, computer-generated imaging, and computer management software systems are just some of the changes.

In this column, I will answer questions on high-technology dentistry. Please direct inquiries to my website at www.cranska.com or email me at familylaserdentistry@outlook.com.

Nine Reasons To Call A Dentist Now

  1. Pain on biting
  2. Swollen face
  3. Broken teeth
  4. Sensitive teeth
  5. Jaw pain
  6. Bleeding gums
  7. Bad breath
  8. Dry mouth
  9. Mouth sores or growths

However long it has been, you need to see the dentist for a thorough examination. You need to learn what you need to do to have a healthy mouth and get back into a regular oral care routine. See how modern dentistry can help.

Q: What would a dentist do to my teeth?

A:A dentist is responsible for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis to determine the best treatment for the patient.

The first thing is to assess the patient’s condition, examine for oral diseases and identify problems. This includes a review of health history, taking blood pressure and pulse, doing an oral cancer screening and examining the patient for oral diseases.

A comprehensive examination includes dental radiographs (X-rays) to check for abscesses, dental decay, oral pathology and periodontal disease. Collected information will be used to plan treatment.

Q: What is tooth decay?

A:Dental decay (caries) is a bacterial disease. In their mouth, everyone has bacteria, which cause caries. These bacteria form a plaque on teeth (sticky bacterial deposits); sugar from the diet is turned into acid by these bacteria, which causes decalcification of the tooth, destroys the tooth enamel and decay to occur.

Dental caries is not completely preventable. No vaccine is available to prevent this common disease. Without a cure, utilize the modern dental technologies for maximum prevention and limit destruction with early treatment. Decayed teeth need to be treated.

Q: What are gum disease, periodontitis and periodontal disease?

A:Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria (long-term plaque). It’s progressive, causing the structures that support teeth to break down (gums, jaw bone and attachment to the roots). As gums are damaged, pockets develop around the teeth. Untreated, more gum is destroyed and infection spreads down the roots to infect bone. Even healthy teeth become loose, fall out or need to be extracted. Periodontitis is the primary cause of adults losing their teeth.

Gingivitis is the milder and reversible form of periodontal disease. No bone loss, yet. Gingivitis, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis.

Take advantage of the advances in dentistry and your dentist’s experience. It’s never too late for help.

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