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Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.

Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Topical fluoride makes the teeth stronger and protects them from dental caries by percolating into the outer surface of enamel. The sources of topical fluoride are available in the form of fluoride dentifrices, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists and dental hygienists usually advise that children should get a professional topical fluoride application twice a year during their routine dental examinations.

To prevent tooth decay, the quantity of fluoride acquired from our food and water may not be sufficient for a majority of people. Your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest you to undergo home and/or professional fluoride treatment if you have any of these problems that are listed below:

• Deep pits and fissures on the occlusal aspects (masticating surfaces) of teeth.
• Cervical abrasion causing the exposure of root surfaces and tooth hypersensitivity.
• Improper or poor oral hygiene maintenance.
• Recurrent sugar and carbohydrate intake.
• Insufficient fluoride exposure.
• Reduced rate of salivary flow due to any ailments, drugs or medical therapies.
• Any recent history of dental caries

Fluoride alone is not enough to make your teeth cavity-free! You need to practice habits of brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, eating balanced meals, decreasing the frequency of sweet and sticky foods and, most importantly, visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

The natural anatomy of the teeth includes an occlusal table with deep grooves and fissures. These offer a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow and if you want to be able to protect your teeth from tooth decay, dental sealants can be used to seal these areas and ensure that when chewing, food and bacteria does not infiltrate the tooth. Bacteria can penetrate into the hard tissues of the teeth and spread infection. By applying coatings of sealant on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, you provide a protective covering on the teeth that will help preserve the health of your smile.

Dental sealants are easy to apply. First, an acidic gel is placed over a clean tooth, after which a few coats of sealant are painted on the surface. Once a minute has passed, the sealant dries and the patient is released, equipped with a few tips on how to properly care fo