San Francisco Dentistry Team Explains the Importance of Getting Dental X-rays

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - It's common for patients to be concerned about the safety of X-rays, though the reality of X-rays is that they are safer and more effective than they have ever been before. San Francisco dentistry providers like Dr. Greg Larson can only learn so much with their five senses, and X-rays allow them to see below the surface. Dentists can gain even more insight into a patient's oral health by viewing tooth and bone development below the gum line.

Larson, a cosmetic dentist in SF, takes advantage of modern technology by using digital radiography to monitor patients. Radiation levels are 90 percent lower with this method compared to traditional X-ray technology. Digital radiography is a more green method as well, since it doesn't require dangerous chemicals to develop the images.

X-rays increase the efficiency of modern oral care. They allow dentists to anticipate problems that may occur in the future, and they can better evaluate a patient's existing level of oral health. Patients with higher risks of developing periodontal disease or tooth decay will require X-rays more often than patients with healthy, decay-free teeth and gums. Patients are different, and the frequency of their X-rays will also differ. There are many reasons why patients may need dental X-rays, but here are a few of the most common ones.

It's the Patient's Initial Visit
A patient will generally need X-rays taken on his first visit to a new dental practice. This lets the dentist know about any present oral problems, and it also gives the new dentist a reference for that patient's oral health. At the next visit, the dentist will have these initial X-rays to refer to. The new dentist may even choose to contact the patient's previous dentist for copies of past X-rays.

The Patient Wants Cosmetic or Restorative Procedures
Many patients want to improve their smiles with cosmetic procedures or correct their smiles with restorative dentistry techniques. The dentist will want to make sure nothing has changed beneath the surface of the patient's gums before he applies porcelain veneers or implants replacement teeth. The X-rays allow dentists to have all the facts of a patient's oral health before starting cosmetic work.

The Dentist Needs to Check for Hidden Decay or Infection
Even patients who practice exemplary oral hygiene can show signs of infection or decay. Sometimes infections occur beneath the gums or at the base of a tooth, and digital X-rays are the only way to discover these issues. Dentists also use X-rays to find cysts or tumors that the human eye cannot detect. X-rays help dentists spot miniscule signs of decay lodged between two teeth, and they also show bone deterioration that could accompany periodontal disease. A dentist can only treat a patient after he has a complete picture of the patient's oral health.

The Patient's Teeth are Still Developing
Pediatric dentistry patients experience more growth and movement in their mouths than grownups. Dentists need to watch the development of permanent teeth and monitor the shedding of primary baby teeth. This closely screened care ensures children have enough space for permanent teeth to erupt normally. Tooth decay can be hard to see in youngsters, and X-rays uncover signs of decay more clearly than the eye can. Dentists also use X-rays to detect the placement of the third molars or wisdom teeth. Digital technology can even predict whether the wisdom teeth will erupt normally or if they'll become impacted.

Patients need not worry about radiation exposure with contemporary digital X-rays. With lowered radiation levels and less chemicals, X-rays are not only safer than ever, they're also essential for dentists to see what's going on beneath the gums. Patients can inquire about the type of X-rays used in their dentist's office, and they should feel comfortable discussing any anxieties with their dental team.

(c) 2013 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Greg Larson. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Dr. Greg Larson are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Learn More
To learn more about Larson Dentistry, visit http://www.larsondentistry.com/ or contact their office at 415-397-2804. About Us
The Larson Dentistry team offers extensive dental care for San Francisco patients. Dr. Greg Larson stays current in his field by attending more than 200 hours of continuing education each year and mentoring other dentists worldwide.

Stittsville Cosmetic Dentistry Explains Reasons to Never Skip Regular Cleanings

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - It's like clockwork. Every six months, it's time to see the dentist for those trivial cleanings. Because many patients' smiles are in generally good health, they may not recognize the need for regular checkups. However, missing the occasional dental cleaning can trigger unsightly and serious consequences. Dr. Bartos and Dr. Northcott at Stittsville cosmetic dentistry practice Trillium Dental give four reasons why these simple cleanings are so crucial to maintaining good oral health and should never be skipped.

1. To sustain teeth. Teeth face multiple threats to their well-being on a daily basis. The onset of tooth decay and gum disease can result in tooth loss by withering the enamel and eroding the bone that secures the teeth. The greatest way to protect against tooth loss is by visiting a dental professional regularly for thorough cleanings and necessary treatment. Patients may believe they're doing an acceptable job of cleaning gums and teeth, but they can only see what's visible in the mirror. Dental hygienists possess the skill set, appropriate tools and ability to see more angles of the mouth, helping to remove all plaque that can cause debilitating conditions which can lead to tooth loss. Strong topical fluoride treatments are also given to fortify the enamel and guard teeth from decay and the need for removal. Professional dental care is the greatest way to sustain teeth and minimize the need for dentures later in life.

2. To keep fresh breath. It's obvious. Bad breathe is...bad. Garlic in a pasta sauce or onions on a salad aren't the only factors in acquiring unfavorable breath. In fact, a buildup of bacteria in the mouth is the reason for most cases of bad breath. Mouthwash is a reliable defense against bad breath, but sometimes, professional help can be beneficial. Each patient's mouth is thoroughly cleaned at regular checkups with especially powerful products not available over the counter to help ensure a fresh feeling. Such treatments can oust germs and plaque lodged in hard to reach areas frequently missed by patients when brushing.

3. To aid your overall health. Ample amounts of evidence exists that claim poor oral health can lead to negative health effects in other areas of the body, specifically the cardiovascular region. Numerous studies have discovered links between periodontitis (gum disease) and high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and even early labor in pregnant women. Periodontitis occurs when the gums are not properly cared for, most frequently by a lack of thorough brushing. Bacteria spawned from plaque buildup can enter the bloodstream through swollen gums and cause disease. Because of this threat, having gums examined and cemented plaque removed by a professional is crucial. Trillium Dental provides outstanding periodontal care to ensure the well-being of patients' smiles, and perhaps their hearts!

4. To detect dental cancer. Regular screenings and blood tests are necessary to spot developing cancers. Similarly, dental checkups are required to detect the oral variety. Despite popular belief, tobacco users and smokers aren't the only ones who are at risk for this devastating and aggressive breed of cancer. Oral cancers are frequently caused by the HPV virus, and can grow in the mouths of patients who refrain from the typical bad habits known to cause cancer. Sadly, oral cancer is many times deadly since patients usually don't seek help until they see obvious symptoms that often surface in later stages. Early detection is vitally important to defeating this disease. Attending regular appointments every six months will allow Dr. Bartos or Dr. Northcott to catch any developing issues.

Patients who have forgotten to schedule their cleanings are encouraged to contact Trillium Dental to set up a brief appointment. Kanata invisalign providers Dr. Bartos and Dr. Northcott offer many popular smile solutions like porcelain veneers, dental crowns and Invisalign to further help patients receive the glowing, healthy smile they've always wanted.

About Us
The experienced staff at Trillium Dental offers comprehensive dental care in each of its six offices across greater Ottawa. Doctors treat patients through cutting-edge technology in a modern, comfortable setting.

(c) 2013 Sinai Marketing, Drs. David Bartos and Mark Northcott. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Bartos, Dr. Northcott and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.