O'Fallon Family & Cosmetic Dentist

With the increased prevalence of fluoridated water has come the propensity of teeth to mask or seal over decay.  Traditional methods of cavity detection, including dental x-rays and probing with a metal explorer, can miss the presence of decay, especially that which occurs in the grooves of the biting surface of molar teeth.  The surface of the tooth being probed with an explorer (the metal pick used to detect cavities) may appear to be healthy tooth structure, while the underlying tooth is actually being consumed by soft decay.  

Recent technology has led to the creation of a laser cavity detection tool which is FDA approved for dental offices in the United States.  The DIAGNOdent laser cavity indicator provides a handheld wand which the dentist can use in a manner similar to the traditional explorer instrument.  Instead of “picking” into the tooth, the wand is waved over the tooth and an audible tone is emitted when decay is detected.  The tone increases in intensity in tandem with the depth of the cavity.  A digital numeric reading is also displayed, consistent with the degree of the decay.  Laser cavity detection through the use of a DIAGNOdent laser allows penetration through the superficial layer of the tooth and thus captures the true health of the tooth structure below. 

 The DIAGNOdent laser cavity detector allows us to identify small areas of decay so that problems can be resolved before the decay spreads.  This allows for more conservative and less expensive treatment. This invention enables dentists to treat cavities in their early stages, before a root canal or tooth extraction becomes necessary.   

Dr. Logan & Associates use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection when performing exams.  This is included in the regular cost of the exam and does not cost the patient extra.  Laser cavity detection is quick, pain-free and safe.

Click on the link to see a news story demonstrating the use and benefits of laser cavity detection.

Seventy-five percent of all broken, lost, loosened, or chipped teeth occur in children under 15 years of age.  Luckily, recent advances in dentistry make it more likely that these teeth can be repaired or saved.    However, for the best results, parents must act quickly.  Even if no visible tooth damage has occurred, when a child falls or receives a hit to the mouth, soft tissue inside the tooth may be damaged.

Here are some quick tips for dealing with a tooth that has been chipped or knocked out:

• Have your dentist’s number readily available. Add your dentist’s office as a contact in your cell phone.
• Try to find all parts of the tooth.
• Handle the tooth by the top, not the root.
• Gently rinse the tooth root if it is dirty.
• Apply sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
• Reinsert the tooth if possible.  If not, store the tooth in a cup of water or milk
• See the dentist as soon as possible.  The sooner a dentist can return the tooth to its socket, the greater chance the tooth has of being saved.
• If braces or wires have broken, cover the sharp edges with gauze, cotton, or gum, but do not try to remove any wires that are stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Oral, head and neck cancer awareness week is from April 12 – April 18th.  The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance has coordinated with hospitals and cancer centers throughout the United States to provide free screenings.  Their website provides a map of participating centers and educational information on symptoms and causes of oral cancer.  Oral, head and neck cancer is the 6th most common type of cancer in the United States.

WebMD outlines the following signs and symptoms of oral cancer which should be investigated further by your dentist or doctor: 

Unexplained bleeding in the mouth,

Persistent sores in the mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks,

Velvety white, red or speckled patches in the mouth,

Swelling, bumps and rough spots in the mouth or on the lips,

Unexplained numbness or discomfort in any part of the mouth,

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, talking or moving the jaw or tongue,

Soreness or feeling like something is caught in the back of your throat,

Dramatic weight loss,

Change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.

Some of these symptoms have other more common causes like decay and gum disease.  Regular checkups with a dentist can help recognize unusual symptoms which may indicate oral cancer.  As with any cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is best.

The following sources contain more information on common signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer

http://www.ohancaw.com/hanca-education/

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/10332-spot-signs-oral-cancer/

Teeth whitening is a very simple procedure that can produce remarkable results.  When you choose whitening in our office, we will take a quick impression of your teeth to make custom-molded trays.  The trays are worn with a whitening solution for 15 minutes a day for up to two weeks.  The solution comes with a rinse which removes residual whitening agent helping to alleviate teeth and gum sensitivity that are sometimes associated with whitening.  While over the counter whitening tray products have flooded the market, professional teeth whitening products provide a stronger whitening agent.  It is important to have your teeth and gums examined by a dentist to detect any problems that may cause greater sensitivity or difficulty with teeth whitening.

Personal habits like smoking, drinking wine, and eating certain foods can effect how long the whitening lasts.  Teeth whitening works on natural tooth enamel and will not whiten areas that may need new restorations like areas of decay, old fillings or crowns.  These areas can be treated with new restorations that will match the surrounding teeth that have been whitened.

Many patients have taken advantage of our Lifetime Whitening Program.  For an enrollment fee of half the usual cost of whitening your teeth once, we will make your custom-fit whitening trays and then give you new whitening gel at every recall appointment, as long as you remain a patient in good standing.  Ask about it the next time you are in the office or call today to make an appointment for whitening trays.