Are Dental X-Ray's Necessary?

 A lot of patients ask this question.  Often they explain that they are not in any pain, are concerned about cost or incurring unnecessary radiation exposure.  We are a full service dental office and owe it to our patients to obtain a complete dental picture.  We want to make sure each patient get the dental care they need and deserve.  X-Rays are a necessary part of that picture.  Without them, we could be missing underlying dental issues.

I'm not in any pain.
Super!  That meas they cavity likely hasn't reached the nerve space.  With an x-ray we can determine how deep the cavity is, what type and size of filling you need and how soon it needs to be done to avoid dental pain or abscess.

I'm concerned with the cost of x-rays.
Vaild.  X-Rays cost money.  So do fillings, crowns and root canals.  Fillings are far cheaper than a crown and cheaper yet than a root canal.  By using x-rays we can diagnose a small cavity and place a small filling.  This will cost less than waiting 'until next time" to take x-rays.  Cavities will grow and spread over time.

I'm worried about radiation exposure.
We take radiation exposure seriously.  Digital x-rays generate way less radiation than past x-ray technology.  In fact, dental x-rays produce less radiation than an average person receives on an average day from environmental radiation; less than riding on a plane, less than being outside for 15 minutes.
We take into account individual patient needs.  Those that have never had a cavity and healthy bone support, don't need x-rays as often as those with active gum disease or high cavity rates.

If you have any questions about x-rays, please don't hesitate to ask!

In the picture above, the teeth in the mouth look healthy and cavity free.  The x-ray shows a cavity between the teeth.  

Gum Disease and Alzheimer's.

We all know it's important to have healthy gums and now a new study has linked gum disease to Alzheimers.

Read more below Then floss!

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/01/gum-disease-causing-bacteria-could-spur-alzheimer-s

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are important to your child's dental health and development. They are essential for chewing, speaking, smiling and are needed to hold the space for the permanent tooth to come in. Think of the baby tooth as a puppet string, guiding each adult tooth.

Baby teeth are needed, and shouldn't be pulled, just because they aren't permanent.

What is Gum Recession and Why is it a Concern?

Gum recession is when the gums and bone support pull away from the tooth.  This exposes the porous root surface.

Potential Causes of Recession:
Gum disease

Clenching or grinding

Poorly aligned teeth and/or crowding
Aggressive brushing

Signs of Recession:

Hot/Cold sensitivity
Brushing sensitivity
Teeth appearing "longer" than they used to
Notching present at the gum line
Decay present at the root surface

Gum recession is fairly common and occurs gradually.  Typically the first symptom is sensitivity or a "longer" appearance in the tooth.  Identifying what is causing the recession is key to finding a solution.

Cause and Potential Solutions

Gum Disease → Regular dental visits, daily brushing and flossing
Clenching/Grinding→ Night guard, bio- feedback
Poor Alignment/crowding→ Braces.
Aggressive brushing→ Switch to an extra soft tooth brush or electric tooth brush, brush with your non dominant hand.

It's important to stop recession from progressing further.  If recession continues, root surface cavities, loosening of teeth or tooth loss can occur.  

Thanks for the Great Reviews!

On the fence about what dentist to go to in Alexandria?  Check out our review page!

https://www.stadsklevdental.com/reviews.html


"I felt very comfortable on my first initial visit. I admit to having a fear of dentists, and everyone in this office was very friendly, compassionate and made me feel relaxed. I would highly recommend Stadsklev Dental." -Debra

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Gingivitis:  Plaque bacteria isn't being brushed or flossed away.  This bacteria sitting around the gums causes swelling and bleeding.  The bacteria is breaking down the gum tissue.  You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing.  This is your first sign that there is a problem.  Healthy gums do not bleed. Begin removing bacteria by brushing and flossing daily.  You should see improvement in the terms of swelling, malodor and bleeding reduction.

If bacteria isn't removed daily, it will successfully break down the gum tissue and then move into the bone and being breaking down bone.  Once the bone is involved it is now called periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease:  Bacteria allowed to sit on your gums have now moved from the gums to the bone and is breaking down bone.  Essentially, you are losing part of your jaw bone.  Symptoms of periodontal disease include: bleeding, malodor, swelling and mild soreness in the gum tissue.  This is very similar to gingivitis.  That is why it is so important to maintain regular dental visits.  We measure bone support each visit and provide you with feedback and suggestions.  Periodontal disease is irreversible and maintaining bone levels where they are is important to keeping disease at bay.  If left untreated, teeth will loosen and eventually teeth will be lost.

Gingivitis

Periodontal Disease



Advance Periodontal Disease

The Difference Between a White and Silver Filling.

Composite: The dentist only removes the decay.  Essentially a 'hole' surrounded by healthy tooth remains.  That 'hole' is then filled with white composite that is bonded or glued to the sides of the 'hole.' This strengthens the tooth, looks like the tooth and feels smooth.

Amalgam or silver fillings: Since no bonding or 'glue' is used with a sliver filling, the dentist has to remove the decay and then shape the tooth in such a way that the silver filling will lock itself into place.  This means that healthy tooth has to be removed to prepare the tooth for a silver filling.

We like to keep as much of the natural, healthy tooth as we can.  Therefore a composite is likely recommended.

Image: The black lines indicate the amount of tooth removed to prepare the tooth for a filling.  The gray indicates the cavity or decay.