What are dentists really looking for when they are checking out your X-rays?  What are they looking for when they feel your teeth with the explorer?  This blog explains some of the things dentists are looking for and current technology that can be use to aide in decay detection when checking your mouth for cavities!

 The shadowing on the edges indicate decay under the surface on the premolars.

X-rays of the same tooth to the left.  The dark indicates decay.

The Dentists on Pearl utilize a software called Logicon that helps to detect the depth of the decay by analyzing over 200 shades of grey, this can be very helpful in acting as an electronic 2nd opinion.  Below is the Logicon reading of the teeth shown above.

The depth of the red dots show how far the cavity extends into the inner layer of the tooth.  The green lines indicates the outer layer (enamel), while the blue indicates the inner layer (dentin).

Have no fear!  These cavities are able to be completely cared for in the general dental office. The extent of the decay once it has reached this depth could potentially cause permanent damage to the nerve and blood supply on the inside of the tooth, possibly requiring the need for further treatment, i.e a root canal and crown.

This patient has had no symptoms though!

After the decay removal

Preparing the teeth for the fillings

Final product with tooth colored fillings placed!

Hopefully this will help you understand what the dentist is looking for and how they treat the teeth!  All of these intra oral photos were taken with The Dentists on Pearl SoproLife camera. For more information call the office at 303-498-9207 to schedule a comprehensive exam.

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There was a time when misaligned or crooked teeth meant years of wearing metal braces, elastic bands, headgear and more. Fortunately, technology has improved over the past several years. Metal braces are smaller and often work more quickly, and other options have made metal a thing of the past for some patients.

Two such options are the Invisalign and Six Month Smiles systems, which are products we offer in our practice. We get a lot of questions from patients about these systems, so we’d like to take this opportunity to answer a few FAQs.

Invisalign

What is Invisalign? It is a nearly invisible series of plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over your teeth to correct a variety of smile issues. You receive a new set of aligners every two weeks for the duration of treatment.

How long does treatment last? Average treatment lasts 12 months for adults, which varies based on each patient’s needs. Treatment for teens depends on the severity and complexity of the correction needed.

How do I know if Invisalign is an option for me or my teen? Invisalign is designed to address a variety of mouth alignment, crowding and gapping issues. To find out if you or your teen are a good candidate, try the Invisalign assessment tool or contact our office for a consultation.

What about the cost and insurance coverage? The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of the correction needed. Typical ranges span from $2,000 to $8,000. If you have orthodontic coverage from your insurance provider, a portion of the cost may be covered. You may also use flexible spending account (FSA) dollars to pay for treatment.

Six Month Smiles

What is Six Month Smiles? Six Month Smiles uses brackets that are affixed to individual teeth, but the brackets are clear. They are connected by tooth-colored wires for a look that is moderately visible.

How long does treatment last? Six Month Smiles offers an average treatment duration of six months, which varies based on each patient’s correction needs.

How do I know if Six Month Smiles is an option for me or my teen? The Six Month Smiles system is designed for adults who are looking for a quick and affordable alternative to metal braces. It works best for patients who do not need significant bite or alignment correction. Take the Six Month Smiles assessment or contact our office for a consultation.

What about cost and insurance coverage? The cost varies widely depending on each patient’s needs. If you have orthodontic coverage, insurance may cover a portion of the cost. You may also use FSA dollars to save for treatment.

We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have as you consider whether a smile correction system is right for you. We can help you determine how much of the cost will be covered by insurance, and we can discuss your needs and concerns at any time. Please don’t hesitate to ask us. Call us at 303-428-9207 to schedule a consultation. 

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It’s almost three weeks into the new year, and you have probably made some valiant efforts so far to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’ve joined a gym or you’re working on a new budget to curb extra spending. The Dentists on Pearl would love to encourage you to add one more resolution to your list: Take better care of your teeth.

If health and wellness are top priorities for you in 2014, then your teeth should certainly get some extra TLC. Throughout the year, we’ll cover a variety of ways to do just that. Up first, as you’re vowing to leave behind the heavy holiday foods and sweets, we’ll talk about some tooth-friendly foods and beverages:

Water – In addition to keeping you hydrated and offering a wealth of other health benefits, water can help combat the damaging effects of high-acid foods that can wear away tooth enamel. Rinsing with water after drinking coffee, tea or wine can also help mitigate stains. Finally, water helps wash away food particles and contributes to the production of saliva, one of your body’s natural defenses against tooth decay. Replace your daily soda or sports drink with a big glass of water, and your mouth will thank you.

Cheese and other dairy products – High in calcium, dairy foods help protect teeth and gums. In addition, a recent study published in General Dentistry shows that dairy foods may help prevent cavities by changing the mouth’s pH level and possibly by protecting the teeth from more acidic foods. Another recent study showed that drinking a glass of milk after eating sugary food helped reduce the levels of acid in the mouth.

Protein-rich foods – As recommended by the American Dental Association, foods like meats, milk and eggs contain phosphorous, another key tooth-protecting mineral. Foods like egg yolks, fatty fish and liver also contain Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.

Crunchy foods – Carrots and apples, for example, take a bit of effort to chew. All that chewing can help scrape away plaque, and it also encourages saliva production, which is beneficial for fighting bacteria.

Fruits and vegetables – In addition to helping promote saliva production, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins that are important to tooth and gum health, including Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C contributes to healthier gums, and Vitamin A is essential in the formation of tooth enamel.

Of course, after all that eating and drinking, don’t forget to brush and floss!

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