Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Steve Auger
When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices.
X-RAYS
Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all the way to more complex problems such as jaw infections and oral cysts. X-rays aren't just for adults though. Dentists take x-rays of children's teeth for some of the same reasons as adults but also some different reasons.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Children and the dentist
- Reasons for child teeth x-rays
- X-ray safety for children
Learn more about why gums recede.
Treating Facial Trauma
Many of our patients are victims of some trauma that caused damage to their teeth and other oral structures. In many of these cases, implants are the best option for restoring their smiles, or even making them better than before. Implants prevent the loss of jawbone density and volume that is inevitable when teeth are lost. They stabilize and stimulate the bone around them, maintaining bone dimension and strength. We also utilize other materials, such as pink porcelain, that can replicate the original structure and provide a very natural-looking result. We invite you to review our Smile Gallery page to view some of our actual cases.
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.
Porcelain Veneers for Your Smile Transformation
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. Because veneers are individually designed and sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. With veneers, as opposed to crowns, your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount of tooth structure altered to fit the veneer. Unlike natural teeth, custom made porcelain veneers resist coffee, tea and cigarette smoke stains. Treat them as you would your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing. Using a non-abrasive fluoride tooth paste is suggested.
Porcelain veneers are an optimal solution in many cases:
- Discolored Teeth
- Teeth with Poor Shapes and Contours
- Fractured Teeth
- Gaps Between Teeth
- Tooth Position Problems
- Minor Bite-Related Problems
- Non-Responsive Stains to Bleaching
- Hypocalcificed (White or Brown Spots) Teeth
The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”
The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
Crush, Don’t Cube
Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed
Serve Infused Water
Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table.
Keep Gum Handy
Your guests may be looking for something to freshen their breath after dinner. Swap out a bowl of mints for a dish of sugar-free gum. Studies using gum with the ADA Seal show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals may help prevent tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum gets saliva flowing to wash away food and fights acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria from eating away your teeth.
To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
The Trouble with Toothpicks
Serving corn on the cob or pulled pork? Your guests may need something to get food unstuck from their teeth. A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in. And no one wants a mouth splinter if it breaks. Instead, leave dental picks in a covered dish in the bathroom, or replace toothpicks on the table with soft, flexible, wooden plaque removers like Stim-U-Dent.
Go Seedless
You can also cut down on food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. Use crunchy fruits in your fruit salad instead of raspberries, kiwi and blackberries, and serve seedless watermelon.
To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.
Strong, Tooth-Colored Fillings – Without Metal!
For a long time, the silver-mercury amalgam was the basic material used in dental practices, and many practices still employ metal fillings. While they do work as expected, amalgams have certain shortcomings. Metal does not attach well to teeth, so decay will leak into the tooth sooner or later. But the primary reason many of our patients are choosing the white fillings is because they look so much better. Many people just don’t want a noticeable dark filling in their teeth. We offer modern restorations that are a natural white, contain no metal, and can strengthen your teeth. They also bond tightly with the healthy tooth structure so there is much less chance of future decay.
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
Serve the Right Kind of Crunch
Potato chips are standard party fare, but they bring unwanted guests into your mouth. Chewed-up chips often settle in the pits of your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria the chance to make a meal from your teeth.
Instead, put apples and pears on your fruit platter, and stock your veggie tray with carrots, celery and raw broccoli. They're like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off build-up and stimulating saliva to wash away what’s left.
Cheese, Please
A slice of cheddar can make a grilled burger so much better. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheese platter? Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel. Research also suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances for developing gum disease. So go ahead and say cheese!
To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.
When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices.
