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Dental X-Rays . . . Do I Really Need Them?

2018-10-04T21:07:20-04:00General, Oral Health|

Dentists and dental hygienists rely on x-rays to diagnose decay, periodontal disease, abscesses, etc. They are necessary as a part of the standard of patient care since only approximately 1/3 of the tooth can be seen clinically. It is our duty as dental professionals to provide accurate and competent care which can be done through assessing the teeth not only clinically, but also radiographically. In majority of situations patients undergo intraoral digital radiographs or Panoramic radiographs, depending on the doctors assessment and need in specific situation. More advanced suspected pathology or more complex dental procedures might require 3D imaging such as cone beam CT.

How often x-rays should be taken is based on an individual’s oral health, age, caries and periodontal risk assessment, past history of decay/periodontal disease, or other signs and symptoms of oral disease and conditions. This means that dental X-rays are not a “One Size Fits All” category […]

Hygienist Tip : What Toothbrush is Best for Me?

2018-10-04T21:08:05-04:00Oral Health|

When you go to the store, there are so many options to choose from when looking for a new toothbrush. Some people have a steady favorite brand they like to use. Others are always on the lookout for a sale. Yet other people choose their brush based on how pretty it is and if the color is appealing.  All of these strategies will help you find a toothbrush, but it won’t guarantee that you are using the right one. So how do you know which one to pick?

Here are some tips from our hygienist Lauren to help you choose the right brush.

  1. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles: Medium and Hard bristled brushes can actually damage gum tissues, root surfaces and protective tooth enamel with vigorous brushing.
  2. Choose the right sized toothbrush head: Most dental professionals recommend a small sized toothbrush head. It will enable you to reach in the […]

Dental Sealants

2018-10-04T21:08:15-04:00General|

Dentistry has shifted from only fixing problems to preventing problems. Dental sealants are one of the many preventive services that Carlisle Dental Studio offers. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers the grooves and depressions of back molars.  Since grooves in teeth are more likely to attract plaque and bacteria causing cavities, sealants help protect those areas to prevent tooth decay.

Placing sealants is a quick and easy procedure. The sealant quickly bonds to the tooth and is hardened by a dental light.  Who needs dental sealants? Children are the main targets for dental sealants since their brushing skills are still developing and they tend to miss areas in the back of their mouths.  However, adults are candidates for dental sealants too if certain areas are prone to having problems. With proper dental care, literature has proven that dental sealants can last many, many years.

Many insurance companies cover […]

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

2018-10-04T21:08:27-04:00General, Periodontal|

When people come to the dentist, they strive to be cavity free. Often, they forget there is another aspect to dental health. Gum health is just as important as being cavity free. Bleeding gums are never normal, even when having your teeth professionally cleaned. Imagine if your scalp bled when you brushed your hair. It’s the same concept with teeth; bleeding gums are a warning sign that your dental health is at risk.

So what causes bleeding gums?  Most simply put, bacteria. Bacteria live in the dental plaque that accumulates on our teeth daily forming a biofilm. Without proper brushing at least twice a day and daily flossing, the bacteria can flourish and grow under the gumline. This bacterial infection of the gums causes inflammation, soreness and bleeding when brushing and flossing.

To prevent bleeding gums and gum disease, oral hygiene must be thorough with brushing 2 minutes twice a day preferably […]

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