|
 Why do you have to take x-rays? I don’t want to be exposed to unnecessary radiation.
 Dr. Cassidy’s office utilizes Digital Radiography to allow detection of tooth decay in between your teeth before cavities become large. They also help to detect bone loss, tumors, cysts, un-erupted teeth and other problems not seen with the naked eye. Rest assured, Digital Radiography requires far less radiation than conventional radiography and is much healthier for the environment. Additionally, a painless laser is used to detect decay on the chewing surfaces that are deep in the grooves and fissures of your teeth. This also helps to catch tooth decay much earlier than conventional methods, therefore, keeping the size of the filling as small as possible.
What will happen during my checkup and cleaning?
During your check up and cleaning, you will be checked
for oral cancer, gum disease, cavities and jaw joint
health. Necessary x-rays will be taken to assist in
your diagnosis. Your teeth will be cleaned by one
of our gentle and caring licensed dental hygienists
and you will be instructed on how to care for your
teeth and gums to prevent dental and gum disease.
Why do you have to take x-rays?
I don’t want to be exposed to unnecessary radiation.
X-rays allow us to see in between your teeth to detect
cavities before they become large. They also help
to detect bone loss and detect tumors, cysts, un-erupted
teeth and other problems not seen with the naked eye.
Rest assured, today’s dental x-rays will expose
you to only a minimal amount of radiation. Additionally,
you will be shielded with a lead coat.
What is a cavity?
The outer shell of the tooth is made of enamel, a
highly mineralized material which is the hardest substance
in the body. Under the enamel is dentin, a softer
less mineralized layer, which covers the pulp or nerve
of the tooth. Plaque is a sticky substance, which
adheres to the tooth and is filled with bacteria.
Some of these bacteria feed off of the sugars you
eat. When these sugars are broken down, the bacteria
excretes acid which breaks down the enamel and causes
a cavity.
How can I prevent cavities?
Avoiding sweets, regular checkups and cleanings and
proper brushing and flossing help to prevent cavities.
Flossing gets rid of nasty plaque that accumulates
between teeth and can’t be reached by a toothbrush.
How is a cavity fixed?
Our office uses beautiful tooth colored restorations
as well as the traditional silver amalgam fillings.
We will help you decide which is best for you. In
cases where the cavity is large, the tooth is often
times better restored with a white or gold colored
inlay or onlay which is custom made in a lab and provides
for greater strength than a directly made restoration.
In cases where a significant portion of the tooth
is missing, a crown, which covers and strengthens
the entire tooth is best.
What can be done to help me
improve my smile?
Depending on your concerns, your teeth can be lightened
with a custom made take home bleaching kit, straightened
with orthodontics, or bonded with porcelain and composite
to give you a smile you can feel confident sharing
with the world. Let us know your concerns and we will
inform you of your options so you can make informed
choices.
|
