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ADVANCED PROCEDURES
CariVu™ A Brilliant New Approach To Tooth Decay Detection Is Now Available We are very excited to announce that our office now has the DEXIS CariVu™. CariVu™ is an ionizing radiation-free unit, that uses patented transillumination technology to identify tooth decay. CariVu™ can also be used to identify cracks in teeth. The latest in digital imaging technology, CariVu™ transillumination technology bathes the tooth in a safe, near-infrared light that that shines through healthy enamel, making it transparent. Cavities are porous so they absorb the light and appear as dark areas. DEXIS CariVu™ allows the doctor diagnose cavities with very high accuracy. Many people are concerned about radiation, but there are those who have physical medical issues as well, such as people who are undergoing radiation therapy or pregnant women who do not want to be exposed to radiation. CariVu can also provide a valuable second opinion when a suspicious area is identified on a radiograph. This is especially important with decay between the teeth, which can be more difficult to detect than decay occurring on the top of a tooth. For more information: www.dexis.com/carivu THE WAND The Wand takes the anxiety and fear out of dental injections for many of our patients. The wand is a computer controlled anesthesia delivery system, which we use here in our office for placing anesthetic. Unlike the hand syringe, the wand machine basically allows the flow of anesthetic to be slowly administered into the area that needs to be numb. The slower the flow of anesthetic, the less painful the injection. Many of our patients say they do not feel anything at all and some don’t even believe a needle is used. CROWNS It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. At the first, any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. On the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and cemented in place. DENTURES The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can be used to further stabilize the dentures. IMPLANTS Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time. MINI IMPLANTS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy. BRIDGES It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens, the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ syndrome. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues. NTI- ( Nociceptive trigeminal Inhibition tension Suppression System) Do you wake up with headaches? Have sore jaws? Teeth sore? We can help you, by making a NTI mouth device. Unlike traditional mouth guards that fit over all your upper teeth, the NTI is fit over only your front teeth on the upper or lower. This does not allow your posterior (back) teeth to contact each other. Without your posterior teeth touching, you will not be able to clench or grind your teeth. Grinding your teeth can cause many problems for you, including headaches or even cracking of teeth which could lead to needing a root canal. The doctor will determine which fit is best suited for you, and then custom make your device. The NTI device can be made right in our office in just one short visit. We are one of the very few offices in the area to make the NTI device. For more information you can follow the link www.HeadachePrevention.com |
Suite D5
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 725-9958