Simple Solutions

Call Today 781-237-1121

Navigation

Simple Solutions Blog

Learn about how Simple Solutions helps business grow.

contact us

Dental X-rays - Are all your questions answered?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

An important tool for any dentist including Dr. Tocci here at Tocci Dental Associates are dental x-rays.  Dental x-rays are used to determine what is going on in your mouth. Without these pictures, Dr. Tocci is limited to just what he can see on the tops of your teeth. It is impossible to see between the teeth or under the gums and bone without dental radiographs. It would be like taking your car to your mechanic and asking him to figure out what is wrong with the engine without opening the hood!

Patients often have questions concerning x-rays. Here are some answers.

How often should I have dental x-rays?
Dental radiographs are prescribed based on what you need as an individual. There are guidelines available from the ADA, however, Dr. Tocci will determine what you require after factoring in your general health history, including any conditions making you more prone to dental problems, your dental history, including frequency of decay and cavities, any periodontal concerns, such as gingivitis and gum and bone disease, and any other issues that might impact your oral health. For example, a person who has had many cavities in the past will need x-rays taken more frequently than a person who has had little decay.

How much radiation is in dental x-rays?
At Tocci Dental Associates  we use digital sensors to take your radiographs. These use a fraction of the radiation required for most medical x-rays. For example, a chest x-ray uses 0.080 mSV (mSV is a millisievert, which is a unit of measurement for radiation) while four decay detecting radiographs uses only 0.038. Another way of looking at it is four dental x-rays expose a person to less radiation than a person receives simply living in Denver, Colorado. Even though the amount of radiation is small, we will cover you with a lead shield so that only your teeth and mouth area are receiving any x-rays.

Can you use the x-rays from my previous dentist?

We can absolutely use the x-rays from your previous dentist as long as they are recent and have good, clear images on them. Let us know if you have had radiographs taken during the past few months and we will help you get them to us.

Will my insurance cover my x-rays?

Many dental plans cover x-rays, however your particular plan will specify how many dental x-rays it will consider paying a portion of each year. Some plans limit the number of radiographs and other services such as professional teeth cleaning and gum treatments it will pay because these are the types of procedures many people need to have frequently. Since they are needed often, the insurance plan limits how many they will pay toward.

Can you take care of my dental needs without x-rays?

The simple answer to this is “no”. Dental x-rays are essential to correctly diagnosing a person’s dental problems. Even if a patient wants to sign a “waiver” stating that he/she has refused x-rays according to their personal wishes; any dentist who treats that person knows better. Doctors cannot provide care for patients based on an incomplete diagnosis. From a legal standpoint a patient cannot give consent for a dentist to be negligent. So-radiographs are necessary and essential to the care of dental needs.

 We are always happy to help and welcome your questions. 

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Chronic Illness is Related to Mouth Germs!!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

The dental profession has known for decades that the condition of a person’s mouth is directly related to their overall, general health and well-being. Now it appears that the medical community at large is recognizing and even encouraging more research into this connection. It turns out that inflammation and bacterial infections in the mouth are linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even pregnancy issues! Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having an attractive smile, it can be essential in staying healthy.

What do we know?
We know that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important factors in the development of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. We know that inflammation is also a major factor in the development or worsening of many chronic illnesses. Ironically, inflammation is the first response of a healthy immune system to injury, infection or irritation. It is only when the inflammation spreads or the source of the injury, infection or irritation is allowed to continue, that the entire body suffers.

Here’s why:
• Blood vessels dilate around the site of an infection, often causing swelling, redness and heat. White (infection killing) cells rush to an affected area with the purpose of surrounding the bacteria and preventing their spread.
• If the infection and the source of the infection is eliminated by the white cells, the situation is resolved. If the cause of the inflammation does not go away or gets worse, the inflammatory process continues.
• If the inflammatory process is overwhelmed by infection, the white cells just keep trying. The body recognizes trouble in the system and continues to ignite defenses. If nothing is done about the source of an infection, the swelling, heat, and attack of the white cells will affect more than just the bacteria. Damage can occur to organs, blood vessels, joints and even nerves.
• An overstressed inflammatory system also does not do its job of killing bacteria. They can spread and eventually travel throughout the body, doing even more damage.
• So, if bacteria in the mouth are not controlled, which is what can happen in chronic gum and bone (periodontal) disease, the body may never shut down the “full body” inflammatory process. Why? Because the cause of the inflammation, the bacteria in the mouth, continue to incite the process. It can just go on and on.
• The longer bacteria and the inflammation they cause are allowed to spread from the mouth, the higher the chance for damage to the body as a whole.

What can we do?
Here at Tocci Dental we have many methods of helping people control bacteria in the mouth. We actively look for and treat periodontal disease so that our patients can maintain a healthy immune system. This may include more frequent professional cleanings, or more extensively; root planing and scaling of the teeth to remove diseased tissues and bacteria. In some cases certain medicines may be recommended, and we will provide you with detailed home care instructions and help with your daily mouth cleaning routines. With the mouth germs brought under control, the body’s immune system can begin the healing process.

Even if no dentist has ever previously told you that you need gum and bone care, new conditions require new treatment. It is not uncommon for even “regular” patients to develop mouth infections from time to time and need more than “just a cleaning” such as they have had in the past. Just as a person may develop high blood pressure, having never had it in the past, so may a person develop gum and bone disease. Our bodies change and face challenges all the time.

At Tocci Dental we are here to help you maintain the health of your mouth, which in turn will make you a healthier person.

We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Taking Care of your Child's Teeth - Are you taking the right steps?

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

All parents want their children to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Keeping teeth healthy begins at a very young age. Take this true/false test to learn more.

1. Parents should begin cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

TRUE-You should begin cleaning your baby’s teeth right from the start. When the first tooth appears, you can use a soft damp cloth, or an extra-soft bristle brush, (no toothpaste). This performs two functions. It keeps the baby’s teeth clean, and it helps the baby become accustomed to having his mouth cleaned.

2. Parents should brush their child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

FALSE-While fluoride toothpaste is of significant value in reducing cavities, a young child may swallow the paste instead of spitting it out. Refrain from using fluoride toothpaste until your child is old enough to understand that she should not swallow the paste. (This may be around 2 or 3 years of age.) Also-keep fluoride toothpaste or any other products containing fluoride out of your child’s reach. Many of these items have pleasant flavorings and your child may think they are “treats”. Think of fluoride as you would any medication. You would not leave children’s pain-relievers where your child could get to them. Pain relievers are of significant value when used correctly, but they can also be dangerous! Used correctly, fluoride has helped millions of people avoid tooth decay. However, too much can be harmful.

3. Use enough fluoride toothpaste to “cover” the top of the toothbrush.

FALSE- Once a child is old enough for fluoride toothpaste, use only a pea-sized amount on the brush.

4. Parents should encourage their young children to brush twice a day.

FALSE-Parents should take charge of brushing their child’s teeth until he or she is old enough to do it adequately. While each child is different, this might not be until age 6 or 7. Young children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth correctly and may simply be swishing the brush around the mouth. Also, because we know that two-minutes is the minimum amount of time for adequate brushing; enforcing this may be difficult with a very young child. When the parent decides that the child is ready to begin taking on brushing, the parent may allow the child to brush alone in the morning, but brush her teeth for her at night. In this way, food debris and plaque is removed before the child goes to sleep, and therefore is not allowed to do its’ damage during the nighttime hours.

5. Parents should avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle.

TRUE-Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle can be extremely harmful to her teeth. In fact, there is a term for the rampant tooth destruction that this can cause; “baby bottle syndrome”. When a child falls to sleep with a mouth coated with milk, formula, juice, or any other sweetened liquid, bacterial invasion of the teeth is assured and cavities will develop. This is painful and unsightly and a very bad way for a child to start off in life.

6. Sucking on hard sugared candy, chewing sugared gum, and drinking sugared soft drinks cause tooth decay.

TRUE- This is an easy one. The presence of sugar in the mouth provides an environment that bacteria love. The longer the sugar is present in the mouth, the more the bacteria can grow. The teeth literally receive a “sugar bath” when a child is sucking on candy or chewing sugar gum. This is why a diet consisting of large amounts of sugar contributes to tooth decay, among other problems. If you give your child sweets, have him at least rinse his mouth afterwards. (Brushing is best).

These tips are just a few of the ways you can help your child grow up with healthy teeth.

Call us if you want to know more. We are always happy to help!


Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Crowns and Onlays. What do you know? Part II

Friday, December 03, 2010

Early this week we posted information about crowns.  Today we'll continue with some additional information regarding crowns and onlays.

An onlay is a restoration that replaces the central portion of a tooth plus a partial crown covering damaged cusps. It is also cemented or bonded into place. An onlay is recommended when a tooth has been extensively damaged, but has a bit more natural tooth structure remaining. It is a more conservative restoration than a full crown.

Crowns and onlays are often required where there has been too much tooth destruction for a “filling” to work. Fillings are not sufficient for repairing cracks, broken cusps, extensive decay, or severely damaged old fillings. There has to be enough of the natural tooth left to support a filling. If not, a crown or an onlay is typically the only solution.

Many patients are concerned about possible insurance coverage for crowns and onlays. While insurance may help, most will not cover all the costs for crowns, and may stipulate an “alternate benefit” of payment toward a a silver filling instead of an onlay. Most plans also have a maximum limit as to the amount of money they will pay for any treatment during a year’s time. It is our responsibility to prescribe what is best for you. The insurance carrier’s responsibility is to control payments.

Even if your insurance only covers a portion of the fee, a crown or an onlay may be the best way to restore your damaged tooth.

For more information regarding crowns and onlays inquire at your next visit at Tocci Dental.   We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Crowns and Onlays - What do you know? Part I

Monday, November 29, 2010

What do you know about crowns and onlays?  What do you need to know?  Read on to learn more....
Crowns are sometimes referred to as “caps”. They are an artificial replacement for that part of the tooth that is above the gum line. A crown typically covers the entire tooth, replacing most of the enamel. They can be made from metal, gold alloys, metal and porcelain fused together, or entirely of porcelain or other white material. Crowns may be fabricated in a laboratory or on a Computer Assisted Design machine. They are cemented or bonded into place.
Teeth that have cracked enamel, broken cusps, extensive decay, or defective fillings often must be crowned. These situations are more involved than a simple area of decay, and can also be more serious; making a replacement filling insufficient or impossible. Cracked enamel can allow mouth fluids and bacteria into a tooth. Left unrepaired, this can result in a contaminated nerve. Broken cusps or other broken sections can continue to fracture, causing pain and possible nerve damage. Extensive decay usually means that a large part of the tooth structure has been damaged or destroyed making the area to be repaired too large for a simple filling. And a defective filling is broken or fractured or has sections that have shrunk or expanded away from the rest of the tooth, leaving it at risk for nerve exposure. A crown replaces the damaged parts of a tooth and makes it viable again, adding years to its lifespan. Crowns can also be placed to make cosmetic improvements in the appearance of teeth.

Visit our Tocci Dental blog later this week for more information on crowns and onlays.


Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Do you hate the numbness after dental treatment?

Monday, November 15, 2010

Most people are looking for more convenient and comfortable treatment as seen in 2010 Dentistry Trends.  Everyone hates the numbness after treatment that can last for 3-5 hours after leaving your dental office and make it more difficult to get on with your day.  Our patients often tell us they feel like they have a crooked smile and are drooling!  OraVerse is a new product that reverses the effects of local anesthesia.  Read about OraVerse here and ask about it during your next visit to Tocci Dental.

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Mouthguards - Mandatory for all sports?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Do you where a mouthguard for the sports you play?  Does your son/daughter where a mouthguard for the sports they play?  The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field Hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling.  If you have teeth and want to keep them Tocci Dental highly recommends wearing a mouthguard.  To learn more about sports dentistry and mouthguards  visit Sports Dentistry and Mouthguards.  At Tocci Dental we fabricate custom mouthguards as well as Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. Let us know what you think about making mouthguards mandatory for all sports at all levels.

 

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Oral Cancer Screenings - Should you have them done?

Monday, November 08, 2010

Early detection is a must with any type of cancer, and with new innovative oral cancer screening equipment this can be done.  Dentists are doing more and more oral cancer screenings as seen in 2010 Dentistry Trends.  Here at Tocci Dental in addition to the traditional oral cancer screenings, we are using the VELscope.  Early detection is a must as more people die from oral cancers than skin cancer.  With each professional cleaning you have with us, we always keep a keen eye for telltale signs like lumps and discoloration, and for suspicious areas or roughness or of any change whatsoever.   As always remember—as we do—the first step in prevention and successful treatment is awareness. 
If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to speak with Dr. Tocci or your dental hygienist at your next visit. If you feel your need is urgent, feel free to call or contact us through our website and we will connect to answer your questions or schedule an exam.

Your oral wellness is our only objective!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Have you heard about the Cone Beam 3D Scan?

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Tocci Dental has it! We are among the first dental practices in the United States to utilize the new, state-of-the-art Kodak 9500 Cone Beam 3D System. It is a great diagnostic imaging tool for treatment recommendation and diagnoses.  To learn more visit The Journal of the American Dental Association.



If you would like more information, be sure to ask Dr. Tocci or your dental hygienist at your next visit, or call our office, or contact us through our website. Your dental wellness is our only objective.

Posted by Donna Pinzone

| (0) Comments | (0) Trackbacks | Permalink

Previous 1 2

Primary Dental Services

callout
callout
callout