| DENTAL FACTS |
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by
Kurt A. McKissick, D.D.S.
I have written this question and answer page, hopefully about topics relating to dentistry that are of interest to you. As you read these, please feel free to contact me with questions or ideas for topics about which you would be interested.
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| Toothbrush Sanitation |
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| Concerns are sometimes raised regarding the need to sanitize toothbrushes, the concern being the bacterial contamination of the brush. First let it be said that toothbrushes should be replaced... |
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| Bacteria in Dental Water Lines |
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| The United States is known throughout the world for having clean water. The water coming into the offices of dentists in this country is very clean, thanks to the efforts of the many public health officials associated with our water supply. There is a potential problem with ... |
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| Can Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Be Diagnosed by Your Dentist? |
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| Loss of enamel from the teeth can be caused by a number of things. Tooth grinding (nocturnal bruxism), medium or hard bristled toothbrushes that are used vigorously, and over indulgence in highly acidic foods ... |
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| Do Bottled and Home Filtered Water Contain Optimum Levels of Fluoride? |
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| Community water fluoridation first began in 1945. Data from studies performed in the 1930’s showed 50-60% lower tooth decay rates in children consuming naturally occurring, optimally fluoridated water ... |
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| Can Chewing Gum Prevent Tooth Decay? |
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| Dental decay is perhaps the most prevalent infection in the United States. Caused by bacteria, it can be reduced or eliminated by three actions; reduction in the... |
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| The Twenty Minute Rule and Dental Decay |
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Most Americans have experienced dental decay in their lifetime. However, there are some individuals who have numerous areas of decay. Even when the areas of decay are removed and properly restored (filled), new decay occurs over and over again. In my clinical experience… |
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| Laser Dental Decay Detection |
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Dental decay is perhaps the most pervasive disease known to man. Traditionally, it has been diagnosed either via dental radiographs (X-rays), visually, or with the use of a dental explorer, the sharp “pick” instrument. |
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| What makes a beautiful smile? |
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| What should be done to make one? The interesting thing is that, for the most part, there are concrete, scientifically valid answers to these questions. Once learned, it is rather ... |
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| What’s important in a smile? |
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| Of the five factors that make up a smile, perhaps the most important is the position of the teeth. The first determination that ... |
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| How should my teeth be shaped to make my smile beautiful? |
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| We have discussed color and position of teeth as they relate to a beautiful smile. Today, we will cover shape of the teeth. There is a wide range of variability of tooth shapes... |
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| How do my gums affect the beauty of my smile? |
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| With the proper coloring, shaping, and positioning of the teeth, the gum tissue is the frame that completes the beauty of a smile. There are really two parts to this framing... |
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| Extreme Makeover May Be Too Extreme |
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We have discussed the various ingredients for a beautiful smile. They are tooth shape, tooth color, tooth position, tooth size, and gum tissue display. With the explosion... |
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| What are the ways that teeth can be whitened? |
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The process involved in whitening teeth has been studied quite extensively for decades. The result of this research is that the use of peroxide based agents can effectively whiten teeth in a safe manner. This is accomplished by... |
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| Why Might an Onlay Be Better Than a Filling or a Crown? |
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Whenever a tooth has decay or a filling that has destroyed enough tooth structure that the remaining tooth structure is thin and weak, treating the tooth with... |
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| Why do my fillings break? |
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| Silver fillings have been used for many years to “fix teeth.” These fillings or restorations are much like asphalt. On a hot day, the asphalt can... |
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| My Tooth Broke, What Do I Do Now? |
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| It is not uncommon for patients to have teeth that break. Often this occurs not when they were elbowed during a basketball game, but during a meal, eating bread. The patient arrives at the office... |
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| I Lost a Tooth, What Are My Options Now? |
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Even with all of modern dentistry’s technology, there are times when a tooth cannot be retained. Regardless of the reason for the tooth loss, it is most times a good idea to replace the missing tooth in one manner or another. |
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| Are implants the best way to replace missing teeth or are bridges recommended? |
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| Until recently, the best way to replace a missing tooth was with the use of a fixed bridge. Teeth on either side of the missing tooth are crowned or “capped” and the replacement tooth ... |
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| Three Phases to Good Dental Health |
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Dental health means different things to different people. To some, it means routine check ups and cleanings. They maintain good oral hygiene and seldom need dental work. Others appear at the dental office only when they are in pain. Usually they elect to take out a tooth rather than save it. Between these two extremes is a wide range of people. |
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| What should be included in a thorough dental examination? |
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During the initial exam information is gathered that will determine the present dental health status of the patient, what treatment, if any, is appropriate, and what alternative treatments may be possible. Initially the dentist and patient get to know one another. It is vital to find out relevant points in the patient’s dental and medical history. |
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| Should I worry about tooth wear? |
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| Although decay is important, it is certainly not the only thing that is evaluated when a dentist examines the teeth. There are two other general types of problems that your dentist will check. First, is the adequacy ... |
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| Do I have cavities? |
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| When most people think of a dental examination, they think of having their teeth “checked for cavities.” Dental decay or caries is caused by ... |
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| What is a periodontal exam? |
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| In our office, the last part of the complete examination involves a thorough evaluation of the periodontium (gums and bone support for the teeth)... |
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| Will my dentist check for oral cancer? |
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| Oral cancer screening is perhaps the most important part of a dental examination. It is performed by the dentist evaluating... |
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| Why should I have my bite checked? |
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| An important item to be evaluated in a thorough examination is the bite relationship. In order to work well and to last a lifetime, there are certain things that ... |
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| How do you conclude the dental exam? |
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| Previously we have discussed the use of an initial patient interview, photography and x-rays as important parts of a thorough dental examination. What remains is ... |
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| A Very Unique Joint—What is the Temporomandibular joint? |
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| Temporomandibular joint is a rather long name for a rather unique joint, or better said pair of joints. They are unusual in a number of ways. First... |
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| I had my dental exam, what’s next? |
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| In the past several articles, we have reviewed all of the information that must be gathered by the dentist via the examination. Included are evaluations of the... |
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| But Do I Need It, Doc? |
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| Many times dentists are asked this question, in reference to a recommended treatment. In the vast majority of cases, the absolute answer is no. Teeth are not necessary for life. Only in situations ... |
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| Why would my dentist refer me to another dentist for certain procedures? |
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| Many times patients wonder why it is appropriate for them to see one or more specialists to provide their dental care. Although general dentists are legally permitted to provide virtually any procedure ... |
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| Do I Need to Take Antibiotics Prior to Dental Treatment? |
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| In April 2007, the American Heart Association issued new guidelines regarding use of antibiotics in dental patients with heart defects. Prior to this time, most patients with mitral valve prolapse (faulty closure of a valve in the heart) were advised to take antibiotics one hour before having dental treatment... |
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| Digital X-Rays |
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| As with photography, dental radiography (X-rays) has entered the digital world. There are numerous advantages to this. Instead of a film requiring processing, the digital image is immediately fed into the computer and in seconds appears on the monitor... |
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