Maintaining dental health as I age
How Can I Take Care of My Teeth as I Age? Proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush are as important as ever. Flossing can help you save your teeth by removing plaque between teeth and below the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. What are some problems I should watch for? Gingivitis. Most people don’t realize how important it is to take care of their gums. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums...
read moreDoes My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
This is from an article at http://www.knowyourteeth.com/. More can be read at the original page here. Does my child need to be taken to a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle problems particular to children, such as dental developmental difficulties and root canals on adult teeth that have not fully formed. However, most children are treated by general dentists. A general dentist often has a relationship with the entire family and therefore has a great deal of family history knowledge, which may apply to your child. If you’re having trouble...
read moreWhat are the Advantages of Electronic Medical Records?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to electronic medical records. Many argue that positive aspects of employing a medical records system outweigh disadvantages. Even though the investment in electronic medical records systems is at first costly, most argue that over time this outset cost will result in greater savings for both clinicians and health insurance companies. As well as cost saving, many in Napervilll cite one advantage of medical records is that they save space. Instead of keeping huge paper files on patients, all records are kept on computer files. Though the...
read moreDentures vs Rehabilitation
Recently, I’ve had many patients come in to ask if it would be better to make an attempt at saving their teeth or to replace them with dentures. There are various reasons to choose either method. While each has its own benefit, they both have specific drawbacks. Reasons for Dentures: Pros. More cost effective. More natural appearance. Less complicated course of treatment with fewer steps involved. Cons Reduced chewing power. Remember: This is like a saddle on a horse as opposed to a post or roots in the ground. Ever try putting a saddle on a bony horse? Bone is structural...
read moreThe TLC System
Once in a great while a product innovation comes along that profoundly improves nearly every aspect of a dental practice. The TLC is such a product, a unique technology delivery and patient relaxation system that makes everybody happier—you, your patients, and your team. Why should your adult patients be bored and fidgety during long appointments? For that matter, why should your child? Our TLC ZONE at Distictive Dentistry of Naperville differentiates our practice from many others and gives adults and children the chance to relax and watch entertainment during appointments. Children...
read moreIV Sedation
When a drug, usually of the anti-anxiety variety, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment, this is referred to as Intravenous Conscious Sedation (aka “IV sedation”). Conscious sedation is sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as “twilight sleep” or “sleep dentistry”. These terms are more descriptive of deep sedation. Deep sedation isn’t commonly used (in the UK at least), and is more closely related to general anesthesia (even though sedation occurs on a continuum). This page answers the most common questions regarding conscious IV sedation. Please be aware...
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