Oral cancer is one of the oral health concerns that your dentist checks for every time you’re in their office. This is typically done quietly and only brought up if a problem is identified. One approach to managing this when it appears is endodontic work. Oral cancers can be life-threatening, and you must start treatment as soon as possible. For all the risks that oral cancers can pose, they can also be treated easily if caught early. We’ll talk about how your dentist will identify and diagnose this disease.
There are several tools your dentist can use to help diagnose a suspected instance of oral cancer. The first examination is generally visual, looking for signs of the disease. This can include polyps or discolorations occurring in the mucous membranes of the mouth. When oral cancer is suspected, your dentist may perform the following tests:
Your dentist may order additional testing. In many cases, another specialist will perform these outside the office. These tests include CAT Scans, x-rays, and MRI scans. These tests can identify important information about the target area. This can include the location of cancer, how far its spread, and how quickly. This can help identify the form of cancer and provide potential treatment options.
Several forms of cancer can occur in the oral cavity. These include lymphoma, which forms in the lymph nodes inside the mouth. Mucosal melanoma can affect any of the membranes in the oral cavity and is one of the most frequently occurring. A sarcoma is a cancer that impacts the mouth’s blood vessels, nerves, fat, and fibrous tissues. Minor salivary gland cancer forms within the salivary glands located in the oral cavity. These conditions can be addressed successfully if caught early in their progression. This is one more reason why regular visits to your dentist are essential if you intend to maintain ongoing oral health. Call your dental provider for your next appointment today.
It’s common for children to experience a bit of anxiety about taking a trip to the dentist. Children with no experience with dental care may feel nervous and concerned about what it all means. Even children with a healthy relationship with dental care can get nervous if a new procedure arises. Helping to ease children’s worries can be as easy as ensuring they’re informed of what’s to come. It is even essential to have a dentist who knows how to work with children and manage their concerns. Tmsuk, a Japanese robotics company, has developed a pediatric dental robot to help improve dentists’ pediatric care skills.
Tmsuk has been developing medical robots for multiple different fields. These robots aim to improve providers’ educational opportunities in the medical industry. Their newest introduction to the dental field is a pediatric robot geared to mimic the behaviors of children in the dental chair. Using special pneumatic devices, they can flinch, open and close their mouth randomly, and fidget at inopportune moments. This is accomplished using proportional pressure regulators and piezo-crystal technology to achieve smooth operation.
Dental assistants and dentists alike will be able to benefit from the greater degree of expertise this device can provide. The educator can program the robot to require being gently held down during the treatment to prevent wriggling. Unfortunately, dentists occasionally work with difficult patients who may require support to remain still throughout a procedure.
The robot also contains technology that allows it to mimic complications during child care. These include moments when the child slips unconscious, goes into shock, or has a sudden drop in blood pressure. Dentists must know how to respond to these moments quickly and effectively.
When designing the robot, Tmsuk wanted to ensure that it was priced to be affordable to educational institutions. Without being accessible for multiple tiers of education and training, their intended audience would never be able to benefit from it. As a result, they were careful to ensure that they kept the price point as low as possible. This has put the new pediatric dental robot well into the reach of many dental education organizations and facilities. Every year more patients and dentists benefit from an education using the Tmsuk pediatric robot.
Advances in robotics have made the development of this educational robot a reality. Within the robot’s frame can be found multiple pneumatic (air-drive) devices that help to produce the desired movements and reactions. They’re designed to efficiently and safely use a minimum of pneumatic pressure while producing significant responses. Piezo-electric crystals have been used for decades, but the designers expertly integrated them into this device to produce next-gen results. Technology like this continues to change the face of dental care globally. Talk to your dentist to find out if their training included the Tmsuk pediatric robot.
When you’re receiving orthodontic care, the underlying goal is to eliminate imperfections in the alignment and position of your teeth. Your dentist uses years of training and experience to achieve these goals safely and quickly. Orthodontic treatment comes with various complications, some taking years to achieve. However, this doesn’t account for all forms of orthodontic care. Other treatments can be accomplished quickly, taking only a few months. This has led to the creation of minimally invasive approaches to provide these results easily and quickly.
There was a rising demand for patients seeking corrections for minor dental issues involving malocclusion. This demand led to the development of short-term orthodontic solutions that could achieve these goals in a short amount of time. This means less time invested in the treatment and less time for the patient to be fitted with uncomfortable orthodontics. This has made them more affordable and more desirable for patients seeking this kind of care.
This new approach has improved patients’ ability to be proactive about oral health. Reduced costs and less reliance on traditional orthodontic treatments, such as bracket and wire braces, made the prospect more attractive. The benefits of this kind of treatment aren’t one-sided, either. Dentists can better provide a broader range of services suited to the patient’s needs.
Your dentist may also suggest that clear aligners may work for you. Unlike the above styles, these are removable plastic trays that snap into place over your teeth. Once in place, they begin working to adjust your smile and eliminate misalignment and malocclusion. They can even be removed for up to two hours a day so that you can easily eat and perform oral hygiene.
Every dental office provides its own variety of orthodontic appliances. Reach out to yours for an orthodontic consultation. You may discover that you can achieve your desired smile faster than you ever dreamed. Give them a call today!
There may be no greater struggle a medical professional faces than noticing what may be the signs of child abuse. Except for a few states, most areas have laws that designate medical professionals as mandatory reporters. Those who receive this designation must report any incidents they see that may be abuse or neglect. This requirement includes vulnerable adults and children alike. Those who fail to do so may be fined or even given jail time due to not doing so. There is no need to provide proof of the suspicion in most locations. Instead, they must report if they even suspect that there is a concern. Dentists are among those who receive this designation in the majority of places where mandatory reporters are listed.
Along with social workers and mental health professionals, dentists are required to report any signs that may point towards abuse of a vulnerable individual. During their training in dentistry, they are required to take classes that ensure they can note these signs and know when to report them. Even without mandatory reporting, most of these individuals would share their concerns with authority figures. As mandatory reporters, they are both required to do so and are free from concerns of being sued by patients who discover they have done so. Below are some indicators a dentist may notice that point to child abuse or neglect.
Another form of abuse that your dentist may notice is emotional abuse. There are no physical signs of this form of abuse. Instead, there will be behavioral indicators, such as taking age-inappropriate responsibilities for younger siblings. Other common signs include temper tantrums, thumb sucking, rocking, and detachment.
If you’re concerned that you’ve observed neglect or abuse in children near you, you can speak to your dentist. While they cannot report for you if they have not observed the signs, they can provide some insight into what you’ve observed. Better still, reach out to child abuse hotlines and child protective services. These professionals can act on the information you’ve provided without revealing their source of information.
There comes the point during your child’s time with a pediatric clinic that your child must make a transition to an adult dental care practice. There are numerous steps to this process, and it can be difficult for a parent to navigate if they’re going through it for the first time. It’s equally important that your child be prepared for a future of managing their dental health care. This requires the establishment of new routines, introductions to new doctors, and perhaps the addition of new types of dental treatment. Parents, caregivers, and the new adult patient can find this process taxing in numerous ways. This is only compounded by other potential major life changes such as starting college, a career and moving out on their own.
It’s important to realize the pivotal nature of transitioning your child from pediatric dental care to adult care. There are significant challenges that they may have to face, some of which can impact their ability to receive the necessary care. Almost 50% of patients closing in on this stage in their dental care were not properly communicated about the upcoming change. Some were not even aware that it was going to be necessary, in spite of their approaching the age of majority. This can be particularly startling when the now-adult patient no longer has dental coverage available from their parents. They may even discover that their previous specialists focused on pediatric care.
If a member of your family is nearing the age of majority and you want to prepare yourself and them for the road ahead, speak to your dentist and physicians. Consider the following questions when speaking with them:
There is some important information you want access to when it’s time to transition to adult dental care. This information includes any complex orthodontic or dental health concerns they have that may require additional care. A history of existing cavities and those that have been filled is essential. Wisdom teeth are not typically removed as part of pediatric care. This means that it is critical to know their current state and what treatment they’ll need if any.
You must begin speaking to your dentist about starting this process as soon as possible. Even if it’s years away, you’ll be prepared to help your child navigate this right of passage when the day arrives. Speak to your dentist today about the steps involved in the transition process.
There’s been a lot of talk about mail-in orthodontic appliances since the pandemic’s start. This upsurge resulted from dental patients trying to find ways to receive orthodontic care in an environment where it was difficult to do so. The perceived savings and convenience of receiving orthodontic care in this manner made it very attractive, but there were hidden risks. The oversight of your orthodontist or dentist is essential while this care is being performed. We’ll talk about the dangers of mail-in aligners and when they can be a safe option below.
The drive to achieve a beautiful smile is one that is shared by people all over the world. Even more importantly, the need for healthy, properly aligned teeth cannot be understated. These two facts combine to make affordable orthodontic care essential to delivering meaningful care. Mail-in orthodontics can provide attractive discounts on the cost of receiving care in a clinic. There are numerous risks of orthodontic care received remotely. However, it’s essential to distinguish between mail-order orthodontics and out-of-office orthodontic treatment.
As you can see, there’s a distinct difference between these two different kinds of care. The first is an extension of your in-office dental care. The second is an impersonal form of care with limited oversight. This lack of oversight may result in undesirable results and complications from unaddressed underlying issues. Out-of-office orthodontic care still involves regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure everything is progressing.
Our team believes giving every dental patient that personal touch is essential. As your dental providers, we’re invested in the lasting oral health of your children. This ensures that we take the time to ensure that every step of the orthodontic treatment goes smoothly. If something worrying comes up, we’re just a phone call away. Using your local dentist for your orthodontic needs means you’ll be working with a team who knows your family’s dental history and oral health concerns. Don’t take chances with the future of your children’s oral health. Call us about orthodontic treatment options today.
Orthodontic care is called for when you need to adjust the position or alignment of your teeth. Getting ready to receive orthodontic care requires undergoing some preparatory stages with your dentist. During this preparation stage, you’ll need to have your teeth assessed using digital impressions, imaging, and a visual inspection. The dentist will determine which teeth need to be moved and which need to be held in place. Retaining the position of teeth that must remain in place is accomplished using orthodontic anchorages. These anchorages were first developed approximately a century ago. Since its introduction, new anchorage forms have been developed, expanding on the original.
Henry Albert Baker created the first version of orthodontic anchorage. This innovative dentist was looking for a way to correct malocclusion while only moving the necessary teeth. The result was the creation of what is now known as Baker’s Anchorage. This technique proved so successful that it would inspire the development of a complex and diverse series of anchorages. Each anchorage is unique to the patient and case in question but can be described using the below classification system.
Utilizing this classification system makes it possible to concisely and clearly identify the needed anchorages. Using a system like this increases clarity in the dental records and helps prevent mistakes when work is being done. It aims to define multiple points of the procedure, including which teeth are being moved to achieve the desired adjustment. There are less common forms of designation that define anchorages secured in bone or using implants.
The above guide is provided to help parents understand the procedure they’re considering for their child. By understanding what’s happening, they can pass this information on to their child in preparation for the procedure. Building familiarity with the procedures they’re receiving, you’re building a precedent of being an engaged patient. This is essential in every area of your health as it enables them to make informed decisions about options that may present themselves. You can also sit with them and speak to their dentist, allowing them to ask their own questions and become comfortable learning about their health decisions.
Children are often reluctant about going to the dentist, and everyone knows this. However, some children experience genuine anxiety when faced with the dentist. This is also called a phobia of the dentist. This anxiety can be frustrating for the parent, but can also negatively influence the ability to receive dental care. Even though some adults still suffer from the same anxiety that they experienced as children. Luckily, there is an approach to treating this anxiety.
It’s imperative that those suffering from dental anxiety are treated for it. In the past, the primary treatment for this was medication in the form of nitrous oxide or other sedatives. These methods are effective for most patients, they are still seen as substandard options. There are, however, more effective techniques that are showing promising results.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy. It’s been used for decades. Its primary purpose is to treat depression, eating disorders, and other phobias. Recently, it’s been used to treat patients with dental phobia, primarily children. During CBT sessions, therapists use individualized techniques to aid in overcoming their fear. These sessions help develop new emotional and mental approaches to overcoming stress.
CBT involves certain steps to achieve the desired goal:
This approach is successful in changing emotional and behavioral responses to dental anxiety. This type of therapy has a notable success rate, reducing anxiety in most of the participating children. It has also been effective in adults who experience anxiety when going to the dentist.
CBT is effective, but it isn’t a quick fix, nor does it happen overnight. Most patients who experience positive results return to sessions weekly for several months. But the patients who do return for their weekly sessions have been able to receive proper dental care without fear of the dentist.
Poor oral health can negatively impact many aspects of your life. This can impact how well they do in school for children, especially. That impact can follow them through college, and later in their careers.
Treating dental anxiety can lead to proper dental care. It can also lead to a boost in confidence when your teeth are properly cared for. Your dentist can refer you to mental health professionals who specialize in this field of therapy. If they don’t know of any therapists who do, take the time to call around to other dentists or mental health clinics. They should be able to help you find the right person to talk to about CBT. Don’t be afraid to ask if they know of someone, even if your dentist isn’t able to help at first. Even if that particular dentist doesn’t know, there’s bound to be someone that does!
So you’ve just been told by your dentist that your child needs dental restoration. Many parents’ first reaction in this situation is, “Why? Aren’t they just going to fall out when the adult teeth come in?”. While this is true, it overlooks the fact that your child’s primary, or baby, teeth are an essential part of their development. Without them, their jaw may not provide enough space for the adult teeth to come in. Pediatric restorations help ensure that your child’s oral development continues properly, ensuring straight, healthy teeth as an adult.
After learning that they need a crown, the first step is to consider which type of crown you want to go with. There are a number of different materials to choose from, just as with adult crowns. These materials all come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Which one of them is going to be appropriate for your child’s teeth is based on a number of factors. Your dentist will explain the options and the pros and cons of each and how they’ll help your child’s adult development.
The second thing to do is prepare for the procedure. The following steps are standard parts of every crown placement:
Local anesthesia is provided to your child to ease any discomfort and to help them relax. Your child may require additional sedation, depending on the child. You can discuss the options with your dentist. In most cases, the additional sedation won’t be necessary.
Your child will need to wait until the anesthesia passes before they eat again. Not waiting could lead to their biting their tongue, lip, or cheek. Once the anesthesia wears off, it’s possible they may experience some mild discomfort. Over-the-counter medications are generally sufficient to address this discomfort.
If you’ve decided that it’s time to go through with the restoration, give your dental provider a call. They’ll provide you with all the necessary information during your consultation appointment. When a pediatric dental crown is needed, don’t wait to get it in place. Your child’s future smile could be at stake.
When the bacteria streptococcus mutans have had an opportunity to remain unchecked, tooth decay can occur. It often begins with a thin layer of sticky biofilm known as plaque, which can harden into tartar over time. Even those who brush diligently can develop this problem if they don’t floss thoroughly as well. This is often the case where children are involved. They’re still learning to care for their teeth, and their imperfect practice can lead to the development of cavities. Thankfully, there are numerous effective steps you can take to prevent them from getting worse if you can identify them early.
A common factor seen in cases of childhood tooth decay is the presence of sugary foods in the diet. While some of the things at fault may be unsurprising, such as soda, candy, and cake, others may catch you off-guard. Bread, milk, and even non-sugary cereal may be at fault. All of these contain natural or added sugars that contribute to the growth and flourishing of streptococcus mutans. If not thoroughly removed by brushing and flossing each evening and night, they can develop plaque and produce corrosive acids that wear away at the enamel. Those most at risk of developing cavities include those with:
The first stage of dental decay is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. These white spots indicate areas of demineralization from weakened enamel. Your child may report that their teeth hurt when they eat foods that are hot, cold, or particularly acidic. Once the cavity advances these white spots will begin to take on a light brown color, shifting to black as it gets worse.
Surprisingly, cavities don’t always have symptoms that your child will report. While sensitivity and dental pain are common, the cavity may develop without your child experiencing either of these. In these cases, only a visual examination by you or the dentist will reveal them.
Treatment of these conditions is based on the general health of your child, their age, and the symptoms they’re reporting. The severity of the condition also has a role to play. The most common approach is the removal of the decayed tissue and replacement with restoration material. This can include metals, amalgam, composite resins, or even porcelain.
Your dental provider will be able to point you at abundant information about preventing tooth decay in your children. They’ll give you things to watch for, and tips to help protect their teeth. They may also suggest certain products such as fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, and flossing tools that are easy for children to use. Protecting your children’s teeth is important, even before they begin developing adult teeth. Baby, or primary, teeth are essential in healthy jaw and bite development, and aid in adult teeth coming in straight and properly aligned. Call your dentist for help preventing tooth decay today!
