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30Aug

You’ve undoubtedly seen dental X-rays while visiting the dentist throughout the years. But what are they for, and why do we need them? Dentists employ dental X-rays (radiographs) to identify abnormalities or damage that can’t be detected during a clinical oral examination.

How X-Rays Work

During your dental X-ray, a tiny amount of electromagnetic radiation is utilized to create an X-ray image of your teeth, roots, gums, jaw, and facial bones.

Dental X-rays work similarly to other kinds of X-rays by emitting a form of radiation that is absorbed by solid objects but passes through less dense tissues, such as your skin. The energy from the solid items (teeth and bones) is absorbed, and they appear darker on the X-ray image. This provides your dentist with an inside look at your oral health.

Frequency of Dental X-rays

According to the caries risk assessment, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Dental Association suggest that the frequency of dental X-rays be determined on a case-by-case basis. Some people are more prone to tooth decay, affecting the dental X-ray frequency that a dentist recommends. Your caries risk also changes over time.

What They Detect

Dental X-rays can detect dental problems you cannot see during a visual examination. This is important because your dentist may prescribe various treatments based on the X-ray.

Dental X-rays look for problems in your teeth, gums, and jaw. Dental X-rays may reveal the following:

  • Position, size, and number of teeth
  • Changes in the root canal
  • Bone loss in the jaw or facial bones
  • Bone fractures
  • Tooth decay, including between teeth or under fillings
  • Abscesses and cysts
  • Impaction of teeth
  • How the upper and lower teeth fit together

Dentists inspect dentition in children and young individuals for the existence (including number and size) of teeth that have not yet developed. This covers adult teeth, wisdom teeth, or molars. They also look at the distance between the jawbones to see whether the adult teeth will grow properly.

How much radiation are you getting during an x-ray?

Dental x-rays have a significantly lower radiation dose than other treatments. A routine exam, which includes four bitewings, is equivalent to 0.005 mSv of exposure–this amount is comparable to the average day-to-day amount of radiation we get from the sun or a short airplane flight that lasts 1-2 hours. If you get a panoramic dental x-ray, this will be about double the previous amount at 0.01 mSv.

Are x-rays safe for pregnant women?

Routine x-rays can wait until after delivery. However, if dental x-rays are needed for an urgent procedure, the American College of Radiology affirms that a single diagnostic x-ray doesn’t expose the developing embryo or fetus to enough radiation to cause harm. In fact, with dental x-rays, almost no other body part besides teeth is exposed to radiation.

How often do you need an x-ray?

The frequency of dental x-rays needed for a patient varies based on age, oral health condition, and risk for disease. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentists should only order x-rays for diagnosis or treatment purposes when necessary.

To minimize radiation exposure, your dentist should follow the ADA’s standards as closely as possible. Shielding (such as protective aprons) is used in this case. For traditional x-rays, the ADA advises that dentists utilize E or F speed film, which uses less radiation to generate a decent image (such as digital x-rays).

If you have concerns about whether an x-ray is necessary, talk to your dentist about why they think one is required. In the end, you and your dentist must balance the benefits of an x-ray against the potential for minimal radiation exposure.

Lady in nature smiling
15Jul

 You may be experiencing receding gums if you noticed your teeth look longer. You may also have noticed a receding gum line as gums appear to be pulling back away from your teeth.  If your gums recede, gaps may start to form between the tooth and gum. This creates a pocket that allows bacteria to build up. If a receding gum line is left untreated, gums, teeth, and tissue can become damaged. It’s possible to even lose a tooth. Gum recession is a common dental condition but since it occurs gradually, many people don’t realize it’s happening.

 Symptoms of Receding Gums

Over time, as the gums recede, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Long Teeth – When the gums pull back, the teeth can look longer than normal.
  • Exposed Root – When the roots of teeth are exposed, they can become uncomfortable and overly sensitive. Sometimes they are a sign of gum disease, or it can simply be that you’ve been brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush that has hard bristles.
  • Loose Teeth – Receding gums can lead to a buildup of bacteria and eventually gum disease. If they are not treated, these pockets can become deeper because they are no longer attached to a solid structure. In severe cases, it’s possible for a tooth to become loose.

What Causes Receding Gums?

There can be many factors that contribute to gum recession. It can also be a combination of factors including one or more of these common symptoms:

  • Periodontal Disease – An infection and inflammation of the gums are caused by bacteria that destroy the tissue and bone that are holding teeth in place. Gum disease is the most common reason for gum recession. In its earliest stages, gum disease is often not noticed. It is often first discovered during a routine exam with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist.
  • Improper Brushing Technique – Brushing your teeth too hard or too aggressively can wear away enamel. This can cause gums to recede.
  • Genetics – Some people are more susceptible to receding gums even if they have good oral care habits. This is because of their genetics.
  • Using Tobacco Products – Using tobacco often causes sticky plaque buildup on the teeth. This can cause gums to recede.
  • Hormone Imbalances – As the body matures through puberty, and through pregnancy and menopause for women, estrogen levels change. This can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to recede.
  • Misaligned Bite or Crooked Teeth – Gums often recede when the teeth can’t come together evenly or there is too much force on the gums.
  • Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) – If you grind or clench your teeth, it can put too much force on the gums and cause gum recession.

What Are Some Options for Treatment?

The best treatment option for receding gums will depend on how severe it has become and the cause. Dr. Gibbs offers numerous gum recession solutions and individualized treatment plans. Fluoride treatment and professional cleaning can often be beneficial. In some cases, a gum lift may be an appropriate treatment plan.

When should I see Dr. Gibbs About Gum Recession?

The best care is preventative care. Routine exams help find problems like receding gums before they become too problematic. When dental conditions are discovered early, they are more easily and successfully treated. If you notice your teeth look different or longer; or if your gums seem to be pulling back from your teeth, make an appointment for an exam right away.

7Apr

A radiant smile is something that we all desire. It has the ability to make us feel more attractive and boost our confidence. Sometimes though, our smile needs a little help. Professional tooth whitening is a procedure that can restore a smile to its better days. It’s a safe and effective alternative to OTC treatments.

Professional Advantage

OTC methods may be convenient, but they lack the effectiveness and customized approach provided by a professional tooth whitening treatment. They use generic tooth molds that aren’t customized to fit the individual patient, resulting in inconsistent application of the whitening gel. A professional tooth whitening procedure, however, is designed with you in mind and delivers results that are superior to an OTC method.

Dr. Thomas Gibbs of Smile Glen Ellyn understands the value that a professional tooth whitening procedure can provide for our patients. This method has the ability to safely and effectively remove tough stains from your teeth and reveal your bright white smile again. Our entire Glen Ellyn team loves to see patients get their best smiles back through the use of safe and effective dental procedures.

Affordable and Effective

Professional tooth whitening is quick and can often be done in around an hour. You even have the option of performing this procedure in the comfort of your own home! Regardless of the method favored, professional tooth whitening is very affordable and cost-effective. A visit to Smile Glen Ellyn will deliver results in as little as an hour, and the at-home treatment will continue to brighten your teeth at your own pace. It’s truly a win-win.

Trust your smile to a dentist that knows how to safely and effectively restore your pearly whites. Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Gibbs, and he’ll help you uncover your bright smile!

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