Menu
Without specialized equipment, a dentist can find it difficult to diagnose conditions and perform certain procedures. An accurate diagnosis is imperative in order to provide the correct treatment.
This is the main reason why dentists rely so heavily on regular dental x-rays in order to correctly diagnose a wide range of oral health conditions.
However, even x-rays have some downfalls and may be inadequate to provide sufficient detail of all areas of the mouth. This can be risky as infection or other problems may exist that cannot be detected using the visual aid of an x-ray.
This is where CT (Computed Tomography) or CAT scans come into play. Unlike an x-ray, these scans provide a detailed 3D image of the entire mouth. This makes it a much more effective tool in diagnosing conditions that are more complicated or difficult to detect. CT scans do not require any special preparation by the patient although it is generally recommended to wear loose clothing during the examination. It is also necessary to remove jewelry, hearing aids, glasses or items that may interfere with producing a clear image.
Some of the greatest benefits of using CT scan in dentistry instead of regular x-rays include:
Provides A Detailed Image Of Entire Mouth
Nothing is hidden from a CT scan and every angle is covered in providing the 3D image. This provides a dentist with a view that they may not have while physically examining the mouth or from an x-ray. Most dentists prefer to have a CT scan performed on their patients in order to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the mouth.
Bone and Soft Tissue Imaging
While x-rays have long been used to capture images of both the teeth and the jawbone, the detail is often inadequate and soft tissue is often excluded from the image altogether. CT scans on the other hand provide details of the bones, teeth as well as soft tissue that an x-ray simply cannot match.
Efficient and Convenient
The imaging process for a CT scan is incredibly fast. A full scan of the entire mouth generally only takes between 20 and 40 seconds. Scans targeting specific areas of the mouth are even faster and can take as little as 10 seconds. This provides patients with the benefit of shorter exposure to radiation than they would experience with an x-ray. Prolonged exposure to radiation can be dangerous.
Minimal Radiation
CT scans use radiation to create images. Exposure to radiation is risky and can result in illnesses and diseases such as cancer. However, small amounts of radiation are considered to carry less risk. A CT scan has the ability to target minuscule amounts of radiation to provide a detailed image thereby reducing the risks associated with radiation exposure. Ct scans are therefore a far safer option as a diagnostic tool for patients and dentists.
At Island Dental Associates, we offer free 3D CT scans when patients come in for a free consultation for dental implants, or some other cosmetic dental procedure. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Question: So doc, why are dental implants so expensive?
Answer: People often ask me why dental implants so expensive? When you really think about it, a permanent lifetime replacement for an initial investment which is minimal compared to the return of your investment, it isn’t expensive, because if you’re going to have something to last you the rest of your life, isn’t it worth it?
If you buy a new car it not only lasts you for a period of time and that’s a lot of money, this is a lot less money, and the benefit is lifelong for a minimal investment. And not only that but it’s not that expensive. We’re not trying to charge patients a lot of money for the services. We want the services to be rendered.
Another satisfied patient at Island Dental Associates…
It’s much easier today to have a beautiful smile than it was, let’s say, twenty years ago. Cosmetic dentistry has made huge progress, so practically everybody who has the wish and the money can have a Hollywood-like smile with very little effort.
Cosmetic dentists make use of various procedures to give people a beautiful smile. We are going to see a few of them in this article.
Teeth whitening or bleaching is probably the most common treatment. It is done through a chemical process: a special substance is applied on the teeth, then you either need to let that substance act for a certain amount of time, or your teeth get exposed to UV light that accelerates the whitening. Teeth whitening can be done either in the dentist’s office or at home.
Dental implants have changed the lives of millions of people as they can help replace lost teeth and create a beautiful and confident smile. Of course, as with any type of oral surgery, the number one concern that patients have is whether or not they will feel much pain during the process.
The answer to that question isn’t necessarily a simple yes or no. The least painful type of procedure is dental implants. When compared with other types of procedures, patients will suffer the least discomfort. However, the amount of discomfort or even pain a patient can feel will greatly depend on the involvement of the surgery.
There are some cases where bone grafts may need to be used or tissue grafts, which can cause some discomfort, but not pain. The pain after the surgery is usually managed by over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen. However, a patient may need to use narcotics the first day of surgery, but it all depends on the level of pain the patient may feel afterwards.
If the doctor takes special care when working with bone and tissue, the chances of the patient feeling pain are even more minimal. Of course, this is usually where experience can come in handy. Surgeons that have more years behind their belts tend to have more satisfied patients as they can finish the procedure with little or no pain.
(Please note that all dental implants placed at Island Dental Associates are done by our board certified periodontist)
We want to answer all your questions about dental implants. That’s why we offer free consultations with our board certified periodontist Dr. Vikas Mittle. Dr. Mittle will answer your questions about the entire procedure so that you will be completely informed about what to expect.
Call our Franklin Square dental office today at (516) 565-6565 to schedule your free one-on-one consultation.
One of the most common questions that our practice receives is about dental implants. It’s something that very few people can wrap their heads around at first: the fact that we have the technology to create a whole new tooth and actually attach it to your jawbone. This procedure, when perfected, could very well make dentures a thing of the past for some patients. Let’s explore dental implants in a bit more depth so you can see how your missing teeth will soon be replaced.
Dental implants mostly come in two pieces actually (although a one piece alternative is slowly making its way into the mainstream). Most people know about the fake tooth itself, which is usually molded out of porcelain or acrylic. Not many know that there is a root piece as well which is attached directly to your jaw bone. This is usually titanium steel, and bonds itself directly to your jaw bone over the course of a few months (don’t worry, it’s almost painless).
Most people can get dental implants; but there are a few factors that a good dentist will take into account first before giving the OK for your procedure. First off will be your overall oral health: will it be safe to give you a fake tooth? Will it react negatively to your gums, or is there worry that it will not be well taken care of? Any issues arising from those questions will need to be dealt with first. Next up will be a bone density check. There is going to be a titanium mini rod installed right into your jaw, and the doctor needs to be certain that it will be able to mold and stay in place. If you clear that you’re good to go!
Dental implants are very safe, and they look great too. If you’re thinking about getting some implants, than talk to a qualified dentist today!
To Nominate a Family Email Us at: shinedentalassociates@gmail.com
Are dental implants the best way to stabilize your dentures?
Millions of people worldwide are affected by loose dentures. For them, every day is a struggle to keep their dentures in place, every meal is a challenge and every social occasion is a nightmare. Especially when it comes to lower jaw dentures nothing is 100% effective, not even adhesives.
This is why so many people wearing dentures avoid certain foods, even if their health may be suffering. If dentures slip while speaking, self-confidence is diminished and those persons won’t be able to live a normal life, like they did before. when they had their original teeth.
(more…)
One of the most frequently repeated complaints of denture wearers is that their dentures are too loose, making eating and even talking more difficult. Although the bottom is the one that experiences the greatest slippage, it can affect the top plate as well.
Is there a solution? How can you fix loose and slipping dentures? Most would suggest that denture adhesive is the answer, but we have something much better, a solution which is both permanent and revolutionary.
As a denture wearer, you will have had – at least once – the embarrassing experience of your bottom plate falling out whilst eating. Unfortunately, this is a problem that can, and does, very easily recur. The market provides plenty of denture adhesives, but they are all less than adequate.
The best solution for your problem is dental implants.
A dental implant is a surgical-grade titanium post that is placed in the jaw. These posts are specially designed to allow the bone to grow around it, and as a consequence also helps to prevent bone loss, an issue so common with denture wearers. Each of these titanium posts has a small round ball at the top over which the dental plates are placed. You will receive approximately three or four such implants, and when the dental plate is laid over top of it your dentures will be firmly secured. In fact, your dentures will remain as stable as real teeth.
The benefits of dental implants are obvious: You will be able to chew and eat any food that you desire, your speech and pronunciation will vastly improve eliminating any lisps or whistles, and because the dental implants allow your dentures to function as real teeth your self esteem will significantly improve, making you a happier and more confident person.
Don’t waste your money buying expensive denture adhesives; they just don’t work. Ask us about our dental implants, and how you too can benefit from this revolutionary, safe, and effective technique!
Call our Franklin Square, Long Island office today at (516) 565-6565 for a free consultation to discuss how we can give you the smile you always wanted.
Question: I have dentures that are uncomfortable. They’re loose. They get food trapped underneath them. What can I do?
Answer: I get asked frequently about dentures and how come they get small particles of food trapped underneath which irritate the gums and make it uncomfortable to eat.
Dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth, but unfortunately sometimes they don’t provide that stability and the adequate seal that you need to eliminate the possibility of particles of food getting trapped or pieces of food getting trapped. So a lot times we go ahead and place dental implants which will give you a permanent restoration, it can give you a permanent replacement of those missing teeth without having to remove your dentures using different types of adhesive which sometimes is not even healthy to use and give you the permanent option that you need and eliminate that problem that you’re experiencing.
Dentures can also be realigned and refit if necessary to try to eliminate the food impaction or the particles getting underneath, but it doesn’t always eliminate it.
So therefore there’s many other options available to you.
Give us a call today. We participate with many different insurance plans. We offer interest free financing. We have flexible payment options as well.
So give us a call, I’m sure we can help you. There’s no reason to wait because those dentures will not get any better. Implants could be a great solution to your problems. Even if you’re a smoker there’s still options available to you to replace those missing teeth. So give us a call today at 516-565-6565 for your free consultation.