Digital X-rays for Clear, Accurate Images
Traditional dental X-rays have been "good enough," but with today's dental technology, a more accurate diagnosis is required. Enter digital X-rays. Because of fluoridated water, tooth enamel has become much harder and decay resistant. This is a good thing, except that it makes decay much harder to detect, so it often doesn't even show up on a traditional X-ray. Digital X-rays provide clearer and much more accurate pictures of what's going on inside a patient's mouth. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis. Leaks or breaks in fillings that used to go unnoticed, often leading to root canals, can now be found and treated before major damage is done.
Digital X-ray technology also produces up to 75% less radiation than earlier methods. Traditional X-rays are and always have been perfectly safe, but the problem was that some people were nervous about the amount of radiation they were receiving in the dental office. This new technology greatly reduces this concern. And what's more, there's no waiting for the X-ray to develop. Extremely accurate pictures are available instantly and can be stored on the computer, where they will always be available.
Craycroft Family Dentistry
J. Andrew Craycroft, DMD
1711 Ashley Circle, Suite 3
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 781-4997
CraycroftFamilyDentistry.com
Why Are They Called 'Wisdom Teeth,' and Do I Really Need Them?
These teeth are third molars at the back of your mouth, in both the upper and lower jaws. They came to be called wisdom teeth because they often appear later than all the other teeth, usually between ages 17 and 25. People are supposed to be wiser the older they get, so they came to be called "wisdom teeth." Most adults have four wisdom teeth. Some have more, called "supernumerary" teeth. About 35% of the population doesn't have any.
The problem is that most people don't have room in their mouths for these "extra" teeth. They can fail to erupt through the gums, which is called impaction. There are four kinds of impaction:
- Mesioangular, when the tooth grows toward the front of the mouth
- Vertical, when the tooth simply fails to grow upward
- Distoangular, when the tooth angles backward in the mouth
- Horizontal, when the tooth grows sideways into the roots of the adjacent tooth
Wisdom teeth may also partially erupt, so that the tooth rises above the gumline but is covered by a flap of gum tissue. It's fairly rare that they come in straight and don't cause any trouble. These troubles often include:
- Pushing and crowding of the other teeth, which can cause these teeth to twist and turn.
- Increased risk of cavities in these teeth and especially the adjacent teeth. It's too cramped to get them really clean.
- Infection in the jaw bone, which is fairly common due to the difficulty in keeping them clean.
Extraction is sometimes necessary for a deceased or damaged regular tooth, too.
Craycroft Family Dentistry
J. Andrew Craycroft, DMD
1711 Ashley Circle, Suite 3
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 781-4997
CraycroftFamilyDentistry.com
Hygiene Visits Help to Keep You Healthy
We want you to understand the importance of having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis by our dental hygienist. Proper brushing and flossing removes most build-up on teeth, but sometimes hard-to-reach places are missed. This allows plaque and tartar to form over time, and once it hardens, brushing will not remove it. If tartar develops at and below the gumline, you take the chance of developing gum infections. Research has shown that chronic gum disease plays a role in the development of heart conditions, stroke, and diabetes. Keep your teeth as clean as they need to be to stay healthy with regular professional cleanings!
Craycroft Family Dentistry
J. Andrew Craycroft, DMD
1711 Ashley Circle, Suite 3
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 781-4997
CraycroftFamilyDentistry.com
The Main Cause of Missing Teeth
Most teeth are lost due to gum disease, not decay. Sometimes there are no symptoms up until the infection is severe and you could lose your teeth. Bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and loose teeth are the usual symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease). If detected and treated in the earlier stages, surgery can be avoided with very effective nonsurgical means.
Gum Disease Can Affect Your Overall Health
Recent medical research has proven that infected gums can contribute to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, diabetes, and heart problems. Just as startling is the estimate by the American Dental Association that 80% of Americans have periodontitis. Most dentists consider this to be at an epidemic level and a more serious problem than just losing your teeth. As the bacteria from your gums travels throughout the bloodstream, it has an effect on all vital organs.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."
There Is Good News
Surgery is no longer the only option for gum disease. If treated in the less severe stages, there are very effective nonsurgical means to combat the problem. When improved hygiene is added to the care plan, the infection can be halted, allowing gums to return to a healthy state. If you wait too long to take care of the infection, surgery may be the only option. Both methods are generally covered by most dental insurance plans.
Is There a Problem with Missing Teeth?
The most common reason for tooth loss is gum disease, not decay. And losing even a single tooth is not good, as your ability to chew effectively to absorb nutrients is lessened. With many missing teeth, your facial appearance may begin to look sunken, making you look older. Depending on where your teeth are missing, your speech can be affected, which can be embarrassing. Weight gain is often a result of missing teeth, as high-calorie, soft foods are easier to eat without a full set of teeth.
We recommend dental implants for as many teeth as you have missing. They look and feel natural and function just like your real teeth.
Craycroft Family Dentistry
J. Andrew Craycroft, DMD
1711 Ashley Circle, Suite 3
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 781-4997
CraycroftFamilyDentistry.com
Digital X-rays for Clear, Accurate Images
