5 Tips for Transitioning Into Digital Dentistry

As it has so many aspects of modern life, digital technology is revolutionizing the dental industry. After evolving over the past two decades, digital equipment in the dentist's office has hit its peak, with an increasing number of manufacturers turning their focus to sleek, efficient, precise digital tools. Most dentists are using some form of digital technology in their office to varying degrees, from the simplest electronic filing system to the most advanced chairside CAD/CAM (computer-aided manufacturing and design) machine.With the widespread proliferation of digital dentistry, the field is on the precipice of a new age of dentistry. In the coming years, digital technology in the dental practice will become less of an exciting bonus and more of a necessity to keep up with the twenty-first century market. The five tips listed below can help you embrace digital dentistry and leverage it to your advantage.1. Read up on the latest technologies.Not everyone can be an early adopter, especially since digital technologies can be expensive, but it is important to include digital dentistry training as part of your continuing education work. Most dentistry conferences and seminars nowadays include training and courses on digital tools so you can hone your skills and try out new machines to see if they suit your office's needs.As well as continuing education, you also need to diligently research any equipment you're considering purchasing. Fortunately, the digital dental market is booming, so you have lots of options, but make sure to look past a salesperson's buzzwords and promises to find out key pieces of data (cost per unit, materials required for upkeep, the expected return on investment of the equipment, etc.).If you already have digital equipment in your office, it behooves you to keep reading up on the most recent technological advances so you can stay ahead of the curve.2. Invest in an intraoral scanner.If you want to try out digital dentistry without breaking your bank, purchase an intraoral scanner for your practice (after having researched the brands thoroughly, of course). These machines typically cost about $10,000 to $15,000 but can easily pay for themselves in time. With an intraoral scanner, you'll avoid using messy PVS for impressions, replacing them with precise, 3D digital images and videos that can often be directly input into your or your lab's software to create restorations. Intraoral scanners are also very versatile machines-they can improve patient education, assist with orthodontic planning, and even detect caries.


3. Consider a chairside CAD/CAM system.Once you've tried out your intraoral scanner, you may want to invest in a chairside CAD/CAM system. This is an increasingly popular investment option for dentists because it means you can create same-day restorations, saving you and your patients' time and money. It can also lower your lab costs and expand your services, which could you're your business. However, CAD/CAM machines are significantly more expensive than intraoral scanners (often in excess of $100,000), so you should crunch the numbers with your accountant before taking the plunge.4. Digitize your files.While equipment like intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems are very important to your practice, the safety and functionality of your files is arguable just as vital. Over 90 percent of dentists have already switched to EHR, or Electronic Health Records, which allow front office staff, hygienists, dentists, and specialists to review patients' files on the computer. EHR systems make scheduling appointments, making diagnoses, creating treatment plans, and billing patients much more efficient and effective processes. If you're concerned about meeting HIPAA standards, EHR can also safeguard your patients' privacy and therefore protect your practice from the ramifications of violations. For even simpler, more streamlined filing, consider using a cloud-based system over EHR stored on a LAN (local area network). This allows any of your staff to access files on any tablet or device and backs up your information to secure servers via the Internet.5. Train yourself and your staff in new devices.Your first concern with regard to digital dentistry might be the cost of your machines, but remember that making these changes also requires an investment of time and energy. Your expensive CAD/CAM machine won't do you much good if you and your employees don't know how to use it properly. When you decide to transition to digital dentistry, involve your staff in this decision and take the time for everyone to learn how to use the new equipment.Embrace the Digital Age of DentistryBy following these suggestions, you can ensure your dental practice's long-term success. Doing proper research, making wise investments, and making an effort to learn the ins and outs of new technology can allow your office to thrive for many years to come.

Why Dental Implants Are The Ideal Solution For Missing Teeth

Modern dentistry has made considerable advancements in just the past decade alone. One of the biggest indicators of advancing dental care and solutions is the rise of the dental implant. Before implants became so well-known, people who were missing one tooth or even a few were relegated to bulky dentures or went without.Although living with missing teeth can cause other dental issues, few people wanted to elect to use a bridge or dentures to cover up the problem. This case is especially true with young people. However, until recently, there was not a very good alternative to replace missing teeth.Therefore, the dental industry decided to ban together and create a superior method for replacing missing teeth. Their innovative ability gave society the rise of the dental implant and what a leap forward it has been.The reason many patients did not enjoy dental implants is because they had to be removed, cleaned and replaced separate from the oral cavity. Additionally, it was common for them to rub sores on gums, have food become stuck underneath them and prevented the wearer from eating certain foods.Yet, patients who received dental implants have none of the issues associated with other solutions for missing teeth. This is because the implant functions as another tooth. Thus, once it is in place, the person can resume his or her lifestyle. The tooth needs no additional care, other than daily brushing, flossing and regular checkups.However, just because dentists have been singing their praises everywhere, it does not mean that everyone is an ideal candidate for them. The ideal patient has a healthy mouth, good oral hygiene, substantial bone to hold the implant and healthy gum tissue.All of those factors are important because the wearer must be able to properly care for the tooth and improper bone and infected gum tissue can cause the implant to break or a gum infection to spread to other areas, thus risking the patient's health.Once the person has been evaluated as a good candidate for the procedure, they have to visit their periodontist for two procedures. The initial procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and includes placing the implant's root and waiting up to four months for everything to fuse together.


This is where, healthy, dense bone is key. The healthier and denser the bone, the quicker the healing process will finish. Then, a few months later the dentist will place the implant's crown and the procedure is finished.One reason dentists love the procedure is because it has a very high success rate. It has more than a 95% success rate. One cannot find any other option for missing teeth with a higher rate.Also, periodontists, orthodontists, dentists and other dental professionals are obsessed with symmetry and implants don't block the flow of a person's symmetry because the implant is part of their body now.Another reason why implants are ideal is because with proper care, they do not need to be replaced. Yes, dental implants can last a lifetime and match anyone's lifestyle. People can eat their favorite foods and continue their oral health habits without adding any extra steps to their nightly and morning routines.One of the most appealing parts of a dental implant to a patient is the look. Implants look 100% natural and hardly anyone can discern the difference between the natural tooth and the implant. It is not uncommon for implants to be hand-painted using a patient's real teeth as the guideline.Quite a bit of skill goes into crafting implants which is why it is nearly impossible to tell an implant from a real tooth. Dental implants are far and away the best option for people who are able to receive them.Implants balance a patient's symmetry, become a part of the patient, look and feel natural, have a high success rate and don't require any extra care. People who have implants typically have them for life and they can eat anything they want without worrying about the implant falling out. This is modern dentistry at its finest.

Bad Breath Smell - Common Causes and Remedies

Once you know what is causing the bad breath smell, also known as halitosis, its treatment becomes easy. The most frequent cause is bacterial growth in our mouth. So, if you avoid getting bacteria accumulated in the mouth, the unpleasant smell gets eliminated. The easiest way to avoid bacterial growth in mouth is to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and exercise daily flossing. It is also important to brush your tongue to keep halitosis under control.The likelihood of developing bad breath is higher in case of a dry mouth, compared to a damp mouth. This implies that drinking lot of water helps keeping bad smell at bay. You can also keep your mouth damp by chewing gum without sugar, as that encourages the production of saliva, keeping the mouth damp. It is important not to use gums containing sugar, as the sugar is responsible for causing tooth decay, which in turn is responsible for the creation of bad breath.It is recommended to call upon your dentist at least two times a year, because dentists can spot cavities, largely responsible for causing disagreeable mouth odors, and fill them up.A dentist can educate you on how to clean your teeth appropriately. Dentists can also recommend the most effective mouthwash for you. Since bacteria that leads to a bad-smelling mouth tend to get accumulated on the tongue, it is imperative to clean your tongue also. In case you are wearing dentures, do follow the instructions of your dentist to prevent an unpleasant smell of your breath.


It's essential to maintain a good oral hygiene for avoiding bad breath smell. You should also realize that certain foods can also cause bad breath. Some such foods include garlic, onion, deli meats and certain kinds of cheese. These should be avoided to keep your breath smelling fresh.However, at times, you may not be able to avoid such odor causing foods. In such cases, the mere brushing of your teeth doesn't eliminate those unpleasant odors, as they generally hang around for one or two days. The most practical way to control bad breath on those days is to use mouthwash and chew gums containing mint. Some people manage avoiding unpleasant smelling mouths by chewing a stem of fresh parley after their meals.Those people having issues of bad breath should not smoke. If this can't be avoided, the only way to suppress bad odor is to chew gums and mint. For treating bad breath, you have to brush and floss regularly, as well as keep your mouth moist and body hydrated. Despite these measures, a smoker's may continue to smell bad.At times, the cause of bad breath may be certain medications or a bad state of health. Such cases call for expert medical advice. Some of the diseases known to cause bad breath smell are diabetes, gum disease, certain kinds of cancers, kidney failure or an erratic functioning of the bowls. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor when getting affected by halitosis in order to know its cause and get the subsequent treatment.

Something to Know About Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentistry involves many types of dental treatments like:• Bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Crowning
• Grafting
• Enameloplasty
• Gum depigmentation
• Gingivectomy
• Tooth straighteningetc.But the most sought after and popular cosmetic dentistry option is 'teeth whitening'. An estimated $18 billion is spent in the US annually by people who undergo tooth whitening treatment.What is tooth whitening?It is a procedure to help remove discoloration and stains from the teeth. It is one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry because it transforms the way people look as teeth flash brighter and a good set of shining teeth is a beautiful sight. However, over time since teeth tend to get stained and discolored it has to be repeated regularly to maintain the brightness.The common reasons for tooth staining and yellowing are:• Tobacco usage
• Consumption of colored liquids like coffee, tea and wine
• Improper care of teeth
• Ageing also thins the enamel making teeth look dull and stainedThe process of tooth whitening is effective most on surface (extrinsic) stains rather than intrinsic (inside the enamel) stains.Types of tooth whiteningTooth whitening is of two basic types - vital and non-vital. Teeth that have live nerves undergo vital whitening while teeth that no longer have live nerves after a root-canal treatment undergo non-vital whitening. Tooth bleaching is a simple procedure done by a dentist by applying a whitening gel or paste directly to the surface of the tooth. The paste or gel may likely contain hydrogen peroxide, a lightening agent.


The most common type of vital tooth whitening uses a gel-like whitening solution that is applied directly to the tooth surface. This product contains some form of hydrogen peroxide.Dental BleachingTooth whitening also called dental bleaching is a common procedure in dentistry. Bleaching is the term used to refer to process that goes beyond whitening or natural color. Tooth bleaching involves the use of chemicals like carbamide peroxide. Along with tooth whitening gel, the dentist uses a specialized laser to activate the gel triggering off the bleaching process.Although tooth bleaching today uses modern equipment and chemicals, it is actually an ancient practice used by Romans and some other civilizations; goat milk and urine were used to keep teeth white.Difference between whitening and bleachingWhitening refers to restoration of the tooth's surface color by removing dirt and stains. Hence, any product like toothpaste or tooth gel that acts like a cleaner is considered a whitening agent. On the other hand, bleaching contains chemicals like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide and is allowed to be used only if teeth can be whitened beyond their natural brightness or color.

Keep Calm and Take Your Child to See Dentists

The search is on for your child's first dentist. As daunting as this sounds there are some things to be aware of during your search and some criteria that will make the decision a little easier for you and for your child. There are many types of dentists, such as general and family, periodontists, orthodontists, endodontists, oral & maxillofacial surgeons. There are even pediatric dentists that specialize in young children and easing them into a comfortable environment. The first step in choosing who is best for you and your family is to choose the area of expertise that is needed. Most likely, family or general dentistry will be the starting point. Making the choice of your family's practice is a personal one. Many times, location, insurance and even fear play a big part in the decision making process. Whether we like it or not, insurance coverage is a key factor in choosing dentists. Researching who within the family practice is covered is a first step.Asking some pertinent questions such as the experience level of the dentist, fees, referral policies, emergency practices, and even researching how friendly and courteous the office staff and hygienists are is a good starting point. Many times referrals from friends or relatives will also help immensely in your choice. Visiting the offices of dentists that you have chosen will be a great opportunity to see things for yourself. Taking your child with you is a wonderful way to ease any anxiety they may have of the process. Many offices offer consultations in which you can ask questions and receive further information that will aid in finding who is best suited for your family. Be sure to bring a list of questions with you to the appointment so nothing is missed.


If fear is a factor for your child, there are positive steps you can take to set your child at ease. When our children are young, they rely on our guidance when it comes to new experiences, and adults set the tone for how well their first check up will go. Being relaxed and confident will help them feel at ease. Many times, a prior visit just to sit in the chair to become familiar with the sights and sounds of dentists at work will be invaluable. If your child has questions, be sure to answer them honestly but without unnecessary details. Once in the chair for the first time the doctor or hygienist should go over each instrument and what it will be used for before actually performing any procedure. This is where your research for the perfect dentist for your family falls into play. Feeling comfortable with your choice will result in a happy, productive first visit. Getting past the fear will ensure that future visits will be a great start to a lifetime of good dental health.Dental hygiene at home is also something to consider. Before your child ever needs to visit a dental facility they should learn about healthcare for their teeth. Starting young is important. Proper oral hygiene, like brushing, flossing, using mouth rinse and maintaining a well-balanced diet will all result in keeping tooth decay at bay. Finding your child's first dental provider can be an easy transition into a happy and stress-free lifelong relationship with dentists. So stay calm and be sure to SMILE - After all your smile is what it is all about!

Interesting Facts About Dental Services

The Australian Institute of Health reveals that approximately $8.3 billion was spent on dental services during 2011-12. That's more than double the expenditure in 2001-02, which stood at $3.7 billion. Certainly, there should be significant benefits derived from such dental care, since people are spending more and more on these services.Well, here are some interesting facts about dental care, including the benefits derived from it.How Important Is Dental Care?If you thought oral health is simply about getting a sparkling smile, you're completely mistaken. What you may not realize is that the impact of poor oral health can actually constitute a silent epidemic. Indeed, oral diseases can greatly impact many seemingly benign roles in your life, including: eating, sleeping, work and socializing.The US Department of Health and Human Services clearly illustrates the impact of poor oral hygiene. Oral diseases can potentially hinder swallowing, chewing and sleep; while disrupting sleep as well as productivity. Commonly, affected persons end up with tooth loss. This can impact much more than your physical appearance, since a 1992 study by Locker revealed that compromised nutrition and deteriorating diets are a direct consequence of tooth loss.Pain and infection, as well as destruction of soft tissue within the mouth, or even death (in rare circumstances) are all consequences of poor oral health. Undeniably, such occurrences would greatly impact your self-esteem, as well as social and psychological wellbeing. Therefore, oral care is a fundamental component in preserving your quality of life and overall health.Economic Impact Of Oral Health IssuesSumming up the overall impact of poor oral health on individual Australians produces a much more startling picture. According to a 2001 report by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council (AHMAC), the economic impact of dental caries was comparable to both heart disease and diabetes. In fact, dental caries took the second position when ranking the most costly diet-related diseases within Australia.


Who Is Qualified To Offer Dental Service?The Australian Dental Association (ADA) provides clear guidelines concerning the qualifications necessary for practicing dentistry. To be sure that you're getting the best care possible, you must check that your dentist fully complies with such requirements. One of this is the fact that medical professionals must be registered within the state where they're practicing dentistry.Any medical professional practicing dentistry should also possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Science qualification. Such qualifications are typically from Australian, United Kingdom and New Zealand universities. In certain cases, foreign graduates can still practice dentistry, as long as they reside within the particular state in which they practice and hold visas approved for employment.What Can Be Done Apart From Dental Care?Obviously, no one should just leave all the responsibility for his/ her oral care to medical professionals. Each individual should practice good oral habits that foster healthy teeth, which might even reduce the need for dental visits. Such simple measures as water fluoridation can help protect your dental health. In fact, a 2002 report by the Department of Human Services reveals that for every $1 investment in water fluoridation, between $12.6 and $80 savings are made in dental treatment costs.

A Cosmetic Dentist Can Help You Look Your Best!

What is a cosmetic dentist, you ask? They work on your mouth in order to give you the brightest, most attractive smile! But unlike a traditional oral surgeon who focuses primarily on oral health, they focus on your teeth's appearance. So if you're looking to obtain a smile that would make even the biggest celebrities jealous, consider getting a smile makeover. Read on to learn more about services typically offered by a cosmetic dentist.Why Get A Smile MakeoverBelieve this proclamation: the smiles you see on TV are not real, for the most part, because most actors, reality TV stars and game show hosts have all sought professional help when it comes to their teeth. They are, after all, in showbiz, and appearance matters. This phenomena of extreme smile makeovers are perfect examples of how a smile can dictate the overall appearance of your face. In this sense, the goal of the cosmetic dentist is to help you achieve not just the brightest smile, but also the most attractive visage. How do they do it, you ask? Well have no fear; here are a few of the most popular methods.MethodsSome people opt for traditional braces in lieu of expensive surgery to straighten their teeth while others take advantage of new technologies, such as Invisalign (a play on the word "invisible" and "align"). Invisalign is an advanced and proven technology that doesn't require surgery, and unlike braces, it's removable. It works with your gums to make your natural smile more attractive, and best of all, it's not detectable to the normal eye.


Porcelain VeneersGetting a porcelain veneer, perhaps the most popular method for obtaining a smile makeover, provides the least hassle over braces or surgery. Anything from genetics to everyday activities to what you consume can negatively impact your grill, especially in the front. Veneers are easy to maintain and can be removed easily in a snap. Literally, they snap into place.Dental ImplantsGetting dental implants requires sitting through a minor surgery. It's basically like getting new teeth. Implants are artificial, and when correctly affixed and cared for, they look like natural teeth. However, they are susceptible to normal wear and tear just like real teeth. If you opt for these, make sure the cosmetic dentist that installs them can also help you maintain them.DenturesLike implants, dentures look completely natural. You might consider dentures if you have multiple teeth that need extra care. The bright side; they are removable and less expensive than drilling. The down side, however, is that you'll have to replace them at some point, and that means more money out of your wallet.So now you've decided to seek out a cosmetic dentist. Keep in mind that this article does not provide all of the details, and that each office provides their own kinds of services. But be sure to discuss the above methods with your oral doctor to see if any of them would compliment and enhance those pearly whites of yours.