How Clean Is Clean?

A patient recently commented to me about how "clean" her teeth felt after our hygienist had finished. I was pleased that the patient enjoyed the newly polished and smooth texture of her dentition; however, I also saw an opportunity for a little education.

Part of TOOTH ANATOMY includes leftover vestiges of development called dentinal tubules. These microscopic pores provide the perfect hiding place for bacteria and yeast. This fact makes it practically impossible to mechanically remove all microbes from a tooth's surface. This is why many times I will recommend a chemical therapy as an adjunct to regular hygiene maintenance.

DID YOU KNOW?... The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. Consider the mouth, gut, skin, etc. In fact many of these bacterial cells are actually beneficial to us.

Tired of Your Denture? Have REAL Teeth Again!

New Materials and Techniques Allow Dentists to Do New Procedures

When a person is missing all or most of their teeth, the options for replacing them become limited. Nowadays dentists can use implants and stronger materials to restore full arches of teeth.  A lot of patients are choosing this option and the satisfaction rate is very high.

The below pictures are of a case recently delivered by Carmichael Dental Care. This is a "fixed hybrid" Trinia prosthesis on 7 implants. A minimum of 4 implants is required for this type of treatment.

Abutment Visible

Occlusal View

Mounted View 

Smile View

This patients was so happy to have his old, natural looking teeth back!... and they didn't come in and out of his mouth. He said he was going to go eat a steak that night.

Dentistry has a lot to offer and is a great way to help people improve their quality of life.

If you're in Alabama and have questions, feel free to call the office. We'd be happy to schedule a free consultation with you. Our number is 334-270-9924 or you can visit our website www.myALdentist.com. 

WARNING: GRAPHIC - Wisdom Tooth Surgery Photos

The following photographs are from a wisdom tooth surgery. 

Proceed with caution if you have a low tolerance for graphic pictures.

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Pre-op radiograph showing bony impaction and distoangular orientation.

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Pre-op intraoral photograph and planned incision.

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Gingival (gum) flap elevation exposing bone and tooth.

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Bur removal of bone in front, on the side and behind tooth.

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Tooth removed.

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Sutures (stitches) in place. 

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Surgery performed under oral conscious sedation.  Patient reports a very pleasant in-office experience but, as expected, was quite sore the next day.  Strong pain relievers and rest were able to manage the discomfort and kickstart recovery.

Twelve Days To My Wedding! Enamel Microabrasion

This patient is getting married in 12 days. What are his options?

How can the discoloration of the front teeth be reduced?

Before enamel microabrasion.

 

 

Enamel microabrasion is the process of applying an acid/pumice slurry that chemically and mechanically removes a thin layer of enamel and with it, any surface stains or discoloration. 

 

Results vary depending on the depth of the discoloration. Not everyone is a candidate.

 

As the reader can see from the below photo, this patient (and his fiancé) were very pleased.

 

 

After enamel microabrasion.

 

Another success story from Carmichael Dental Care.

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Another Beautiful Case

When lab work gets delivered to our office, we check it for quality.  We strive to ensure the best possible end result to our patients.  Here is another beautiful case by our high quality lab partner.  

Visit us at www.myALdentist.com.

What is a Dry Socket?

Here is a patient-submitted photograph of their dry socket following a tooth extraction.  Notice the dark area behind the last tooth.  

When the healing blood clot that typically forms over an extraction site gets removed, for one reason or another, the bony socket where the tooth used to be is known as a "dry socket". 

These are usually very sore and painful.  The healing cannot very well be accelerated, but the aching can be managed with the application of a medicated dressing by the surgeon.  

Increased risk factors for dry socket includes:  SMOKING, diabetes, vigorous liquid swishing too soon after surgery, drinking carbonated beverages after surgery, eating hard or sharp food, applying negative pressure as when sucking through a straw, etc.

Avoid these activities after surgery.

Interesting Radiographs for you Dentistry Nerds

How mandibles heal on their own after almost 20 years.

Panoramic Radiograph 1996

Panoramic Radiograph 2015

Esthetics of Translucency

The patient loved her new crowns! 

Her old ones (porcelain-fused-to-metal) were very opaque so that no light could shine through.  This greatly reduced esthetic appeal, and they looked fake.  These new ones are made of different material and allow for light to show from behind - very similar to tooth enamel.  The perceived glow greatly enhances esthetic appeal.  Thank you Tosch Laboratory!

Antibiotics for Prosthetic Joint Infection Prophylaxis

Do you have an artificial joint?

The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) published this month that patients with prosthetic joints no longer need to promedicate prior to dental treatment.

A panel has judged that current best evidence fails to demonstrate a link between dental procedures and prosthetic joint infection (PJI).  On the other hand, the risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions, and cost associated with prescribing antibiotics for PJI prophylaxis is much greater.

To read the JADA article, click here.