Why am I getting "X-rayed" again?...

A toothache may feel like it popped up overnight but believe it or not, that usually is not the case. The most common toothache seen at our office is created by decay that has been left too long. Early detection would call for a filling with aftercare use of Clinpro 5000 toothpaste for extra protection instead of a root canal and crown, the treatment when a cavity grows too big. "X-rays" or radiographs are used to "see" areas on the teeth, gums and jaw bones that can not be seen with a visual examination as shown in the x-ray below.

Toothaches are obvious indicators of an issue but along with the toothache, signs of infection don’t show up overnight either.  X-rays may show abnormalities such as infection that are simply hanging out, waiting to strike as seen below. The patient didn't "feel" anything wrong with those teeth but leaving the infection could result in a painful toothache or more permanent consequences like bone loss and tooth loss.

We here at Avalon Dental promote prevention rather than treatment. We would rather prevent a root canal than treat one that wouldn't have been necessary 6 months ago. As a new patient, a full mouth set of x-rays are taken in order to establish a base line and to diagnose any existing conditions. A full mouth set of x-rays is taken about every 3 to 5 years to give an updated in depth view of the mouth as a whole. Every year a set of four "bitewing" x-rays are taken. Bitewings (the first example above) are a valuable tool in detecting cavities and bone loss. We love educating patients about their teeth so feel free to ask us to show you what we see on your next set of x-rays.

10 Common Dental Problems and How to Avoid Them by Catherine Pearson (The Huffington Post)

Catherine Pearson, writing for The Huffington Post, does a great job of helping to educate the common reader about 10 common dental health problems. We here at Avalon Dental see these problems on a daily basis, and can say Ms. Pearson's recommendations on how to avoid them are correct. She does a great job speaking in everyday terms what maybe causing these ailments and some good preventative measures. It's definitely worth a read, and if you feel if it's too late and you already suffer from some of these conditions, give us a call and we'd be happy to go into more detail and offer some corrective treatments.


 10 Common Dental Problems and How to Avoid Them by Catherine Pearson, The Huffington Post

America's Dental Health Crisis

Today, I came across this news article from CNN.com that restated something most dentists are already aware of. Most American's do not have easy access to dental care either through geography or financially.

Opinion: The Real Crisis in America's ER's by Dr. Charles H. Norman

Dr. Charles Norman authored this in depth and well written article about the epidemic of dental emergencies that are adding unnecesary work loads to our already over-worked ERs. With our governments concerns about the cost and access of medical care to our citizens, the role of dental health has been overlooked by our representatives. Dr. Norman makes a very important point that unlike medicine, dental health problems are easily preventable with easy access to preventative care and instructions. My team here at Avalon Dental in Sugar Land, TX, take great pride in emphasizing the importance of prevention through in depth oral hygiene instruction and careful regular screenings.