Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth are made up of an incredibly hard, outer 'enamel' layer that allows you to bite and chew, a more porous 'dentin' layer extending from beneath the enamel to below the gumline, and an inner, soft tissue 'pulp' layer containing the tooth's vital nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Damage such as receding gums or chipped, cracked, worn or broken enamel can allow underlying nerve endings to be exposed to air, hot, cold, and touch… resulting in 'sensitive teeth'. Once dentin is exposed, it's tough to correct the situation. In some cases, laser technology may successfully seal the tiny exposed tubules; in other cases it's necessary to simply treat the symptoms.

First, we may suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums from further irritation and recession; we may also recommend a special toothpaste formulated to block access to the nerve endings or to insulate the nerve itself; and finally, we may prescribe a fluoride rinse or gel. For a few weeks, as you wait for these measures to take effect, you'll need to monitor what you eat and drink-- avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages, stopping any habitual, conscious grinding or clenching, and brushing very gently with a soft brush.

Xrays

Traditional x rays in a dental office use a technique that has not changed much in almost a century. Light energy, in this case x ray radiation, interacts with a chemical emulsion on the surface of a piece of film. This is developed in a dark-room using still more chemicals to produce an image which the dentist then squints at in front of a light to diagnose. We are taught in dental school to use magnification and a variable light source, but the reality is that few dentists do this. The results of this method are:

• diagnosis of the most obvious areas of decay.
• Several minutes waiting for the image to see if the thing we wanted to see is actually on the film.
• Several more minutes waiting to develop the retake.
• Much fretting when the film you want to see has been lost.
• You get the idea...

Using digital radiography, your dentist can now clearly identify all external and internal anatomical structures, and accurately diagnose your dental problems all within seconds and with minimal radiation exposure! What's even more amazing is that they can immediately translate that information into a large, clear, accurate image right next to your chair…ready for discussion.

Digital radiography’s technology improves and simplifies the way dentists care for their patients’ teeth, resulting in better dental evaluations and treatment decisions. A sensor placed in the mouth acts like a miniature digital camera with an x-ray sensitive chip, exposing you to 50%-90% less radiation exposure than with traditional x-ray techniques. The resulting highly detailed image of your mouth is almost instantaneously translated onto the computer screen, carrying with it all the conveniences of other digitized images. the dentist can rotate it, magnify it, adjust it for contrast, and even color-code it for educational purposes. Further, they can store it easily and efficiently in our computer files, eliminating paper files as well as image wear and tear. For insurance purposes, referrals or patient education, it can be easily, inexpensively and faithfully reproduced any number of times. And because it helps patients clearly understand the root issues behind their dental health, dentist and patient are able to work together to determine the very best treatment options for each case.

Lumineers

Lumineers are porcelain facings that are manufactured and marketed--heavily--by the DenMat corporation. The advertisements claim that the veneers can be placed with little or no tooth preparation or grinding and no shots. In some cases, this is true, but most often it is not. Be certain that your dentist has adequate training in cosmetic dentistry before agreeing to have this type of facing placed on your teeth. Improper placement can lead to bulky teeth, painful bite problems, and even tooth loss. Never be afraid to seek a second opinion. A competent dentist will have no problem with this.

Finding your best dentist

Occasionally, I will do a Google search on cosmetic dentistry just to see who the Google gurus think has the best match for the search term. The first several entries always go to the national organizations and advertising services, but generally their is one actual dentist on the list. For a long time, the first dentist was Shawn Keller in Seattle, but today's search brought up Dr Sun in Los Angeles...Dentist to the stars! Clearly, the stars have no trouble finding the dentist most suited to them. Dr Sun is an excellent clinician and has the credentials to prove it, but how does the average non-star find a good dentist?
The first place to check is with friends, family, and co-workers. Then, check to see if the dentist is a member of the major dental organizations: American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Call to see if the dentist will give you a free "get acquainted" visit or at least give you some time on the phone to ask questions. Your looking for someone skilled who is not in a hurry because they have to see 50 patients a day as many PPO dentists do. As with most things, you get what you pay for. For more on choosing a dentist click here. Happy hunting!