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May 16th, 2012
Dentist use dental vacuum systems in almost every procedure. They sometimes use them during a routine check-up, as well as oral surgery procedures. Dental vacuum systems are designed to help the dentist keep the mouth clean of debris, saliva, and even water. When the mouth is clean, it is easier for the professional to see exactly what needs to be done in the procedure.
The manufactures of dental vacuum systems are not only concerned with developing the best system for suction of the particle with no harm to the mouth, but they are concerned about the health of the patient and the environment as well.
There are two different types of equipment available. There is a dry vacuum system where the pump is operated by air to create suction, and a wet version that uses water to create suction. It is a matter of personal preference when it comes to choosing one over the other.
Each machine has many advantages that one should consider before purchasing. Both machines now run with either self-lubricating parts or use water for lubrication. This provides air that is clean to breath and not full of oil vapors. Each machine has a long plastic tube opened at the end for suction and the vacuum itself.
When using dental vacuum systems, it is very important that the right kind of cleaning products or solutions are used for the suction device. Debris can develop inside the tubes which can cause the equipment not to work as well as it should. Also, amalgam collectors are recommended for this machinery as they collect amalgam, silver fillings. It is important to filter these products due to their mercury content.
Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Products, Dental Vacuum Systems, Dentist Equipment
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January 19th, 2012
Question: When replacing a crown due to a cavity underneath, why would the dentist cauterize the gum area around the tooth?
Answer:
Thanks for your enquiry. Most likely you had decay underneath the old crown and a lot of time this extends down along the root surface of the tooth and below the gum line. In order for the dentist to access and remove the decay, the gum tissue needs to be removed. In our office we use a laser to accomplish this. This procedure will ensure that we will get a decay free margin for the crown and it will help get a good impression of the prepared tooth to send to the dental laboratory.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDS
713.795.5905
888.790.0309
Posted in Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
August 25th, 2011
Dental care is safe and essential during pregnancy. Forward are some treatment guidelines for special needs in pregnancy and the post-partum period. Routine dental hygiene treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy or post-partum. Although, “Routine” x-rays should be postponed until after delivery, if possible. If any other dental procedures during pregnancy are required, please keep the following in mind.
- Anything other than emergency care should be postponed until 12 weeks gestation (1st trimester).
- X-rays required to evaluate and treat any problems may be done with abdominal shielding. Postponing until 12 weeks gestation would be best unless it is an emergency.
- Local anesthetics such as Lidocaine, Marcaine, etc. can be used with or without Epinephrine.
- Pain relievers such as Tylenol and Tylenol #3 are acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“NSAIDS” (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) should be avoided at all stages of pregnancy, but are acceptable during breastfeeding.
- Antibiotics in the penicillin and cephalosporin classes are acceptable in pregnancy, and during breastfeeding, if the patient is not allergic. Please let the dentist know if there is any history that would require septic bacterial endocarditic (SBE) prophylaxis, so it may be treated appropriately. Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Erythromycin estolate are contraindicated in pregnancy. Ciproflaxacin is also contraindicated in breastfeeding.
Pregnancy alone is not a reason to postpone routine or necessary dental treatment; it is safe, effective and should continue throughout the pregnancy. After reading these guidelines if there are any questions please do not hesitate to ask your dentist. They are very happy to help you.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist
Tags: ask your dentist, dental exams, dental treatment, Pregnancy Dental Care
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
August 4th, 2011
Question: Hi, I currently have 5 dental implants in my upper jaw along with a dolder bar which supports a denture. Pretty clumsy and old technology and I wondered what was new in this regard. Although I reside in Canada I have family in Conroe and visit often, and saw your ad on a recent visit.
What I am waiting for is technology that will enable me to get rid of the denture implant by adding teeth to each implant, or some variation thereof.
If you can help I would like to start a discussion with you.
Regards
~Joe Mackenzie
Answer: Thanks for the enquiry. We would be more than happy to help you out. We have switched a person that has an implant supported denture to a fixed porcelain bridge that is supported by cosmetic dental implants (this functions more like natural teeth). The first place to start is to come in for a consultation. Within an hour, we can do an evaluation of your mouth and come up with a recommendation(s) for you. Would you like to set up an appointment?
I hope this answers your questions.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDS
713.795.5905
888.790.0309
Reply: Thanks for the prompt reply, I would be happy to see you on my next visit but dates have not yet been settled. I will revert to you in due course as soon as I know the dates.
If you were to be able to give me a fixed porcelain bridge could you estimate an approximate cost?
Also I seem to recall that some problems used to occur with speech (lisping) in the older types of implant, have you encountered this as a problem with the fixed bridge system?
Regards
~Joe Mackenzie
Tags: dental checkups, dental exams, dental implants, houston dentist
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
August 1st, 2011
Dental loupes can help give your dentist a better view when it comes to resolving your dentistry issues. The magnification offered by these instruments can be advantageous when it comes to evaluating the state of your teeth, as the dentist has a much closer look than he would without them. There are a couple of numbers your dentist is going to want to consider when looking to purchase these tools. He’ll want to figure out the magnification he wants, the depth of field he wants, and the working distance he wants. That will help him determine the particulars for the dental loupes he desires.
There are flip up styles and Through-The-Lens (TTL) styles. Previously, the TTL type offered the advantage of being lighter weight, while the flip up styles offered advantages such as easier physical adjustment of the instruments and the ability to more easily look around the lenses to get an unmagnified view. Now, however, there are lighter weight flip up styles, so they can compete with the TTL on this point. There are also accessories that can be purchased for the dental loupes. Your dentist might want to have a specific protective carrying case for it, or he might choose to have a light in order to better illuminate the dental work he’s doing. This way he doesn’t have to worry about being in the way of the overhead light.
Dental loupes can also be advantageous when it comes to the evaluation for the hygienist or dentist. The instrument usage is becoming more and more common, and the training using them can look good on your resume.
Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Supplies
Posted in Dental Equipment | No Comments »
August 1st, 2011
Endodontic instruments are very fragile and delicate pieces of equipment that need to be taken special care of for many different reasons. They are small because of the areas that they are required to work in and therefore require careful attention when they are being used and when they are cleaned and sterilized after they are used during a procedure.
Many will classify endodontic instruments into four different categories. These include the following categories, exploring, extirpating, enlarging (cleaning and shaping) and filling. Each of these categories require special tools to help with the specific procedure. They are all important and each serves a special purpose. When exploring the area, the use of an explorer is needed. This is because the naked eye cannot see the calcification or small orifices that may need to be examined. Extirpating will require the use of a barbed broach. This delicate tool must fit appropriately or it will not function correctly. Pluggers and spreaders are endodontic instruments that help to fill the areas that are needed. Almost always some type of irrigation syringe or system will be needed to help clear out any debris that may have entered the small areas during the process. These syringes are usually disposable and contain a needle on the end that is inserted into the canal.
Sterilization of your endodontic instruments is a very important part of the entire process. Not only is it important for the health of your patients for many reasons, it is also vital to your equipment. These tools will not work properly if they are not taken care of. They must be thoroughly cleaned properly in order to maintain their effectiveness for use in your dental practice on a daily basis. They will last longer and work better if they are taken care of the right way.
Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Supplies, Endodontic Instruments
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August 1st, 2011
Orthodontic instruments are the tools that are necessary for your orthodontist to do his job. You know that orthodontia treatment probably means braces and sometimes additional treatments as well. You may have a retainer before or after the braces treatment, or you may need the orthodontic instruments to be used for other procedures. You’ll likely have a mold made of your mouth, which will help your orthodontist with your treatment. You’ll have to sit and cooperate for the orthodontist and staff as they attach the brackets to your teeth. The brackets then get wire run through them, and they get tightened at certain intervals. Different teeth are going to need different treatment, and, early on in your relationship with your orthodontist, you should be able to get a good idea of the extent of the orthodontic work expected.
If you are the orthodontist, you know just how important it is to have good quality orthodontic instruments. You’ll likely be using these for years to come, and, the better quality tools you get, the longer they’ll likely hold up for you. In addition to lasting longer and holding up better, these better quality tools may even do a better job for you. You want to be a highly recommended orthodontist, and you certainly don’t want people advising against using you due to unacceptable orthodontic instruments. Be sure to remember that the patients you’re working with are likely to be somewhat anxious when they come to their first appointments. Anything you can do to help ease their minds can help them be more comfortable with the work that has to be done.
Tags: Dental Equipment, Dental Supplies, Orthodontic Instruments
Posted in Dental Equipment | No Comments »
August 1st, 2011
If you have a horse that has dental issues that need to be taken care of, the person who helps the horse will be using equine dental instruments. These are tools to be used for horse dentistry, and they help make it easier for the person providing the treatment. Obviously, the tools for humans aren’t going to be of much use for the horses, and they’re going to need particular equine dental instruments.
Foals are often expected to have their first examination shortly after birth. After this, they tend to have appointments twice a year until the permanent teeth are all in at around five years. Once your horse is about five years old, the appointments may continue at twice a year, or they may be pushed back to about one year apart. While this preventative maintenance for the horse’s teeth is a good first step, you can’t just sit back and ignore the teeth between the visits. There are other things you should keep an eye out for in case problems develop between appointments. If your horse stops eating certain things, has bad breath, or has any facial swelling, you’ll want to have the horse looked at to see if it’s a tooth problem causing the issue, and you will need to have any issues treated with the equine dental instruments.
If you are on the purchasing end of the equine dental instruments, you’ll want to be sure you can get a decent deal on the tools, but the price certainly isn’t the sole thing you should consider. You’ll want to evaluate the quality of the tools as well as the customer service you receive from the company.
Tags: Dental Supplies, Equine Dental Instruments, Veterinarian Dental Supplies
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July 29th, 2011
Dental extraction instruments are what your dentist is going to have to use if you end up with a tooth that needs to be pulled. If you have a dentist already, you can speak with him about any questions or concerns you have about your teeth, and he should be able to work with you on the state of your teeth. If, for some reason, you aren’t able or willing to have the work done, or the work is unsuccessful in saving the tooth, you may end up needing to have it removed instead. If you have any questions about the dental extraction instruments that will be used, your dentist should be willing to answer them, and put your mind at ease. If you don’t have a family dentist already, you’ll want to get some recommendations so you can find one and start going to the appointments regularly.
Unfortunately, if you’re already at the point where you’re looking into having to deal with dental extraction instruments, it’s probably past the point where you just need an exam or cleaning. You’re likely looking at having bridgework done or possibly getting dentures. Each of these procedures is likely to require several dentist appointments in order to get everything done. If you’re not just dealing with a failed procedure, you might be choosing to have your tooth removed in order not to spend money you don’t have on a procedure that might not do any good anyway. If you’re nervous about anything regarding the procedures or the dental extraction instruments, you can talk to your dentist and get all your questions answered before the big day.
Tags: dental bridgework, Dental Equipment, Dentures
Posted in Dental Equipment | No Comments »
July 29th, 2011
Oral surgery instruments are equipment used in oral surgery by your dentist or surgeon. There are a number of different tools that are used depending on the particular procedure you may be having done. If you’re dealing with a root canal, you are likely going to be dealing with quite different tools than if you’re having a tooth removed. If you haven’t been to the dentist regularly, now would be the time to start. While trying to find a regular dentist, you can look for recommendations from friends, and, if you have any qualms about going to the dentist, a friend with similar concerns can help put your mind at ease regarding the recommended dentist. If you have any bigger procedures you might need to have done, you’re going to want to get as comfortable as you can with the idea of the oral surgery instruments you might need to deal with.
Whatever your dental issues, you should be able to find a dentist who will work with you. You must be sure you are as comfortable as you can be with the procedure and the appointment, regardless of the oral surgery instruments used. There are even dentists that practice “sedation dentistry”. If you have any questions for your dentist, you should be able to get them answered even well before your appointment. You don’t have to have any extra anxieties crowding your mind. Once you’ve managed to get into the dentist and have him take care of any big issues with oral surgery instruments, you’re going to want to be sure you continue to go see the dentist on a regular basis.
Tags: Dental Equipment, Oral Surgery, Oral Surgery Instruments
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