FAQs
Office Technology
iTero
We strive to keep up with the latest advancements in dental technologies. Dr. Warner has always been focused on offering state of the art treatment options in our practice has always been a top priority. We currently utilize the latest intra-oral scanner technology available with iTero. The iTero is used for optimal Invisalign treatment planning and results. One of its most impressive functions is making traditional impressions obsolete.We can send your scans directly to labs to have crowns, bridges, and dentures fabricated without any impressions. We also can use the scans in office to fabricate custom nightguards, bleach trays, retainers and implant guides. As dentistry moves more digital, we have made sure to adapt and continue improving our practice to offer patients only the best and latest technology available.
SprintRay 3D Printer
Our SprintRay 3D printer has offered many exciting possibilities in the office. With the SprintRay, we are able to utilize the iTero digital oral scans to print models of your teeth and utilize them for numerous in-office dental appliances. This ability allows us to offer our patients quicker, more accurate and convenient appliances.
DEXIS CariVu
When it comes to offering the best dental care for our patients, the first step is effective and accurate diagnosis. Cavity detection relies on three key methods: visual inspection, tactile explorer, and x-rays.
Technology has advanced where innovative tools, such as the DEXIS CariVu, can now allow dentists to “see through” a tooth’s structure using transillumination technology without ionizing radiation.
Our top two reasons for incorporating CariVu into our practice:
- Confirmation of Diagnosis
- Safe, non-radiating solution
- Infrared light passes through the tooth without radiation, and although it is not a substitute for x-rays, it is a great tool for specific circumstances like children, pregnant women, medically compromised patients, and any other specific x-ray averse situation
Common Problems
Tooth Decay
Caries or tooth decay is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life.
When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.
Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of all of your front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.
Brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque:
- In the morning after breakfast
- After lunch or right after school
- After dinner
- At bedtime
As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene.
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.
Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out any food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Floss behind all of your back teeth.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.