June 2, 2012

Stittsville Family Dentist

Stittsville Family Dentist. Panorex x-rays at Capital Smiledocs Dental

x-rays at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

Stittsville family dentist and Ottawa family dentist

What are Panorex x-rays?

As you can see from the image above, the Panorex is a large, single x-ray film that shows the entire bony structure of the teeth and face. It takes a much wider area than any intra oral film showing structures outside of their range including the sinuses, and the Temperomandibular Joints. It shows many pathological structures such as bony tumors and cysts, as well as the position of the wisdom teeth. They are quick and easy to take, and cost a little more than a full series of intraoral films. In addition to medical and dental uses, panoramic films are especially good for forensic) purposes in the identification of otherwise unrecognizable bodies after plane crashes or other mishaps.

Panoramic films differ from the others in that they are entirely extraoral, which means that the film remains outside of the mouth while the machine shoots the beam through other structures from the outside. It fits into a broad category of medical x-rays called tomographs. A tomograph is a computer assisted method of focusing x-rays on a particular slice of tissue and showing that slice on the film as if there were no other structures outside of that slice. It has a number of real advantages over the intraoral variety of film discussed above. Since it is entirely extraoral, it works quite well for gaggers who could not otherwise tolerate the placement of films inside their mouths. The patient stands in front of the machine (pictured on the right), and the x-ray tube swivels around behind his head. Another advantage of the panoramic film is that it takes very little radiation to expose it. The amount of radiation needed to expose a panoramic x-ray film is about the same as the radiation needed to expose two intraoral films (periapical or bitewing). The reason for this is that the film cassette contains an intensifying screen which fluoresces upon exposure to x-rays and exposes the film with visible light as well as x-rays.

x-rays at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

The film above is a panoramic view of a child under the age of 12. You can see the adult teeth that are forming underneath the baby teeth. You can also see the adult second molars which are the 4 half formed teeth toward the outside of the film. The fact that the second molars are not yet erupted is the reason a dentist or anthropologist can tell that this child is under the age of 12.

These films have one major disadvantage. The panoramic film is a lower resolution picture than the intraoral films. This means that the individual structures which appear on them such as the teeth and bone) are somewhat fuzzy, and structures like caries (tooth decay) and bony trabeculation (the sponge like bone inside the marrow spaces) are imaged without the fine detail seen on intraoral films. They are not considered sufficient for the diagnosis of decay, and must be accompanied by a set of bitewing x-rays if they are to be used as an aid for full diagnostic purposes. The combination of a set of bitewings and a panoramic film is particularly useful for those patients who are to be referred for orthodontic consult, and for extraction of wisdom teeth.

If you have any questions about x-rays call Capital Smiledocs Dental. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa South.

Stittsville family dentist. Ottawa family dentist.

Comments (0)

May 22, 2012

Digital Xray in Stittsville and Ottawaa

Digital Xray at Capital Smiledocs Dental

In digital radiography, a sensor replaces the film normally used for traditional radiographs. The sensor plugs into the USB port on an ordinary computer. The most common type of Intraoral sensors are solid-state electronic devices called “charged-coupled devices” (CCD). A CCD is composed of millions of light sensitive silicon cells arranged in a rectangular array

on the face of the sensor. Each cell on the face of the sensor will eventually result in one pixel (picture element) in the final image. digital sensor

The digital xray photons falling upon each cell create an analog (continuous) electrical voltage. The level of the voltage produced depends on the number of photons reaching the cell, and this in turn depends on the density of the structures (teeth and bone) between the x-ray source and the CCD. The voltage level for each pixel is converted to digital data (numbers between 0 and 65,536) by a relatively simple device called an “analog to digital converter”. Each value is interpreted by the computer as a shade of gray. Zero corresponds to pure white, and 65,536 corresponds to pure black with intermediate values corresponding to varying shades of gray. In this way, the image is converted to millions of tiny digital picture elements (pixels) which are reassembled by the computer into a coherent image.

CCD’s used in dental imaging are essentially the same as the CCD’s used in digital cameras. In your home camera, the CCD contains color filter arrays for each pixel so the image can be reassembled in color. Since dental radiographs are monochrome (shades of gray), the dental CCD does not contain these filters

While digital radiography is a newer technology than the film it replaces, it must be stressed that the image obtained on a digital xray is not necessarily any better than one taken using standard x-ray film. Digital technology does, however, require substantially less radiation than film. Digital radiography requires only about a quarter as much exposure time as D speed film, and a little more than half the time as the newest F-speed films, while delivering about the same resolution as D speed film.

The largest benefit of digital xray is the ability to computer-enhance the images, making them larger, clearer, or higher contrast at will. This can be helpful, particularly for dentists with less experience in reading traditional film, but it is rarely essential in making a correct diagnosis. Larger, sharper images are helpful in patient education and in helping patients to accept a treatment plan. There is no darkroom developing of the images, and the sensor can be moved about in the mouth more quickly than films, which must be exchanged for new ones for each shot. Thus digital radiography cuts down on the time it takes to expose and process a series of intraoral films. For these reasons, digital radiography is gaining increasing acceptance in dental offices throughout the US and Europe.

If you have any questions about digital xray, contact us today . We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa South.

Comments (0)

April 15, 2012

Bitewing x-rays at Capital Smiledocs Dental

Filed under: Did You Know?,General Dentistry,x-rays — Tags: dental x-rays ottawa, dental x-rays stittsville — Capital Smiledocs Dental Centre @ 9:54 PM

What are bitewing x-rays?

dental bitewing x-rays

A bitewing series consists of either 4 films taken of the back teeth, with the patient biting down so the films contain images of both the top and bottom teeth. A bitewing series is the minimum set of x-rays that most offices take to document the internal structure of the teeth and gums. Bitewings allow us to see in between your teeth which we cannot see well with our eyes.

The difference between bitewing and periapical films

bitewing x-rays

In a bitewing x-ray film, all three elements, the teeth, the film, and the x-ray beam are optimized to give the most undistorted shadows possible. (The film and teeth are parallel, and the beam is aimed directly at both; at a 90 degree angle.) Thus bitewing films afford the most accurate representation of the true shape of the teeth and associated structures such as decay, fillings, shape of nerves and bone levels.

Abscess on x-ray

A periapical film like the one on the right is shot from an angle in which the three elements are not necessarily aligned parallel. Some distortion is introduced on purpose to be sure that the shadow of the entire tooth or teeth in question falls on the film. This is done because in many instances, the space available in the mouth, or the curvature of the roof of the mouth will not permit parallel placement of the film. This patient had an abscess and was in pain when the film was shot.

If you have any questions regarding bitewing x-rays, call Capital Smiledocs Dental to book an appointment. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville an d Ottawa.

Comments (0)

February 2, 2012

Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth – Sign and symptoms, common causes and ways to relieve dry mouth

With regular saliva production, your teeth are constantly bathed in a mineral-rich solution that helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay. While saliva is essential for maintaining oral health and quality of life, at least 25 million North Americans have inadequate salivary flow or composition, and lack the cleansing and protective functions provided by this important fluid. Each day, a healthy adult normally produces around one-and-a-half liters of saliva, making it easier to talk, swallow, taste, digest food and perform other important functions that often go unnoticed. Those not producing adequate saliva may experience some common symptoms of dry mouth.

Signs and Symptoms

At some point, most people will experience the short-term sensation of oral dryness because of nervousness, stress or just being upset. This is normal and does not have any long-term consequences. But chronic cases of dry mouth persist for longer periods of time. Common symptoms include trouble eating, speaking and chewing, burning sensations, or a frequent need to sip water while eating.

Dry mouth becomes a problem when symptoms occur all or most of the time and can cause serious problems for your oral health. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.

Without the cleansing and shielding effects of adequate saliva flow, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease become much more common. Constant dryness and the lack of protection provided by saliva may contribute to bad breath. Dry mouth can make full dentures become less comfortable to wear because there is no thin film of saliva to help them adhere properly to oral tissues. Insufficient saliva can also result in painful denture sores, dry and cracked lips, and increased risks of oral infection.

Common Causes

Once considered an inevitable part of aging, dry mouth is now commonly associated with certain medications and autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome. Both of these can reduce salivary production or alter its composition, but experts agree that the primary cause of dry mouth is the use of medications.

Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer is also an important cause of severe dry mouth. The treatment can produce significant damage to the salivary glands, resulting in diminished saliva production and extreme dry mouth in many cases.

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. With decreased saliva flow, we can see an increase in plaque accumulation and the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases.

Dry mouth

How to Relieve Dry Mouth

Individuals with dry mouth should have regular dental checkups for evaluation and treatment. Capital Smiledocs Dental has two convenient offices in Ottawa and Stittsville. Be sure to carry an up-to-date medication list at all times, and tell us what medications you are taking and other information about your health at each appointment. Since dry mouth could be caused due to various reasons, the underlying cause must be identified first. If dryness is caused due to a medical condition, then treating that underlying disease will surely help. If the use of any drug is causing dry mouth, then it must be replaced. If your mouth feels very dry and you are having a tough time swallowing food, you could use artificial saliva substitutes. Also, make sure that you keep yourself well-hydrated at all times. Though drinking water cannot be called a complete cure for dry mouth syndrome, intake of water and other fluids can surely provide relief. Certain drugs can also be used for stimulating the salivary glands. Chewing sugar free gum is one of the common dry mouth remedies. Not only is dry mouth a discomforting and annoying condition, it can also make one prone to developing dental problems. If you are suffering from this condition, you must pay attention to the aspect of dental health. You can use toothpastes, mouthwashes or sprays that are specifically meant for those who are suffering from this condition. Alcohol can aggravate this problem, therefore, make sure that you don’t use an alcohol-based mouthwash. One must refrain from consumption of caffeinated drinks, alcohol or tobacco.

If you have dry mouth you have to be extra attentive to your personal dental routine. Please ask us for tips on how to make your condition more comfortable, and keep your teeth and mouth healthy. If you have dry mouth problems contact us today to schedule your first appointment. We have offices in both Ottawa and Stittsville.

Comments (0)