Benefits of Panoramic X-rays

Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis, which is why we’re proud to offer advanced image testing at Bayberry Dental Care. The Panorex, or panoramic x-ray, is an important tool for investigating the spread of infections, monitoring the integration of implants, and detecting cysts and infections in the jaw bone or sinus cavity. It requires little preparation from the patient, but we want them to know what to expect.

The panoramic x-ray is taken with a circular device that rotates around the patient’s head. No film is placed inside the patient’s mouth; instead they will simply bite on a bite-blocker while the image is being taken. This takes less than twenty seconds. Getting x-rays may not be advisable for a patient who is pregnant, but a Panorex is safe for almost anyone else. Patients will simply need to remove their jewelry, glasses, and any other metal objects from their head and neck and cover themselves with a lead apron.

The image produced by the Panorex is digital, allowing us to use it with our office software to identify problem areas and model future changes, such as the emergence of wisdom teeth. This also allows us to coordinate more easily with a patient’s orthodontist or oral surgeon. The Panorex does not provide a clear view of soft tissues, but it can allow us to detect when a patient needs a referral for more extensive testing.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Cracked Teeth

Breaking a tooth is painful and scary, but at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, help is available. We encourage our patients to wear mouthguards whenever they do something dangerous and to avoid habits such as chewing on ice that could cause a tooth to crack. But accidents do happen, and we hope our patients will remember our advice when they need it.

Teeth are subjected to tremendous force when we bite down. Our molars have wide surfaces to distribute the force and strong ligaments anchoring them, but they can split and their cusps can break off. Smaller teeth are much more vulnerable to breaking or tilting when used for chewing, and they can break from the force of nighttime teeth grinding. If a patient does break a tooth, they should rinse their mouth with salt water and cover the broken section with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum. (If they have face lacerations, they should go to the emergency room before seeing a dentist.)

If a tooth is only slightly chipped or cracked, we may be able to repair it with bonding. But if a fissure goes deep, we will want to do a root canal procedure to prevent the pulp from becoming infected. When a molar splits, we may want to drill away a bit more material to make room for a partial crown. Full crowns may be necessary for teeth that are severely chipped or cracked, and if a tooth root is cracked, the tooth may need to be replaced. However, we try to save teeth as often as possible, and long-term restorations can be planned after a patient’s immediate needs are cared for.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Vertical Dimension Loss

When people lose teeth, it’s in their best interest to get them replaced right away. At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, we provide people with implants and prosthetic crowns. Not only do these new teeth improve the appearance of a patient’s smile and their bite function, they also prevent the loss of vertical dimension.

Vertical dimension loss is a phrase used when describing how the size of dental crowns relates to the overall proportion of the face. People whose teeth get worn down or are missing suffer from lack of vertical dimension. As a result, they are prone to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and all the pain in the jaw, neck, and head that come with it. Their mouths also have a scrunched-up appearance, resulting in wrinkles around their nose and upper lip.

At its worst extreme, vertical dimension loss is related to bite collapse. In the absence of some teeth, the others take on more biting force than they are capable of withstanding and get pushed over. People who have long suffered from lack of vertical dimension require complex rehabilitation, but in people whose loss was recent, new crowns and implants can prevent the jaws from becoming misshapen. If your teeth are damaged or lost, don’t wait to get them replaced.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.