The future of oral health
Doctor Ashraf from Ashraf Dentistry weighs in on a few future advancements in the dental industry. ( Source: TMF The Medical Futurist, November 3, 2020, https://medicalfuturist.com/the-amazing-future-of-dentistry-and-oral-health/.)
Until a few years back, most people dreaded going to a dentist. Although it is essential to make regular visits to a dentist, people used to steer clear of the visits because of how uncomfortable it made them. However, this has changed in the past few years, with better technologies and innovations that make dental procedures easier, quicker, reliable, and pain-free. Let us explore the future of oral health and what it holds.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence integrated software helps dentists in finding the best solutions for their patients. As per a new study, the dental industry is reportedly entering a new era of digitization, where medical professionals are able to access and analyze health data in a better way. Besides this, the AI-integrated systems can also help dentists in researching better treatments so that the best diagnosis and recommendations can be offered to the patients. According to Dr. Ashraf, AI-powered systems can be quite helpful in providing a better experience to patients.
3D Printing and Computer-Assisted Design
The 3D printing and Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) processes have been instrumental in revolutionizing dental restoration methods. Dr. Ashraf agrees that these technological innovations have made the process of restoring veneers, crowns, and caps easier for both doctors and patients. CEREC® Restorations are used in our facility to make ceramic tooth replicas that can be placed immediately. With this, the need for temporary crowns and fillings is removed. Patients who come into the clinic for treatment can leave with attractive smiles in a single visit.
Teledentistry
A major problem faced by many people, especially the elderly and special needs patients, is visiting the dental clinic. Teledentistry offers a solution to this problem by providing dental and oral care access to these patients through live consultation. Dr. Ashraf feels that teledentistry is the future of this industry. With teledentistry platforms, people will be able to consult medical professionals who would otherwise be unavailable to them. After providing the dentists with important information (including images), they will be able to do a live consultation and receive a diagnosis for their problem.
PRP Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy or PRP therapy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years for promoting healing in dental procedures and maxillofacial surgeries. In this procedure, the patient’s blood is taken to isolate the Platelet Rich Plasma, then injected into the affected area. Dr. Ashraf believes that it can transform the dental industry by enhancing the rate of bone formation and tissue generation. At our facility, we provide PRP therapy for the treatment of various dental issues, and we have continuously received positive feedback from our patients.
Regenerative Dentistry
Teeth are bound to undergo decay and damage with time. However, the latest advancements in the form of regenerative dentistry will provide a solution for this problem. Under regenerative dentistry, patients will be able to avail biological therapy for decaying or damaged teeth. Another development is regenerative dentistry is in the form of dental fillings that will help teeth in healing themselves. Dr. Ashraf feels that this can be an exciting innovation in the dental industry. People would not have to replace their teeth with false ones. It is incredible to know that there is always something new to enhance oral health care, such as stem cell procedures.
Dr. Ashraf believes that the future of oral health and dentistry is inspiring and something to get excited about. As technology improves, we will see better innovations that will help the patients and the dentist perform incredible procedures.
A pediatric dental visit
It is a big world, and many circumstances may appear scary to a small child, especially those with creative imaginations. From taking a bath to monsters hiding in closets, each kid is different and may experience fear in different ways. One fear, in particular, that most of them have in common is visiting the dentist. Even if they have never been to one before, they might have a fear about meeting them. So, why exactly do they fear them? Read on to find out.
Why is there anxiety and fear around going to the dentist?
Pop culture
Dentists are seen as the merchant of pain, and pop culture has definitely played a part in it. There are a lot of child-oriented media like comic books and cartoons that make fun of dentists. Your child might see a show where a dentist uses industrial size drills or long syringes on a helpless child. Even adult movies and TV shows have episodes where people are involved in a painful dental procedure. These signs might get easy laughs from the audience, but they can make your child fearful of them.
Hearing your stories
Children act like their parents. Even if they are young, they are able to sense when their parents are nervous. If you are anxious or worried about visiting the dentist, your kids will feel the same. As a parent, you have to put on a brave face so that your children don’t develop your fears. Even if you have just undergone a painful dental procedure, it would be wise not to let your children witness you in pain.
Bad first experience
Fear might be justified in some cases. Suppose your child has never visited a dentist, and they end up getting a cavity; their first visit will be quite painful. Or perhaps, on their first visit, the sound of the tools may have startled them.
By taking your children to visit the dentist throughout the early stages of development, your toddler will become familiar with what is to be expected. It may help soften the overall experience.
Tips for establishing a positive dentist visit
It is vital that your child has a positive dentist visit, or else they might end up being fearful and become apprehensive about oral health. You can implement a few suggestive tips to ensure that when your child visits the dentist for the first time for teeth cleaning or other dental services, they won’t perceive it as a scary place.
Explain to the child the importance of dental health and hygiene
Oral health can have an impact on your overall health. You have to explain the same to your child. You can also use videos and books to help them understand why dental care is important.
Start visits early on so that they are used to the process of visiting with a dentist
The ideal time to schedule your child’s first dental visit is when their first tooth erupts. Even though it might seem early, it can help them get familiar with the common sensations, sounds, and sights in a dental clinic.
Play pretend dentist at home
You can play dentist with your child at home so that they can get used to keeping their mouth open during dental cleaning and letting the dental tool inside their mouth.
Use positive reinforcements after the visit
After the appointment is over, don’t forget to tell them that you are proud of them. Sometimes a few encouraging words are all that’s needed. A special reward can also make the visit pleasant for them as well.
Bring them to your appointment (parents can lead by example)
Children follow in the footsteps of their parents. If you take them with you for your dentist’s appointment, they will be able to see everything and know that you are comfortable with getting work done on your teeth.
Be sure to visit a pediatric dentist
You might wonder why you need a pediatric dentist for your child, not a general dentist. The truth is that visiting a pediatric dentist for your child offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- They specialize in dentistry for children
- They have specialized training in dealing with children
- Your kid will have a kid-friendly waiting room and office
- They have kid-friendly equipment
- They love kids
A pediatric dentist has the expertise to cater to a child’s individual needs and provide specialized care. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today to book a pediatric dental appointment and ensure that your child will experience quality dental care services.
At home whitening kits compared to professional whitening treatment
Have you wondered if you should choose an at-home teeth whitening treatment or go to a professional? Today we will discuss both options to find out which is best for you. While many people prefer at-home teeth whitening, it does not have all the benefits that a professional can provide. Let’s find out how.
At-home teeth whitening
Before using any at-home teeth whitening treatment, you should ensure that it is FDA-approved. A non-approved product can have harmful chemicals which will harm your teeth, gums, and enamel. If you want to use at-home teeth whitening treatments, you should first consult a dentist and ask for recommendations. Using any over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment can be very dangerous for your dental health. Use an at-home kit only if your dentist permits.
There are many disadvantages to at-home teeth whitening. First, you never get the desired results. Home treatments usually whiten the surface of the teeth without any deep cleaning. As a result, you need to keep using them frequently to get a long-lasting effect. However, excessive use can decay your enamel and trigger tooth sensitivity.
On top of that, it can be disastrous if you have underlying dental issues that you are unaware of. As a general rule of thumb, you may use an at-home whitening kit if there is no other option. Even in those cases, you should never overdo its use.
Professional teeth whitening treatments
There is no alternative to getting your whitening treatment straight from a licensed dentist. They have years of experience in the field and know which options work for different people. Dentists do not use a single formulation for all patients, unlike home treatments. Depending on your overall dental health, a dentist may go for one of the many whitening procedures.
The difference in results between at-home and professional treatment is stark. Home teeth whitening solutions do not have any lasting effect. Professional teeth whitening involves deep cleaning of teeth for a long-lasting result. You do not have to keep doing it to get lasting results. It also means that you end up saving a lot of time. When you go for a professional solution, it is a one-time visit, and you are good to go for months. With home teeth whitening kits, the frequency of use is much higher. You end up spending a lot of time and money on a treatment that is not even effective.
At-home teeth whitening vs. professional teeth whitening
If we compare professional skin whitening with home treatments, professional treatment wins by a considerable margin. Apart from convenience, there is no other metric where at-home treatments win. We always recommend going to a professional for all dental issues. Your teeth are precious, and no one should meddle with them without proper knowledge and experience.
While at-home teeth whitening is a popular choice for many people, it is usually ineffective in the long run. It is way smarter to let a professional dentist do their work and get long-lasting, safe results. For this purpose, cosmetic dentistry works very well.
At-home remedies for tooth pain
Dr. Ashraf weighs in on a few at-home remedies for tooth pain. (source: health line, 11Home and Natural remedies for tooth pain, October 1, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache#see-your-dentist.)
Home remedies for dental problems are becoming increasingly popular. While good in their limited capacities, Dr. Ashraf notes that these treatments should be used with caution. Dentists and dental health experts agree that some home treatments offer great results for many people. However, they are not a substitute or replacement for a dentist. We will look at the various home remedies for tooth pain and what Dr. Ashraf feels about these remedies.
Salt water rinse
Saltwater rinse is the simplest and most common home remedy for tooth pain. Dr. Ashraf agrees, “a salt water rinse is a great way to remove stuck debris and reduce minor inflammation. However, if the pain persists after two days of using the salt water, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Whenever you use an at-home remedy, be sure to let your dentist know about it. Talk to them about which methods you have applied, and they can guide you on more detailed and recommended solutions.”
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
After salt water, many people also prefer to rinse with hydrogen peroxide. The common composition is to use three parts hydrogen peroxide solution with equal water. According to Dr. Ashraf, hydrogen peroxide is suitable for cleaning bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to plaque and bleeding gums. “However, if the pain persists after hydrogen peroxide rinsing, you should visit a dentist immediately,” he added.
Cold compress
Cold compress is an effective solution for injury- or trauma-triggered tooth pain. It constricts the blood flow and lessens pain in the site. People usually use a cold compress in the form of an ice pack. Depending on your sensitivity, you can use a towel along with the ice pack. Dr. Ashraf shares, “cold compresses are great as a quick relief solution. However, they are not a suitable treatment. It is merely a way to subside pain until you schedule a visit to the dentist”.
Garlic
While many of us avoid garlic for bad breath, it actually has benefits for your oral hygiene. The juice of garlic cloves has antibacterial properties that people have used for ages to deal with tooth pain. Dr. Ashraf adds, “garlic can be a safe home remedy for tooth pain, but it cannot deal with more severe issues. In case garlic is not effective on your tooth pain, you should rush to a dentist immediately. Continuing with the same treatment would not be a smart move.”
Clove oil
Clove oil is used for dental cleanings and tooth pain in many cultures. The general procedure involves using concentrated clove oil along with a carrier oil like coconut and jojoba. The ratio between concentrated clove oil and carrier oil is usually 1:15. Dr. Ashraf notes, “clove has eugenol, a natural antiseptic. It is a good option for mild tooth pain and does not have side effects. However, it is ineffective in the case of some major underlying issue or severe tooth pain”.
As Dr. Ashraf summarizes, home remedies for tooth pain are good as long as they work. At the slightest hint of their inefficacy, you should go to a dentist and get cleanings regularly.
Top reasons to schedule your next dental cleaning
For many people, oral hygiene comes as an afterthought. However, ignoring your oral health might be the biggest mistake you are making. It takes minimal effort to schedule a dental cleaning and keep your oral hygiene in check. Sadly, many are reluctant to make even that effort. The cost they pay at a later stage could be easily avoided if only they took care of their teeth a little earlier.
The importance of routine dental cleanings
Routine dental cleanings have many benefits. Some of the reasons are obvious, and some not so much.
- Routine appointments with the dentist will help in discovering an issue before it becomes a concern. When an oral problem is detected at an early stage, it takes very little effort and money to deal with it. However, the longer you ignore it, the higher the price to pay in the future.
- Your dentist can guide you through preventive measures to help you not deal with oral issues in the future. That way, you save money and a lot of pain, discomfort, repeated sessions with the dentist, etc.
- Early tooth loss is a problem that can hit you before you even realize it. Older people often lose teeth prematurely because they did not take good care of them while they were young. By scheduling regular visits to the dentist and maintaining your oral health, you can preserve your teeth for years to come.
- Bad breath is a huge turnoff and very unpleasant to deal with. Routine dental cleanings keep bad breath at bay and give you confidence.
- Oral health is also indicative of your overall physical health. Regular sessions with the dentist will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, including the rest of the body.
Now that you know a few reasons you should get a regular dental cleaning let’s look at what could happen if you don’t.
The cost of ignoring oral hygiene
Ignoring your oral health can turn out to be very costly, and not only from a financial perspective. For example, if you overlook gum disease at its onset, it can spread very fast. It leads to excruciating pain and repeated appointments with the dentist. Similarly, even simple issues like cavities can become much more severe if you ignore them long enough. Tartar and plaque can build up to extreme levels if you are not receiving routine deep cleanings of your teeth. It can also lead to tooth decay, cavities, and chronic bad breath, which can put you in uncomfortable positions in social settings. It is recommended to treat a problem at its onset to prevent issues from getting worse.
How frequently do you need to visit a dentist?
While some dental procedures need just one dentist appointment in a year, others might have a higher frequency. Dentists generally recommend a routine dental cleaning every six months. However, your dentist makes the final call after assessing your oral health.
Scheduling a visit with the dentist at the right time is one of the best decisions you can make with respect to your health. If you want healthy teeth and gums along with a bright smile, there is no alternative to routine dental cleanings.
What to expect: Ceramic Restoration Procedure
Dental crowns are a common treatment for damaged or decaying teeth. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to you, depending on the severity of the damage. Dental crowns have two primary functions. One, they are suitable for concealing any abnormalities and anomalies in teeth. Second, they can help restore broken or damaged teeth.
Dental crowns are not a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are various types of dental crown methods, and some are evidently better than others. Some of the common choices are ceramic, metal, resin, porcelain, an amalgamation of metal, and porcelain. Apart from these, CEREC is a popular choice. It is a hard ceramic crown produced through computer-aided design. In our assessment, CEREC restoration is the most advanced dental crown option that minimizes hassle and discomfort.
The CEREC benefits
The benefits of CEREC restoration are varied. There are two sides to its benefits – aesthetic and functional. On the aesthetic side, you can expect a natural-looking, long-lasting dental crown solution. It is completely free of metals, and you do not have to deal with uncomfortable and unaesthetic silicone treatments.
On the practical side, CEREC restoration is one of the quickest solutions for inlays and onlays. Most dental procedures require multiple visits to the doctor. With CEREC, all you need is just one appointment with the dentist, and you are good to go. Similarly, the dental procedures involved in CEREC restoration are pain-free and zero-hassle. The dentist uses a CEREC 3D measuring camera and computer-aided design and manufacture to create a CEREC crown in seconds. It removes the role of silicone impressions, which many people report disliking.
Since CEREC® restorations are milled out of a solid ceramic block, they are ready to be placed without any waiting time. As a result of the speedy process, there is no need to visit the dentist multiple times or deal with temporary fillings and crowns. It is a single visit solution to many dental issues.
The CEREC procedure
The CEREC procedure is fast, simple, technology-aided, and precise. Your dentist would tell you all the benefits of CEREC before beginning the procedure. Once the dentist prepares the tooth for treatment, a 3D CEREC camera takes a photo of it. The image is then run through systems to create a 3D representation. Then the 3D image is milled out of a ceramic block, which is bonded to your tooth. Before it is implanted, the dentist would inspect it for any faults find defects. Since the entire procedure happens through computer-aided design, the chance for errors is very low.
Who should go for CEREC?
If you are in need of implants, inlays, onlays, partial crowns, veneers, or crowns for anterior and posterior teeth, CEREC restoration can be a better option for you. It is a more modern method that does away with many inefficiencies of previous processes. It takes very little time and is perfect for people of all ages.
A CEREC restoration is one of the best treatments for dental damage or disfigurement. Next time you are in need of any restorative dental treatment, you can consider CEREC restoration over other options for the long list of benefits.
