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Dental Education

Tooth Decay
 
This video helps you understand the common causes of tooth decay, and how to avoid cavities.
 
Flossing
Neither brushing your teeth, nor rinsing with mouthwash removes bacteria-rich "biofilm" from between your teeth. The only effective way to clean between your teeth is to floss properly every day. Proper floss technique is discussed, including proper adaptation of floss to the teeth, use of an up and down motion extending beneath the gumline (sulcus); floss winding technique; and prevention of floss cuts.
Periodontal Disease
Nearly three fourths of adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Aside from the traditionally discussed dental complications of gum recession, tooth root decay, tooth loss, bite collapse and bad breath, there are now well documented medical complications of periodontal disease, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Dental Sealants
By some accounts, 80% of tooth decay begins in the pits and fissures of teeth. Toothbrush bristles may not be able to completely remove food from those areas. Dental sealants and fissurotomy techniques may help protect against these types of cavities. This animation opens by describing the epidemic nature of pit & fissure cavities, and the impetus for their prevention. Pits and fissures are shown in cross-section, and dissolution of tooth enamel in the inaccessible fissures is illustrated- ultimately progressing to caries in dentin. Prophylactic odontotomy (fissurotomy) is described as a potentially viable means of eliminating deep fissures, along with use of microabrasion handpieces to debride the grooves. Sealants are applied, stressing the importance of good moisture control. Microleakage is discussed as a possible consequence of maintaining poor moisture control during placement, followed by caries progression which may be difficult to observe clinically. Finally, a failing sealant is shown, which illustrates the most common problems associated with sealants.
Gingival Recession 
Gums may recede for any of several reasons, including thin tissue, abnormal position of teeth in the dental arch; malocclusion; inappropriate expansion orthodontics; heavy bite stress; and periodontal disease.
Dental Abscess 
This video describes common causes of dental abscesses, including cracked teeth, leaking dental restorations and lateral root canals. The body's response to an abscess is illustrated, including increased blood flow to the tooth (hyperemia) to deliver immune-competent cells. Death of the pulp tissues (necrosis) is discussed. Abscess is described as a true dental emergency, requiring urgent care. Common treatments are discussed, including antibiotics, endodontic (root canal) therapy, and tooth removal (extraction).

Fillings, Crowns, and Root Canals

Learn what to expect during common dental procedures like cavity fillings, crowns and root canals.

 

 

 

3 cups

Blueberries

3 cups

Flour

2 tsp.

Cinnamon

1 cup

Sugar

2 tsp.

Oil

2 tbsp.

Salt

1½ cups

Butter

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