Bone density is crucial to maintaining good dental health. When your teeth are healthy, they stimulate the surrounding bone, keeping it strong and healthy. However, bone density is gradually lost when teeth are lost, making it more challenging to replace missing teeth and causing other problems.
That’s where bone grafting comes in. Bone grafting is a procedure that helps to rebuild lost bone density, allowing your dentist to place dental implants or complete other procedures that can improve your dental health.
During a bone grafting procedure, your dentist will take bone tissue from another part of your body – often your hip or jaw – or use synthetic bone material. This tissue is then placed in the area where bone density has been lost, stimulating new bone growth and helping to restore the strength and stability of the jaw.
There are several different types of bone grafting procedures available, including autografts (using bone tissue from the patient’s own body), allografts (using bone tissue from a donor), and xenografts (using bone tissue from an animal source). Your dentist can discuss the different options with you and help you determine your needs.
When done correctly, bone grafting can have several benefits for patients. It can improve the success rate of dental implants, making them more stable and reliable over time. It can also help to prevent further bone loss and maintain the natural shape and contour of the jaw.
However, bone grafting has potential risks, including infection and graft rejection. Before deciding to undergo a bone grafting procedure, discussing these risks with your dentist and ensuring you’re comfortable with the potential outcomes is essential.
The recovery process after bone grafting can vary depending on the procedure used and the individual patient. However, most patients must take it easy for a few days after the procedure and avoid any strenuous activity that could disrupt the healing process. Your dentist will also provide detailed instructions on caring for your teeth and gums after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you’re struggling with bone loss or missing teeth, bone grafting may be an option. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about this procedure and whether it could be right for you.
Keep Your Smile Shining Bright This Holiday Season
This holiday season is the perfect time to show off your beautiful smile! Of course, you want to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright with all the holiday events, family gatherings, and special occasions. But how do you do that? This blog post will discuss tips and tricks for keeping your smile looking its best this holiday season. From brushing and flossing to visiting your dentist regularly, we will go over the basics of oral hygiene and how to keep your smile sparkling all season long. So read on and find out how to keep your smile bright this holiday season!
Brush and floss regularly.
In addition to brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to help kill bacteria.
You can keep your smile sparkling during the holiday season by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
Stay hydrated
It is essential to stay hydrated during the holiday season, as the indulgences we often have can be hard on our teeth and gums. So make sure to drink plenty of water each day, and if you are feeling extra thirsty, try adding a few drops of lemon or lime juice for a refreshing and healthy beverage.
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
The holiday season can be a time of festive fun and indulgence, but it is essential to remember that too much sugar can hurt your smile. In addition, sugary drinks and snacks can damage your teeth and lead to discolored, weakened, and decaying teeth.
The good news is that you can protect your teeth from decay by avoiding sugary treats. Research has shown that drinking water instead of sugary drinks can reduce the risk of cavities and improve dental health. Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary drinks can also help protect your teeth from decay and keep them looking their best.
Visiting your dentist regularly is also key to maintaining your dental health. A professional cleaning and checkup can help ensure that your teeth stay in top shape throughout the holiday season. So schedule a visit with your dentist soon to ensure your teeth remain healthy, and your smile brightens.
Eat a balanced diet
Include fiber-rich foods to help scrub away plaque.
With the holiday season comes many treats that can damage your smile. But, with a few simple dietary modifications, you can ensure that your smile stays bright.
A balanced diet is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Choose foods high in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, to strengthen teeth and bones. To keep gums healthy, incorporate foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers. ItIt’slso important to avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can cause tooth decay.
In addition to these essential components, you should include fiber-rich foods to help scrub plaque. Apples, carrots, and oatmeal are all excellent sources of fiber. Eating these foods in moderation can help you keep your smile looking its best.
You can brighten your smile this holiday season with simple dietary changes. So, don’t forget to make healthy food choices and enjoy the holiday season!
Visit your dentist regularly.
With the holiday season in full swing, keeping your smile bright is essential. Regular visits to the dentist can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile this holiday season.
Dental checkups and cleanings are essential for detecting and preventing dental problems before they become serious. During these visits, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or other dental health issues. In addition, ThThey’llhen uses specialized tools to clean any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth, which can help reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
Investing in preventive care at the dentist is also a great way to save money in the long run. If you take the time to visit your dentist regularly, you can catch minor problems before they become more severe and require expensive treatments.
Finally, it is important to remember that taking care of your teeth and gums is essential to overall health and well-being. In addition, keeping your smile healthy and beautiful can positively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
You can ensure your smile stays bright by visiting your dentist regularly this holiday season. Your dentist can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile now and for years.
Stay on top of your oral hygiene routine.
The holidays are a time for gathering with family, friends, and loved ones, and nobody wants to show up with a less-than-perfect smile. So, stay on top of your oral hygiene routine to ensure you are flashing your pearly whites this season.
You are brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once daily is vital to keeping your teeth and gums in perfect condition. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel. Regular dental checkups and cleaning are also essential to maintaining your bright smile. Your dentist can identify problems early and recommend additional treatments to protect your teeth.
Be aware of the snacks and drinks you are consuming. Foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar can cause cavities and damage your teeth. So if you are indulging in holiday sweets, brush your teeth afterward to remove any lingering particles.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for advice. Your dentist is an excellent source of knowledge and can provide additional tips for keeping your smile looking its best. They may even recommend special products for your unique needs.
Following these tips and talking to your dentist can keep your smile bright this holiday season.
Quit smoking
This holiday season, commit yourself to quitting smoking and brightening your smile. Quitting smoking can have a positive impact on both your oral and overall health. Not only can leaving smoking help to reduce staining on your teeth, but it can also help to reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems. Additionally, quitting smoking can help to improve your overall health, reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
If you are ready to quit smoking, many resources are available to help you. For example, you can speak to your doctor about medications to help you stop or get counseling to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Support groups are also available to provide you with additional encouragement and motivation.
Take charge of your health and well-being this holiday season by committing to quit smoking. Then, with the right resources and support, you can keep your smile bright and enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.
Use mouthwash to keep your smile fresh.
Using a mouthwash that has fluoride is a great way to help protect your teeth against cavities. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and protect them from bacteria that can lead to decay. Additionally, mouthwash can help to remove food particles and plaque that brushing alone may not reach, giving you a clean and healthy smile.
Using mouthwash is an easy and effective way to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh this holiday season. Be sure to look for a mouthwash containing fluoride, and use it daily as part of your oral hygiene routine for best results. Regular use lets you keep your smile bright this holiday season.
This holiday season is the perfect time to show off your beautiful smile! Of course, you want to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright with all the holiday events, family gatherings, and special occasions. But how do you do that? This blog post discusses the tips and tricks for keeping your smile looking its best this holiday season. From brushing and flossing to visiting your dentist regularly, we have covered the basics of oral hygiene and how to keep your smile sparkling all season long. So read on and find out how to keep your smile bright this holiday season!
Dental Insurance and Discounted Dental Plans Explained
Oral health maintenance plays a very significant role in one’s life and is a prerequisite to having a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, preventing a dental problem before it occurs or preventing it from getting worse is a must. Failure to do so can lead to complications with teeth and the oral cavity and cause medical problems. Many people fail to realize how important it is to prioritize their dental health.
In the United States alone, many people do not have dental coverage. Not all employers offer dental insurance as a benefit, or it is limited in coverage. Therefore, people that care about maintaining their oral health try to look for other options that will allow them to secure dental benefits. This is where Dental Insurance and Discounted Dental Plans come in. But what are these two and their differences from one another? Below is a detailed explanation.
Dental Insurance
Private individual and family dental insurance plans can be expensive and vary in the scope of coverage. However, your employer may provide you and your family with a dental insurance plan that is usually separate from the medical plan. You may or may not pay a small monthly premium, while your employer usually pays the major part of the premium.
The coverages are usually well-defined. Basic cleaning, X-rays, fillings, and checkups are usually fully covered (twice a year) with no or a small co-pay. Some other procedures like extractions, root canals, crowns, and periodontal procedures are paid at 40-80 percent, depending on the procedure and your specific plan. Coverage of cosmetic procedures, implants, orthodontics, and other procedures vary according to plans and are not always covered.
Dental insurance (if you have one through your employer or can afford a private one) is a big help in minimizing expenses to maintain your dental health. However, it comes with some drawbacks. These are limitations and/or disease exclusions, deductible or non-reimbursable issues, the ceiling on spending, and waiting periods for some dental procedures.
Discount Dental Plans
For those who do not have access to dental insurance, many discounted Dental plans are available in the market. These provide benefits at reduced rates (fixed percentage) pre-arranged with a network of willing dentists. These plans reduce your cost of basic dental care. These are also referred to as “reduced fee dental plans” or “affordable dental plans. It is easy to be a part of a discount dental plan as it does not involve a lot of paperwork. Some of these can be a kind of membership program that provides well-defined coverage on an annual basis with monthly membership fees.
These provide consumer-friendly discounts on dental services such as routine cleanings, oral exams, fillings, extractions, braces, dentures, and root canals. Consumers can save from 10-60% discount on the standard fee.
Although there are differences between these two, they still benefit consumers. Also, they can be joined together in some situations so one can get the most out of them by maximizing savings.
If you live in or around the Mukilteo, WA area, do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield, and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at-home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after-treatment care.
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Dental Implants and what to Expect During the Procedure
If having a missing tooth makes you feel self-conscious, worry no more because dental implants are an effective procedure to replace a missing tooth. The procedure is desirable as it is specifically designed to blend with the natural color and shape of the surrounding teeth. The development and use of dental implants is one of the biggest advances in the field of dentistry.
These dental implants are made from titanium and other materials compatible to the body. The posts are surgically placed in the lower or upper jaw to serve as a strong anchor for the replacement tooth.
For some, the thought of having a dental implant might be scary. But given the benefit of the procedure and how it can help a person live a better life, it is definitely worth it. To ease the worry, it’s important to have enough knowledge about the procedure. Knowing the things to expect during dental implant procedures will be a big help.
What to Expect
- The damaged tooth will be removed.
- The socket will then be prepared for surgery. This process may involve bone grafting.
- When the jawbone has completely healed, the oral surgeon will place the dental implant metal post in the jawbone. In some cases, immediate implant placement is possible.
- You’ll have to take a rest and let the bone heal around the implant. The healing period may last for a few months.
- The oral surgeon will place the abutment. This is an extension of the implant metal post. There are some instances that when the implant is at a stable condition, placing of the abutment can be done simultaneously at the time the implant is placed.)
- With the healing abutment placed and soft tissues healed, the dentist will make molds of your teeth and the implant site. The final implant abutment and crown is then made at a dental lab and then placed by your dentist.
The whole process may take several months from the beginning to end. The majority of time is spent in healing and waiting for the new bone to grow in the jaw. For single tooth replacement, most people have minimal discomfort and heal quickly.
If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.
Do You Require Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
A dental implant is surgically placed by a periodontist or oral surgeon and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. After the healing period, the implant can be restored with a crown or cap, much like a crown on a natural tooth. Dental implants are made of titanium metal that is compatible with the body and integrates well within the jaw bone. This is a perfect choice for individuals who maintain excellent basic oral health but have lost one or more teeth due to gum disease, decay or traumatic injury. Multiple implants can support bridges or dentures where a person has lost many teeth.
Dental implants do not depend on the support of surrounding teeth and therefore have minimal impact on them, in sharp contrast to partial dentures and bridgework. By following proper dental and oral hygiene these dental implants can last a long time.
Though less expensive, partial and full dentures have limitations. They just don’t act and feel like natural teeth. It can be a challenge to maintain a good fit and alignment to avoid embarrassing slippage. They need to be periodically adjusted and relined. After seven to ten years, they may need replacement. The biggest problem though is the gradual loss of underlying bone or recession of the jaw. This leads to loose dentures that need frequent adjustment and replacement. With partial dentures, the surrounding teeth are also impacted due to the loss of support of the surrounding natural teeth. Clearly, dental implants are the best choice and closest to natural teeth in look, feel and function.
The greatest impediments to much wider use of dental implants have been their cost, complexity of the procedure and the time it takes to heal. Things are getting much better though. Costs have come down considerably. Surgical procedures and the time to heal have improved significantly. The goal of placing an implant and the porcelain tooth on the same day is getting closer and closer.
Therefore, for patients who have missing teeth or need partial or full dentures, it is important to have an in-depth conversation with their dental care provider to determine whether implants, in the long run, make financial sense and can help to achieve the goals of well-being and a beautiful smile.
If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.
Cosmetic Dentistry: The Best Way to Redefine Your Smile
Many people want to enhance their appearance and express their personality with near perfect teeth and a perfect smile. One way to do it is through cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that emphasizes enhancing the smile and appearance of a person. With the help of a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist, you can enhance your self image and well-being by freely expressing yourself with your uninhibited smile.
If you sense limitations and reservation in expressing yourself because of not having that perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry is here to assist you. With the advent of new technology, having a beautiful smile is now easily accessible. With a variety of options and prices, you can find a solution to fit your needs and budget. With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can improve your smile with the procedures that are focused on the brightening of color and correction and alignment of the teeth. This can result in opening more doors for social and professional success.
How does Cosmetic Dentistry redefine your Smile?
- brightens dull teeth
- whitens stained teeth
- close gaps in between teeth
- masks metal fillings
- repairs chipped teeth
- straightens crooked teeth
Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dull or stained teeth will be better with whitening, laser whitening, veneers or bonding
- Chipped, misshapen, or worn teeth will be improved through bonding, veneers, or cosmetic contouring
- Crowded or crooked teeth will be corrected with bonding, veneers, or orthodontics
- Close up the gaps between your teeth with bonding, veneers, or orthodontics
- For missing tooth, the best solution is a dental implant or fixed bridge
- Old and/or unsightly fillings will look better with tooth-colored fillings
- Excessive and/or uneven gums can be corrected with gum grafts
To achieve a more natural-looking smile, one or more techniques may be performed. For instance, aside from bleaching, the dentist may follow up with minor orthodontics for better results.
If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.
Mukilteo Dentist- When Teeth Whitening Might Not Be Recommended
Advice from Mukilteo Dentist Dr. Onishi: Proceed with caution when choosing to whiten teeth.
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Mukilteo Dentist, Dr. Onishi, has advice for people who are considering teeth whitening. Not everyone should get their teeth whitened, at least not without professional guidance from their dental expert. Following are situations where teeth whitening may not be recommended.
1. Children under the age of 16
Young teeth may be more sensitive to the whitening process because of the larger pulps (nerve and blood vessels) in these teeth as compared to teeth of adults. Introduction of peroxide into the pores in the enamel and dentin can create sensitivity of the nerves in the teeth. If there is a concern about stained or discolored teeth in your child, seek the advice of your dentist. There may be another treatment that is more effective and comfortable for the situation.
2. Nursing or pregnant moms
If you are expecting a child or presently lactating and feeding a baby, it is recommended that you wait to whiten your teeth. Because there are no studies that have been done regarding the safety of bleaching during pregnancy or nursing, it is best to delay the treatment during this time. Always consult your dentist first and wait for a suitable time to start your teeth whitening program
3. Individuals with sensitive teeth
If you are frequently experiencing sensitive teeth, teeth whitening can increase that sensitivity. The best option is to have your dental practitioner prescribe a customized option for you so that you can whiten your teeth without additional pain. Use of desensitizers before and during treatment can be helpful.
4. Individuals with dental problems
If you have a history of dental problems such as receding gums, damaged enamel, exposed roots, and gum disease or many restorations like veneers, crowns and fillings, then you need to visit your dentist for an assessment before starting a teeth whitening program. Your dentist can let you know what results you can expect with bleaching and what limitations there might be.
It is quite natural to want those ideal shining teeth for a bright and confident smile. However prior to rushing out to the nearest drug store for teeth whitening kits, it is best to consult your dental team so that you can choose the safest and most effective method and product.
If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.
What Your Child Should Expect from a First Dental Exam
What Your Child Should Expect from a First Dental Exam with a Mukilteo Family Dentist or Mukilteo WA Kids Dentist
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Does your child have an upcoming first-ever trip to the dentist’s office? If so, then it is understandable that your little one may be dealing with some pre-examination jitters. One of the best ways you can help ease those worries is to explain what goes on in the dentist’s chair. Here is a guide to what your child should expect from a first dental exam with a Mukilteo WA Kids Dentist or your family dentist:
A child-friendly office: It may be helpful to assure your child that the office of your pediatric dentist will be especially suited for children. That means there will be games and activities in the waiting room, fun décor, and post-exam treats for when your child does well (or at least makes it through the appointment).
A personable and warm environment is an important aspect of pediatric dental care. Having a patient and caring dental team will contribute to a successful visit. It is important that they take much care in developing relationships with each of their clients, in order to make them feel comfortable and to educate them on good oral hygiene.
Education: It is your pediatric dentist’s job to educate your children on the best ways to care for their teeth at home, and your child’s first visit will include an informative session with the dentist on oral hygiene. This will include instructions for proper tooth brushing, good oral habits to maintain, bad oral habits to stay away from, and the importance of routine dental examinations when it comes to preventative dentistry.
The examination. Barring any unforeseen surprises (a serious cavity that requires immediate removal, for example), your child’s first examination should be short and sweet. This is especially true if you make it a point to get your child to the dentist as soon as possible after those first teeth grow in. The pediatric dentist will examine all of the teeth closely to determine their state of health, assess any possible need (or future need) for braces or mouthpieces, and do a short cleaning, followed by a flossing.
Oral hygiene is an important part of overall health and well-being, and good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. It is important that you care for your children’s oral health now, so that they can develop their own healthy dental habits as adults. An integral part of your children’s oral upkeep is finding a family or pediatric dentist you can trust. The professionals at Harbour Place Dental in Mukilteo WA go above and beyond when it comes to helping your children maintain optimal oral health. Give us a call at (425) 493-8111 or visit our website and contact us in private or e-mail us at harbourpldental@gmail.com
Mukilteo Family Dentistry: Signs It’s Time to Take Your Child to the Dentist
Mukilteo Family Dentistry : Signs It’s Time to Take Your Child to the Dentist
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It is common knowledge that oral hygiene begins in childhood, and it is important that you teach your children proper oral hygiene habits that they can take into adulthood. However, not everyone knows when it is necessary to take their children to the dentist. What age is the “right” age for a first checkup? And, what are the special circumstances that warrant a trip to the dentist’s office? At Mukilteo Family Dentistry of Dr. Onishi we think following are some signs and situations that indicate it’s time to take your child to the dentist:
Baby’s first dental exam: Most experts agree that infants should have their first dental examinations within the first year of life. If your infant sleeps with a bottle (full of anything besides water), then you may have to visit a pediatric dentist even sooner than that. A good rule of thumb is to pay a visit to the dentist once your baby starts cutting in teeth.
Accident or injury: If your child has a slip and fall, experiences a blow to the mouth, or in any other way damages a tooth, you should get to a pediatric dentist, and pronto. While slightly chipped teeth aren’t always a serious matter, a pediatric dentist should still be called in to evaluate the level of damage and determine if any filing or filling is necessary to prevent further damage. Even if you don’t notice any immediate damage, you should take your child in for an oral examination in the case of pain that won’t go away, as it might be that your child has a tooth fracture that you cannot see. Even hairline fractures can extend into the gums, reach the nerve, and cause major (very painful!) tooth and gum infections.
Cavities: Most children get cavities, and while it may be true that some cavities simply fall out along with the baby teeth, some cavities lead to deep decay that can result in abscesses, infections, and the spread of further decay to other teeth. If you notice those tell-tale black spots in your child’s teeth, it’s time to pay a visit to the pediatric dentist.
Oral hygiene is an important part of overall health and well-being, and good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. It is important that you care for your children’s oral health now, so that they can develop their own healthy dental habits as adults. An integral part of your children’s oral upkeep is finding a pediatric dentist you can trust. The professionals at Harbour Place Dental Mukilteo Family Dentistry of Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield go above and beyond when it comes to helping your children maintain optimal oral health and help preserve their healthy smile. They are well regarded and trusted by many families in Mukilteo, Everett, Mill Creek WA area.
Give them a call at (425) 493-8111 or visit their website and contact them in private or e-mail at harbourpldental@gmail.com and have your condition assessed immediately. They will recommend the best course of action for you. Follow their advice to keep your teeth in good shape and decay away.
Advances in Dental Care and Dental Technologies
This week we bring our readers news about a variety of new technologies that are being used or will be used in near future. These are excerpts from the articles published around the net.
Advances in Dental Care and Dental Technologies
Advances in Dental Imaging:
Dentistry has witnessed tremendous advances in all its branches over the past three decades. With these advances, the need for more precise diagnostic tools, especially imaging methods, have become mandatory. From the simple intra-oral periapical X-rays, advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have also found a place in modern dentistry. Changing from analogue to digital radiography has not only made the process simpler and faster but also made image storage, manipulation (brightness/contrast, image cropping, etc.) and retrieval easier. The three-dimensional imaging has made the complex cranio-facial structures more accessible for examination and early and accurate diagnosis of deep seated lesions. This paper is to review current advances in imaging technology and their uses in different disciplines of dentistry.
Naseem Shah, Nikhil Bansal, and Ajay Logani http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4209425/.
Report from Mark T. Murphy Report:” Albert Einstein disliked computers. In fact, he thought they were stupid. “They can only give answers,” he mused. “Asking questions is much more important.” The man who brought us relativity also had a practical definition for insanity: doing the same things over and over again while expecting a different result. These two themes will guide our discussion of dental laboratory technology.
Ask questions that lead to technology applications that enhance patients’ health, and find ways to do things better than older methods provide. As Dr. L. D. Pankey told me on my first visit to the Institute 20 years ago, “When it comes to implementing what is new into your practice, try not to be the first on your block – but don’t be the last either.” Laboratory technology updates impact us in three main areas: materials, manufacturing, and the human interface. Let’s see how recent changes impact our practices.”
■ Materials
The International Dental Show in spring in Cologne, Germany, highlighted some of the newest materials and manufacturing technologies. The biannual meeting – the largest dental meeting in the world – gave us a glimpse of where manufacturers, suppliers, and equipment developers see dentistry and the laboratory industry moving. One of the most dramatic changes continues to occur in the increased use of all-ceramic restorative systems. The porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration continues to dominate, but is declining. The strength of ceramic choices for single restorations and frameworks used to support bridgework is exceptional. Optical effects of porcelain systems and the ease of material manipulation to simulate natural tooth structure have never been better. The esthetic revolution has met the technology revolution. Pressed ceramics, pressed-to-metal, sintered, computer-milled, and feldspathic systems provide solutions that extend beyond the traditional bread-and-butter pfm. Even dentures are created to be a continuous shade throughout and esthetic – even after adjustment and reshaping. The material pigments resulting in the value, hue, and chroma run continuously within the teeth.
The impact in our practices has been largely aesthetic. Patient and professional demand for highly aesthetic and naturally beautiful restorative solutions is higher than ever. The strength and handling properties of material choices will continue to make dentistry easier for us. Of course, preparation design, aesthetic demands, and structural limitations still play roles. Technicians have never been more important parts of dental teams. As unpaid consultants on case planning, material selections, and procedures, they are true partners in the dental restorative arena. Technicians are professionals and we should treat them as colleagues. With less emphasis on lab work in dental school, new dentists are realizing lab tech counsel is mandatory.
But don’t think all labs and technicians are equal. Three states require that a Certified Dental Technician be on staff in every dental lab. Of the more than 12,000 estimated dental labs in the United States, fewer than 400 have undergone rigorous benchmarking on policies, procedures, and material handling that is required to become a nationally Certified Dental Lab. Both technician and laboratory certification fall under the auspices of the National Dental Laboratory Association. In Texas, South Carolina, and Kentucky, state regulations require employment of a CDT before granting a license to operate. Dentists need to develop a political environment that fosters recognition of the CDT designation in state dental practice acts. This could be accomplished by requiring dental laboratories to employ a CDT in each specialty area provided by the lab in order to operate. This would elevate public awareness of the occupation and recognize the value of dental technicians who enhance their knowledge and skill through written and practical testing and continuing education.
Off-shore and foreign competition in dental laboratory restorations is not new. Nevertheless, an increase in restorations has fostered a new awareness of the subject within the industry, profession, and government. The oversight of foreign dental laboratories relative to U.S. imports has seen increased enforcement. The Federal Drug Administration has the authority to inspect foreign and domestic dental laboratories and require them to comply with Quality System/Good Manufacturing Practices as addressed in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 820. Under labeling requirements, a laboratory must indicate the point of origin for manufacture, distribution, or both. In essence, “manufacture” indicates the laboratory where the restoration was created. Dentists need to inquire whether their dental laboratories are FDA-compliant and use quality-assurance processes. Incidentally, no formal regulation suggests that dental clients must disclose points of origin information to dental patients.
■ Manufacturing
The Chicago Midwinter Meeting has partnered with the National Association of Dental Labs for an educational forum for dental professionals, including technicians. A plethora of CAD/CAM and other manufacturing technologies continue to surface and will impact our practices. Norm Weinstock, chairman of Zahn Dental Supply, a division of Sullivan-Schein Dental, shared the following data regarding manufacturing advancements that are available to dental labs: fifteen CAD/CAM systems – some for copings and frameworks, some for finished restorations – three laser-sintering systems, 18 bench scanners, custom-milled abutment and stent manufacture, electroforming, rapid-wax prototype, plasma, and several laser-welding systems.
The investments labs would be required to make are daunting. Brent Rosso, RDT, vice president of Technical Services for Dental Technologies Inc., said that labs will choose technologies that are more likely to provide adequate returns on investments. Only the largest labs and lab groups will be able to afford the technologies that continue to develop. A $250,000 CAD/CAM machine acquired to produce copings had better produce around the clock if anyone hopes to profit from it.
David Lesh, CDT, of Dale Dental in Dallas, helps smaller labs that can’t afford the technology by providing fractional ownership and outsourcing. Lesh mentioned that process technologies – although often forgotten and overlooked – can provide improved consistency, profitability, and efficiency for restorations produced in a lab. Such technologies – although less exciting than CAD/CAM – include computer-controlled mixing and batching units, laser welders, automated casting machines, ISO protocol, and more.
■ Human Interface
Doctor, laboratory, and technician communication and interface are more advanced technically than they have ever been. Of course, computers, cell phones, PDAs, fax machines, and the Internet have dramatically increased the real time availability of people and information. Some of the recent developments in treatment-planning software and virtual classrooms have significantly increased the efficacy of these efforts.
Seattle’s Dr. Steve Carstensen, a visiting faculty member and board of director of The Pankey Institute, says, “When I sit with a person to discuss his or her dental health needs, I am constantly aware that my words are, at best, poorly understood and retained. There is continuous effort to make the language match the person, but with such a low percentage of patients understanding the words, I must find other ways to get the message across. Technology can help.
“Turning mysterious words and unseen conditions into well-presented visual arts can be an advantage in helping patients take ownership. With pictures, treatment choices become real to patients. There must be balance, however. It’s easy to blow them away with a fancy presentation or cool gadget, but the focus must always be on the patient and his or her needs. Technology must serve this. It’s not the picture that matters to them, it is what you tell them, supported by the picture. It’s about trust.”
Specialists, dental lab technicians, and dentists can review findings, discuss options, and formulate treatment plans in real time with these advancements. At The Pankey Institute, a virtual classroom platform via the Internet allows students to stay connected like never before. In real time, presentations can be made, discussions can be had, and streaming video that enhances learning can run. Case-review and treatment-planning workshops allow others to see the options. Affordable digital photography, esthetic modification software, e-mail, and the Internet have shrunk time and space. Now, new generations of planning software allow us to do interdisciplinary planning and presentations for patients.
The Pankey Institute has advanced its digital-imaging capabilities with the acquisition of a 3-D Cone Beam Imaging System. This system produces thorough, three-dimensional views of all oral and maxillofacial structures, allowing enhanced diagnosis and treatment planning. The images are more easily acquired with improved accuracy than images produced by more traditional panorex and transcranial radiograph technology.
Here’s how it works. Patients are seated in an open environment. The machine, which resembles a traditional panorex, captures the natural orientation of the anatomy. The compact design and rapid image-acquisition capabilities enable the dental CT scan to capture 3-D images within 20 seconds. Data transfer to a local computer takes less than a minute. The completed scan is displayed on the monitor, and the interactive software allows the image to be formatted easily and the desired “slices” to be selected for immediate viewing.
Of particular interest is the ability to image the articular eminence and condylar anatomy, and then isolate images specific to the medial or lateral pole of the condyle. Users may export data to a variety of implant treatment planning and 3-D viewing software programs. This software provides immediate, 3-D digital reconstructions of a patient’s mouth, face, and jaw areas, which can be viewed on a computer screen or printed in full color.
The continued evolution of materials, manufacturing processes, and human interfaces alters the landscape for dentists and patients. Dental laboratory technicians, who are professional colleagues and team members, are more important, too. Dentistry, as a profession, is in a pivotal time. Commercial influences and marketed products and procedures are affecting us as they have our sisters and brothers in medicine.
Einstein was right: We should ask good questions and refrain from doing things over and over while expecting new results. Search for unbiased information when you ask, and seek conflict-free continuing education that is in the best interests of patients and their long-term health. Dentistry is a noble profession. Technological advances can help us serve our clients better and close the gap between good dentistry and good service.
Dr. Mark T. Murphy practices restorative dentistry in Rochester Hills, Mich., and is the director of professional relations at The Pankey Institute, where he also is on the board and visiting faculty. He is the former director of Continuing Education at Dental Technologies Inc. Reach him via e-mail at mmurphy@pankey.org.
At Harbour Place Dental, the Mukilteo family dental practice of Dr. Onishi and Dr Sarsfield, we will always look out for the best and the safest methods for taking care of our patients needs and deliver quality dental care in comfort. The Mukilteo family dental office of Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other dental experts at Harbour Place Dental is well regarded and trusted by many families in Mukilteo, Everett, Mill Creek WA area. Their specialists go above and beyond when it comes to taking gentle care of their patients and help them preserve a healthy smile. Give them a call at (425) 493-8111 or visit their website and contact them in private or e-mail at harbourpldental@gmail.com .
