The Safety of Dental X-Rays

by Alex Francis
 
While many people dread going to the dentist, it’s usually the drills and needles that are invoking fear—not the x-rays. Those are painless, right?
 
Well, it turns out that people have long been skeptical of the safety of dental x-rays, especially considering that dentists drape a lead-lined apron over you before they conveniently leave the room for the actual x-ray. (“What are they hiding from?” your suspicious side may wonder.)
 
So are there any real grounds for concern? Any reason to believe that the dental x-rays that are supposed to be helping detect and prevent maladies like cavities and tooth decay are actually slowly but surely leading you down a path toward radiation poisoning?
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Today’s Dentures Could Soon Be Obsolete

by Alex Francis
 

Attention Young People: If you have ever looked upon the future in despair, wallowing in the realization that, like your parents before you and their parents before them, your teeth will one day fall out and leave you with nothing more than soft gums and smelly dentures—fear no more!
 
New advances in dental technology could soon eliminate the possibility of young people ever having to experience wearing dentures as we know them today.
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Hapless Dentistry Around the World

 
by Toni Ramirez
 

There has been an unfortunate recent surge in dentistry gone awry. Dentists are not the only culprits, and this misfortune has gone global. From dental practices in Arkansas to consumers in Indonesia, dentistry seems to have picked up a bad reputation among the public, and local government officials are taking notice.
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Artificial Mouth Tests the Durability of Dental Materials

 
by Alex Francis
 

Next time you take a bite of food, chew a piece of gum, or even clench your teeth in frustration without having an implant fall out or a filling become dislodged in your mouth, take a moment to thank ART: the artificial mouth that has been testing the performance of fillings, crowns, and other restorative dental materials since 1983.
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Seven Ways to Protect the Health of Your Children’s Teeth

 
by Alex Francis

 
It’s no secret that children love sweets, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to withhold the little treats that bring them such joy. And while a lollipop here or a slice of cake there won’t kill them, the cumulative effect of regular sweets and haphazard dental care could end up doing permanent damage to their teeth.
 
Fortunately, a little brushing and flossing can go a long way. To prevent bestowing your children with a mouth full of cavities and a standing appointment at the dentist, Dr. Nancy Jo Soporowski, a pediatric dentist, offers the following advice:
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Spruce Up your Dental Office

 
by Alex Francis
 

 
While we are often told not to judge a book by its cover, there is no denying the power of the superficial over the substantive. That said, it is important to be sure that the furnishings of your dental office are not purely functional, but are stylish as well.
 
As Jeff Carter, DDS, and Pat Carter, IIDA, explained in a recent article for DentalEconomics.com, “Furniture is one of many visible cues that produce an unavoidable message about your care and dental acumen.” In other words, a poor layout and run-of-the-mill furniture can give the best dental office an underwhelming feel just as easily as an appealing aesthetic can raise the bar of a mediocre office. So in order to ensure you have all of your bases covered, it is recommended you pay particular attention to the furniture in your office. Here are a few things to consider:
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Passivhaus Standard Applied to Roanoke Dental Office

 
by Alex Francis
 
Virginia Dental Office Paves the Way for an Energy-Efficient Future
 

The first dental office in the world to comply with the Passivhaus standard has been built, and it is right here in the United States. The new building is in Roanoke, Virginia and is expected to save its owners $400,000 over 20 years. Its design and building was overseen by a local company called Structures Design Build, whose co-founder is a “Certified Passivhaus Designer.”
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New App Lets Dentists Easily Communicate with Patients

by Alex Francis
 
Just in case you have a hard time remembering to schedule your annual dental appointments and to follow up with your dentists after procedures, don’t worry—there’s an app for that.
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How to Save Money on Dental Work

 
by Alex Francis
 
If you ask most people when they last went to the dentist, the answer will probably

amount to “too long ago.” And while it may be the case that the cost of dental work can get very high very fast, the importance of taking care of your oral health should not be overlooked.
 
As many dental insurance plans cover the cost of cleanings, x-rays, and examinations but leave the burden of paying for actual treatment on the patient, a recent Fox Business report took a look at six different ways to reduce the overall cost of your dental care.
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What Goes into a Filling?

 
by Alex Francis
 

There are a variety of reasons to go to the dentist—and while the health of your mouth should come first, the aesthetic value of properly cared-for teeth is undeniable. But if everyone wants a bright white smile, why are unsightly metals often used to fill cavities? Even if the fillings are not directly in the smile line, they will inevitably be seen while you talk and laugh. Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at the different kinds of fillings available and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
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