This is a topic that is well discussed with patients in every dental office. Dental radiographs (commonly called x-rays) are useful diagnostic tools that help dentists detect dental problems during an exam. Radiographs are taken to assess ones cavity, fracture, and gum disease risk.  People who often get caries (cavities) require x-rays more frequently in order to identify, prevent, and lower a patients risk for dental issues.  

If you have not had a full mouth X-ray series (FMX) within the last 5 years, a new set should be taken in order to properly diagnose your gum, bone, and smile. These radiographs will act as a baseline to compare any changes that may occur later with your teeth. If you have taken an FMX recently, you should request a copy if  transferring to a new dentist. 

Dental X-rays are safe. In dentistry, only low levels of radiation exposure are needed to diagnose disease and significantly minimize the risk of potentially harmful disease processes. Dental X-ray equipment and techniques are specifically designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation to As Low As Reasonable Achievable. The apron that your dentist provides prevents radiation exposure to the abdomen and the thyroid. The use of a leaded apron is recommended for  anyone requiring dental x-rays.

If you are pregnant, please inform your dentist of any dental concerns. During your pregnancy, X-rays are  taken to address an urgent dental issue. Every means will be taken to protect you and your baby from radiation exposure. In special situations, a set of full mouth x-rays should be taken to treat severe existing dental problems that would otherwise compromise the health of your child during pregnancy. 

In order to fix a tooth with a filling (whether it was due to a cavity or a fractured tooth), there are certain parameters that must be met. First, internal walls of a tooth are necessary in order to hold a filling within the tooth. If a fracture or a cavity has caused more than two thirds of a tooth structure to be lost, a filling will not suffice. If, however, at least two thirds of the tooth is intact, using a composite or amalgam material to replace the void will work. 

It is possible to get a new cavity around an existing filling. When recurrent cavities require frequent removal and replacement of tooth structure, the remaining tooth becomes extremely brittle. Large fillings and prolonged clenching or grinding habits put teeth at a high fracture risk. When fractures occur, they can be difficult to deal with. Small cracks in our teeth can be similar to a small crack on the windshield of our car. The crack usually starts small and then gets bigger as time progresses. If the cracks are identified early on, we can usually prevent it from propagating into the nerve or root of the tooth. If, however, the fracture continues into the center of the tooth, a root canal or extraction may be necessary. To prevent the advancement of an existing fracture, a crown is placed over the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure and prolong the life of the tooth.

For specific questions or concerns, consult with your dentist. He or she will make recommendations based on your specific needs and risk factors.  

A video brought to you by the Oregon Dental Association. We hope this encourages you and your loved ones to maintain good oral hygiene. 

Cooties (in this case, oral bacteria) can be passed on from one person to another any time saliva is shared. This transmission of bacteria can occur when kissing. In the dental field, the evidence of these cooties are seen in the form of cavities, also known as dental caries. The bacteria that cause cavities, such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, can introduce cavities into a once cavity-free environment. Yes, cavities are contagious.  This phenomenon can be seen in the transference of these bacteria from mother to child, even if the baby does not yet have teeth!
When these specific bacteria exist in the mouth, they feed on food we leave behind, and create very acidic waste. By nature, anything that feeds, has to create waste. There is no bathroom in our mouths for the bacteria to use for waste disposal. When the bacteria create waste, it changes the environment on the exposed surfaces of our teeth, and this acidic environment breaks down our enamel. Over time, if the bacteria and their waste products are left unchecked, the enamel will develop a soft lesion known as caries.
One way to decrease your risk for cavities is to improve your oral hygiene. Excellent oral hygiene ensures that there are no food particles left for the bacteria to feed on. With no food left in your mouth after eating, the bacteria don't have as much food to use in creating waste, and thus decreasing your chances of getting dental caries. Also, improving your diet by eating more complex carbohydrates will prevent bacteria from easily digesting simple sugars into waste. Another way to prevent these bacteria from populating the mouth, is to be cautious with whom you are sharing your drinks, foods, and kisses!