Take a fresh look at your dentist\’s office!

In honor of Earth Day today I thought I would share all the ways that the latest in-office technology is kinder to both the environment and our patients! We are saving some green with paperless (electronic) health records, and using locally sourced products and furniture, biodegradable suction tips and toothbrushes and reducing waste by donating surplus items to local shelters… and the list goes on and on.

Many people are not aware of the latest dental materials available to diagnose and treat dental diseases in the pediatric population. Check out some of the cutting edge modalities below:

• Digital xrays: eliminate the need for environmentally-harmful film and chemicals used in development. They also can be easily transferred between offices and are faster and safer than traditional X-rays, with radiation reduction of up to 80-90%.
• Diagnodent: is a laser fluorescence detector which can identify early cavities on hard to see tooth surfaces and improve the accuracy of an intraoral exam.
• Full coverage crowns: no longer need to be silver colored. There are additional materials that have emerged which are veneered with white over the silver or zirconia ceramic, (NuSmile)
• Orthodontic brackets: are available in alternative materials for people who may have a nickel allergy (CDC estimates 10-20%). Ceramic brackets are made out of composite and do not stain.
• Digital scanners: can eliminate the need for traditional, alginate tray impressions! Gaggers rejoice because now we can just use a wand to scan the teeth and send to the lab to fabricate an appliance like Invisilign! And if a retainer gets lost, the file is saved to the system so a new one can easily be made.
• Conservative fillings: because we like to save as much tooth structure as possible! Resin infiltration (Icon) can be placed in between teeth where we would have had to drill if it got any worse. We also have more choices in atraumatic restorations, which are a temporary “Bandaid” to reduce sensitivity.
• Store stem cells: when a baby tooth or a third molar bud is extracted your professional may give you option of banking these teeth by sending it out to a specialized company. The cells within the pulp are a valuable source of regenerative stem cells and have had promising results in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and spinal cord injury.unlike stem cells from umbilical cord, stem cells from teeth “have unlimited potential due to their pluripotency (ability to differentiate in the several cell types).”**We have a very interesting future ahead of us, stay tuned for future updates.

Until next time,

Lynne

**Reference: http://www.toothbank.com/

* Disclaimer: This content on this blog is based on my opinion. I do not receive any financial incentive. Follow at your own discretion.