Sunnyvale Family Dental Center

The world of modern dentistry is embracing exciting advances in technology for increased patient comfort, care, and convenience. Here are some ways dentistry is taking oral care into the new millennium. Air Abrasion: High-speed delivery of "blasting particles" to a decayed tooth can replace the drill in many cases. The fine stream of air and aluminum oxide provides dentists with a more precise tool for removing decay quickly, without damaging surrounding sections of the toot...h. This exciting dental treatment is also a plus for patients because it normally doesn't require any local anesthesia. While air abrasion may not be suitable for large areas of decay or the removal of silver fillings, it can be used to repair tiny cracks, remove stains, and smooth the tooth surface so that bonding materials adhere to the tooth. Intra-oral Cameras: A tiny camera inserted into the patient's mouth allows the dentist to show the patient the exact nature of the problem. The image is enlarged and sent to a monitor that the patient and doctor view together. When patients can see the specific area in need of treatment, they're more likely to understand and accept the dentist's recommendation. Lasers: Research continues at a fast pace in laser dentistry. Lasers have been used for years in a limited capacity, but their role in oral surgery is likely to increase. Digitized X-rays: Computerized technology will allow a small sensor inside the patient's mouth to take the X-ray and immediately display it on a computer screen, eliminating film and darkroom processing, and reducing the radiation exposure for the patient. Computers: There is a growing recognition of the role that computers can play in dental care. In the future, patient records may be kept on computer disks, including visual images captured on intraoral cameras. A computerized workstation beside the patient's chair will give the dentist the ability to view the patient's history from disk. The dentist might also use a voice-recognition system to ask the computer to assist in finding that data, or generate a "before and after" image so the patient can preview the result of dental treatment before it is done. CD-ROM: Patient education will be a snap with information stored on CD-ROM. Procedures can be explained to patients in advance and post-operative instructions can be provided for them to take home. With a new hi-tech face on modern dentistry, patients can look forward to a new face in dentistry and greater comfort with more "byte!"

Must read this before you go for dental implants. Q. What is a dental implant? A. A dental implant is a permanent artificial tooth replacement.... Q. What is the procedure for receiving dental implants? A. Dental implants are inserted surgically in two steps. The first step is to insert a post into or onto the jawbone. This post will then become the anchor for the artificial tooth that will be placed over the post. Q. How long is the procedure for dental implants? A. Getting a dental implant is a two step process. Once the post is inserted into the jawbone, the patient will have between three and six months with a temporary restoration. During this period, the bone and gum area around the post will heal to create a strong and healthy bond. Once this bond is complete, an additional set of smaller posts is attached to the original post and then the artificial tooth is secured to the posts. The entire procedure could take anywhere from three to ten months. Q. Can I eat regularly while the implants are bonding? A. While the post is bonding with your jaw and gums, your dentist will place a temporary artificial tooth on the post. During the bonding period, you will need to eat soft foods. Q. Do implants require special care? A. Yes and No. Dental implants need to be brushed, flossed and checked regularly by a dentist, just as you would do with your regular teeth. But dental implants don’t need special brushes or pastes. Q. Can you eat and chew normally with dental implants? A. Yes. Consider that natural teeth can absorb up to approximately 540 lbs. per square inch of biting pressure and properly placed dental implants can withstand up to approximately 450 lbs. per square inch of the same pressure. Q. How long should a dental implant last? A. With proper placement, excellent home care, regular dental visits, and good overall health, dental implants should be permanent.