Show #460 Airing Sunday 12/28/08
Remember that old song “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold”? Well, it turns out when it comes to your teeth both silver and gold really are not your friends. But don’t worry, we have new “friends” to introduce you to – to give you a new smile! And here to explain is a our friendly dentist Dr. Steven Marsh!
Question: If were saying "out with the old" –silver and gold– what's coming "in with the new"?
Answer: We think of how we used to use silver in fillings, but we really used silver – and gold – in a variety of treatments – crowns, veneers, bridges, implants. What’s new is the materials we use instead of metal, namely ceramic materials.
Question: So, there are new materials. What about new techniques to try in the new year?
Answer: It’s time to say "out with the old x-rays and in with the new DIGITAL x-rays." These average 90% less radiation than the old, traditional x-rays. They are immediately shown on a computer in front of the patient.
The dentist can diagnose better because we can zoom into make a 12x12 image of the tooth.
This also allows the dentist to be deliberate and careful since he can see exactly where the problem is and work only in that specific area.
These also can be used to help teach the patient by showing where problems are occurring.
And we can keep a series of these x-rays to watch and see if decay is progressing.
Question: I have to ask about the gadget you brought with you. What is it and what does it do?
Answer: This is a diagnodent. It is a laser that can catch decay when it is very small. Another great – and non-invasive – way to diagnose a problem.
Question: Do you still make molds out of our mouths or do you have something new for us there, too?
Answer: We can make something called a dental wax up that provides a map of where the patient’s treatment is going.
Question: With some of the procedures you do, a patient may be sitting in the chair for a while. How do you make them comfortable?
Answer: Patient comfort is key in my practice. We have satellite dish TV in every room. We have a headset that creates zero noise. We even give each patient a warm towel – like they do in first class on an airplane – to soothe and comfort you.
Patient pampering in the dental chair – first class treatment in the new year! My thanks to Dr. Marsh for coming in today. For more information on the newest – as well as most effective – techniques for your teeth, give Dr. Marsh a call. His number is next.
