Is Your Child Cavity Prone?

Feb 15, 2012

A common question with a complex answer: "Why does my child get so many cavities?" Learn the answers here: http://bit.ly/xtzxP2

Thank...YOU!

Feb 03, 2012

Whether you read our tweets, re-tweet our tweets or wonder "what's a tweet?" - Well, we owe you a thanks! Be sure to join your team at SDC in the conversation on Twitter today: http://www.twitter.com/SDCDentalCentre

Can Oral Health Have an Effect on Pregnancy?

Jan 25, 2012

Pregnancy/Prenatal Care + Oral Health - Can Oral Health Have an Effect on Pregnancy? A great read found on Colgate's Website http://bit.ly/yqkxSm

Our Annual General Meeting!

Jan 20, 2012

We're well into our Annual General Meeting! Live from the Fairfield in Belleville - Lots of topics on the agenda! Send us a tweet! @SDCDentalCentre

Have A Happy & Healthy Holiday

Dec 08, 2011

With holiday activities in full swing, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is encouraging everyone to stay focused on maintaining good oral health during this hectic time of year.

Read the full article here.

Emergencies DO Happen!

Oct 17, 2011

First call our offices Directly - don't send us an e-mail or a tweet - Explain your symptoms and ask to be seen as soon as possible! Be sure to read our Important Bulletins.

Dentistry, Part Two.

Sep 27, 2011

Welcome to our new web site! It's official! - And, we invite you to join us in conversation on Twitter - @SDCDentalCentre

SDC In The Local Media

Sep 27, 2011

Be sure to keep an eye out for our new campaigns appearing in the EMC, Napanee Guide, County Weekly News, as well as County And Quinte Living Magazine!

New Patient Education Videos!

Aug 11, 2011

Our Patient Education Area is designed to provide you with the most up-to-date information on innovations and advances in modern dentistry.

X-Ray Safety Explained

Aug 11, 2011

DID YOU KNOW?

The average Canadian receives more X-Ray radiation from watching their television for a period of one year than compared to regular dental X-Rays.

Are All X-Rays The Same?

Actually there are several types of X-Rays that may be ordered by the dentist.  The most common are what are referred to as “intraoral” a small film packet is placed inside your mouth.  You may be asked to bite on a small cardboard tab that holds a cavity-detecting X-Ray film packet in place; or you may be asked to bite down on a small plastic device that helps align the film with the X-Ray machine.  Other types of X-Rays (called “extraoral”) are taken by placing a larger film cassette near your face.  You may be either seated or standing while the film is being taken.

What About Radiation Safety?

That is a commonly asked question regarding X-Rays. Radiation, in the amounts used to expose dental X-Rays, is very small. In fact, the average Canadian actually receives more radiation from sitting in front of the family television for a period of one year than from routine X-Rays taken at the dentist’s office!

Are X-Rays Necessary Every Check-Up?

Not necessarily.  The need varies from patient to patient.  X-Rays are taken to detect conditions or diseases present in the mouth.

Depending upon the findings of your clinical examination, your dentist will determine when X-Rays are necessary for you.

What Are You Looking For When My Dental X-Rays Are Read?

One of the obvious things we look for, of course is decay.  Often, dental decay is not apparent upon visual examination - this is because the decay process often starts in-between the teeth.

In addition to decay, there are many other things the dentist looks for on your X-Rays:

• Receding bone level (a sign of periodontal disease)
• Supernumerary (extra) teeth
• Missing, impacted or unerupted teeth
• Bone cancer or bony cysts
• Early signs of osteoporosis
• Root fragments
• Root configuration
• Sinus Infection
• Abscesses of the teeth or gums
• Tooth position
• Foreign objects that may be imbedded in the oral tissue
• Hairline fractures of the teeth or supporting tissues
• Tartar (hardened plaque) below the gumline
• Filling overhangs or short or open filling margins
• TMJ (jaw joint) irregularities

What If I am Pregnant?

If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, or think you are pregnant, please inform us.  We generally avoid taking X-Rays during this period of time.  If you have a very specific case needing an X-Ray, we will take every precaution to protect your unborn child from radiation.

What Precautions Are Taken?

We protect patients of all ages with a lead apron.  This apron is draped over your shoulders and protects you from your neck to mid-thighs.  Because the reproductive organs are also sensitive to X-Ray radiation, we are very careful to protect these areas when taking dental films.

Today’s film manufacturers make ultra-high speed films which require as little as 1/10th of a second of actual exposure. 

They also permit the lowest level of radiation possible to produce clinically acceptable diagnostic X-Rays.

Why Do Dental Personnel Leave The Room When They Take My X-Rays?

This is because dental personnel take many films over the course of a year.  As a result, they must take precautions against what is called “cumulative X-Radiation”.  The safest way to ensure this is for them to stand at least six feet from the X-Ray unit for a brief fraction of a second when radiation is present.

Controlling Gag Reflex

If you feel that you are especially prone to gagging, we can administer a special mouth rinse that temporarily numbs the soft tissue of the palate.

Your Dental Health Is Our First Concern

Because we care about maintaining your smile, dental X-Rays are an indispensable adjunct to your clinical records.  By taking them periodically we safeguard your dental health, we detect any changes or conditions early, and before they become larger problems.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about dental X-Rays, please ask.  We are here to preserve your great smile!

1 Question Survey!

Aug 09, 2011

We want to know how we're doing! Please take a moment to share any comments regarding your experience with SDC. Take The 1-Question Survey!