Comfort Dental

What Does a Dentist Look for In X-rays?

Your visit to the dentist for a checkup, cleaning, and exam includes dental X-rays. You’ve likely had numerous dental X-rays taken, but have you ever wondered what exactly the dentist uses them for? Here's a look at how your dentist utilizes X-ray imaging technology to treat patients:

Cavities

Cavities are the most common condition that dental X-rays are used to identify. Your dentist will look for the signs of tooth decay, bacteria activity, and cavities by checking the X-ray images of your teeth. Though a dentist may suspect a cavity through visual inspection, an X-ray can be used to accurately, quickly, and easily diagnose the problem.

Tooth Position

X-rays show the position of teeth, including those that haven't erupted yet. If there is a concern about how your wisdom teeth are developing, or the position of your teeth in relation to other teeth, a dental X-ray can diagnose the problem and help the dentist decide on a treatment plan.

Bite Alignment

Your jaw should line up precisely for proper chewing and to prevent pain in the jaw, neck, face, ears, and head. A dental X-ray will show your dentist how your jaw is aligned.  The films are useful in diagnosing pain and in deciding on a course of treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder and other conditions.

Impacted Teeth

If you have impacted teeth, like wisdom teeth, your dentist can see the impaction via X-ray. Impacted teeth can easily become infected and shift surrounding teeth until they become misaligned. A dentist will use X-rays to determine the best way to remove impacted teeth and correct any associated problems.

If you live in San Jose, visit Comfort Dental for the latest in digital dental X-ray technology during your dental exam. In addition to exams and cleanings, our office offers cosmetic dentistry services. For an appointment or to learn more about our dental services, call (408) 899-8955 today.

3 Signs That You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Many people believe that their wisdom teeth will simply and easily emerge on their own; but in reality, these nonessential teeth often cause problems as they develop and erupt. Your cosmetic dentist can remove your wisdom teeth to alleviate pain and prevent any problems with the alignment and position of your teeth. Here are three signs that indicate you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:

Pain

Discomfort, pain, or irritation behind your last molar can be a sign of wisdom teeth coming in incorrectly and may necessitate removal. Pain may be caused when there is not enough room to accommodate erupting teeth, or because the wisdom teeth are pushing on teeth that are already in place. Wisdom teeth can also easily become impacted, infected, or abscessed. See your dentist if you experience pain in the area surrounding the wisdom teeth.

Abnormal X-Ray Results

When you have your routine dental exam, your dentist will take X-rays. If the films show that your wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come in, or that they are impacted, you'll need to have them surgically removed. X-rays can show potential problems with your wisdom teeth before they start causing you pain.

Tooth Decay and Shifting

If wisdom teeth are allowed to naturally emerge, they may still be overcrowded and difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay. If your mouth is too small to allow for proper brushing and flossing, your dentist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth. Also, even if you experience no pain, wisdom teeth can easily exert pressure on other teeth and cause them to shift out of alignment, negatively affecting the entire bite.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, visit the dentists at Comfort Dental in San Jose for a consultation. We perform extractions and other oral surgeries in our office; we also offer routine dental cleanings, X-rays, and exams. To schedule your appointment, call (408) 899-8955 today.

For More Dental Health Tips, Check Out These Websites

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and looking great is the best way to maintain a beautiful smile for a lifetime. Quality dental care is an essential part of caring for your teeth and gums. The dentists of Comfort Dental in San Jose can meet all your general and cosmetic dentistry needs. Call Comfort Dental at (408) 899-8955 to schedule your appointment today!

· For more information on preventing gum disease, read through these tips offered by WebMD.

· MedicineNet.com provides four easy tips on how you can prevent periodontal disease.

· Read this article from the American Dental Association to learn about dental veneers.

· The Academy of General Dentistry offers this introduction to dental crowns.

· Animated-Teeth.com allows you to easily compare dental veneers and dental crowns.

How to Floss Your Teeth

Your dentist will tell you how important it is to floss your teeth at least once a day. But inadequate flossing will do little to improve your oral health and may even hurt delicate gum tissue. If you’ve ever wondered about the most effective way to floss, watch this video from Colgate Oral Care.

You can follow along with this video’s step-by-step guide to flossing. When you next visit your dentist and he asks whether you floss regularly, you can honestly answer, “Yes!” You and your dentist are sure to see the difference.

Are you looking for an experienced dentist in San Jose, CA? The dentists of Comfort Dental have the experience, up-to-date technology, and friendly personality you’re looking for. In addition to general dentistry, Comfort Dental’s dentists offer cosmetic treatments. Schedule your appointment today by calling (408) 899-8955.

Comparing Veneers and Crowns for Tooth Restoration

Damaged, misaligned, gapped, stained, poorly shaped, and crooked teeth can all be restored with dental crowns or dental veneers. Learn more about each type of restoration and consult your dentist to determine which is best to meet your cosmetic dentistry needs.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells composed of tooth-colored materials that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Only minimal removal of tooth enamel is necessary for the application of veneers; 1 mm of enamel or less is removed. Veneers can make slight to moderate color changes to your tooth color. Minor tooth shape changes can also be achieved with veneers.

More of the healthy tooth structure is preserved with dental veneers than with the application of crowns. One important thing to remember is that, because veneers necessitate enamel removal, you will always need a veneer or other protection for the altered teeth.

Crowns

Dental crowns are dental restorations that cover the entire tooth along the front, back, and all sides.  When a damaged tooth needs to be restored, a dental crown can preserve the function of the tooth and protect against infection. When the extent of damage is too severe for a dental veneer, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is also tooth-colored and natural-looking.

Crowns can significantly change the color of a stained tooth and further alter a tooth’s shape. The strength and durability of crowns make them good for chewing surfaces of the teeth, where veneers would be too brittle to work effectively. Preparing a tooth for a dental crown requires a removal of a minimum of 2 mm of tooth enamel. As a result, a tooth with a dental crown will always need a crown.

Would your smile benefit from cosmetic dentistry? The dentists of Comfort Dental in San Jose have the expertise you’re looking for in a cosmetic dentist. Find out what our dentists can do for you; call us today at (408) 899-8955.