Thursday, June 18, 2015

Why Does My Hygienist Recommend Fluoride Varnish?

Why Does my Hygienist Recommend Fluoride Varnish?



By Mina Levi, DDS, 06/18/2015

When a patient comes in for their routine professional cleanings at the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS in San Francisco, it may be recommended that a fluoride varnish be applied to the teeth after the cleaning is complete. The term “fluoride” is a bit of a buzz word for many people and some patients have concerns about fluoride and why it is recommended that it be placed in their mouths. In this week’s article, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses fluoride varnish, safety information and why it may have been recommended.

Fluoride Varnish San Francisco Safety

What is fluoride varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride paste that is usually white and sticky and is applied to the surfaces of the teeth after the teeth have been cleaned. The paste adheres to the teeth for a few hours and then is washed away by brushing and flossing regularly at home.

What is fluoride varnish effective for treating?
Fluoride varnish releases sodium fluoride into the enamel surface and re-mineralizes areas of the enamel that have been eroded. It also prevents de-mineralization of the enamel, prevents decay/cavities, and reduces tooth sensitivity.

Why was fluoride varnish recommended for me?
Fluoride varnish may have been recommended to you for a number of reasons in one of two categories: preventative or treatment. If you are considered at a “high risk” for dental decay, the fluoride varnish may be recommended to prevent decay and stop cavities from forming. If you are not a high risk, fluoride varnish may be applied to prevent de-mineralization and strengthen the enamel. Patients with teeth sensitivity have fluoride varnish recommended re-mineralizing the area and reduce the sensitivity. Some patients have areas of the teeth that have de-mineralized or have eroded away, leaving the tooth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. In this case, fluoride varnish will be recommended to re-mineralize the area.

Is fluoride varnish safe for me?
The short answer is yes. Fluoride is safe and effective in the dosages given at the dental office. The lethal dose of fluoride for most adult humans is 5 grams to 10 grams (depending on size of the person). The dosage given at one sitting at the dental office is about .4 grams.  It would take ingesting 12 and a half fluoride varnish doses in one sitting to be at the minimum concentration to be lethal.

If you have further questions about fluoride varnish or why you may need it, visit San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

How Often Should my Dentist take X-Rays?

How Often Should my Dentist take X-Rays?
By Mina Levi, DDS, 06/11/2015

Many of our patients at the dental office of San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS are concerned and have questions about the dental digital x-rays we take for them periodically. Some questions include: ‘how much radiation will the x-rays emit?’, ‘how often should dental x-rays be taken?’ and ‘why do we need to take x-rays?’ In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses why we need to take digital x-rays and how often they should be taken.

Digital Dental X-rays

What are digital dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are images of the internal structure of the teeth using electromagnetic radiation. With digital x-rays, traditional photographic film is not needed and the dentist can see the images immediately without having to develop film. Another advantage to digital x-rays is that there is less radiation emitted than traditional x-rays.

How much radiation is emitted by digital x-rays?
An estimated 1% of cancer cases may be associated with medical/dental radiation. Medical radiation is about 8 times more than dental. One-time dose in uSv can cause:
· 100,000 - Thyroid Cancer
· 250,000 - Skin Cancer
3D dental x-ray doses are about 0.002% of this amount. The following table describes radiation sources and the effective dose exposure:

Radiation Source
Effective Dose Exposure (uSv, ICRP 2007)
Average Daily Background Exposure (US)
8.5
Dental Bitewing X-Ray, Digital/F-film
9
Average Daily Total Exposure (US)
17
Dental Bitewing X-Ray, D-Speed Film
22
One Hour of High-Altitude Air Flight
50
X-Ray - Chest
100
X-Ray - Skull
100
Dental FMX (18), Digital X-Ray
171
Promax CBCT, Focus Area
192
Promax CBCT, Lower Skull
260
Promax CBCT, Full Skull
324
Dental FMX, D-Speed Film
388
X-Ray - Mammogram
420
X-Ray - Hip
700
CT - Head
2,000
X-Ray - Lumbar Spine
6,000
X-Ray - Abdomen
7,000
CT - Chest
7,000
CT - Abdomen
10,000
CT- Cardiac
20,000

Why do we need to take digital x-rays?
Digital x-rays are taken because they show the dentist the condition of your teeth and roots beyond what the naked eye can see. These images can help the dentist determine the degree of periodontal (gum) disease, can show abscesses or abnormal growths, can show the beginning of or position of dental decay or cavities and much more. If the cavity, infection or other issue is not visible in the mouth, it is almost impossible for the dentist to make a diagnosis without x-rays.

How often should my dentist take digital x-rays?
The frequency at which your San Francisco dentist takes digital x-rays depends on your health history and dental health needs. Usually, a small set of about six x-rays (4 BW, 2PAs) is taken once per year with your routine exam to monitor growth or lack of growth of dental decay and make sure that no new areas of decay have emerged. A full set of about eighteen x-rays (FMX) is taken once every three to five years for a more thorough picture of the teeth and jaw.

If you have questions regarding digital dental x-rays or when you should be getting them taken, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

The Scoop on Invisalign

The Scoop on Invisalign
By Mina Levi, DDS, 06/04/2015

When it comes to straightening your teeth, one of the best courses of treatment is Invisalign clear aligners. Many people have heard about the Invisalign product or are at least familiar with the Invisalign brand, but some are not aware of the benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment, what it looks like, how much it costs, or what it even does. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS breaks down Invisalign clear aligner treatment and answers questions you may have about straightening your teeth and getting your dream smile!

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.

What do Invisalign trays look like?
Invisalign aligners are made out of a clear, plastic material that is molded to your teeth, as you can see in the image below:
Invisalign Dentist San Francisco

The Invisalign Process:
Step One: Talk to Dr. Mina Levi, a San Francisco Invisalign Preferred Provider
Invisalign Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Levi has been a preferred provider with Invisalign for over six years, and has treated many different types of cases with Invisalign. During your initial Invisalign consultation, she will discuss your case with you and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Dr. Levi will talk through the Invisalign treatment and answer any questions you may have about the process, costs, insurance, or any other concerns. You and Dr. Levi will determine the best course of treatment for you together.

Step Two: Create a 3D Image of Your Teeth
Dr. Levi and her team will take digital x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a three-dimensional image of your teeth. Dr. Levi will use this image to map out your treatment plan and will be able to show you what your teeth will look like after every step of your Invisalign treatment.

Step Three: Receive Your Clear Aligners
Based on your individualized treatment plan, a series of clear custom-made aligners will be made just for you. Wear the plastic aligners throughout the day, and take them out to eat, drink, brush your teeth and floss. As you continue to wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually move into place. These aligners are clear and almost invisible, so most people will not even know you are wearing them.

Step Four: Wear a New Set of Aligners Every 2 Weeks
After two weeks of wearing one set of aligners, you will move onto the next step and then wear that set for another two weeks. To monitor your progress, you will have appointments set up with Dr. Levi about every six weeks. With each set of aligners that you go through, you are one step closer to your dream smile!

Step Five: Reveal Your New Smile
For most adults, treatment typically takes about a year although each individual case is different. The best way to ensure that treatment goes smoothly and as quickly as possible, make sure to wear the aligners about 22 hours a day. Then, you will be ready to show the world the smile you've always wanted.


Treatable cases:
Many different types of cases are treatable with Invisalign, the following are some of the main conditions that are treated:
1. Gapped teeth: Gaps between teeth can occur with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space, creating gaps in your teeth. Spacing issues and gaps between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets and increased risk of periodontal disease.
2. Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an "overbite" is known to dental professionals as "overjet." It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It's typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth, and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.
3. Underbite: Underbite can occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It's usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.
4. Open Bite: Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite. Most often caused by a genetic abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking, an open bite can cause poor or painful chewing, and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like thermo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
5. Crowding: Teeth crowding occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time, and result in severely crooked teeth. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.
6. Crossbite: Crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.

Is Invisalign a good fit for you? Find out! Visit Invisalign Preferred Provider Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066 to schedule a consultation today!