Chicago Dentist

The Chicago Dental Society show in Chicago this past weekend displayed the latest attempts at making a trip to the dentist less unpleasant.  One development is an alternative to the cold white goo patients must hold in their mouths to make a model of their teeth for crowns and bridges.  A new scanner by Cadent iTero that makes a digital 3-D impression of a patient’s mouth eliminates the goo. Instead, the dentist uses a hand-held wand to get an impression of your teeth.  Dentists still have to make a mold to create a temporary crown, but it sets up much faster than the permanent mold. The device is not available yet for braces — but they’re working on it.
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People who live with diabetes on a daily basis are usually instructed to eat right, maintain regular physical activity, and if necessary, take medication. What many may not know is that these medications that help control healthy insulin levels may lead to unexpected events at the dentist’s office. According to a study in the November/December 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal, diabetic patients especially need to communicate special needs to their dentists. This is due to harmful interactions that could occur because of the materials and medications used at dental appointments.
According to the study, more than 194 million people worldwide have diabetes, and health officials estimate that this figure will double or triple in less than 20 years. “It is imperative that diabetic patients inform their dentist of their needs in order to anticipate medication interactions and physical reactions to treatment,” says Lee Shackelford, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. “The doctor must know if the patient is taking insulin, and has taken their daily dose of insulin, in order to anticipate the length of the appointment.”

Medications plus dental materials may equal infection for diabetic patients

The dentist recommends that you visit his office once every six months.  However, in today’s busy times, it is difficult for someone to schedule, and actually make their appointment once every six months.  More likely, a person makes it once a year or less.  The one exception to this, is if the person is in pain.  Pain will drive a person to the dental office quicker than anything.  After the session with the dentist, the patient realizes why they failed to come in the first place.  The experience is not always pleasant.  At Big Smile Dental, we strive to make your dental experience a great one.