NetWellness Dental Hygiene

I Am a Dental Assistant

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:11:00 EST

Question: I am a dental assistant, but now i am 8 weeks pragnent it is safe to take dental xray to the patients

Answer: Operation protection guidelines are the same for pregnant and non-pregnant radiographers. No extra precautions are necessary for pregnant dental radiographers. The dental radiographer must avoid the primary beam of radiation. If a wall is not provided to stand behind, then the radiographer must stan . . .

Ask an Expert: Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Digital Sensors

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:09:00 EST

Question: Can you take a panoramic image of the mouth with a digital sensor? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer: Panoramic x-ray machines can be either digital where the radiographic image is captured on a computer or the traditional panoramic x-ray machine that captures the radiographic image on film.

The advantages of having a digital panoramic image includes superior gray scale resolution, . . .

Ask an Expert: Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Dental Polishing

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:08:00 EST

Question: does dental polishing hurt my teeth?

Answer: No.� Most offices now use dental polishing pastes in fine grit which generally is enough to remove plaque and stain.� In fact, new polishing pastes have ingredients in them that help remineralize teeth so polishing is good for your teeth!

Ask an Expert: Michele Carr RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Restaining after whitening

Wendy Moore RDH, EFDA, BS, MS — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:06:00 EST

Question: Do whitening processes increase the porosity of tooth enamel and increase the likelihood of re-staining? Are there appropriate sealants to prevent repeat staining or does sealing actually harm the health of the teeth?

Answer: Whitening does not harm the tooth structure or cause increased future staining when used per manufacture's directions. Depending on the frequency of what you eat, drink, and if you smoke, this is what causes the tooth to darken. Sealants are applied to the back molars on the chewing surfaces (occlus . . .

Ask an Expert: Wendy Moore RDH, EFDA, BS, MS, Dental Hygiene

Patient Refusal to Dental X-Ray

NetWellness Staff . — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:05:00 EST

Question: If a patient keeps on for years refusing dental X-ray and the dentist continues to treat that patient, would that dentist be liable in case of later hidden damages showed up. Would the dentist be liable for negligence? and what if the patient signed his refusal to x-ray, would the dentist still be l . . .

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. Unfortunately, your question is beyond the scope of this service as NetWellness experts provide general information about health and wellness.

Best wishes.

Ask an Expert: NetWellness Staff ., Dental Hygiene

Deep root cleaning

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:05:00 EST

Question: cost?

Answer: From what I hear in the community, $150-$200 per quadrant. At The Ohio State University, it can range between $58-$160 per quadrant. These are estimates only.

This can vary from state to state and the type of setting. A specialist will be higher. You can receive excellent treat . . .

Ask an Expert: Michele Carr RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Teeth

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:04:00 EST

Question: what is worse for your teeth (staining them) coca cola coffee tea or red bull??????

Answer: I have not seen staining from red bull. Coffee and tea are the worst culprits for staining and of course, dependent upon the amount consumed.

Ask an Expert: Michele Carr RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Toothbrush phobias

Wendy Moore RDH, EFDA, BS, MS — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST

Question: Do people really have toothbrush phobias? I have heard that people may have a fear to brush because of different reasons....what are they? Or have you heard any?

Answer: Sorry, but I have not heard from anyone personally having a fear of brushing. Probably because if they did have a phobia, they wouldn't come to the dentist either. Let's hope everyone is brushing.

Ask an Expert: Wendy Moore RDH, EFDA, BS, MS, Dental Hygiene

Dental x-rays

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:04:00 EST

Question: How long does it take to get a copy of your dental x-rays?

Answer:

Dental offices are frequently asked to provide copies of dental x-rays for patients or insurance companies. Sometimes the office has only one person with the training and expertise in this area. The procedure itself is not time consuming and can be done in less than 10 minutes; however, . . .

Ask an Expert: Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Which beverage stains your teeth more?

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:02:00 EST

Question:

Out of these three beverages(orange juice,cola and coffee)which one stains your teeth more?

Answer: Depending on the amount consumed, my experience is coffee but you should investigate this yourself!

Ask an Expert: Michele Carr RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene