NetWellness Dental Hygiene

Dental X-Rays

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:06:00 EST

Question: My wife and I no longer have Dental Insurance. Because of this loss we just ask our dentist to clean our teeth since we at present do not have any trouble with our teeth.This last visit,after saying no to x-rays she was told if she did not allow x-rays to be taken,neither her or myself could receive . . .

Answer: The ADA provides some general recommendations or guidelines for ordering radiographs. There will always be some variability among practitioners regarding the proper film order, but it is important to follow as closely as possible suggestions made by groups such as the American Dental Associatio . . .

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

Dental School

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST

Question: How wise is it to get a cleaning from a dental school? I am afraid to go to the dentist because I am afraid that the tools that are used to clean my mouth are not properly disinfected? I decided to go to a university dental clinic, but I noticed that clinic was next to the infectious disease unit. I . . .

Answer: It is law that all instruments must be sterilized. If you go to a private dentist, I would ask them ahead of time to not open the package of instruments until you are sitting in the chair. There should be some sort of indication (sterilization tape that stripes turn brown once sterilized) on the out . . .

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

Cleaning Tooth Brushes

Susan Bauchmoyer RDH, EFDA, MS — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST

Question: Hi - what is the best way for our parents to clean their child`s toothbrushes? We are a child care center & someone mentioned that the brushes could be cleaned in the dishwasher. Your guidance please. Thank you

Answer: Hello, this is a great question. I would avoid this technique for cleaning brushes due to the tightness of the tufts of bristles. These tufts or stacks of bristles would not rinse thoroughly and residual detergent would be commonplace. Dishwashing detergents are not meant to be ingested, so it is no . . .

Ask an Expert: Susan Bauchmoyer RDH, EFDA, MS, Dental Hygiene

Stained Teeth

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:12:00 EST

Question: Which stains teeth more coffee or dark soda?

Answer: We tend to see coffee stain more than dark soda stain.

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

X-Rays

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 22:10:00 EST

Question: I had a complete set of xrays taken a few days ago at a new dental place. My experience there wasn`t good and I do not plan on returning. The xrays were free. I am going to soon return to my old dentist. What do I do about the situation that I need xrays from his office? I hate to tip my hand a . . .

Answer: You are entitled to a copy of the dental radiographs. The office may decide to charge you for the x-rays or for the cost of copying. The office does not need to know why you are requesting a copy. It is your right as a patient.

Perhaps you had a good experience but just want a second . . .

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

Labial Mucosa

Wendy Moore RDH, EFDA, BS, MS — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:09:00 EST

Question: my lower labial mucosa sticks to my lower teeth. Is it to do with my teeth or lip?

Answer: That is difficult to answer without a dentist looking in your mouth. The most probable explanation would be symptoms related to dry mouth. Many medications cause dry mouth and the lack of saliva in the mouth dries out the intraoral tissues causing them to stick to the teeth and tongue.

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

Oral and Jaw Pain

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:08:00 EST

Question:

I have been having problems with the right side low back tooth, not the wisdom tooth the one right before it. So I ended up taking two antibiotics (Penicillin, and then Amoxicillin). And it still took a few days after those two medications before the pain went fully away. But now I have the sam . . .

Answer: You need to get to a dentist. When there is pus, there is infection, and the infection must be treated before it gets worse. If money is an issue, you could try going to the emergency department at a dental clinic where the fee would be much less.

Additionally, the links below have infor . . .

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

Nauseous/headache after every dental cleaning

Michele Carr RDH, MA — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:07:00 EST

Question: What could be the cause and is it worth mentioning to my hygienist? Is there anything that could alleviate this reaction?

She uses a water pick and the appts are usually 30 min-45 min long.

Answer: This is unusual and I have not heard this before. I would mention it to your hygienist. Perhaps taking whatever you take for pain relief prior to your appointment would help.

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

Dental Xrays - Quality Control

Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:05:00 EST

Question: Quality control suggestions or ideas for the dental xrays and processing lab

Answer:

There are quality control tests and quality administration procedures.

The machines should be tested at least once a year per manufacturer's recommendations.

The x-ray film should be tested using the fresh film test. S . . .
Ask an Expert: Constance Kuntupis RDH, MA, Dental Hygiene

Pregnant Women

NetWellness Staff . — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:05:00 EST

Question: I am assisting the dentist with an emergency patient that a 35 yrs. old women that is five months pregnant. She becomes reluctant about having the radiograph take because of her pregnancy. What information can i give her and make her appreciate the importance of aquiring the film and the safety prec . . .

Answer: