Charles Spalding DMD Charlesspaldingdmd@gmail.com 907-268-0288 Dentistry Today Charles Spalding DMD Charlesspaldingdmd@gmail.com 907-268-0288

The Era of Modern Dentistry An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure. Modern equipment and techniques allow for faster and more efficient procedures and enhanced patient comfort. Be engaged with your provider and make healthcare decisions together

Digital Radiography Film is a thing of the past. Direct digital sensors Phosphor Storage Plate 3D - Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Digital imaging allows for far lower radiation exposure and higher resolution and computer manipulation

Dental Radiographs Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs). http://www.xrayrisk.com/ Digital xrays are approximately 10% dose of film

Film Radiographs 7 minute processing time 2 minutes for hand dipped radiographs

3D imaging Accurate to 0.1mm

3D Imaging Has become very important to implant planning and placement (Virtual planning) Virtual planning of orthognathic surgery

Temporo-Mandibular Joint Complex joint movement comrised of a pure hinging motion for the first 15mm followed by a translational hinging motion for the remainder of opening.

Temporo-Mandibular Disorder Improper function of the jaw joint resulting in pain ~90% related to muscle Clenching/Grinding overuses muscles causing spasm or diminished mobility Splint therapy may be helpful Stress reduction and elimination of stimulants (caffeine or nicotine) Age related joint degeneration

TMJ replacement Indicated for degeneration of the joint, completed by OMFS

Xerostomia (dry mouth) Most commonly a side effect of medications Extreme xerostomia can result from radiation therapy Can be temporary or permanent May be treatable with medication DO NOT USE SUGARY CANDIES! Saliva protects teeth, lack of saliva and presence of sugar can accelerate decay

Xerostomia treatment Pilocarpine (Salagen) Biotene rinses or gum Xylitol sugar candies Carrying a water bottle

CAD CAM Dentistry Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing Digital scanning, digital crown design, in house milling “Crown in a day”

Laser Dentistry Lasers can be used to cut hard or soft tissue Laser cutting minimizes bleeding and can allow for faster healing Yb YAG, CO2, diode, Nd YAG