Uses of Cone Beam CT
Over the past week or so, I have been posting information about the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography that Smile Station Dental recently acquired. While I have written about the technology behind it, I have not written much on what all the Cone-Beam CT can do besides render a three-dimensional X-ray image. I outline and expand upon the uses for the Cone-Beam CT in each part of dentistry.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The Cone-Beam CT has been used to determine the exact location and extent of jaw pathologies such as Temporomandibular Disorder (or TMD). It can also locate the exact position of supernumerary teeth, assessing them for their position around vital structures. The Cone-Beam CT has also been quite useful in assessing pre- and post-bone graft patients.
Endodontics
The Cone-Beam CT can also aid dentists in identifying possible abscessed teeth, going as far as helping them to measure the extent of the lesion and be able to explore other, non-invasive treatments.
Implant Dentistry
Being able to measure the appropriate measurements is imperative for implant dentistry. The 3D X-ray image allows for more precise measurements of the implant area as well as being able to visualize where vital structures are, enabling proper avoidance of these structures when placing the implant.
Periodontics
The Cone-Beam CT allows for dentists to see the amount of bone present that is holding the teeth in place and measure the amount of bone loss, an advantage that was not possible with the 2D image from traditional X-rays.
The Cone-Beam CT has many more uses than the ones I've outlined here, including uses for orthodontic and forensic dentistry. Utilizing the Cone-Beam CT is fast becoming the standard of care for the dental profession.
Source: http://www.agd.org/media/121014/si_312.pdf
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Notes from the Dentist
New Technology: Cone-Beam X-Ray
Last week, I posted on the new technology in the field of dental X-rays, the cone-beam computed tomography. Today, I wanted to announce that Smile Station Dental acquired a cone-beam X-ray machine and is now offering that service instead of panoramic X-rays.
After researching this technology extensively and attending seminars on the subject, Dr. Morgan and I feel that offering the cone-beam X-rays to our patients allows us to give them the best service and will aid in more accurate diagnosis.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Last week, I posted on the new technology in the field of dental X-rays, the cone-beam computed tomography. Today, I wanted to announce that Smile Station Dental acquired a cone-beam X-ray machine and is now offering that service instead of panoramic X-rays.
After researching this technology extensively and attending seminars on the subject, Dr. Morgan and I feel that offering the cone-beam X-rays to our patients allows us to give them the best service and will aid in more accurate diagnosis.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
News You Can Use
Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Dental technology is always moving forward, coming out with new and safer ways to provide the best services for patients. The latest in dental X-ray technology is the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), shown in the picture below.
The CBCT scan works by emitting a cone-beam shaped X-ray beam that rotates around the person's head. It is used by dental professionals to capture a fast, non-invasive three dimensional (3D) image of the person's teeth, jaw, mouth, and neck.
The 3D image enables more to be seen in the X-ray as opposed to the conventional 2D image, aiding the dentist in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of certain oral conditions. While the technology is fundamentally similar, the CBCT scan exposes the person to less radiation than a CT scan but still provides a greater amount and more precise information than the traditional 2D dental X-ray.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Notes from the Dentist
Introducing...
I know I have posted this letter of introduction to my patients previously but for those that may not have had the opportunity to read it, I wanted to post it again:
My dear patients and families,
I know I have posted this letter of introduction to my patients previously but for those that may not have had the opportunity to read it, I wanted to post it again:
My dear patients and families,
I have some very good news for you and me, too. There is a new addition to my practice.
It is my greatest pleasure to welcome my daughter, Morgan Emery, DDS, to our dental team starting July 8, 2013.
Morgan was born at St. John’s Hospital and attended Barretts Elementary and Parkway South Middle schools Parkway South High School in 2005 and from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2008. For dental school, she chose my alma mater, the University of Missouri – Kansas City . She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in May 2012. She has spent the past year in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency gaining more experience in treating special needs children and more complex dental cases at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton .
Morgan brings new ideas into the practice from academia and is helping the office integrate and upgrade their electronic charting. Eventually, she plans to help the office complete their transition to being “paperless”. In addition to her patient care duties here at Smile Station Dental, she will spend two days a week teaching dentistry to third and fourth year dental students at the dental school in Alton .
Morgan and I look forward to working together to provide our patients with excellent dentistry in a safe and relaxed environment. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.
With my warmest wishes,
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Roman Dental Practices
While the ancient Romans were not the first ancient peoples to use sophisticated dental techniques, they were the most advanced for their time. Advancing the medical knowledge they gained from the Greeks, the Roman's oral care surpassed that of most civilizations at the time.
Dental Professionals
There were actually three professionals who worked in the dental world, allowing patrons to choose between a tooth-drawer (one who only pulled teeth), a barber-surgeon (one who worked in bloodletting and cosmetic teeth shaping), and a physician who specialized in dentistry
Tooth Cleaning
While a form of early toothpaste was already around, Roman's continued employing those abrasive powders but added agents to freshen breath as well. The toothbrush had not been invented yet so people applied the pastes with their fingers. Toothpicks were commonly used to pick debris out of teeth as well.
Pain Relief
The Romans used several techniques to reduce the pain associated with dental procedures. Galen, the Roman physician, used the pickled root of a Chrysanthemum that would dull pain and loosen the tissue allowing for an easier extract (being careful with the application so as to not loosen healthy teeth). Aulus Celsus also suggested using Mandrake or holding a fig wrapped in wool to the affected tooth.
Dental Prostheses
It is no secret that the Romans were advanced in their engineering and construction which extended to their use of dental prostheses. They employed bridges and crowns made of gold and other materials which would fill the gap left from a missing tooth. Some of these prostheses even survived for archaeologists to find.
Source:http://suite101.com/article/dentistry-and-dental-care-in-the-roman-world-a389246
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
While the ancient Romans were not the first ancient peoples to use sophisticated dental techniques, they were the most advanced for their time. Advancing the medical knowledge they gained from the Greeks, the Roman's oral care surpassed that of most civilizations at the time.
Dental Professionals
There were actually three professionals who worked in the dental world, allowing patrons to choose between a tooth-drawer (one who only pulled teeth), a barber-surgeon (one who worked in bloodletting and cosmetic teeth shaping), and a physician who specialized in dentistry
Tooth Cleaning
While a form of early toothpaste was already around, Roman's continued employing those abrasive powders but added agents to freshen breath as well. The toothbrush had not been invented yet so people applied the pastes with their fingers. Toothpicks were commonly used to pick debris out of teeth as well.
Pain Relief
The Romans used several techniques to reduce the pain associated with dental procedures. Galen, the Roman physician, used the pickled root of a Chrysanthemum that would dull pain and loosen the tissue allowing for an easier extract (being careful with the application so as to not loosen healthy teeth). Aulus Celsus also suggested using Mandrake or holding a fig wrapped in wool to the affected tooth.
Dental Prostheses
It is no secret that the Romans were advanced in their engineering and construction which extended to their use of dental prostheses. They employed bridges and crowns made of gold and other materials which would fill the gap left from a missing tooth. Some of these prostheses even survived for archaeologists to find.
Ancient Roman Bridge
Source:http://suite101.com/article/dentistry-and-dental-care-in-the-roman-world-a389246
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, August 12, 2013
News You Can Use
A Glass of Milk After Breakfast May Help Prevent Cavities
While we do not necessarily suggest eating sugary cereals for breakfast, a recent study found drinking a glass of milk after consuming these cereals may help ameliorate the effects on the teeth.
Researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry published an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association that investigated the effect sugar cereals have on tooth decay and if certain beverages would reduce the chances for decay after consuming carbohydrates.
Dry, sugar-added cereals combine sugars with starches which creates a potent carbohydrate that mixes with the bacteria in dental plaque on tooth surfaces to produce acid. That acid drops the pH in the mouth to acidic levels, raising the chances for tooth decay. The researchers had participants eat Fruit Loops and follow that with either milk, water, or apple juice. The results indicated that milk was the only substance that increased the pH to a more normal level than either water or apple juice. Water raised the pH slightly but not significantly while apple juice did not change the pH at all.
Apple juice is thought to be a healthy drink for children but consuming it after sugar cereals may actually be detrimental to oral health. This study found milk to be a better alternative as it helps return the mouth to a normal pH level, reducing the chance for cavities.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130731164718.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
While we do not necessarily suggest eating sugary cereals for breakfast, a recent study found drinking a glass of milk after consuming these cereals may help ameliorate the effects on the teeth.
Researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry published an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association that investigated the effect sugar cereals have on tooth decay and if certain beverages would reduce the chances for decay after consuming carbohydrates.
Dry, sugar-added cereals combine sugars with starches which creates a potent carbohydrate that mixes with the bacteria in dental plaque on tooth surfaces to produce acid. That acid drops the pH in the mouth to acidic levels, raising the chances for tooth decay. The researchers had participants eat Fruit Loops and follow that with either milk, water, or apple juice. The results indicated that milk was the only substance that increased the pH to a more normal level than either water or apple juice. Water raised the pH slightly but not significantly while apple juice did not change the pH at all.
Apple juice is thought to be a healthy drink for children but consuming it after sugar cereals may actually be detrimental to oral health. This study found milk to be a better alternative as it helps return the mouth to a normal pH level, reducing the chance for cavities.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130731164718.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
News You Can Use
Stem Cells in the Gingiva May Have Important Medical Applications
Recent research on stem cells from the gingiva (gum tissue) have been shown not only to be able to become any cell needed but can also relieve inflammatory diseases.
A study performed by the Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and published in the Journal of Dental Research found gingiva stem cells to be unique which may lead to great medical applications for these cells in the future. Gingiva has a much less inflammatory reaction and heals much faster than skin.
The researchers at Ostrow School of Dentistry saw evidence of two types of stem cells in the gingiva, with over 90% being of the type that forms into other cells easier and has the reduced inflammatory response. The capability for these cells to become less inflammatory is distinctive to the gingival type of stem cells (as compared with the embryonic stem cells) and can be acquired by a simple biopsy of the gum tissue.
Not only are the cells easier to obtain, but the lowered inflammatory response decreases the time needed to heal, which would have important implications for skin wound healing and reducing scar formation.While more research needs to be done to fully understand the immunoregulatory properties of the gingival stem cells, the current results prove to be a promising area of study.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/264450.php
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Recent research on stem cells from the gingiva (gum tissue) have been shown not only to be able to become any cell needed but can also relieve inflammatory diseases.
A study performed by the Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and published in the Journal of Dental Research found gingiva stem cells to be unique which may lead to great medical applications for these cells in the future. Gingiva has a much less inflammatory reaction and heals much faster than skin.
The researchers at Ostrow School of Dentistry saw evidence of two types of stem cells in the gingiva, with over 90% being of the type that forms into other cells easier and has the reduced inflammatory response. The capability for these cells to become less inflammatory is distinctive to the gingival type of stem cells (as compared with the embryonic stem cells) and can be acquired by a simple biopsy of the gum tissue.
Not only are the cells easier to obtain, but the lowered inflammatory response decreases the time needed to heal, which would have important implications for skin wound healing and reducing scar formation.While more research needs to be done to fully understand the immunoregulatory properties of the gingival stem cells, the current results prove to be a promising area of study.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/264450.php
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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