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Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs or x-rays are an important part of a complete dental exam. A
complete set of 18 x-rays for adults and 10 x-rays for children are usually taken
at the initial dental exam. Thereafter 6-8 x-rays called checkup x-rays are taken
every 6 -12 months depending on the individual needs. X-rays are essential diagnostic
tools for finding hidden interproximal cavities, cysts, tumors, impacted wisdom
teeth, determining eruption times of permanent teeth by the extent of root formation
and presence of supernumerary teeth (extra teeth).
Digital Radiography, offers some positive advantages over typical film X-rays. The
most remarkable is the reduction of radiation exposure, by as much as 80%, which
makes dental X-ray taking safer and minimizes concerns about radiation exposure.
You should know that 2 dental x-rays deliver 5,600 times less radiation to an unborn
child than an upper GI series, 80 times less radiation than a chest x-ray, and 4
times less radiation than a normal day of background radiation playing in the sun.
Dental x-rays are necessary and both safe and effective.
Digital imaging has been used by the medical community to make diagnostic information
more accessible and more valuable. It is now available for dental offices. These
dental x-rays are taken using electronic sensors that send the image directly to
a computer. This image is displayed on a LCD monitor, can be enlarged, and can help
the patient visualize and understand the doctor's treatment recommendations more
easily. It also faciliates the doctor's diagnostic ability in "zooming in" and enlarging
a specific area of the x-ray. The digital image only takes 10-15 seconds to appear
on the monitor. A side benefit is that digital X-ray is also environmentally friendly.
The sensors used do not contain lead foil, like conventional dental film, that needs
to be recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste. Also, there are no chemicals or
water involved in generating an image, reducing pollution and water consumption.

Digital X-ray generates pictures that are diagnostically equivalent to film based
images. Many image enhancement tools allow many viewing options. They allow zooming,
brightness and contrast control, reversing, colorization, and other features that
can be used to assist the dentist in diagnosing dental problems. The images also
can be transmitted electronically for either insurance purposes or to another doctor
involved in treatment.
Kids really enjoy being able to actually see their X-rays on the computer screen.
It helps them to understand their condition better and gets them involved in treatment.
By placing a large image of an x-ray on a monitor that the child can see, we can
begin to include the child in the diagnosis. It is a great teaching tool.
Taking the image:
A small, flat sensor is placed in the patient's mouth next to the teeth. The sensor
is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your
teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to
the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to capture other sections of the
mouth.
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Sterilization and Patient Safety
Our office uses state of the art sterilization to ensure patient safety. Sterilization
and disinfection are the basic steps in instrument processing and surface asepsis.
Sterilization refers to the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all
forms of microorganisms, including the highly resistant spores.
We use Rapid Steam Autoclave at 275º F(35psi), for 15-20 minutes.
First, the instruments are prepared for the sterilization process. Patient debris
and fluids are removed by placing the instruments in 3.2% glutaraldehyde for 40
minutes .Following this pre-disinfection step the instruments are transferred to
an ultrasonic cleaner for another 15 minutes .Then the instruments are rinsed, dried,
placed in self sealing sterilization pouches and sterilized in the autoclave. Instruments
which can not be heat sterilized, are immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 hours
to cold sterilize.
We use Biological, Chemical and Mechanical indicators to monitor our sterilization
process.
Using bacterial spores to monitor the sterilization process is referred to as biologic
monitoring (or spore-testing), and the bacterial spores used for monitoring the
sterilization process are referred to as biologic indicators (BIs). Of the three
methods, biologic monitoring is regarded as the most valid for monitoring the sterilization
process, for it uses live, highly resistant bacterial spores. We biologically monitor
our sterilizer once a week to ensure complete sterilization using spore strips and
keep accurate records for our monitoring. These strips are enclosed in a glassine
envelope and processed through the sterilizer. They are then sent to our spore testing
center where they are tested for live spores.
Chemical monitoring involves using chemical indicators (CIs) that change color or
form when exposed to specific high temperatures or to the sterilizing conditions
within a sterilizer. This is referred to as chemical monitoring (or process monitoring).
We use sterilization pouches that have special marking that change color when subjected
to sterilizing temperatures.
Mechanical monitoring involves observing and recording the physical aspects (e.g.,
temperature, pressure, or time) of the cycle when the sterilizer is being operated.
Our Sterilizer is serviced regularly to ensure proper functioning.
Barrier Controls - As recommended by OSHA and CDC our office staff
wears protective eyewear, mask, and new gloves for each patient. For each patient
light covers, head rest covers, suction tips, air water syringe tips , bibs and
any item used that cannot be sterilized are discarded..
Disinfectants - These are used on chairs, counter tops, and other
surface areas in all treatment rooms after each use.
Our goal is to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for our staff and
patients. We are committed to staying current with the latest in infection control
and sterilization guidelines. You can feel confident that your child's health is
protected in our office.
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Isolite
Isolite is the revolutionary dental device that is improving dentistry. Thousands
of practices are embracing this innovative technology. Why? Dentists, dental assistants
and hygienists using Isolite are reducing procedure times by 20-50%, making the
entire practice more productive and profitable! Add to that better ergonomics and
less repetitive stress for the entire team, and you begin to see why so many people
are raving about this award-winning tool.
Work Faster, Brighter, Drier Isolite is the only dental device that delivers continuous
illumination, aspiration and retraction all in one easy-to-use, time-saving device
that makes isolation easy and provides uninterrupted access to the patient. Isolite
helps you work faster, brighter and drier.
Unique Patented Mouthpiece Creates a Wide Open, Well Lit Field The unique, patented
Isolite mouthpiece is the heart of the Isolite system. The soft, flexible, non-impinging
Isolite mouthpiece:
• isolates maxillary and mandibular quadrants simultaneously
• retracts and protects tongue and cheek
• delivers bright, shadowless illumination throughout the oral cavity
• continuously aspirates fluids and oral debris
• obturates the throat to prevent inadvertent aspiration of material
Easy-to-insert, and comfortable for the patient, the Isolite mouthpiece can be inserted
in only a few seconds and removed even more quickly. Economical, disposable mouthpieces
mean no risk of patient cross contamination.
Shadowless Illumination By lighting the patient's oral cavity from within the mouth,
Isolite provides a unique, shadowless illumination solution that benefits both practitioner
and patient. New LED technology and the streamlined design of Isolite completely
eliminate the need for light box and fiber optic cable. The Isolite LED light source
lasts more than 10,000 hours without degrading over autoclave cycles.
Better Ergonomics The award-winning, ergonomic design of Isolite reduces fatigue
and repetitive stress associated with retraction, suctioning, eyestrain, and motion
spent adjusting headlights, overhead light or otherwise positioning the patient
for better access or visibility.
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Patient Televisions
One at each dental chair and used for distraction and entertainment and relieving
anxiety
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Practice Works Practice Management Software
Easily access information with PRACTICEWORKS software—the robust, yet easy-to-use
program that actually thinks for you. The software's intuitive features and simplified
scheduling makes work easier than ever. Unlike other dental practice management
software, PRACTICEWORKS software focuses on automation and is driven by the scheduler—just
like you are. This system increases efficiency, enhances communication and improves
patient care.
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