Prehn Dental Office

Some of my senior patients ask this question and the answer is “No”. However, if there are many existing fillings placed throughout your lifetime, you can get fractures of the enamel. Enamel has different strengths—some being brittle and some being soft. In life, “you get what you get” when you are born and you have to deal with what happens as you get older.

I am sitting in my office this morning and working on some of the treatment plans for my patients.  I looked up at my two computer screens-with the digital x-rays clearly visible.  We placed these in 2000 (almost nine years ago) and still today it amazes me how clear and vibrant the x-rays are---not to mention the decreased amount of radiation patients have when x-rays are taken.  Gone are the films, chemicals and the lack of understanding for the patient when viewing x-rays.  Today I am able to bring x-rays up on the screen while the patient is in the chair and circle problem areas and bring my patient into the decision process and explain how and why treatment is necessary.  It gives my patients the ability to make a more informed decision; which directly benefits them.  Technology is amazing in all aspects of our lives but when it comes to x-rays, it is clearly a large step in the care patients receive.

Many of my patients come in for their cleaning and have xerostomia.  This is an increased dryness due to lower saliva production.  There are many reasons for this condition; including numerous medications, radiation treatment or saliva duct problems.  Many of my elderly patients notice this problem.  Generally, most people take care of it when it is mild simply by increasing water intake.  We also have products available in our office that give patients significant relief.  We have special mints that are medicated to increase saliva production.  There are also several over-the-counter products.  Having a dry mouth over a long period of time can actually increase your risk of new cavities because the bacteria, food debris and plaque stick to the tooth so much easier.  Please ask for these products if this is a concern for you.

Vicki Dahlke, RDH