Northbrook Court Dental Makes Patient Protection and Safety Top Priorities for 2013

Northbrook, Illinois - Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has announced that it has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety by making it a top priority for office staff in the coming year.

“The protection of our patients has always been a primary concern,” says Northbrook Court Dental Associates founder Michael Vold, D.D.S. “Throughout 2013, we will continue to implement whatever policies and procedures are necessary to fully safeguard their health.

Northbrook Court Dental Associates has always strictly observed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and guidelines for dental offices, including proper label coding of instruments, the use of safer needles and extensive employee training.

The dental office implements various sterilization procedures throughout the day, including the disinfection of treatment surfaces, chairs, instruments, trays, lights, x-ray units, trays and equipment before and after each patient’s visit. The staff uses the safest and most effective disinfectant products currently available, as well as a wide range of disposable items such as needles, air and water tips, saliva ejectors, suction tips, cups and bibs.

Because of concerns regarding the bacteria found in the city water, Northbrook Court Dental Associates has installed a self-contained water system that runs distilled water through dental hoses, hand pieces and syringes.

The clinic’s staff has all been vaccinated against the Hepatitis-B virus, and wears masks, safety glasses and new gloves for each patient. Patients wear safety glasses when being worked on as well.

Northbrook Court Dental Associates employees also participate in ongoing continuing education classes on a variety of patient protection issues, including new infection control techniques and CPR certification.

Getting Older: Middle Age Dental Issues

By Dr. Michael Vold

Getting older can result in many changes in your physical health and well-being, including your teeth. Not only will teeth wear down over time, you may begin experiencing an increase in mouth dryness, the loss of teeth and more serious oral diseases.

A dry mouth is caused by insufficient saliva, and can make it difficult to swallow and speak. It can also lead to tooth decay. Saliva comes from three pairs of salivary glands in your body. One pair of glands is located under the tongue and another on the floor of the mouth. The third pair can be found in the cheek area, between the nose and ear.

The average amount of saliva produced every 24 hours is approximately 1.5 liters. Saliva helps eliminate food debris and neutralizes acids in the mouth, which reduces the plaque growth that leads to decay. It also minimizes the potential for gum disease.

Certain medications, fatigue and diseases such as diabetes can inhibit the production of saliva, which can result in more dental problems. One way to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth is to stimulate your salivary glands with regular and vigorous chewing. To help relieve the dryness, you can use mouthwashes or artificial saliva spray.

Your dentist will know if your tooth decay is the result of a decrease in saliva, and may recommend a medical check-up depending on the situation. Don’t forget to tell your dentist about any medications you are taking that could also be causing the dryness.

Studies show that adults between the ages of 20 to 64 typically have three or more decayed or missing teeth. Gum disease is one of the main reasons for tooth loss. Consistent brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits, can help prevent tooth loss. Missing teeth can also be replaced with implants, bridges and dentures.

Older adults should also be wary of the onset of diseases such as oropharyngeal cancer, which can manifest on the gums, lips, cheek lining, jaw, tongue and throat. The signs of this type of cancer include numbness, pain or tenderness in the mouth, thick or hard spots or lumps, changes in the way your teeth fit together, and rough or crusted areas.

The best way to prevent oral health problems during middle age is with proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have any symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer. An early diagnosis of a cancerous condition is extremely important for treatment and recovery.

About Dr. Michael Vold

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, as well as the recipient of numerous professional honors and awards

 

Northbrook Court Dental Reduces Radiation Exposure with Digital Radiography

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) is now significantly reducing patient radiation exposure with digital radiography, a technology that uses 90% less radiation than conventional dental x-ray techniques.

“Northbrook Court Dental is committed to providing patients with the most advanced dental technology available,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “Our digital radiology equipment is state-of-the art and makes diagnostics easier, faster and more accurate.”

Digital radiography is a method of imaging involving the use of digital x-ray sensors that are placed in the patient’s mouth. The device detects and quantifies the x-rays, and then instantly transmits the image to a computer screen. Less radiation is used to produce the image compared to traditional photographic film and there is no waiting period for film development. The need for film processing chemicals is also eliminated.

With Digital radiography, images can be easily enhanced to improve diagnostic ability, including magnification, brightness, contrast and coloring. These features help create a better visual of the tooth and makes diagnostics easier.

The technology also allows more accurate measurements, which can be extremely beneficial in cases involving implants, endodontic and similar type procedures.

The images captured through digital radiography are easily stored, and can be printed or transmitted over the Internet. Instead of copying and mailing dental records, digital radiography images can be sent by e-mail to specialists for immediate evaluation.

Northbrook Court Dental’s digital radiography equipment is meticulously maintained and regularly inspected by the State of Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety.

“Our patient’s comfort and safety is always our utmost concern,” says Dr. Vold. “Even though traditional x-rays typically emit a low level of radiation, digital radiography virtually eliminates any risks of over-exposure.”

For more information on digital radiography, visit the Northbrook Court Dental Associates website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call their office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

How Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay

By Dr. Michael Vold

Fluoride is a salt of the element fluorine, which can be found in the earth’s crust. It is a key ingredient in toothpaste and other types of dental hygiene products such as mouthwash. Although it occurs naturally in water, soil, plants and many foods, the fluoride that is used for dental care (and added to our water supply) is generally synthesized.

Fluoride protects teeth against the decay caused by plaque. When the bacteria in plaque interacts with sugars in the mouth, acids are produced that eat away at tooth enamel. Fluoride helps protect teeth by impeding the acidic processes that cause erosion. It also bonds with the enamel, making the tooth more resistive to decay. Fluoride can even repair and rebuild enamel that has been damaged.

During the 1930’s it was discovered that people who drank water with naturally occurring fluoride had significantly less cavities and tooth decay than individuals without access to fluoridated water. The fluoridation of our water supply began during the 1940’s in Michigan. Fluoridation involves optimizing the natural fluoride in water to levels that will help protect teeth. One part per million fluoride is now added to drinking water. Currently, almost two-thirds of U.S. cities have fluoridated water. Studies have shown that the fluoride contained in drinking water reduces the potential for cavities and other forms of tooth decay by as much as 35% in adults and 60% in babies

These days however, many people prefer drinking bottled and purified water. These products have insufficient amounts of fluoride to stop tooth decay. Children in particular require sufficient amounts of fluoride to protect their teeth. Fluoride is also important for individuals who eat large amounts of carbohydrates and sugars, have a history of tooth decay, wear braces, or have bridges and crowns.

After brushing, fluoride is considered the most effective method of maintaining healthy teeth. It is generally considered safe, but toxic reactions can occur if too much fluoride is consumed over a long period of time. This can include tooth enamel discoloration (dental fluorosis), as well as joint pain.
If you need to increase the amount of fluoride you consume, ask your dentist about taking fluoride tablets or drops. Bottled water with fluoride can also be purchased, and there are purification systems available that will not eliminate fluoride when purifying the water. Your oral health care should also include brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist to remove plaque.