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Monthly Archives: August 2011
Dental – Cone Bean Computerized Tomography CBCT CT Scan
When I think about the things that have revolutionized my dental practice, the GXCB-500 Cone Beam system immediately comes to mind.
The ability to capture 3-D images in my office greatly improves the dental implant experience for both the dentist and the patient.
Dental Implants are a major focus of my dental practice, which is located in Palm Harbor, Tampa Bay area of Florida. Approximately 40% of my practice is dental implant related.
With the GXCB-500, a patient can receive a scan on the initial examination visit. In addition to the information that the CT scan provides, I do a health history review, a comprehensive oral / periodontal examination, traditional 2-D dental x-rays and digital photographs. All of this usually takes 45 minutes.
Prior to dental implant placement, without 3-D imaging, I had to discuss the various senarios that “could” arise, using information from less detailed 2-D x-rays. Patients appreciate that the GXCB-500 exposes them to less radiation than medical CT scans.
More information including current cost of dental implants and dental implants prices can be found on my website:
Paul L Caputo, DDS
Posted in CBCT, New Technology
1 Comment
Dental – Cone Beam Computerized Tomography CBCT CT Scan
For those not familiar with CBCT, this advanced diagnostic tool captures volumes or slices of information that are then assembled by software into 3-D views of the subject area. This allows the dentist to view the scanned area as a 3-D object. The area can be viewed from many different angles.
This aids in comprehensive dentistry. The dentist now has an advanced tool for diagnostic analysis and pre-surgical planning. the oral structures that dentists work with are three-dimensional, the new technology now allows the dentist to view and diagnose in the third dimension.
CBCT is a relatively new technology for dentists. It has revolutionized the way dentists gather and view information. The result is the ability to diagnose, plan and then treat in a manner that we could not even envision a few years ago.
Traditional 2-D radiographs are not obsolete, but the difference diagnosing from a two-dimensional radiograph to diagnosing from 3-D imaging, which allows for visualization of all structures from any given angle or plane is truly amazing. The CBCT has forever altered the way dentists practice dentistry. It has not replaced 2-D imaging, it supplements and complements it.
Posted in CBCT, New Technology
1 Comment
Dental Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT)
Cone Beam Computerized Tomography, CBCT, is here to stay and will become the standard of care in dentistry! The second half of the previous sentence is a bold statement.
When a new technology appears, how does a dentist decide if it is right for them, or when to embrace the advanced technology in their practice? Dentists often incorrectly assume that certain technologies may be beneficial and practical for specialists or certain types of practices, but not for the average general dentist. Although CBCT is often viewed as on of these situations, this is definitely not the case.
It may be easy to understand the benefits of viewing the 3-D images created by CBCT systems for oral surgeons, TMJ specialists, endodontists and those placing dental implants, but does CBCT have a place in a general dentists office? The answer is an absoulte YES.
Posted in Comprehensive Dentistry
4 Comments
Dental Cone Beam CT Scan
3-D imaging for dentistry is a groundbreaking new technology.
3-D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology has been on the market for more than a decade, and it is rapidly evolving with the changing needs of the dental market. I incorporated CBCT into my Palm Harbor, Tampa Fl area dentist office in December 2008. Initially only available in dedicated large field of view (FOV) systems, we now are seeing a trend towards smaller FOV CBCT systems that also incorporate more traditional panoramic and cephalometric 2-D capabilities in a digital format.
By embracing new technology, medicine and dentistry can optimize surgical planning and improve treatment outcomes. After purchasing a Gendex CB-500 CBCT in December 2008, I immediately realized that I had filled a huge gap in my imaging capability. The ability to analyse and visualize the patients jaw bones and vital structures PRIOR to a surgical procedure is truely remarkable. No more guessing no more surprises. After using this technology for surgical procedures, it became apparent to me that it has so many other practical dental applications and CBCT would be embraced by all of dentistry.
Posted in Comprehensive Dentistry
1 Comment
Periodontal Disease, Periodontal Abscess
- Gingivitis
Periodontal Abscess
The periodontal abscess exhibits all the clinical signs of an acute infection, but whatever infection is present is endogenous to the oral cavity. The development of an acute periodontal abscess occurs from an alteration in the tissues immediately adjacent to the affected/infected tooth.
Treatment of a Periodontally Abscessed Tooth
The first objective in treating the acute periodontal abscess is to establish drainage. Drainage may be established by finding the orifice of the occluded pocket or by tadtional incision and drainage – both techniques allow for the release of pus. The complete evacuation of the contents of the infected periodontal abscess is desirable. This treats the acute phase of the periodonally abscessed tooth.
After the acute phase has subsided, a chronic inflammatory lesion is left and must be treated. Many fine clinicians believe that the sooner the residual periodontal abscess is treated, the better the chances for a reversal of the bone loss and re-attachment.
Treatment Options
Options to treat the periodontally abscessed tooth are numerous. The traditional standard for treating the periodontal abscessed tooth is surgical flap reflection, debridement of granulation tissue and preparation of the tooth root surface and bony walls within the periodontal pocket. More modern, less invasive equally effective treatment options for a periodontally infected tooth are flapless mechanical debridement and either the use of a laser or localized antibiotic administration (LAA). More details about the non surgical treatment of periodontal disease that I employ in my Palm Harbor, Tampa FL area dentist office, including the cost of periodontal treatment and periodontal disease treatment prices can be found at my website: www.PeriodontalDisease.us
Posted in Gum Disease
1 Comment
What is Trench Mouth?
Trench Mouth also known as 
ANUG (acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) has had an interesting and checkered history since it was described by “Vincent” in 1896 and “Plaut” in 1894. Although the number of cases appearing in a typical dental practice is exceeding small, the nature of this type of periodontal disease excites interest far beyond its importance in the general periodontal spectrum.
It has been many decades since necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, then known as “Vincent’s infection”, was considered a highly contagious quasi-venereal, requiring isolation or at least segregation of patients suffering from it. Very likely the spirochete found in great numbers on the oral lesions of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis alarmed a profession and public with little knowledge of the disease.
In the first World War, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis achieved a certain notoriety because of an extensive incidence and was referred to as “Trench Mouth”. It was then that it achieved its reputation for contagious properties and virulence. Subsequent experience with the disease proved its reputation in these directions unfounded.
Information about non-surgical treatment options for periodontal disease including current cost at my Palm Harbor, Tampa area dentist office can be found at:
Posted in Gum Disease
1 Comment
Periodontal, abscessed tooth.
Periodontal Abscess
The accepted view of an acute periodontal abscess is that it occurs when a common periodontal pocket is occluded, shutting off drainage. This may be true in some situations, but it is a rather simplistic view of the problem. This expaination does not take into account smokers, diabetic’s and people who clench their teeth.
With the acute periodontal abscess, all the acute classic signs of acute inflamation are usually present. On occasion, the classic signs are masked or subtle. In the typical abscess, adenopathy, extrusion of the tooth (teeth)involved, loosening and tenderness to even slight percussion are most common. A small elevation in body temerature is occasionally found.
More Facts including the current cost of non-surgical gum disease treatment in Dr Paul Caputo’s Palm Harbor, Tampa FL area dentist office can be found by clicking: www.PeriodontalDisease.us
Posted in Gum Disease
1 Comment
Periodontal / Gum Disease
- Health / Periodontal-Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum)disease is one of the most ubiquitous diseases known to man. It is not only widely distributed throughout the world, but there is ample evidence reaching back to the border of prehistory that it has been an old and constant of man. No race is immune; no region is free from the widespread incidence of chronic destructive periodontal disease.
The essential pathogenesis of the disease is not completely understood, but the best available investigative minds are in the process of extending not only our knowlege but in offering options for treatment of periodontal disease. At this time enough has been revealed to permit a spectacular choice of therapies. Treatment is usually rendered with local anesthesia, but sedation may help with dental anxiety.
Central to the problem is prevention. In chronic destructive periodontal disease tissue are responsive to palque and to other irritational factors. The key to prevention is plaque removal performed on a never ending daily basis.
More information about non-surgical periodontal disease treatment options offered in my Palm Harbor, Tampa FL area dentist office, including fee’s and cost can be found at: www.PeriodontalDisease.us
Posted in Gum Disease, Sedation
1 Comment
Dentures, Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants
For a number of reasons, mini dental implants can be a very suitable option for dental patients. Dental patients who do not have adequate bone for a conventional dental implant and who do not want to undergo bone grafting may still be candidates for mini dental implants. Mini dental implants can be placed with sedation or local anesthesia. Additionally, especially for many senior-aged patients, mini dental implant surgery is usually less traumatic than traditional 
dental implants. With the minimally invasive surgical technique, the post insertion recovery time for mini dental implants is considerably less than for traditional dental implants. The majority of patients are able to begin eating normally in days.
Information including the current cost of dental implants and dental implants prices in my Palm Harbor, Tampa FL area dentist office can be found by clicking: www.DentalImplantsCost.us
Posted in Dental Implants, Sedation
1 Comment
Dentures and Dental Implants
I have witnessed a change in patients once all of their teeth are removed and dentures are delivered. Most (not all) people acclimate to full upper dentures, few are comfortable with their lower dentures. As many dentists have seen, a considerable number of denture wearers will tolerate a substantial degree of pain and instability, simply because they believe this is as good as it gets.
The good news is that the denture landscape is changing and the latest treatment options offer great relief for patients. One of the most notable treatments gaining in popularity is denture stabilization with mini dental implants (MDIs), also referred to as small diameter dental implants. These dental implants offer the patient an affordable way to achieve long-lasting denture stabilization.
Mini Dental Implants were initially approved by the FDA in 1997. Research has shown long term sucess rates similar to regular dental implants. One of the most comprehensive studies followed more than 2500 mini dental implants and found a five year survival rate of 94.2%
More information including the current cost of dental implants and dental implants prices in my Palm Harbor, Tampa area dentist office can be found at: www.DentalImplantsCost.us
Posted in Dental Implants, Dentures
1 Comment