 |
|
|
|
|
Talking about teeth in tropical paradiseThe Hawaii convention center was filled with manufacturers displaying new dental equipment, repackaged tooth whitening products, creative toothbrush designs and toothpaste with helpful new ingredients. The newest in dental technology was premiered at the American Dental Association's annual meeting in Hawaii the first week of October. I found reviewing products and sitting in class was made more difficult in a tropical paradise. Products to reduce tooth sensitivity are always popular. My favorite this year is Colgate's Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste. The ingredients calcium carbonate and arginine (an amino acid found naturally in saliva) seal the roots and insulate against cold. If it works as promised, my patients with sensitive teeth will be very excited. Tooth whitening has become a big business, bringing new manufacturers and new products to the meeting each year. This year there were some repackaged whitening products, however nothing revolutionary. Whitening done in a dentist's office is effective with the current products on the market. The star of the show was a product called Icon, a new way to stop decay between the teeth. Most patients dislike having a tooth drilled, but until now that was the only option for a cavity between the teeth. The shell of the tooth is made of enamel. When decay penetrates the shell and reaches the dentin, it's time to place a restoration. Unpopular drilling and some removal of good tooth structure are usually necessary to restore a cavity between the teeth. Icon is a microresin that is applied by a dentist to a beginning area of decay between the teeth, using a celluloid applicator. No drilling and no Novocain are necessary. If the decay is discovered early, the resin seals the area to prevent the further destruction of the tooth. In addition to stopping decay, the product can be used to correct the white spots on teeth often found after removing braces. The spots are caused by acids in the mouth that accumulate on the orthodontic bands. Not only unsightly, the white spot can often progress and become a cavity. An application of Icon to the white areas returns the original appearance and eliminates the need to drill the tooth. Unfortunately, since Icon is a new product, the insurance companies have not established a code, so the procedure is currently an out of pocket expense. The column is written by John Reitz, DDS, and does not represent the opinion of the Pennsylvania State Dental Board. Dr Reitz answers questions from readers. E-mail them via his Web site at reitzdds.com or mail to John Reitz, DDS, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA 19610 John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
2010. All rights reserved. |
