Dunes Dental Services

Our new toy iTero, digital impressioning machine, has just arrived in the office. Now we can provide more pleasant appointments for your crown preparation, with no mess created by the molding material, no gaging , no bitter taste, no wasting of your time.

iTero technology utilizes a ground breaking intra-oral scanner that takes images to capture the 3-D geometry of the tooth preparation area. The digital model is magnified and displayed while you are still in the chair. This enhanced visualization, plus real-time analytical tools, enables me to make adjustments as necessary before completing the scanning process. Once I approve the image, the file is sent electronically to a Cadent-partnering dental laboratory.

All of this takes less than 5 minutes of our time. The laboratory reviews the digital file and sends it electronically to Cadent’s manufacturing facility for milling into the physical model. Cadent returns the physical model to the local dental laboratory which applies the aesthetics and delivers the end-result—a beautiful, precise-fitting restoration—to the dentist, all within standard service times.

We are looking forward to see you and always be a step ahead, providing high tech services making you more comfortable.

Tags: intra oral scanner | crown preparation | iTero

Imagine yourself going to the dentist one day and besides having the benefit of teeth taken care of, you could give a saliva sample and in a couple of minutes you’re told if you are at risk or have a systemic disease present .

Does this sound too good to be true?

Well…..DNA in one cell type is a reflection of DNA throughout the body. You can use the cells from inside of the mouth to look at genetic characteristics that might reflect diseases in organs far away from mouth.

Experts in the field indicate that almost anything that can be measured in the blood can be measured in saliva.

Saliva is universally available for sampling without pain or an invasive procedure. Drawing blood or urine has a number of difficulties in various patients with special needs.

From disease in the oral cavity to the systemic ones, saliva well may prove itself as the final diagnostic frontier for early detection of all kinds of conditions. Most people would prefer it if given a choice.

As we now know, there are three diseases in the oral cavity that can be detected by the saliva: cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. Many airborne viral diseases can be found in the saliva as well.

Research centers are investigating markers present in the saliva for systemic diseases. Some of these are cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, pancreatic cancer and pulmonary disease.

A recent study is also using a saliva test to detect myocardial infarction.

Until the scientific community fully understands how a disease as pancreatic cancer can convey its biomarker into the mouth and made a valuable way to diagnose, the salivary diagnostic will only to remain a curiosity and will not be accepted as a credible tool for systemic disease detection.

But, don’t forget! We have available the DNA test for oral cancer detection.

Tags: Saliva | MIocardial infarct | Biomarkers | Pancreatic cancer | Oral calcer | gum disease | DNA

We live in an Era where new, easy spreadable disease can quickly get you, just by simple act of breathing….

We at Dunes Dental Services, want you to know that patient protection is top priority in our office. We are doing everything within our capabilities to assure the sterility and safety of our working environment. For example, between each patient, the treatment rooms are thoroughly wiped with a surface disinfectant that kills TB in 3 minutes and HBV, HCV, and HIV in 2 minutes. The instruments are put through a system of ultrasonic scrubbing and then sterilized with a large, pressurized steam oven called an autoclave. Also we have weekly monitoring of the autoclave, to reassure that all spore tests are returning negative and you , our patients are safe with each touch of our instruments.

All of our hand-pieces (drills) are also thoroughly wiped with the surface disinfectant and then sterilized in a pressured steam oven. All of our prophy angles (cleaning and polishing instrument) are disposable so that you and your family can be assured that you will always have a fresh new one every time you have your teeth cleaned. We use disposable products whenever possible to eliminate cross-infection.

We also make sure that our waterlines are disinfected and monitored periodically , in fact our latest result was zero colony per milliliter of filter water. Sounds impossible, but we have the proof. Why the waterlines are important? Because, biofilms are microscopic communities that consist primarily of naturally occurring water bacteria and fungi. They form thin layers on virtually all surfaces, including dental water delivery systems. These organisms accumulate inside the thin tubes used to deliver water in dental treatment and grow into large populations. Water flowing from the dental waterline tubing into a patient's mouth can have high colony counts of these organisms. Exposure to these microbes does not mean that an individual will get an infection or a disease. However, if a person's immune system is compromised for any reason including age, smoking, heavy drinking, being a transplant or cancer patient or because of HIV infection, he or she may have more difficulty fighting off the invading germs. This is why the CDC has set dental water quality standards of no greater than 500 colony forming units of microbial contamination in water used for patient care in order to help protect patients and dental staff.

Next time you come in our office just ask us to show you our sterilization area, that we are so proud of!This is just another way to show how much we care!

Tags: dental. staff | sterilization | drill | patient protection

Today on ABC Morning News, Denture Adhesive (Fixodent) was brought to our attention AGAIN, as being dangerous if used inappropriately. Please read the ADA press release regarding this issue if you have any concerns on using Fixodent.

American Dental Association Statement on Zinc in Denture Cream

Source: American Dental Association

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An innovative device which cancels out the noise of the dental drill could spell the end of people's anxiety about trips to the dentist, according to experts at King's College London, Brunel University and London South Bank University, who pioneered the invention.

It is widely known that the sound of the dental drill is the prime cause of anxiety about dental treatment, and some patients avoid trips to the dentist because of it. This new device could help address people's fears and encourage them to seek the oral healthcare treatment they need.

The prototype device works in a similar way to noise-cancelling headphones but is designed to deal with the very high pitch of the dental drill. Patients would simply unplug their headphones, plug the device into their MP3 player or mobile phone, and then plug the headphones into the device, allowing them to listen to their own music while completely blocking out the unpleasant sound of the drill and suction equipment. The patient can still hear the dentist and other members of the dental team speaking to them but other unwanted sounds are filtered out by the device.

Containing a microphone and a chip that analyses the incoming sound wave, the device produces an inverted wave to cancel out unwanted noise. It also uses technology called 'adaptive filtering' where electronic filters lock onto sound waves and removes them, even if the amplitude and frequency change as the drill is being used.

The device was initially the brainchild of Professor Brian Millar at King's College London's Dental Institute who was inspired initially by carmaker Lotus' efforts to develop a system that removed unpleasant road noise, while still allowing drivers to hear emergency sirens. Then with over a decade of collaboration with engineering researchers at Brunel University and London South Bank University, a prototype has been designed, built and successfully evaluated.

Although the product is not yet available to dental practitioners, King's is calling for an investor to help bring it to market. Professor Brian Millar said: "Many people put off going to the dentist because of anxiety associated with the noise of the dentist's drill. But this device has the potential to make fear of the drill a thing of the past.

The beauty of this gadget is that it would be fairly cost-effective for dentists to buy, and any patient with an MP3 player would be able to benefit from it, at no extra cost. What we need now is an investor to develop the product further, to enable us to bring this device to as many dental surgeries as possible, and help people whose fear of visiting the dentist stops them from seeking the oral healthcare they need."

King's College London (2011, January 11). New device set to combat fear of the dentist's drill. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 5, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110053040.htm

Tags: dental drill | dental anxiety

What is gum disease? Periodontal disease (gum disease) appears to be genetically determined inflammation induced dysregulation of bone metabolism affecting  15% to 40% of the population.

 The germs responsible for gum disease are found in everybody's mouth. It is up to the immune system response if you get the disease and the process is destructive or you don't get the disease and the protective shield is up.

How the destructive process works: the immune system responds to the bad germs by sending some enzymes to attack bacteria but they attack the gums and bones around the teeth too, because they cannot tell the difference between good and bad. Result in time: deep pockets are going to form between the gum and the tooth  accumulating more bacteria and exacerbate the problem. Now, rheumatoid arthritis has the same symptoms as gum disease: pain, swelling, tenderness; if left untreated, leads to bone loss. A recent study found the presence of gum bacteria in the joint's fluid of individuals affected by rheumatoid arthritis. More so, antibodies to the same bacterial species are found in both places. Also, both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, in a soft tissue site near the bone. 

Once you have been diagnosed with gum disease, eliminating inflammation is the key to successful treatment. 

Many people already know that there is a strong correlation between gum disease, heart disease, and low birth weight. Now another one with rheumatoid arthritis.

Does that tell everybody that the same blood that flows through every organ of our body passes through the mouth too, including gums and teeth and carries the bad bacteria everywhere?

If you have a healthy immune system, good genetics, and don't smoke, the bacteria is going to be killed. If you are the less luckier one, seems like the bacteria can spread everywhere.

So go see your dentist, make sure you are checked for gum disease, know your risk factors, and avoid them. (You cannot choose your relatives, right?) 

 

Tags: gum disease | rheumatiod arthritis | periodontal disease | oral health | immune system

Cruel cancer can develop in the mouth and throat too! Unfortunately, it does not spare anybody. Even celebrities such as Michael Douglas deal with throat cancer at the moment. Luckily, he has been given a positive prognosis of an 80% survival rate.

Now, what do we do in our office to prevent stuff like that from happening? Well, you get a FREE oral cancer screening at the new patient exam and a FREE oral cancer screening every time you see the hygienist.

Recently, we got in the possession of OraRisk HPV (Human Papiloma Virus) test from OralDNA Labs- a noninvasive, easy to use screening tool for identifying the various types of  HPV, such as HPV-16, HPV-18, the most commonly ones linked to oral cancer. So, if you are a sexually active person with multiple partners, you may want to know if the bad virus is in your mouth. People with good immune systems fight and eliminate the virus in approximately six months. The less lucky ones will retain the virus and give birth to some cancerous lesions, some of them being inside the mouth.

Other risk factors of oral cancer that you should look for: smoking-all types especially cigar, chewing tobacco (at least change the side where you keep it from time to time if you cannot give up the habit), alcohol, and exposure to asbestos.

If you are not one of our patients, you may want to ask for an oral cancer screening exam the next time you see your dentist. Your life may depend on it.

Tags: OralDNA Labs | Human Papiloma Virus | OraRisk HPV test | FREE oral cancer screening | throat cancer | michael douglas | oral cancer

As you know, our beautiful, clean, and modern Dunes Dental Services practice have been shortlisted AGAIN as being one of the “Best of the Beach” Finalists (One of the Best Team and Best Practice) in the Myrtle Beach area by the Sun News Readers’ Choice, results released in August 2010.

The award recognizes exceptional individuals, teams and practices whose goals are to stay at the top of their profession. The award adds further acclaim to the Dunes Dental Services for its outstanding quality in patient treatment while being one of the most modern and technologically advanced Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Offices on the Grand Strand.

We are very excited to be able to be a part of it for the second year. We dedicate the symbol of recognition to all of our beloved patients! Thank you for your trust and offering Dunes Dental Services a chance to help you with your dental needs. Also, thank you to our terrific team and all those that supported us throughout the year.

Tags: best of the beach finalist | alina muntean | dunes dental services | myrtle beach

What do you, as a patient, want from dentistry and not what dentistry you want, is one of the concepts I learned while I am attending my continuing education courses at the Kois Center in Seattle. The Kois Center, ”Cream of the Crop”, challenges dentists to think for themselves and solve problems that extend beyond the borders of existing systems or currently accepted truths, expanding our horizons and helping us be our best.

Helping patients maneuvering through the maze of treatment planning options is a co-discovery process during which we learn about our patients and our patients learn about themselves so that we can help our patients make informed choices and we can learn how to help them achieve their goals. In order to help people make the best decisions for themselves, we  begin by helping you, the patient, gain clarity about what is important to you and why; what you value for yourself and why; and how your values relate and sometimes conflict with one another.

My place as your dentist is not to disapprove or approve; but rather to ensure that you are aware of your clinical conditions and implications and to have full access to information about possible solutions and implications.

“Very special people are doing very special things in a very special way”

Tags: dentistry | surfside beach | south carolina | SC | koise center | cream of the crop | dr. alina muntean | dunes dental services

A new peptide, embedded in a soft gel or a thin, flexible film and placed into a cavity, encourages cells inside teeth to regenerate in about a month, according to a new study in the journal ACS Nano. This technology is the first of its kind. The new gel or thin film could eliminate the need to fill cavities or drill deep into the root canal of an infected tooth. The new research could make a trip to the dentist's office more pleasant. Instead of a drill, a quick dab of gel or a thin film against an infected tooth could heal teeth from within.

Cavities are bacteria and pus-filled holes on or in teeth which can lead to discomfort, pain and even tooth loss. When people eat acidic foods, consume sugary snacks or simply don't maintain proper oral hygiene, bacteria begin to eat away at the protective enamel and other minerals inside teeth. The causes of cavities are varied. But for most cavities, the treatment is the same: drilling into a tooth, removing the decay and filling in the hole to prevent further damage. The gel or thin film contains a peptide known as MSH, or melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Previous experiments, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that MSH encourages bone regeneration. Bone and teeth are fairly similar, so the French scientists reasoned that if the MSH were applied to teeth, it should help healing as well. To test their theory, the French scientists applied either a film or gel, both of which contained MSH, to cavity-filled mice teeth. After about one month, the cavities had disappeared. MSH-containing films or gels treat cavities; they don't prevent them. People will still need to brush, floss and use mouthwash to help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.

So, using the Carifree rinses that our office has available, together with the new MSH gel available soon, will give you a more pleasurable visit to the dentist.

Tags: pleasurable visit to the dentist | Carifree rinses | peptide | melanocyte-stimulating hormone | MSH | removing the decay | drilling into a tooth | oral hygiene | cavities | tooth loss | ACS Nano | no drill just fill | dr. alina muntean

Yes, we have available now the most effective technique ever developed for whitening, and unlike other bleaching systems available, it's entirely permanent and there is minimal sensitivity. It's totally safe, and you can still drink red wine, coffee, tea etc.

The research behind this method found that as the teeth get older, there is some sort of phenomenon inside the tooth structure that prevents the oxygen from getting in or doing its job. So, younger teeth are more permeable to oxygen (they are whiter when you are young) and older teeth are less (they become darker) because the oxygenation is more and more inhibited. This whitening method we have available in our office starts with conditioning the teeth first, so the tooth structure is going to become microscopically more permeable to the oxygen, and this oxidation process will break down the darker long-chain stain molecules into shorter molecules that are white. We'd start with at- home bleaching trays that are fabricated in a very special way, so you will not loose the bleaching material in your mouth and get all the uncomfortable taste .This will condition the teeth MUCH more than typical bleaching, so not only are the teeth much whiter after the at-home portion, but the oxygen from the high concentration IN OFFICE session that comes next, can REALLY dive into the tooth structure and WHITENS like you've never seen before!

So, the question : Why can I just do bleaching in ONE session over at the mall or in any office? You just have the answer above. The tooth structure is not conditioned to receive the high concentration of oxygen, there is only dehydration during the bleaching, that gives the sensation of whitening for two days and the original darkness is coming back. And the sensitivity can be very disturbing sometimes.

The conclusion is: if you decide to do whitening, do some research and became informed for what really works and is worth the money!

Tags: bleaching trays | oxidation process | whitening method | teeth whitening | dr. alina muntean

It is now time to introduce another new method for conservative treatment of one the most infectious and spreadable disease: dental cavities. We can detect them either clinically or radiologically and distinguish caries according to its progression and extension. ICON is the revolutionary treatment for incipient caries and white spots because it requires NO DRILLING. When a dentist discovers incipient caries that are beyond preventive therapies though too early for restorative treatment, ICON offers a simple alternative to the wait-and-see approach. It inhibits lesion progression and increases the life expectancy for the tooth while providing a highly aesthetic alternative to microabrasion and other restorative treatments for cariogenic white spot lesions.

In other words, ICON is a highly infiltrative resin that penetrates deeply into the cavitated tooth structure. It homogenizes with the tooth color, and it is highly resistant to abrasion. On smooth surfaces ICON combines early caries arrest with a cosmetic treatment of cariogenic white spots – in only one sitting! Therefore, a caries infiltration on smooth surfaces is especially well-suited for orthodontic patients after the removal of brackets. For proximal caries treatment gentle on the tooth substance DMG developed a special application to treat even caries with a radiographic progression into the first third of the dentin. It allows quick and easy access to the affected area – without drilling!

As research in dentistry advances, I promise to provide my patients with the most preventive and conservative methods that exist in dental field, and this is another one of them, and many will follow.

Tags: decay treatment | dental cavities | caries | ICON | no drilling | incipient caries | white spots | inhibits lesion progression | life expectancy for the tooth | microabrasion | cariogenic white spot | orthodontic patients | DMG | dr. alina muntean

Bisphosphonate - related osteonecrosis of the jaw (deaden up the jaw bone) adversely affects the quality of life, producing significant morbidity in afflicted patients.

Experimental and epidemiologic studies have established a firm foundation for a strong association between monthly IV (injectable type) bisphosphonates and jaw necrosis.

Medication such as Aredia, Zometa, Boniva, Reclast used for management of cancer related conditions: breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, management of osteoporosis, can produce osteonecrosis of the jaw. Estimates of the cumulative incidence of jaw necrosis after the IV administration for a period of three years of the above mentioned medication is between 0.8-12%. Prior to treatment with IV bisphosphonates , the patient should have a thorough oral examination, any unsalvageable teeth should be removed, all invasive dental procedures should be completed. Patients under treatment with oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Actonel, are at a considerably lower risk for jaw necrosis than patients treated with IV Bisphosphonates. The incidence here was calculated to be 0.7/100,000 person/years of exposure.

I strongly believe that there is not enough available and reported data regarding the relationship between ORAL bisphosphonates and jaw necrosis, since last week I saw another very healthy patient that took Fosamax for 2,5 years  and went for an extraction in May of '09 and now is presenting with jaw necrosis. It is painful and is not pretty. Takes months of antibiotic therapy, sometimes patients loose half of the jaw, and if the healing occur, there should be monitoring of the area for the rest of the patient life because whenever the immune system is down the jaw necrosis can return.

Patients, please be aware and inform your dentist before any surgery such as extractions, implants, root tip surgery or gums surgery involving bone, if you are taking any of the bone building drugs.

Tags: bone building drugs | Bisphosphonate | osteonecrosis of the jaw | quality of life | jaw necrosis | Aredia | Zometa | Boniva | Reclast | breast cancer | prostate cancer | lung cancer | management of osteoporosis | antibiotic therapy | dr. alina muntean

Believe it or not, we can now win the battle against cavities. Think of  thousands of dollars you invested over the years into your mouth! And almost each recall appointment there is another cavity! It is not only frustrating for you knowing that you brush every day the way you are supposed to, bacteria, mouth, and you are flossing too, but it is very frustrating for me as a dentist. I know I did the best restoration ever on that tooth and each tooth that I am restoring, and now there is recurrent cavity? How is that possible? Well it is. Because some people have more acid producing bacteria in their mouth than others. Some produce just a drop, some produce  a bucket. What is happening with the bucket ones? The enamel simply disolves at a microscopic level, but enough for the hungry bugs to destroy the rest of the tooth structure.

So, what do we do.... I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you, in advance, to a new standard of care we are providing to all of our valued patients. We at Dunes Dental Services, are committed to integrating evolving scientific understandings with the best new available technology and treatment options. We know this is just one of the reasons you entrust your oral health, along with the health of your friends and family, to us. You can anticipate something a little different at your next appointment. We are now using the CariFree System, which allows us to better anticipate your likelihood of getting cavities. We can then make preventive recommendations, with the goal of lowering your risk of decay, and ensuring a longer life for the dental work you have already invested in and may opt for in the future.

The CariFree System uses a simple screening device along with a swab sample of your plaque in order to measure the levels of bad bacteria on your teeth. The test is painless, takes less than one minute, and will help us to make a diagnosis as to whether you have the caries infection or not. Cavities are known to be caused by this bacterial caries infection. This screening test is part of an overall Caries Risk Assessment we will perform.

This assessment will allow us to provide home-care recommendations, dietary counseling, re-mineralization therapy of cavities just beginning, and treatment of this infection, all with the goal of lowering your incidence of decay and creating more  predictable results for lasting dentistry. This assessment and screening provides us with very valuable information we can now use to practice minimally invasive dentistry and reduce your time and money spent in the dental chair. We all win! Please feel free to visit the patient section at www.carifree.com for more information prior to your dental visit. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tags: cavities | dr. alina muntean | dunes dental servives | CariFree System | painless | caries risk assessment

Everybody that has a cough, is concerned this time of the year with the question "Is it Swine Flu?", "Should I go to see the doctor?", "Can I keep my dental appointment?" In an effort to make the things a little bit more clear, for some, perhaps, more confusing, because the symptoms that I put together are not written in stone, but research about the regular flu shows that in proportion of 80% they match with the Swine flu symptoms. And as Dr. Roosevelt from a New York hospital was relating on the Fox channel : "If you have flu symptoms this time of the year, 95% chance is the Swine flu, because the other flu is not around yet".

Cold Symptoms: Fever is rare. A hacking, productive cough is often  present. Slight aches and pains are mild. Stuffy nose is commonly present. Chills are uncommon. Tiredness is fairly mild. Sneezing is commonly present. Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. A headache is fairly uncommon. Sore throat is commonly present. Chest discomfort is mild with a cold.

H1N1 Flu Symptoms: A fever of 100F or more for 3 to 4 days is usually present. A non-productive cough is present. Severe aches and pains are often associated with flu. Stuffy nose is not commonly present. 60% of the people with the flu have experienced chills.Tiredness is often severe. Sneezing is uncommon. The flu hits hard and sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pain appear within 3-6 hours. A headache is very common with the flu. Sore throat is not present. Chest discomfort is often severe.

Meds such as Tamiflu are often given in flu but only for patients with Asthma in the health history, children under the age of 2, patients with low immunity. It is not recommended in mild cases of flu or as profilactic. Because is an airborn pathogen (spreads via air), common gathering places should be avoided. And, yes, you should cancel your dental appointment if any of the above symptoms are present.

Tags: cold | H1N1(Swine) | flu symptoms | dr. alina muntean | tamiflu