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What to do if you have a Dental Emergency on Vacation

Posted on November 9, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
dental emergency

dental emergencyRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Trips out of town are not just for the summertime any more. More and more people are vacationing during the fall, with one survey indicating that 93% of American travelers were planning a trip. Vacations are a great chance to relax and recharge, but sometimes unexpected and unforeseen events happen – like a dental emergency. Today on the blog, Dr. Nancy Hartrick explains what you should do if you experience a dental emergency while you are on vacation.

Traveling out of the country?

Before you embark on any international journey, we strongly advise you schedule a checkup with your dentist in Royal Oak. Specifically, you want your dentist to identify any areas of decay, as there are few things worse than experiencing a toothache while you are visiting another country.

If you are in another country and do experience a dental emergency such as an injury, you should seek care from a qualified professional in the area you are visiting. Remember that regulations and standards for dentists can vary greatly from country to country. Confirm that the dentist you are considering is licensed currently to practice and also verify the cost of the proposed procedure in U.S. dollars. Another factor to consider is any possible language barrier.

Traveling inside the United States

A little advance planning can go a long way. You may want to research dentists in the area you are visiting, prioritizing those that offer emergency services on a 24/7 basis. Once again, it might be a good idea to schedule a checkup before you depart. You can also talk to your current dentist to see if they may be able to recommend a practitioner in the area where you are headed. If you already are experiencing a toothache and you plan to fly to your destination, remember that changes in altitude impact air pressure and, with it, can have an effect on any pain you might be experiencing.

What if I chip or break a tooth and a dentist is not immediately available?

Rinse your mouth as soon as possible after the injury occurs. We suggest using warm salt water if available. Use an ice pack to manage any swelling you experience and stop any bleeding by packing the site of the dental injury with gauze. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort you are experiencing and refrain from drinking alcohol.

Emergency dental care in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

A dental emergency can ruin your day, whether it happens at home, on vacation in another state or while you are in another country. If you are visiting the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan and you experience a dental emergency during your travels, call the office of Hartrick Dentistry. Dr. Nancy Hartrick and her team of oral health professionals offer emergency services as needed, even outside normal business hours. Meanwhile, if you live in Royal Oak and Birmingham and experience a dental emergency while traveling, you should follow up with your local dentist upon your return. Make your appointment at Hartrick Dentistry today by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in General Dentistry

Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ Disorder

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
questions

questionsRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Do you know where your temporomandibular joint is? This is a small round joint that connects your jaw to your skull on either side of the head. That joint may be small but if it enters a state of dysfunction it can cause some big problems, up to and including chronic pain. TMJ disorder represents a diagnostic challenge for medical professionals, so you can imagine the confusion it can cause from the people suffering from the condition. That’s why Hartrick Dentistry compiled this list of answers to some of the questions we receive most frequently about TMJ disorder from people just like you.

What causes TMJ disorder?

Frequently reported causes of TMJ disorder include:

  • An injury—usually sustained to the jaw, the head, the neck, or the temporomandibular joint itself;
  • Bruxism, which is the clinical term for teeth grinding or clenching;
  • Arthritis, emanating from the temporomandibular joint;
  • Dislocating the disc between the ball and socket of the temporomandibular joint; and
  • Stress, which causes you to tighten the muscles of your face and jaw or clench your teeth.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

The exact symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary widely but patients with this ailment regularly report any combination of the following:

  • Pain in the face, teeth, mouth, neck, shoulders or jaw
  • A clicking or popping sound when the jaws open and close
  • Experiencing a locked jaw or limited range of motion in the jaws
  • Having problems chewing
  • Malocclusion, which also is known as a misaligned bite
  • Ringing, stuffiness, or congestion in the ears

Patients with TMJ disorder often experience frequent and painful headaches, which may be misdiagnosed as migraines. These headaches may feel like migraines or be of migraine-like intensity, but they do not respond as well to normal migraine treatments. If you have been diagnosed with migraines but treatment has not provided relief, then TMJ disorder could be the root cause of your headaches.

How does a dentist treat TMJ disorder?

Dr. Nancy Hartrick is trained in neuromuscular dentistry, a specialization of the dental field that only is taught on a post-graduate level following the completion of normal dental school. This training focuses on finding and restoring the ideal alignment of the bite and jaw. Typically, Hartrick Dentistry can treat TMJ disorder through oral appliance therapy. Using impressions of your mouth as a guide, we have an orthotic mouthpiece fabricated. When worn, the oral appliance serves as a mandibular advancement device. It applies gentle forward pressure, guiding your jaws into their preferred alignment and resolving the stress being placed on the temporomandibular joint. Once the TMJ has been treated, any symptoms you are experiencing—including pain—also will be resolved.

TMJ Treatment in Royal Oak ad Birmingham in Michigan

Make no mistake: if you or someone you love has TMJ disorder, seeing a trained medical professional like Dr. Hartrick is the only way to obtain lasting relief. Waiting to see if the problem just will go away on its own only encourages the development of greater problems related to your TMJ disorder, such as pain in the neck and back or numbness in extremities. Schedule an appointment at our office in Royal Oak by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in TMJ

Why CPAP is not your only Option to Treat Sleep Apnea

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
Oral appliance therapy

Oral appliance therapyRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Sleep apnea is a very prevalent, and very serious, sleep breathing disorder that currently affects approximately 39 million Americans. Without seeking diagnosis and treatment from a trained medical professional, sleep apnea disrupts your ability to get proper rest and can have a major detrimental effect on your life. It can leave you exhausted and struggling to focus during your day-to-day activities. Sleep apnea also can increase your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other serious health concerns. Treatment is crucial but, at Hartrick Dentistry, we believe there are other methods to address sleep apnea besides CPAP. We explain why today on the blog.

Treating sleep apnea

Most patients with sleep apnea are prescribed a CPAP machine. Standing for continuous positive airway pressure, CPAP sends a steady flow of air through a mask that’s worn over the nose while you are sleeping, helping to keep an open airway. This common treatment method can be effective, but it has several disadvantages that many sleep apnea patients may not know before beginning using the machine.

The problems people have with CPAP include:

  • It is bulky and inconvenient for travel
  • Some patients find the machines difficult to maintain
  • Wearing the mask can cause irritation to the skin as well as dry mouth
  • It can make it difficult for your partner or family members to sleep if they are in the same room
  • It can impede intimacy

As a result of these and other issues, sleep apnea patients who use CPAP often become non-compliant. That means they stop using the machine as instructed or cease using it altogether. One study in 2022 disturbingly found that half of patients with CPAP in the study stopped using the machine within 3 ½ years. This is the worst thing that a patient with sleep apnea can do. Failure to treat the sleep breathing disorder only makes it more severe, elevating your risk of health issues that can be life-threatening.

Our alternative to CPAP

Hartrick Dentistry can treat sleep apnea through a course of oral appliance therapy. This entails providing the patient with a nightguard that is customized to fit their mouth. Not only is the night guard made just for you, it is fabricated from higher-quality materials than any sleeping guard you can find available for purchase over the counter. When worn, this night guard serves as a mandibular advancement device. It guides the lower jaw forward and maintains an open airway, preventing the airway obstructions that cause an attack of sleep apnea.

Treat your sleep apnea without CPAP in Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan

Any clinical treatment for your sleep apnea is better than none. Ignoring sleep apnea can have deadly consequences. Sleep apnea will not get better on its own and your symptoms can worsen without treatment. However, we want you to remember that a sleep apnea diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to settle for a CPAP machine. There are other options for you and we want to help you relieve your sleep apnea symptoms. To learn more about how Hartrick Dentistry can treat sleep apnea without the need for CPAP, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hartrick today by calling our office in Royal Oak at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

Can TMJ Disorder Affect How you Look?

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
tmj

tmjRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) can be debilitating and frustrating. Ranging from toothaches to daily headaches and ringing ears, the manifestations of TMJ disorder are unending. Additionally, TMJ disorder can manifest into wide-spread pain throughout the face, head, and neck. In today’s blog post, our Royal Oak TMJ dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, uncovers one of the less-discussed effects of TMJ disorder, explains how the condition distorts the face, and how she can help.

How does TMJ disorder sneak its way into your facial appearance?

It all begins with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint between the jawbone and the skull at the sides of your head. When this joint is overstressed, it leads to a chain reaction affecting the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. If TMJ disorder is not properly dealt with it will not only affect the jaw but pain branches out to various parts of the face, head, and even the spine.

What are some ways TMJ disorder can alter your appearance?

From the painful feelings to the facial changes, every patient who has endured TMJ can be subjected to different results. But our Birmingham area TMJ dentist offers a short list of the possible effects if you choose to neglect TMJ.

  • Tooth wear: As the teeth grind against each other due to an uneven bite, teeth can wear down, making the face slant when the mouth is closed. It may even turn out to be visually prominent and cause a jaw mismatch that contributes to an improper bite.
  • Joint displacement: In very bad cases, the entire jaw becomes displaced due to the joint discs breaking down. Unfortunately, this may lead to asymmetrical jaw movement when chewing or when opening and closing the mouth and affecting the facial muscles.
  • Bone irregularity: It should be noted that TMJ disorder leads to unequal elongation of the lower jaw and therefore if one side of the jawbone is shorter, it will show on the face. The condition is usually blamed on wear and tear on the condyle, the rounded part of the jaw that articulates with the skull.
  • Overdeveloped muscles: TMJ disorder can make your jaw go out of whack, and to make up for the misfire, the muscles in your jaw will overwork. It may result in an increase in the size of the jaw muscles on the favored side as compared to the other, thus leading to facial changes.
  • Spinal imbalance: The effects of the TMJ disorder are not limited to the jaw. Your neck, shoulders, and spine may also be affected as the condition goes untreated. Unfortunately, TMJ pain may lead to poor posture, which causes neck and back pain. Poor posture is evident by looking at someone. You may notice that their back is hunched over or they carry their head in a more forward position that looks irregular.

TMJ Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Naturally, facial changes can be difficult manage without a proper diagnosis. However, it’s important to note that there is a TMJ dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, who is a caring specialist focusing on comprehensive TMJ treatment solutions. Our goal is to help you achieve a harmonious bite and a bite that is comfortable, without TMJ symptoms. When we combine a detailed assessment with a tailored approach to your TMJ condition, we can develop a treatment plan to help you overcome the disorder and feel confident again. For more information or to make an appointment to restore your smile’s comfort and confidence call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950 today.

Posted in TMJ

5 Steps to Help you Adjust to your New Dentures

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
new dentures

new denturesRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Dentures can restore function and aesthetics to people’s smiles, helping them feel more confident during an otherwise daunting transition. Learning to eat and speak with new dentures can be a challenge that requires time and patience. Our family dentist in Royal Oak compiled the following tips to help you navigate the process smoothly:

  1. Have patience

Adjusting to dentures can take some time. Dentures may at first feel bulky or uncomfortable, and you may find it difficult to eat or speak. Be patient with yourself as you adapt to this significant change. While it’s common and normal to experience some discomfort at first, those feelings will improve as you become accustomed to wearing your dentures.

  1. Follow proper denture care procedures

Just like with natural teeth, having a strong oral hygiene routine will help the longevity and comfort of your new dentures. Dentures require regular cleaning to prevent plaque buildup and ensure freshness — no different than natural teeth. Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove food particles and bacteria. Be sure to remove your dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest and recover.

  1. Start with soft foods

As you’re growing accustomed to wearing your new dentures, our Birmingham family dentist recommends sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup and scrambled eggs. As you feel more comfortable, you can gradually add firmer foods. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can get into your dentures and cause discomfort. Cutting your food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly and evenly can help prevent slipping or irritation.

  1. Practice speaking

Speaking with dentures may feel awkward at first because they can affect the way your tongue and lips move. To improve your speech clarity, practice reading aloud or repeating challenging words and phrases. Take your time to enunciate each word clearly, and try to spend a few minutes each day practicing in front of a mirror. With practice, your tongue and oral muscles will adapt to your dentures, and your speech will become more natural.

  1. Come see us!

Regular visits to our dentist office in Royal Oak will help us monitor the fit and condition of your dentures. We can make adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and address any issues or concerns that you may have. Routine dental exams allow us to assess the health of your gums and oral tissues, helping to prevent any potential complications.

Sleep apnea dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

We know adjusting to dentures can be challenging, but we are here to help. Call us at Hartrick Dentistry, (248) 712-1149, or reach us online today if you have questions or any issues with your dentures.

Posted in General Dentistry

5 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry can Help you Make a Great First Impression

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
cosmetic dentistry

cosmetic dentistryRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Ever hear the old saying that you never have a second chance to make a first impression? That initial meeting with someone, whether it is in your personal life or your professional life, can be crucial. One recent study found that more than two-thirds of those who responded identified the smile as the first physical feature they notice when meeting someone for the first time. How you feel about your smile can greatly influence your willingness to show it. If you perceive an aesthetic flaw in your smile, cosmetic dentistry can address the issue and transform the appearance of your smile. Today on the blog, we examine five ways that cosmetic dental procedures can help you make a better first impression.

Teeth whitening – Brightening your smile can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your smile, which can lead to a major improvement in the first impression you make to others. Our professional whitening procedures produce longer-lasting results and, since Dr. Hartrick is supervising, you have a lower risk of experiencing heightened dental sensitivity.

Veneers –  A skilled cosmetic dentist places veneers, which are thin shells of material, on the front of the teeth you want to treat to address a wide variety of aesthetic flaws. Hartrick Dentistry works with veneers made of dental porcelain, a beautiful, durable, stain-resistant material. Dental porcelain also has a light-reflecting quality similar to real tooth enamel.

Crowns – Maybe you have an individual tooth that has you feeling self-conscious about your smile. A dental crown replaces the entire exterior of a tooth that is badly damaged, differently sized or misshapen. A crown also can replace any existing dental restorations that are old or failing. Dr. Hartrick places a crown at the conclusion of either a root canal or a dental implant procedure.

Composite fillings –  If you have an older dental filling, it is probably silverish in appearance and made of amalgam. These amalgam fillings appear as dark spots in the mouth. They also can expand and contract in reaction to the normal temperature changes in the mouth when you eat and drink. Hartrick Dentistry offers fillings made of a tooth-colored composite material, which can be customized to match the other healthy teeth in your mouth, thus allowing the filling to blend in with your smile.

Dental implants – Living with a lost permanent tooth leaves a gap in your smile that, among other things, can make you extremely self-conscious. An implant is the finest method of tooth replacement that currently is available in restorative dentistry. No other tooth replacement option looks, feels and functions more than the real thing. The key component of an implant is the implant screw itself. This durable metal screw is inserted into the jawbone, providing the stimulation to the supporting bone structure that previously came from the missing tooth root.

Cosmetic dentistry in Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan

Now that you have learned about how cosmetic dentistry can improve your first impression, are you ready to learn more? Then schedule a consultation with Dr. Nancy Hartrick today. At this meeting, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, while she reviews your current oral health and past dental history to identify if you are a good candidate for the cosmetic dental work that you desire. To schedule your appointment, call (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

How TMJ Disorder Could be Causing your Chronic Pain

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
tmj causing pain

tmj causing painRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Do you have chronic headaches and/or pain in your face, neck or jaw that may feel a bit better after taking over-the-counter pain relievers but always comes back? If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain for a while, we have good news for you. You may be able to find relief after just one visit to our family dentist in Royal Oak who treats temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD).

What is TMJ disorder?

The TMJ acts as a hinge connecting the jaw to the skull. It is part of a complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones that work together to facilitate movements like chewing, speaking and yawning. When this system becomes dysfunctional, it can result in TMJ disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

TMJ can present itself with many symptoms, but the most common include:

  • Clicking or popping noises in the jaw joint, especially when opening and closing the mouth
  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
  • Pain or ringing deep in the ears
  • Chronic headaches, neck pain or facial pain
  • Muscle stiffness or spasms in the jaw or neck
  • Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (malocclusion)

How does TMJ disorder cause chronic pain?

TMD can cause muscle tension and stiffness, which can lead to chronic tension-type headaches. Also, pain in one part of the face, neck or head can travel along the cranial trigeminal nerve to other parts of the head. So while TMD symptoms are typically localized to the jaw area, any dysfunction there can have widespread effects.

How can my chronic pain be resolved?

At Hartrick Dentistry, we have solved many cases of TMD-related chronic pain through comfortable and non-invasive oral appliance therapy. Many symptoms of TMJ disorder — especially bruxism, or the clenching and grinding of teeth — are exacerbated at night during sleep. Wearing a mouthguard at night repositions the jaw to prevent incidences of teeth grinding, and it also opens the airway to prevent snoring. This mitigates many of our patients’ TMJ-related symptoms during the day and leads to much better rest at night.

TMJ dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain, we know you want to find a solution. Our TMJ dentist in Birmingham at Hartrick Dentistry is trained to determine if you have TMD through a simple consultation and exam. If it is determined you have TMD, you may be able to walk out of our office that same day with a custom oral appliance that will improve your quality of life practically overnight. Call us today at (248) 712-1149, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in TMJ

5 Signs of Sleep Apnea You should Not Ignore

Posted on August 4, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
sleep apnea symptoms

sleep apnea symptomsRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep-breathing disorder that affects millions, but many people don’t realize they have it. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and potentially serious health consequences. This is why it’s important that if you have (or notice in your bed partner) any of the following OSA signs and symptoms, you call our sleep apnea dentist in Royal Oak right away to schedule an appointment. Recognizing the signs and symptoms will help you seek timely treatment so we can intervene and help improve your overall health and well-being.

  1. Loud snoring

The most hallmark sign of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring. Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat area relax, causing an obstructed airway. Snoring is the vibrating sound of air struggling to make it through the airway. Sometimes, snoring at night is common and normal, especially if someone has a cold or allergies. But if snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing followed by choking or gasping noises, it is most likely sleep apnea.

  1. Breathing pauses

Sleep apnea can cause lengthy and frequent pauses in breathing at night. They can last several seconds to a minute or more and occur 100 times or more in the most severe cases. When the pauses happen, the brain responds by startling the person awake to breathe. While the person suffering from OSA may not recall being woken up so many times at night, the sleep cycle disruptions can make them feel severe fatigue during the day.

  1. Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness

People who have sleep apnea can get a recommended eight hours of sleep or more and still wake up feeling unrefreshed and exhausted. This persistent fatigue can interfere with daily activities, work performance and a person’s overall quality of life.

  1. Morning headaches

If you find that you regularly wake up with chronic, unexplained headaches, you may have sleep apnea. The link between sleep apnea and morning headaches is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the fluctuation of oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels during breathing pauses.

  1. Irritability and/or mood swings

Chronic sleep disruption and oxygen deprivation during sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings and difficulty focusing and concentrating. If you have sleep apnea, you may experience heightened irritability, feelings of frustration and decreased tolerance for stressors in your daily life. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Sleep apnea dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder that, if left untreated, can have serious implications for health and quality of life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is the first step toward seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. At Hartrick Dentistry, our Birmingham family dentists can treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea with the use of simple oral appliance therapy. Comfortable, custom-made mouthguards may be your ticket to a more solid, refreshing night of sleep. If you believe that you or your sleeping partner may have OSA, call us at (248) 712-1149, or reach us online today to schedule an appointment.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

Can Toothaches Cause Ear Pain Too?

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Admin Team
toothache and ear pain

toothache and ear painRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Pain in the gums is the most unexpected and unpleasant companion that may spoil even the best day. Toothaches can be extremely painful but can range from a mild ache to a consistent throbbing. That throbbing pain associated with a toothache could seem like an earache. On the blog today, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, our trusted dentist in Royal Oak, explores the connection between toothaches and ear pain.

What are the main causes of toothaches?

The culprits can vary, but they typically revolve around one common theme: inflammation of a nerve that lies alongside or within a tooth’s canal. Many times, the nerve endings of the tooth become exposed to bacteria resulting from cavities or structural compromises and can cause an infection. Furthermore, other causes include injuries or abscessed teeth that can lead to excruciating pain that does not relent.

What are the types of pain I may encounter?

It may begin with an occasional zing of pain, a sensation well-known by those who have experienced it. On the other hand, it could turn into a constant, pounding pain, which will not go away, even when using over-the-counter medications for relief. Our trusted dentist in Birmingham has valuable advice to give regarding dental discomfort. She insists that patients should never consider any toothache trivial and ignore it. Ideally, you should tend to toothaches while they are still relatively mild so that they don’t worsen and require extensive procedures.

How can a toothache cause ear pain?

The cranial trigeminal nerve, which interconnects the face, jaw, and head forms a rather complicated system. When your tooth sends painful signals, these nerves can send pain messages to your ears. It’s like a communication process where information sent from an organ ends up at various undesired locations and unconventionally so, with painful messages.

Moreover, an abscessed tooth is a product of a bad infection and doesn’t stop giving you a swollen face and breath-inducing pain. It’s also well-known to send painful sensations to the adjacent regions, particularly the ears. If not controlled, it can cause a lot of health problems and can be a menace to your general well-being.

What can I do to stop the toothaches and ear pain?

Our Royal Oak trusted dentist emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when your mouth feels some pain. Any pain in the teeth, ear, or face shouldn’t be ignored, especially when swelling appears. Therefore, turn to Hartrick Dentistry as soon as possible, and Dr. Hartrick will determine the source of your pain and remedy the problem before it worsens.

Trusted Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Appearing suddenly in the middle of the day, a toothache has the potential to wipe out anyone as it can cause a lot of discomfort, especially if the pain reaches your ears. Do not ignore your toothache, even if the pain comes and goes or seems only mild initially. Contact our Royal Oak area trusted dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, at (248) 549-0950 so that Hartrick Dentistry can assist you in ridding yourself of dental pain for good.

Posted in General Dentistry

The Future of Dental Technology in Royal Oak

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
dental technology

dental technologyRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

If you had a cavity when you were younger, what did repairing the tooth entail? You might remember a dentist removing the damaged portion of your tooth with a drill, or the application of a semi-solid goop to make an impression of the tooth so that your filling could be fabricated. And before any of that, you probably received an injection with an incredibly long needle … you know, so you don’t feel anything. Modern dentistry has progressed rapidly in the past few decades and the advancements are not stopping anytime soon.

Now, imagine getting another cavity and going to your dentist, but repairing your tooth is as simple as having a laser beam shot into your mouth, followed by a quick injection of a paste. This may sound like science fiction but it is closer to being reality than you might think. Today on the blog, we take a look ahead to the future of dental technology and how it can improve your care in Royal Oak.

Laser technology: This is already present in many dental practices at the forefront of the field. At Hartrick Dentistry, we currently employ lasers in the form of a diagnodent pen, which can be used to detect tooth decay with 98% accuracy simply by exposing areas of your mouth to the laser light. This is just a taste of what lasers could accomplish in the field of dentistry. In time, lasers may replace drills, and treatments with lasers can be completed with virtually no discomfort, eliminating the need for local anesthetics or numbing pastes.

Regenerating teeth with electrical current: Move over, Doctor Frankenstein! In recent years, dentists created a potentially revolutionary process to remineralize areas of tooth decay through the application of electrical current. This has the chance to alter the way dentists do business and repair teeth. Imagine if, in the future, repairing a cavity is as simple as zapping it with electrical current and letting the tooth heal itself, thus removing the need to receive a filling.

Ultraviolet lights: The use of ultraviolet light is already rather common in dentistry. Using a handheld device, your dentist can expose any troublesome areas of your mouth to a fluorescent ultraviolet light as part of an oral cancer screening. The continued widespread use of this technology can help lead to detection of oral cancer more quickly, thus lowering the mortality rate from cancers of this type.

Digital dentistry: Digital technology has changed almost every aspect of our society. It has altered the way we work, shop and learn. It has also transformed the way dentists care for their patients. Hartrick Dentistry already makes use of digital technology in multiple ways. We store patient records digitally, use a digital X-ray system that is more precise and emits far less radiation than a traditional X-ray machine and capture images of your teeth that get transmitted directly to our computer system thanks to our intraoral camera.

Using state-of-the-art dental technology to provide care

Dr. Nancy Hartrick believes that advanced technology represents a commitment to providing the highest level of care to her patients in Royal Oak, Birmingham and the surrounding areas in Michigan. If you would like to learn more about how we apply technology at our dental practice or schedule a tour of our office, contact Hartrick Dentistry today by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Dental Technology