Ikuta D.D.S

We are pleased to announce we now offer 3D CAT Scan technology in our office! We are one of a very select few offices, nationwide, to offer this service. We also upgraded to one of the best reading software systems available, so we are able to extract the most information possible from each scan we take.

Dental CAT Scan units differ from medical ones in a couple of different ways. The most important differences are an upright posture while taking the X-ray, and many times less radiation exposer. The exposer is less because of the way it transmits the beam, in the shape of a cone and the realtively small area of the scan. Many people refer to Dental CAT Scan units in general as cone beam technology.

The reason the upright posture is important is because it can be used to diagnose and view the TMJ in it's functional posture. In Medical CAT Scans they have the patient laying on their back, and gravity pulls the jaw back in a non functional posture.

The images we take can be used for a plethora of different things. The most common reason for using it would be for implant placement. With a real size 1:1 ratio 3D image we are able to digitally treatment plan and place implants before doing any surgery on patients. We are able to locate and track nerves, sinuses, and view how much bone is actually available to select the optimum implant for each case. Knowing all of this before any work is done makes for a more conservative procedure, faster procedure, and less post operative discomfort.

The other functions the images help diagnose, as a eluded to earlier, are TMJ evaluation, Nerve tracking prior to wisdom teeth removal, and evaluation of airway. With our upgraded software we are able to view the airway to see if there is any obstructions with tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum, or enlarged turbinates. Any of these problems can have an extreme adverse effect on one's overall health. With severe obstructive sleep apnea, it can reduce a person's life span by up to 15%, or about 12 years of a average Americans lifespan.

Now that you have gotten your teeth whitened and you are proudly showing off your new smile, it is time to know how best to maintain your whitening efforts. The simplest way to keep your smile from becoming discolored again is to avoid tobacco products and exposure to dark drinks such as soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. We don’t expect you to drink nothing but water, but if you do drink these beverages, try using a straw when you consume them. Using a straw will lessen the amount of liquid that touches your teeth.

Another way to help maintain your smile is to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after eating and drinking foods that could stain your teeth. This will not only help your whitening efforts, it will also help your overall dental health.

In addition to brushing after meals, you can also use whitening toothpaste to assist in maintenance. It is wise to use these toothpastes with caution because the use of whitening toothpastes has been shown to contribute to permanent long-term staining. The reason for this is that whitening toothpaste tends to be very abrasive and the abrasion can wear down your enamel, exposing the yellow-colored dentin underneath.

Once you have had your teeth whitened it is relatively easy to maintain your smile if you just follow the simple steps above. Also, if you have chosen to have in-office teeth whitening performed, you can always use a whitening kit for touchups. Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation or to ask any questions that you may have about teeth whitening. We are here to help you put your best smile forward. Ikuta Smiles serves patients in the Reedley and Fresno areas of California.