The Features and Benefits of CariVu Technology

Recently, the new DEXIS CariVu technology made identifying dental cracks and caries (cavities) much easier. If you’ve ever been in to see a dentist for tooth pain, you probably know firsthand that it can be challenging to identify the source of the problem. CariVu makes visualizing the problem area easier and more precise, reducing the need for x-rays, and allows the patient to see the area, too.

CariVu technology uses safe, near-infrared (NIR) transillumination. Healthy enamel is dense, and does not absorb this near-infrared light. Dental cracks and decayed areas, however, are porous, and absorb the light. CariVu technology captures an image of the tooth in black and white, showing which areas of the tooth are healthy versus compromised. The image can then be enlarged and broadcast on-screen for the patient to see.

In essence, CariVu:

• Is more precise than X-ray or older “penlight” methods of identifying decayed or cracked areas
• Reduces the need for X-ray exposure
• Allows for the most accurate imagery of the tooth, resulting in more precision during the restoration process
• Involves no ionizing radiation
• Is quick and painless
• Has a 99% accuracy rate
• Can identify smaller and more types of cracks and cavities than X-rays, leading to more timely treatment and saving more of the tooth.

Would you like to see CariVu technology in action? You can watch a short news segment that The Rhode Show did about this breakthrough when it first came out, last year, right here!

Like all types of technology, dental technology is changing rapidly, all the time, to deliver better accuracy and results, as well as a more comfortable patient experience in the office. That’s why we at Allen Dental make a point of staying up-to-date on the latest technology. From CariVu, to Cerec 3-D same-day crown technology, Invisalign and 6-Month Smiles orthodontic treatments, and Waterlase MD drill-free laser restorations, Allen Dental makes your comfort and great outcomes our biggest priority.     

Allen Dental is located in West Salem, WI. Serving the entire family, we provide general dentistry, orthodontic services, teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry, same-day crowns and more. For more information, please visit our website or call 608-786-3303. Don’t forget to check out our patient testimonials!

Don’t Wait To Replace Your Old Silver Fillings!

Do you have old silver fillings and find yourself feeling a bit envious of the millennials who appear to have no metal in their mouths? Today, cavities are most often filled with composite resin, which is the same color as the tooth it is bonded to. Those who had their cavities filled back in the 90’s and the decades prior most likely have amalgam, also known as silver fillings.

Silver fillings do not seal the tooth, they leak trace amounts of mercury vapor, and are not aesthetically pleasing. White composite resin fillings by comparison are safer for the individual, better for the tooth to which it’s bonded, and are virtually unnoticeable to the untrained eye. Because composite fillings are bonded with the tooth, they actually make the tooth itself stronger. On the other hand, metal used in amalgam fillings corrodes over time causing it to expand and contract, and over the years this can cause fractures in the tooth.  A broken tooth is not only painful but often requires a root canal or a dental implant if the tooth is lost. Both procedures are far more costly than replacing old silver fillings. 

At Allen Dental, we use composite resin fillings when correcting cavities. Composite resin filling is the most conservative restorative option for a decayed or broken tooth in dentistry today. The composite resin filling material is available in many shades to match the color of the tooth that it will be placed in. Using a white filling material is not just about aesthetics; it is also about conserving your tooth structure. When a tooth has decay present and needs to be fixed, a white filling only requires the removal of the diseased tooth structure (the cavity). In contrast, when using silver fillings, healthy enamel and dentin is removed.

At Allen Dental, we know it’s not a question of if, but when old silver fillings will fail and cause further decay and damage to your teeth. Protect your investment by replacing your old silver fillings with white fillings for a healthier, long lasting beautiful smile!

To Floss or Not To Floss?

This past August, the Associated Press caused quite a stir when they published a report about the weak evidence supporting the effectiveness of flossing your teeth. The AP looked at research conducted over the past decade, focusing on 25 studies that compared the use of just a toothbrush with the combination of using both a toothbrush and floss. According to the AP, the evidence for flossing is "weak, very unreliable," of "very low" quality (source). While news of this study sent shockwaves across the country (with many people pretty pleased about the findings, since nearly one-third of Americans do not floss), the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology are standing by their recommendations that flossing is effective, lack of evidence or not. Most dental professionals firmly believe flossing is effective in removing plaque, bacteria and soft deposits in the tight spaces between teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach.

If the AP’s published report has put you on the fence about flossing, let us help ease you off of it. Here are three good reasons you should continue to floss or get into a new habit of flossing:

1. Cleans places your toothbrush can’t. Teeth have four sides to them, and a toothbrush is only reaching the front and back. Food and bacteria can get stuck between your teeth, and if left there, can lead to gum disease. Floss can get in the spaces between each tooth to remove food particles and bacteria.

2. Strengthens your gums. Many people who don’t floss choose not to do it because it makes their gums bleed. In actuality, you should be flossing more if your gums bleed, since the act of flossing makes your gums healthier and the bleeding should stop after a few weeks of dedicated daily flossing.

3. Helps prevent other diseases. Research suggests a connection between gum disease and other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as people with good periodontal health. Daily flossing in addition to daily brushing can help prevent more serious health issues down the road.

Even if current research suggests a lack of evidence to support flossing, we at Allen Dental still recommended you do so because it is low risk, low cost. Meaning that even if it doesn’t help you (and we believe it does!), it will not hurt you either and it is not an expensive habit to keep up. If you’re still unsure, feel free to bring it up to Dr. Allen at your next appointment, he’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Do you need set up an appointment? Schedule yours TODAY at, allendental.net!

Get a New Smile in One Day with Allen Dental

Visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming, especially if you are in need of an oral procedure. At Allen Dental, we try to make going to the dentist as easy as possible for the whole family. If you’re a new patient, know that Allen Dental offers convenient scheduling for the whole family. Not only does this mean same day appointments but appointments for the whole family all within a 2-hour time frame.

Imagine getting crowns, bridges and implants done all in the same visit. It’s possible at Allen Dental! We offer the convenience, technology and professional expertise to repair your smile in just one day with same-day crowns, bridges and dental implants. No temporaries and no extra appointments – just one visit to Dr. Allen, West Salem’s leading dentist, and you’ll be on your way with a new smile.

If you have a missing, cracked or chipped tooth, here is why crowns, bridges or dental implants might be right for you:

What is a crown?

A crown is used to cover a damaged tooth. It is also a great way to improve appearance, shape or alignment of a smile. Crowns can be made in porcelain or ceramic crowns to match your natural teeth.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is the ideal option if you’re missing one or more teeth. Bridges are cemented to natural teeth to “bridge” the gap between missing teeth. False teeth can also be bonded to the bridge.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. A dental implant will not come loose like a denture can because it is anchored into your jaw. The great part about a dental implant is that if you lost a tooth, you can restore the look, feel and function of a natural tooth.

In need of crowns, bridges or implants? Call Allen Dental today at 608-786-3303 to schedule your FREE consultation! If you’re a new patient, give us a call and let our friendly team set up a same-day appointment for you and your whole family. We’ll fix your teeth and get you on your way in no time.