Dr Gatti's Blog a Lawrence Dentist Reflections

At the studio most of your records are acquired digitally and they are all stored in a digital format. What is the big deal you may ask? Well, for starters, acquiring digital x-rays are not only quicker, they require up to 80% less radiation when compared to conventional x-rays. Additionally, once acquired we can highlight, enhance or enlarge areas of concern for better assessment and viewing. Furthermore, we can enlarge the image in order for you to actually see what we are looking at, therefore making it easier for you to understand the situation at hand.

When records are stored in a digital format it then becomes easy and almost instantaneous for us to transfer records to other practitioners. If you have a consultation with a specialist, we can send the radiograph instantly and thus avoid having to hand carry the x-ray or record. Furthermore, it allows the specialist and Dr. Gatti to view the same document and discuss it over the phone if needed.

The digital record benefits our clients in countless ways. If you are moving or are out of town and a dental emergency occurs we can forward the information to another dentist immediately. This insures that the proper information is sent and we don’t have to worry about it being destroyed in the mail. In order to transfer any records it is often necessary for you to provide us with a records release. This can also be accomplished in a rather painless fashion. For your convenience we have a release form located on our website. Go to HYPERLINK “http://www.gattidds.com” www.gattidds.com – scroll down to the Contacting Us tab and then scroll to Release Authorization Form. Once you have completed the form, simply return it to us with the information of where your records need to be sent and it will be handled.

The technology we utilize at the studio is designed to improve treatment so we can better serve our clientele. The digital record is just one more way this technology ultimately enables us to serve you with the highest quality care possible.

Did you know that over 1,800 drugs, both prescription and over the counter, can cause your mouth to be dry? The list is long and includes:

• Antacids such as Prilosec and Prevacid
• Antianxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium
• Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Celexa
• Antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec
• Anti-hypertensives such as Narvaxc
• Anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin and Naprosyn (Alleve)
• Cholesterol reducing drugs such as Lipitor
• Hormone replacement therapy (Premarin)

These are only a few of the medications causing dry mouth. Even diarrhea medication such as Immodium AD can cause dry mouth! It seems that nearly every prescription or over the counter medicine has dry mouth as a side effect.

There is good reason to be concerned about dry mouth. Some of the devastating effects associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can also damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur.

So, when we ask you about your health, it is important that you tell us about all the medications you are taking, including those over the counter meds that don’t seem to be important. This will help us guide you in the prevention and/or treatment of the devastating effects of dry mouth. Please feel free to ask us for more information or help in treating any symptoms you might be experiencing.

Mr Bean Goes to the dentist

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