5 Things About the Roof of Your Mouth

What is the point of the roof of our mouths? Why is it there? What does it do? Etc. I mean, it's not like the roof of our mouths is something that we ponder about too often and we lay away at night thinking about it; however, it is a strange part of our body, huh?

The palate, not to be confused with the pallet (a bed), or palette (a range of colors), is the formal name for the roof of our mouths.

So what does it do? Why do we have it? Let's find out:

1. The hard palate at the front is made of bone, the soft palate behind it is made of tissue. Both the hard palate and the soft palate help our breathing, swallowing, and our speech. Think about it, these things would not be possible if there was no barrier there. 
2. If the bones of the hard palate do not fuse before birth, it is called a cleft palate. This is a purely structural problem that can be repaired before the age of one. 
3. The soft palate helps to close off the nasal passages during swallowing and the airway, if required, during sneezing. Fun fact: crocodiles do this too. 
4. The soft palate has salivary glands and taste buds- this is why we call good food "palatable". 
5. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear that peanut butter will stick to one's palate. I personally do not have this fear but it is more common than one may realize. 

If you have questions about the palate, then talk with Dr. Rubino, a dentist in Park Ridge. If you notice any discoloration, inflammation, or other issues with your palate, then contact your dentist. If you do not have a dentist, then schedule an appointment with our Park Ridge dental office. 

A Camera that Finds Cavities? Available at Our Park Ridge Dental Office

It's true. We have a camera at our Chicagoland dental office that is replacing intramural camera that we used for many years. Intramural photos of your teeth, gums, etc. are very valuable in their own way by helping us diagnose dental problems and show/explain them to you. The new camera, SoproLife® is an excellent cameral for this but has one big advantage: it can also find decay. 

The special light in the camera penetrates the enamel and underlying tooth structures and bounces back to the camera. If there is decay, it shows as red on the image of the tooth. We have used a laser (DIAGNOdent) in the past, and will continue to do so, but the DIAGNOdent could not be used around old fillings crowns, or in between teeth. The SoproLife will work in these areas and help u to be as accurate as possible in finding cavities as early as possible. This is especially important around old fillings and crowns that are stained, look suspicious, or have become symptomatic to you.

 

We will continue to use our digital x-rays and the DIAGNOdent, but the addition of the SoproLife is a big step forward. 

SoproLife also has a high magnification setting, which will help us to evaluate cracks in teeth and find calcified canals when doing root canal therapy. 

In addition, Dr. Rubino will use it when removing deep decay near the nerve chamber. The SoproLife will allow him to remove the decay only and not the sound tooth structure, which could help avoid an exposure of a nerve. 

We will be using the new camera on most patients at their preventative maintenance appointments. So next time you're here, you'll get to see how it works. Feel free to contact Rubino Dentistry and let us know what you think!

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the cornerstone of periodontal therapy for gum disease (gingivitis). SRP is usually accomplished under local or topical anesthetic to allow the therapist to meticulously clean root surfaces, remove chronic inflammatory irritants under your gums, and eliminate the bacteria involved in active gum disease. In addition to the mechanical removal of calculus (tartar), some scar tissue adherent to the tartar and roots may be removed in a non-surgical manner. As a result, the bacteria imbedded in these irritants is also removed, producing a much healthier environment for the gums, roots, and bone to heal.

We use an antimicrobial gel, called Arestin, in those areas where there is bone loss  and pockets over 5 mm which remains under your gums for about 1 week. This was a key addition to eliminate the bacteria most often involved in reoccurrence of gum disease. As a result, we do far fewer surgeries than was necessary 15 years ago.

After administration of anesthetics, the other areas of your mouth not being treated under the gums are scaled ultrasonically. Once this is complete, the target areas are cleaned ultrasonically, with hand instruments, and again ultrasonically. The second ultrasonic cleaning sprays a special antibacterial rinse (chlorhexidine) through the tip to flush debris out of your gums and kill bacteria. Then the Arestin gel is injected under your gums where needed. You will not be able to feel it and it dissolves over time. Wait 10 days to floss or WaterPik in the areas your therapist advised the Arestin was placed.

You will be given the same antibacterial rinse, called Periogard, in a home use bottle and will be instructed in its use. Your participation with meticulous home care is very important! If you smoke, stopping or reducing to less than five cigarettes per day will be very beneficial.

Post treatment symptoms are often minimal. Some gum soreness, hot-cold sensitivity, and possible minor tooth soreness can be expected, but last only a few days in most cases. During this time, following home care recommendations and the use of the chlorhexidine rinse not only helps keep you comfortable, but also contributes to the healing and final result. Brush and floss all of your teeth, including the treated area (although gently there unless otherwise directed). If you have a WaterPik for you chlorhexidine use as directed. Discomfort can be controlled by taking Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol as needed.

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Park Ridge dental practice and have great knowledge about this subject and can help you with any curiosity about it.