Shadowing Case 3: Dental Etching

3/4/23

There are many methods to fix dental cavities, but how can using acid be involved?

In today's shadowing, we watched a treatment of a cavity in the back right molar.

A visual model of the of the cavity

The Procedure

Using a power tool and water, Dr. Kwon drilled out the center and top of the tooth that were affected by the cavity. Then she applied sulfuric acid to roughen the surface of the teeth. This method is call "dental etching" and Dr. Kwon used this method so the tooth filling could adhere to the molar tooth. Then the zirconia crown (sample picture in shadowing case 1) is placed on top of the broken tooth. Then using an articulation paper, the patient bites the teeth together. This is a special paper that leaves pressure marks on bite areas. It helps dentists to check whether the teeth are properly aligned or the shape of a tooth fits a bite. After trimming the crown, an x-ray is taken to make sure filling (artificial addition of the tooth) fits before permanently cementing it.

Importance of dental maintenance

Installing a crown does not guarantee the complete removal of cavities. If not cared for properly, cavities are bound to form again. This can cause holes in teeth that can loosen the crown.

Take extra care in flossing and brushing to prevent a repetitive cycle of reinstalling crowns!

Extra- Maintenance of Dental Hygiene Instruments

Have you ever wondered if reused tools at your dentist's are hygienic?

After the procedure, I was able to observe first hand.

1. First the tools are placed inside a biosonic machine, where ultrasonic vibration is used to remove small particles attached to the tools.

2. They are then rinsed with water and dried

3. The tools are then packaged for the next use

4. Lastly, the packaged tools are placed in the sterilizer that uses high heat to kill remaining bacteria

In the end, it is safe to conclude that the tools used for your mouth is hygienic!

Oral health is FOR.ALL