Radiography: An Essential Part of Carolina’s Dental Choice

2020-07-16T16:56:30+00:00April 24th, 2019|Dental Trends, Oral Health|

If you have been to the dentist, you have probably had x-rays taken of your mouth. While annoying, and sometimes painful, these x-rays are an essential part of any dental-care plan. Despite their significance, some dentists do not offer radiography to their patients. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we see the value in these x-rays and believe that they largely contribute to positive dental health.

The x-rays used for dentistry are known as radiographs. There are two kinds of radiographs: the extraoral, an x-ray is taken outside of the mouth; and the intraoral, which is an x-ray taken from within the patient’s mouth. Intraoral radiographs are the one most commonly seen in dentistry and the one you might easily recognize from your last dentist appointment. The intraoral radiograph has become such a prominent part of dentistry because of the high level of detail that the x-ray provides, which can show the tooth, bone, and supporting tissues in a patient’s mouth.

Not only does the radiograph allow a dentist to see what is visible in a patient’s mouth, but it also allows him to see hidden dental structures, malignant and/or benign masses, signs of bone loss and/or wearing, and cavities, all of which might not be visible to the human eye but are detrimental to an individual’s dental health.

How It Works

Now that you know how important a radiograph can be to your dental health, you are probably wondering how they actually work. Surprisingly enough, they are actually quite simple. When your dentist asks you to put a film or sensor in your mouth, which is usually the most uncomfortable part of any radiograph, he is creating a base that is crucial to the image being taken. For a radiographic image to form, the radiation from the x-ray machine has to bounce off of the film or sensor and into your mouth. Different oral structures are penetrated by the radiation at different levels, which means they reflect different images on the film. For example, 

teeth appear lighter because they are dense and do not allow for as much radiation to penetrate them. Dental caries (cavities), tooth decay, infections, periodontal ligaments, and alterations in bone density will typically appear darker on a radiograph since they are less dense as other dental structures. Based on the amount of radiation that is allowed to reflect on the film, an image is created that allows your dentist to see everything that is not visible to the naked eye, and then assess the best way to maintain your dental health.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, our dentists see the value in a basic radiograph, like the ones previously discussed; but we do not stop there. Along with traditional radiographs, our office also offers three-dimensional (3D) imaging services. Our 3D digital device combines three different types of data with one x-ray unity; this cool tool is known as the Planmeca 3D imaging device. Proper use of this helps to accurately diagnose our patients since we understand that not all damage and disease is visible during a routine dental examination.

The Planmeca 3D imaging device is one of the newest innovations in radiography procedures. Instead of using standard x-ray film, the 3D images are digitally produced on a computer screen. Not only does this save production time since the images do not have to develop, but it also allows for them to be easily viewed, stored, or printed. On top of that, digital 3D imaging with the Planmeca only takes a fraction of the time and emits less radiation than a traditional x-ray would.

Our dental professionals at Carolina’s Dental Choice also use radiographs to help monitor periodontal diseases. By using x-rays, visual examinations, and professional cleaning techniques, our staff is able to play an effective role in minimizing the spread of common dental diseases.

Just like a regular dental examination, radiographs are crucial to a patient’s oral health. How often you need one depends on the success of your treatment plan and the advice of your dentist. If you are prone to tooth decay or cavities, then your dental professional may recommend that you get them annually or biannually. Being proactive and regularly checking for signs of decay can help your dentist plan for future treatment options and prevent major cosmetic issues in the future.

As Carolina’s Dental Choice, we offer the radiography services that will keep your smile beautiful. Come see us today!

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Our Commitment to Ethics at Carolina’s Dental Choice

2020-07-16T16:57:05+00:00March 25th, 2019|Dental Insurance, Dental Trends, Dentist Office Monroe NC, testimonial|

At Carolina’s Dental Choice we are strongly committed to the ethical treatment of both our staff and patients. These ethics we work and live by are the cornerstone of our business—and they are much more than a mantra to us. Our commitment to ethics can be seen each day you are in our office, and it is our hope that you are encouraged and comforted by our desire to maintain an honest and professional experience.

The American Dental Association outlines a few desired tenets to ethics for all dental offices in the U.S., and we here at Carolina’s Dental Choice follow five important principles when it comes to caring for our employees and patients:

  1. Patient Autonomy (self-governance)
  2. Nonmaleficence (do no harm)
  3. Beneficence (do good)
  4. Justice (fairness)
  5. Veracity (truthfulness)

Of course these sound wonderful, but exactly how we use them to interact with you on a daily basis is a little more detailed. Let’s take a closer look at each principle to see just how we use it.

 

Patient Autonomy

According to the ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct document, every dentist has a duty to be truthful with patients. The document states,

“This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be honest and trustworthy in their dealings with people. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include respecting the position of trust inherent in the dentist-patient relationship, communicating truthfully and without deception, and maintaining intellectual integrity.”

To us, this doesn’t just mean we are to keep your dental records private. This also means we will keep you in the know when it comes to what is happening with your oral health. It also means you can trust us not to try and manipulate you into having procedures done that are not actually needed. Patient autonomy is the first step in building a trusting relationship.

Nonmaleficence

The ADA’s code of ethics also discusses the importance of nonmaleficence:

 “This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to protect the patient from harm. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include keeping knowledge and skills current, knowing one’s own limitations and when to refer to a specialist or other professional, and knowing when and under what circumstances delegation of patient care to auxiliaries is appropriate.”

You never have to worry about receiving anything but top-of-the-line, professional care at Carolina’s Dental Choice. We continually work according to the notion that if we are not completely sold on an idea, we will discuss with a fellow professional to gain clarity. This means that if we are not 100% confident of a particular procedure with a particular patient, we will not proceed. We want to best for you, and sometimes that means taking the extra time to have a conversation.

Beneficence

The American Dental Association sees benefice as

 “…the concept that professionals have a duty to act for the benefit of others. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligation is service to the patient and the public-at-large. The most important aspect of this obligation is the competent and timely delivery of dental care within the bounds of clinical circumstances presented by the patient, with due consideration being given to the needs, desires and values of the patient. The same ethical considerations apply whether the dentist engages in fee-for-service, managed care or some other practice arrangement…”

Just ask any of our current patients and they will tell you Carolina’s Dental Choice is always working on behalf of the customer. Since our very first day in office, one of our primary goals has been to always operate for the benefit of others. This is continually our commitment you.

Justice

Though life may not be fair, Carolina’s Dental Choice is determined to treat everyone equally, as stated by the ADA’s fourth principle:

“This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be fair in their dealings with patients, colleagues and society. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include dealing with people justly and delivering dental care without prejudice. In its broadest sense, this principle expresses the concept that the dental profession should actively seek allies throughout society on specific activities that will help improve access to care for all.”

We do not discriminate or judge at CDC. We see each patient as unique and deserving of the same professional treatment we give everyone.

Veracity

Lastly, the ADA sees veracity as this:

“This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be honest and trustworthy in their dealings with people. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include respecting the position of trust inherent in the dentist-patient relationship, communicating truthfully and without deception, and maintaining intellectual integrity.”

We will never share your information with others or every give you reason not to trust us. We aim to create relationships with our customers, and a relationship built on honesty is always the best policy.

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Meet Hannah Autry, Our Social Events Director

2020-07-16T17:23:15+00:00January 22nd, 2019|Adam Brown DDS, Dentist Office Monroe NC|

Receptionists, dental hygienists, and dentists: these are familiar positions that we can put names and faces to when we think about our visits to Carolina’s Dental Choice. However, there are many more people that make Carolina’s Dental Choice an outstanding office and dental practice, and they’re not as behind-the-scenes as you might think. Cue the Social Events Director and dental assistant at Carolina’s Dental Choice, Hannah Autry, and hear more about what she helps CDC bring to the Monroe community. Plus, the next time you’re at the dentist, you’ll have another friendly face to put a name to!

 

Name:

Hannah Autry

 

Place of Birth:

Charlotte, NC

 

Education:

The Dental Staff Institute of Charlotte/CDA

 

What does your position as the Social Events Director entail?

I get to plan, manage, and execute various events in the community, targeting patients who do not currently have a dentist or are looking to find a new dentist. 

 

What does a normal day at CDC look like for you?

I am a full time dental assistant, so the majority of my time is spent helping Dr. Brown and Dr. Kashyap treat patients.  When I am not assisting I am planning new social events and working with other local businesses on ways to improve our marketing. 

 

Why is it important for a dental office to have a Social Events Director?

It brings in new patients, helps us give back to the community, and keeps us on the lookout to improve every part of the office, especially marketing. 

 

Could you tell us about what CDC’s community outreach plan looks like?

We plan on attending and planning various events in the community to prove that our dental office is the best around!

We recently attended the first annual Union County Bridal Show and Expo to reach out to newly engaged couples looking for a new dentist or wanting to improve their smile for the most photographed day of their lives.  We raffled bleach trays and gave out goodies to every bride, groom, and family member or friend who attended the show and stopped by our table.  We also recently provided Treehouse Vineyards with trivia prizes for the month of January.  After all, wine stains your teeth so bleach trays are beneficial to every wine drinker! 

 

Who are these events targeted to?

Families new to the area, businesses that have recently changed dental insurance providers, newly engaged couples, and anyone in the community looking for a new dentist.  

 

Are these events only local to Monroe?

Our events are not limited to Monroe.  We plan on extending our events to Charlotte and surrounding areas in the near future. 

 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of community outreach?

How much joy it brings people to know we are a small, private, locally-owned dental practice with one location and three doctors. 

 

Describe your team at CDC in one word.

Family.

 

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

I do not feel any part of my job is challenging because I have enough confidence in myself to handle any task that comes my way! 

 

How do you start your workdays?

With a nice workout including a long run, a healthy breakfast, and a delicious cup of coffee. 

 

What brought you to Monroe, NC?

I was raised in Indian Trail, NC where I spent all of my childhood.  Steven (my husband) and I bought our house in Monroe, NC back in 2015 and we plan on starting and raising our family here.  After all, we live less than 5 miles from the office!

 

What do you like about living here?

Absolutely everything!  I could not image living anywhere else.  We are passionate about traveling, so what better location could we have than to be three hours from the beach and mountains?  The Charlotte area has and will always be home to us.  

 

What are you passionate about?

My English Bulldogs (Tug Boat and Freight Train) are my children. When my husband Steven and I are not tending to, playing with, and snuggling them we enjoy traveling (the most), hiking, camping, fishing, golfing, being outdoors, working out, cooking, shopping, and spending time with our family and friends! 

 

What is the most important personal attribute you bring to your job?

I have a very bubbly personality and “never met a stranger” attitude.  Anyone who is working with people in the community needs to have a very outgoing personality!  Also, I feel organization is key to being successful.  My OCD plays a huge roll in my everyday life.  Whether it is here at work, at home, in the car, or even at the gym my life is organized in some way.

 

What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now?

Creating a brochure to be used office-wide and passed out at all social events. 

 

What do you hope to accomplish this year as Social Events Coordinator?

Assuring each Union County resident has the best experience in our dental office.  Our clients trust us with all of their dental needs, and we appreciate the confidence they have placed in us by referring their family and friends to our practice and contributing to our daily growth!

 

Where can I learn more about CDC’s outreach events?

Our Facebook page is updated regularly with all events. 

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