|
Dental-Related Topics AzDA shares their view on a variety of dental-related topics.
AzDA shares its view on a variety of dental-related topics Dental Fillings
A dentist's foremost priority is the safety and health of their patients. Dentists base their treatment recommendations on the best-available scientific evidence and their own clinical experience. The Arizona Dental Association understands that choosing the type of filling for cavities can be an important decision and we are committed to preserving the rights of patients to choose from a full range of filling materials that have been proven safe to use. Please visit www.ada.org for information on what type of dental filling is right for you. Access to Oral Health Care
Many Arizonans are being robbed of their greatest attribute, their smile. Access to basic oral health care in Arizona is an important issue and one that impacts both children and adults. Often children and adults miss sleep, school and work due to untreated dental disease. A poor oral condition also contributes to an inability to eat properly.Dentists have been the champions of the nation's oral health and for improving access to care. Through volunteerism, advocacy and workforce innovations, dentists are striving to raise awareness and advance solutions. However, dentists can't do it alone. Improving access to oral health care requires the combined efforts of the government, employers, insurance companies, health care professionals and individuals. Every Arizonan has a stake in the issue. The Arizona Dental Association understands this and has made access to oral health care one of the top advocacy priorities for 2009. Community Water Fluoridation
One of the best natural defenses against cavities is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in all water, including lakes and rivers. Fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. Since its introduction more than 60 years ago, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of millions of Americans. Every $1 invested in community water fluoridation results in $38 saved in dental treatment costs. In addition, a person can receive a lifetime of fluoridated water for less than the cost of one dental filling. More than 180 million U.S. residents are served by water supplies in which fluoride has been adjusted to an optimal level to help prevent tooth decay. Several communities in Arizona have adopted water fluoridation, including Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, and Yuma. The Arizona Dental Association wants Arizonans to know that, when adjusted to optimal levels, water fluoridation is a safe and effective tool to help dentists and patients fight tooth decay. Dental Tourism
In the U.S., there is a system of safeguards in place when it comes to receiving both medical and dental treatment. These safeguards, such as the ability to file a malpractice lawsuit or a complaint with the dental board are practically invisible. As patients, we don't always notice them and many times we end up taking them for granted. In many other countries, no such safeguards exist. When you decide to travel to another country for treatment, it is good advice to check out that country's standards for dental care, the qualifications of the dentist who will be treating you, and what happens if you develop complications. Also, if you develop complications, can you afford to jump on a plane and go back to that country? Will your health or dental insurance cover treatment for any complications? Sometimes, it's not as easy as picking up a phone and calling your local dentist for help if something goes wrong. There are a lot of unknowns to consider when you go to another country for your health care needs. Even the local water may be inadequately treated to control waterborne diseases and parasites. In the U.S., dentists are held to a high standard of care and they abide by both a code of ethics and laws and regulations governing their practice. Federal regulatory agencies set up guidelines that dentist follow, including sanitary and infection control guidelines, regulations for radiation safety for X-rays, and proper waste disposal. These standards are all in place for your safety and protection. The Arizona Dental Association hopes that you will make the right decision for your health and safety when seeking treatment. Dental Crown Testing
Dental crowns and bridges have been used safely and effectively for many years. The Arizona Dental Association encourages patients to request information from their dentist regarding the origins of their crown or bridge. A list of suggested questions is available at AzDA.org.The American Dental Association, the parent organization to AzDA, asked the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if there were any safety concerns about lead in dental crowns and bridges, particularly those that are fabricated overseas. The CDC's response stated that trace amounts of lead are “extremely unlikely to cause adverse health effects.” The CDC also stated that given the current information at hand, they do not recommend that individuals defer needed dental treatment or have existing dental crowns, bridges or other prostheses removed. The American Dental Association is presently conducting random tests of dental crowns made in the U.S. and in other countries to determine how much lead they may contain and if any lead could be released. The ADA will share its research findings with the public, the dental profession and the appropriate regulatory agencies. Preliminary results have not shown excessive lead levels. |