In the Press
- Watching a video distracts patient while dentist drills
- Health Kudos
- Ask the Doctor: Too many cavities? Go the extra mile with tooth care
Watching a video distracts patient while dentist drills
It's a poignant moment in "sleepless in Seattle." The background music is soaring, the lovers are clinching it's soooo romantic-except that the dentist is drilling on your molar. Watching a video while in the dentist chair is the latest in tooth-care technology. If the patient is swept away by the music or the plot, he or she may forget that the main objective is a root canal. That's the idea behind the "video glasses" Asheville dentist Mark Knollman offers his patients.
The glasses are goggle-like viewers that perch on the patient's head as he or she reclines in the dental chair. With a fingertip, the patient controls the sound supplied via earphones and can turn up the volume to drown the drill or the dentist request for awesome-sounding bit of equipment with which to probe the tender tooth.
"Sound is the critical part" said Knollman. "the patient doesn't want to hear the drill, a good sound track is essential."
So is comedy and light-heartedness. Knollman offers patients a choice of movies, mostly Disney animation favorites for kids ("Fantasia" is ideal for dentistry) and comedies for adults, including "sleepless in Seattle." Patients are invited to bring their own favorites. "The whole idea is to make the visit relaxing," said the 35-year-old general dentist who has embraced technology in every aspect of his practice.
Patients are offered the glasses. Some refuse this distraction, others welcome it. "Not many put on the glasses and are immediately whisked away from reality," Knollman acknowledges, "but it beats the heck out of staring at our ceiling."
Patients who face long procedures will be told, "This is going to be a double feature." There are the inevitable jokes about popcorn and the lack thereof.
The video goggles are seldom used during short procedures because of the set-up time required. However, they are available anytime the patient has a high anxiety level.
Knollman said today's children have few cavities and seldom dread a visit to the dentist. The most fearful patient, he said, are men who were exposed to assembly line dentistry during world war II. The pain suffered then made some fearful of dentistry for life. "There is no point in trying to convince them they have nothing to fear," Knollman said.
"I have to deal with fear and make a dentist visit as easy and relaxing as possible and very gradually earn their confidence."
It's ironic, the dentist said, that the video glasses are technology that most caught his patient's attention. His chairside computers are far more important to the quality of care.
He explains that the computers make low-radiation x-rays, retain x-ray records and charts of teeth. Images of teeth or single tooth can be called up on the monitor, enlarged and printed or sent by modem to another computer with same software, appointments can be scheduled, insurance claims filed-making possible an almost paperless office.
Amazing as that is, Knollman said, patients are more impressed with seeing a movie during the drilling and filling.
Health Kudos
Knollman, Curvey, Nix present at meeting
Dr. Mark Knollman and his assistants, Christine Curvey and Brandy Nix, presented "CEREC: Giving your Patients 21st-Century Treatment" to the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration on March 6 in Albuquerque, N.M. the lecture featured the use of CEREC technology, a system that allows dentists to make a complete or partial crown from a porcelain block in a single visit.
Ask the Doctor: Too many cavities? Go the extra mile with tooth care
QUESTION: I brush my teeth three times a day and floss daily. I always seem to have a cavity. Is there such a thing as weak teeth? If so, is there anything I can do to protect my teeth? - CANTON READER
ANSWER: Four main factors influence decay: genetcs, hygiene, diet, and fluoride. It is true that some people are born with weak enamel or "soft teeth," but this is only a small portion of people.
Most decay is preventable, and too many people use the "soft teeth" as an excuse for not taking responsibility.
Genetics determines the strength of the enamel, the shape of the teeth and their alignment. Genetics also determines salivary flow and its consistency. Saliva has a buffering agent (bicarbonate), which neutralizes acids. All of these influence a person's rate of tooth decay. Since we can't pick our parents, let's look at the other factors that we can control.
At your next cleaning appointment, I suggest you review your techniques for brushing and flossing with the hygienist. You may pick up a few valuble pointers. You may also want to consider an electric toothbrush. I use a Sonicare model and love it. I can definitely tell the difference between using it and a manual brush. I hear similar accounts from my patients and can see the benefits at their checkup appointments.
Assuming your hygiene is good, I would ask your dentist to explain the possible cause of your cavities. The location of the decay can help determine the necessary solution. Decay is most commonly found on the biting surfaces. Deep groves are virtually impossible to keep clean as they can be narrower than a single toothbrush bristle. For these areas, sealants might help you. Decay at the gum line or between teeth can be caused by a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates. Soft drinks are notorious for this type of decay. Since salivary flow is highest around mealtime, this is a better time to have sweets than in between meals. Look closely at your own daily diet and be honest with yourself. See if you can substitute some healthier choices.
You may need some extra help, such as fluoride to strengthen your teeth. Your dentist may suggest a fluoride rinse or in some cases, custom trays with fluoride gel. In either case, the fluoride will strengthen your teeth, but avoid swallowing the material and exposing your entire body to fluoride.
Fluoride treatments are sometimes necesary for people who suffer from xerostomia (dry mouth), which can be caused by certain medical conditions, medications, or cancer treatment.
Mark Knollman, DDS, is a specialist in general dentistry and is an active member of Buncombe County Dental Society.