Mmmm!

Thirty per cent jump in tooth extractions in four years

An article in the Independent on Sunday explores figures, reportedly obtained by the Liberal Democrats, which suggest a 30 per cent rise in the number of tooth extractions carried out in the last four years, and a “steep rise” in hospital admissions. The piece discusses factors influencing these figures such as access and financial issues. The BDA is mentioned as noting the figures need more analysis before any firm conclusions can be made, but said it was “unlikely” that the new contract was solely responsible.

The Daily Mail meanwhile notes comment from Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb who says the “staggering rise in tooth extractions proves the massive failure” of the current contract, which he calls a “botched initiative.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/this-may-hurt-a-little-rise-in-hospital-admissions-for-lastditch-tooth-extractions-1662943.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1167707/Number-tooth-extractions-soars-30-years.html

Dentists “mistake” stains for decay

The Metro and the Belfast Telegraph report on new dental technology known as CrystalAir abrasion which can help identify “false decay” caused by hard-to-remove stains which, a study has revealed, can be “easily mistaken” for signs of decay. The articles suggests this discovery may mean that patients have had “unnecessary drilling.” A study was carried out on 200 patients which resulted in 63 per cent of “false alarms” resolved by the CrystalAir technology, which according to the reports, uses a narrow steam of aluminium oxide particles propelled by helium.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/dentists-mistake-stains-for-decay-14259431.html?service=Print

Marcus:

"My view, for what its worth, is that more teeth are being extracted on the NHS as it is more cost effective for the dentist. Having said that it can be easy to try and save a tooth that is unsavable to please your patient and then it ends up being extracted anyway. If your dentist can explain the pros and cons and let you decide then that is probably best."

"The second item talks about air abrasion which we have used at Fresh Dental Care for years and it does help. I believe that dentists can tell the difference between stain and decay, but that the treatment can be different; for example, you don't have to have stain removed if it does not bother you but active decay needs removal and filling."

Comments

[cosmetic dentist huntington park]

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.Extraction is performed for positional, structural, or economic reasons. Teeth are often removed because they are impacted. Teeth become impacted when they are prevented from growing into their normal position in the mouth by gum tissue, bone, or other teeth. Impaction is a common reason for the extraction of wisdom teeth. Extraction is the only known method that will prevent further problems with impaction.

-heather-