May 1, 2024
You’ve come in for a cleaning and everything looks good, so why do you need a dental x-ray? Great question! Dental x-rays provide an in-depth and accurate view of your teeth and jaw and are an essential tool for preventative care. With up-to-date x-rays, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos have an enhanced opportunity to identify any potential problems and diagnose dental conditions. The sooner we can treat potential problems or conditions, oftentimes the less invasive and less expensive it will be for you! At FDA, we want our patients to be fully informed when they make decisions about their oral health care and dental x-rays help support that goal. To help inform you more about the importance of dental x-rays, here are three commonly asked questions:
How often should I get dental x-rays?
At FDA we recommend our patients receive an x-ray at their first appointment and then once a year thereafter. Our digital x-ray technology uses a very low dose of radiation already, but this treatment schedule helps us to further minimize any risks.
What are digital x-rays?
We offer digital x-rays at FDA, which is a type of x-ray where digital sensors are used instead of traditional film. To perform digital x-rays, electric sensors are placed in the patient’s mouth. The sensors are connected to a computer by a small wire. The x-ray beam is sent through the teeth and into the sensor. The image can then be viewed immediately on a computer screen during an appointment. Compared with traditional x-rays, digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by 70-80%. We also find that digital x-rays greatly support patient education by providing a clear image of a patient’s mouth and potential problem areas.
What are CBCT 3D x-rays?
To improve our patients’ experience FDA also offers 3D imaging. Using a CBCT 3D imaging machine, a scanner rotates around a patient’s head, collecting multiple images in rapid succession. These images are then pieced together using a software program to create an extremely clear 3D panoramic view of the mouth and jaw. Often referred to as 3D imaging, CBCT 3D x-rays provide a more thorough and complete view of the head, mouth, and neck prior to performing any dental treatment, especially oral surgery. CBCT scans can also assist us in planning for root canals and placing dental implants. While 3D imaging won’t replace our typical bitewing x-rays, it is an additional tool that helps to diagnose areas of concern or when planning dental implants.
If you have more questions about dental x-rays or if it’s been more than a year since you received them, please give us a call. We’re always happy to answer your questions and can help schedule your next appointment!
Apr 2, 2024
Did you know that regular dental care is a first line of defense for oral cancer? April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and is an opportunity to talk about the importance of early detection. It’s encouraging to note that when oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a 80-90% survival rate. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’ve long had a commitment to oral cancer screenings for our patients. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as well as our hygienists perform screenings during your regular check up appointments. To help raise awareness and answer questions, we wanted to provide some basic information about our screening procedures and common oral cancer warning signs.
Why Oral Cancer Awareness is Important
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 58,500 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in America, which translates to 132 people each day. While smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer, there are increasingly more and more young people developing oral cancer due to the HPV virus.
FDA’s Oral Cancer Screening
At FDA, Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our hygienists perform oral cancer screenings for our patients at every hygiene appointment. These screenings may include:
We start with a visual exam of the mouth, looking at the gum tissue, lips, checks, and tongue. Additionally we gently palpate or press on areas of the face and neck to check for any irregular lumps. If we have any concerns, we may offer to do a screening with VELscope. VELscope is a screening device that emits a blue light that quickly identifies abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure and helpful for early detection of oral cancer.
FDA also performs CBCT 3D X-Rays which enables us to better visualize all of the structures within the head, neck, and mouth and assess our patients’ oral health. 3D imaging can be helpful in determining subsequent steps for the ideal treatment of an area of concern.
If we have any reason for concern after performing a screening, our next step would be to refer you to an oral surgeon for additional consultation and a possible biopsy. As your partner in oral health, we will remain involved every step of the way to provide support and follow-up care.
Oral Cancer Warning Signs
You also have an opportunity to screen for oral cancer in your home care. For example, if you notice any changes to your mouth or experience any pain or tenderness, you should let us know. Also, you can be on the lookout for some of the common warning signs for oral cancer, including:
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Sores that fail to heal
- Abnormal lumps in the gums or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you do discover an area of concern, please let us know so we can see you promptly for a thorough exam. As always, when you have any questions about your oral health or the oral cancer screening process, please don’t hesitate to call us! As your dentist, we are part of your healthcare team and happy to answer your questions!
Apr 1, 2024
Earth Day is on April 22, a time when people across the globe come together for a greener future for our planet. From joining beach clean ups to composting, there are lots of ways we can help take care of the earth, and our oral health care practices can be one of them. Many of our patients at FDA ask about how they can make more sustainable and earth-friendly choices in their home care routine. Here are 3 ways you can make your oral health routine more eco-friendly:
Recycle Your Brushes!
Almost 1 billion toothbrushes get thrown out every year in the United States. That’s a lot of plastic waste! While most municipal recycling programs don’t accept items like toothbrushes, you can collect your old brushes (and other oral care plastic waste!) and send them to a company like TerraCycle for recycling. We recommend you replace your brush every 3-4 months, and recycling the old ones can help reduce your plastic footprint.
Explore Floss Alternatives!
Flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine and our number one tip for improving your oral health. Unfortunately, since it’s made of nylon and housed in single-use plastic containers, dental floss is not the best thing for the planet. Sustainable alternatives do exist! Look for silk dental floss in reusable containers or consider a Water Flosser. You can care for your gums and the planet!
Turn Off the Tap!
An easy way to be earth-friendly in your oral care is to turn the tap while you brush your teeth twice a day. This simple act can save up to 8 gallons every day and over 200 gallons a month! Plus, as you conserve water, you’ll also save money on your water bills!
At FDA our goal is to provide the best oral health care for our patients and we strive to be as earth-friendly as possible. From using digital records and x-rays for our patients to providing mercury-free fillings, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable in our practice. This Earth Day, join us in caring for our planet’s future by making earth-friendly choices in your oral care! As always, if you have any questions or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Mar 12, 2024
At FDA, we have an incredible team of Dental Assistants! Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, Pat, and Sydni are caring dental professionals who always put patient comfort first. March 5 – 11 is Dental Assistant Recognition Week, which makes it a great time to acknowledge and celebrate this group of women. We are so grateful for their dedication to their profession – they are constantly educating themselves and improving their skills and knowledge. This month we wanted to share a little about Mary, Mirela, and Pat so you can get to know them better!
Lindsey
Lindsey recently joined the FDA team as a dental assistant. She loves helping patients achieve positive goals with their dental health and is a great addition to our team! Lindsey enjoys hiking, camping, and swimming in the summer months. She also loves hanging out with her puppy, Tucker!
Mary
Mary has worked in the dental field since 1995. She is married with two kids, and a cat. She loves snowmobiling and being at the lake with her family. Mary also enjoys reading mystery novels.
Mirela
Mirela has worked in the dental field since 2003. She is married with two kids, a son and a daughter. Her family also has a dog. She is fluent in Albanian and Greek. Mirela loves snowshoeing with her husband.
Pat
Pat has worked in the dental field for over 20 years. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, friends, and family. Pat loves a good bonfire!
Sydni
Sydni is a temporary addition to the FDA team. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree at the University of New England and will be heading out to Roseman University in Utah in the fall for dentistry school. Go Sydni!
Thank you, Lindsey Mary, Mirela, Pat, & Sydni!
Next time you come in for an appointment, be sure to say hello to our wonderful team of Dental Assistants. They, along with Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, will ensure your next procedure is a comfortable and stress-free experience for you. If you need to schedule your next appointment, please call at 207.781.5900.
Mar 11, 2024
Want to know one of our favorite holidays? National Dentist’s Day! Held annually on March 6th, National Dentist’s Day is an opportunity to highlight and honor all the men and women who keep our smiles healthy! At FDA, we are lucky to have two of the most skilled and compassionate dentists, who also happen to be really great people. To highlight our dynamic dentist duo, here are three fun facts about Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.
Dr. Brian Bunacini
- Dr. B is fascinated by Dental Anthropology!
- Dr. B lives in Falmouth with his wife and son.
- Dr. B plays several musical instruments, including guitar, piano, drums, and bass.
Dr. Antonios Karagiorgos
- Dr. K is fluent in Greek and French, and can converse in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
- Dr. K lives in Portland with his wife and two kids – a son and daughter, as well as their Aussie-doodle.
- Dr. K is participating in Dancing with the Dentists next month! Get your tickets!
A big thank you to Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos for all they do to care for our patients and our team of dental professionals! If you need to see Dr. B or Dr. K for a check up, give us a call today – 207.781.5900. We are here to provide you with the best oral care possible!
