Show-and-Tell Dentistry

Show-and-Tell is a powerful learning tool that has broadened the horizons of every school child for the past 60+ years. The premise is simple.  A child brings something in to show the rest of their classmates enabling those classmates to visualize and understand something they may never have seen before.  This type of education works really well at the dentist. The use of tools such as an intraoral camera and cavity detection software make this job easy and fun.  So, instead of just telling you about this type of dentistry, let's Show-and-Tell. Click on one of the scenarios below to learn more.

• Without Show and Tell Dentistry

  • Dr. Smith: Well, Ms. Jones, I have found that you have gum disease and that one of your fillings is cracked.
    
    Ms. Jones: What is gum disease?
    
    Dr. Smith: Gum disease is an active bacterial infection below your gums that causes bone loss, gum loss, and will eventually result in tooth loss.
    
    Ms. Jones: And what about the crack.  It should be fine as long as I don't feel pain, right?
    
    Dr. Smith: A crack in a filling can leak and cause cavities and possibly a tooth infection.  It needs to be taken care of quickly.
    
    

• With Show-and-Tell Dentistry

  • Dr. Cooney: Well, Ms. Jones, I have found that you have gum disease and that one of your fillings is cracked.
    
    Ms. Jones: What is gum disease?
    
    Dr. Cooney: Gum disease is an active bacterial infection below your gums that causes bone loss, gum loss, and will eventually result in tooth loss. Take a look at this picture we took of your teeth.  This should give you a good idea of what gum disease looks like.
    
    
    
    Ms. Jones: I see what you mean, and what about the crack?  It should be fine as long as I don't feel pain, right?
    
    Dr. Cooney: A crack in a filling can leak and cause cavities and possibly a tooth infection.  It needs to be taken care of quickly. Here is the photograph we took of the crack to give you an idea of its severity.
    
    

There is no substitute for being able to see and understand what is happening in your mouth.  This knowledge and understanding will allow you greater freedom in taking charge of your oral health and making sure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape.  If you have further questions about Show-and-Tell dentistry, or are curious about your oral health, please call our office at 636-349-0070.