First I�d like to take a moment to inform you as to how changes in our office will have a profound effect on all.

First and foremost we�ve initiated a digital x-ray system, where patient exposure is but 10% of conventional radiographs, that�s a 90% reduction in radiation.  In addition we�ve added digital photography.  Both the digital x-rays and photographs can be viewed on a television monitor in our operatories, allowing you to better understand and to share in your diagnosis and treatment decisions.  We will also be utilizing the monitors for patient education as it relates to dental pathologies, technologies and procedures, i.e. implants, headaches (TMD) and cosmetic dentistry.

Over the past few years we�ve been bombarded with numerous news articles, magazines and shows describing dental �biofilm� or bacterial accumulation in dental waterlines.  Whether accurate, justified or not, we�ve taken steps to put this question to rest. In addition to a filter placed where the buildings water enters the office we�ve installed �O-So Pure, The Ultra Violet Solution� system. It is composed of two filters, one of which is active charcoal. However the final treatment is an ultra violet purification rendering our city�s water supply virtually sterile! This water now supplies all aspects of our dental unit (cup fill, syringe and drill).

We make every effort to stay on top of cutting edge technology, in this case we needed to move to improve, I believe this is an immediate as well as a long term benefit.

FYI on Bottled Water: EPA lead levels for tap water is fifteen (15) parts per billion (ppb) due to lead pipes that transport the water verses levels below five (5) ppb in bottled water. Bottled water is regulated and consistent whereas municipal water supply may not be as uniform.
For those fluoride advocates, there are more than twenty (20) brands of bottled water with added fluoride, and the FDA requires that some sort of fluoride label be placed on these bottles.
Source: FDA Consumer magazine, July/August, 2002. 

Next month we will get back to other interesting topics.

Until then,