About Miguel Rodriguez, DDS, MBA Expertise Questions regarding general dentistry can be answered in laymans's terms for anyone who wishes to understand what dental procedures are all about. Also, for all you CSI fans out there, my Doctor's thesis was on forensic dentistry, so do not hesitate to ask anything regarding this topic in particular.
Consultas también en español.
If you want quick instant explanations of most dental procedures and conditions and can't wait for my reply, I recommend checking out this website: http://animatedtooth.com/
Experience A few years of private practice and experience in management of dental clinics.
Education/Credentials Some assistance to Doctors in the faculty while I was still studying.
Expert: Miguel Rodriguez, DDS, MBA Date: 3/30/2008 Subject: Contamination by saliva
Question Hola! I recently had a temporary crown fitted on a problematical lower molar (suspected fracture). The next stages will probably be endodoncia and permanent crown, si tengo suerte. I have a slight procupacion that decay will occur in the future under the crown, because after the tooth had been prepared, por curiosidad I used my tongue to feel the tooth and must have coated it with saliva. (I have read answers on this website indicating that saliva contains bacteria which can cause tooth decay). The dentist did not then appear to clean the surface before fitting the temporary crown. Me prugunto if it would be best for the endodontist to simply give the surface a good clean (perhaps using una broca de lija) before he does the endodoncia.
?Que opinas? Muchas gracias.
Answer No creo que el haber humedecido el tallado con saliva justo antes de la cementación de una corona provisional sea de mucho riesgo. Esto por dos razones.
1ª Es muy probable que todas las bacterias mueran por efectos de la reacción química del cemento al endurecerse.
2ª La corona provisional permanecerá en posicion a lo sumo 2 semanas, tiempo durante el cual sería poco probable de que ocurra daño carioso.
Ahora bien, cuando se vaya a realizar la endodoncia, la limpieza debe ser rigurosa porque la posibilidad de que las bacterias causen un desastre dentro del conducto del diente son mayores; tambien, cuando se vaya a realizar la cementación de la corona definitiva la limpieza es crucial.
