{"id":149,"date":"2019-03-18T14:05:45","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T14:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vollersmiles.com\/blog\/?p=149"},"modified":"2019-04-18T14:11:43","modified_gmt":"2019-04-18T14:11:43","slug":"dentist-in-fox-chapel-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vollersmiles.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/18\/dentist-in-fox-chapel-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How Your Dentist in Fox Chapel Uses Plaque to Protect You"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"microscope<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It might seem counterintuitive to say that dental plaque can\nactually play a role in protecting your oral and overall health. After all, your\ndentist in Fox Chapel is always telling you to brush and floss in order to get rid <\/em>of plaque \u2014 and that is completely\nsound advice. But did you know that by sampling the plaque and bacteria in your\nmouth, your dentist can gain profound insight into your present and perhaps even\nyour future oral health? Let\u2019s discuss how the phase contrast microscope makes\nthis possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is the Phase Contrast Microscope?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The concept behind phase contrast microscopy has been around\nfor many decades. Basically, this type of microscope takes advantages of how\ndifferent substances refract light. It uses those small differences in refractivity\nto allow the person looking through the microscope to see clearly the organisms\nin the sample that they\u2019re viewing. Thus, they can differentiate between\ndifferent types of bacteria and identify them with relative ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase Contrast Microscopy in Dentistry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most dentists diagnose gum disease via basic means. They use\ntools, such as their eyes, a mirror, and a dental probe, to evaluate the state\nof a patient\u2019s gums. In order to diagnose gum disease at that point, however, there\nalready has to be a little damage present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By sampling the plaque and bacteria in your mouth and examining\nit under a phase contrast microscope, however, Dr. Voller may be able to\nprovide the earliest possible diagnosis of gum disease. Even if you do not yet\nhave gum disease, he can tell whether the harmful bacteria that causes it is in\nyour mouth. Your body may be doing a good job of fighting gum disease at the\nmoment, but the presence of the bacteria indicates a future risk of you\ndeveloping the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Phase Contrast Microscopy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are just a few benefits you can expect to reap from\nphase contrast microscopy in dentistry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n