Dr. Linda Salmon, Dr. Ashur Joseph, andDr. Julianna Pikus are committed to providing excellence in dentistry, and each stands out as a leading dentist in Chicago. They use the latest in dentistry techniques to provide you with a beautiful and healthy smile. Additionally our doctors believe strongly in education to prevent oral health problems before they occur, and makes sure to keep patients fully informed about their dental health.
Dr. Ashur B. Joseph grew up in Chicago, where he attended Mather High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago 1976 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1979.
He has completed postgraduate training in several areas of dentistry, including implants, endodontics, and dental materials. Dr. Joseph has been trained with some of the world's best sedation dentists.
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
Digital radiographs (x-rays) are an important diagnostic tool for dental professionals. While traditional film radiographs provide critical insight into the oral and physical health of the patient, hi-tech digital radiographs allow dentists to view and enhance dental images on a large computer screen.
Dentists can also copy or print digital radiographs with ease. This allows for effective comparison of new results to previous images and insight on how treatments have impacted dental conditions. If the dentist refers the patient to a specialist, digital radiographs can be transmitted via computer eliminating the need for a second set of x-rays in most cases.
One of the most significant advantages of utilizing digital radiographs is reduction of radiation exposure. Digital radiographs also eliminate the use of film and required chemicals for processing, making the overall procedure much less harmful to the environment.
The larger computer screen used to display digital radiographs allows dentists to view any problems or irregularities with added clarity. The potential for early detection of decay or periodontal problems and reducing complicated conditions later is vastly increased.
The technique for capturing digital radiographs is similar to that of the traditional-style radiographs, but the digital variety uses a small electronic sensor to capture intraoral images, as opposed to film bitewings.
Generally, a full mouth series of digital x-rays includes eighteen different views of the teeth and underlying jawbone. The two standard views dentists use are: periapical and bitewing. The periapical view is used to inspect the root tips for decay, disease or damage, while the bitewing view allows for close inspection and measurement of the mandible and maxilla (upper and lower jawbones).
After exposure, the digital image is either transferred wirelessly to a computer, or the dentist takes the plate from the mouth, and scans it with a specialized reader. Processing traditional film can take up to five minutes, but a digital image takes mere seconds. Once the image is apparent on the screen, the contrast, color and brightness can be altered to produce a much clearer image.