Dr. Jerry Shepard
1207 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone (304)366-7002
Dr. Jerry Shepherd, known as J.D., took on his own dental practice on Fairmont’s East Side as of Feb 1, 2008. Shepherd bought Dr. Ronald Croteau’s business, located at 1207 Morgantown Ave. He offers
“basically all the generally dentistry” services that patients may need. Shepherd grew up in New Martinsville in Wetzel County. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from West Liberty State College and
graduated from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1998. Shepherd resides with his wife Stephanie, 9-year-old daughter Hannah, and 4-year-old son Noah. He was on active duty with the Air Force
for three years and is still involved in the Air National Guard. He previously lived in Frostburg, Md., and worked for a private group practice there for four years. Shepherd longed to return to West Virginia and the
local area to be closer to family. He also wanted to have a dental practice where he could get to know his patients and do dentistry his own way. “I like meeting people and being able to help people, basically get
them healthy again,” he said. A dental hygienist, assistant and receptionist make up the staff and help run Shepherd’s practice.
How do dental X-rays work?
When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums) before striking the film. This creates an image called a radiograph. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach the film. Tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease, including changes in the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place, appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the type of material used for the restoration. The interpretation of these radiographs allows the dentist to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities.
How often should radiographs be taken?
How often X-rays (radiographs) should be taken depends on the patient's individual health needs. It is important to recognize that just as each patient is different form the next, so should the scheduling of X-ray exams be individualized for each patient. Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether you need radiographs and what type. If you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend radiographs to determine the present status of the hidden areas of your mouth and to help analyze changes that may occur later. If you have had recent radiographs at your previous dentist, your new dentist may ask you to have the radiographs forwarded.
The schedule for needing radiographs at recall visits varies according to your age, risk for disease and signs and symptoms. Recent films may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of gum disease or for evaluation of growth and development. Children may need X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.
What are the benefits of a dental radiograph examination?
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:
- small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
- infections in the bone;
- periodontal (gum) disease;
- abscesses or cysts;
- developmental abnormalities;
- some types of tumors.
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. It can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life.
