Nitrous Oxide

http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/laughing-gas/

Sources:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/n/nitrous-oxide

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair#1

Posted in What is...
Tagged dentistry, Laughing gas, N2O2, Nitrous Oxide, sedation, sedation dentistry
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November 6, 2016

IV Sedation Dentistry

Andra Mahoney, BS RDH

IV Sedation Dentistry

It is very common that people are nervous at the dentist office. While we do everything we can to make your appointments run quickly and smoothly, sometimes people need a little extra help. We offer several different options to make your appointments easier. If applicable, you can be prescribed a medication to help calm your nerves. You can be given Nitrous Oxide, also know as laughing gas. And finally, IV conscious sedation. All of our Signature Dental Offices offer IV sedation dentistry.

What is IV Sedation?

IV stands for intravenous. Medication is administered through the veins and because of its rapid effects, many patients prefer this option.

How does IV Sedation work?

IV sedation medication is delivered through a very small needle placed in either the top of your hand or within your inner elbow.

Some people have a fear of needles, that is not uncommon. Due to that, some patients are not able to tolerate IV sedation. However, most people describe the sensation as a small pinch or prick. Also, dentists can further reduce the feeling by giving you an oral sedative beforehand and/or applying a topical anesthetic where the needle will be placed.

What are the benefits to IV sedation?

Just like other forms of sedation dentistry, IV sedation is designed to relax you and make you completely comfortable. IV sedation also eliminates your anxiety and pain. Although you may lie back in the dental chair with your eyes closed, you will not be asleep during your appointment and will still be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist. Because you are completely relaxed, your dentist can accomplish more high-quality dentistry in less time. IV sedation can benefit you if you have a sensitive gag reflex or difficulty sitting in a dental chair for long periods of time. You’ll be so relaxed that you’ll be unaware of the sights, smells, and sounds of the dental office. Patients remember little-to-nothing of their appointment by the next day.

IV sedation gives your dentist optimal control of the amount of medication administered and allows them to readily increase or decrease your level of sedation as needed, quickly and comfortably.

An additional benefit of IV sedation includes faster onset of the sedation medications, meaning you’ll be able to feel the effects of the medication quickly.

What dental procedures are recommended for IV sedation?

Mainly, people prefer to use it for taking out wisdom teeth and appointments that need to have a lot of treatment accomplished in one sitting. Those that have high dental anxiety also prefer IV sedation. However, IV sedation can be an option for any treatment that needs to done!

What is the recovery time after IV sedation?

There is no set amount of recovery time because every patient is different. However, many patients begin to feel more alert soon after the IV medication is stopped. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the end of your appointment. If you experience any nausea after treatment, your dentist can usually provide a prescription to help. Patients are encouraged to sleep and drink plenty of water and clear fluids for the remainder of the day. In regards to recovery from the actual dental work itself, your dentist will give you individualized instructions for aftercare. Many sedation patients report significantly reduced pain levels the day after their treatment. There are multiple theories for why this is, but the common thought is that because a sedation patient is relaxed and not tense during their appointment, the dentist can often use less force as well as access the mouth more easily.

Does Dental Insurance cover IV sedation?

Patients have different insurance plans, so there is no single answer. Generally speaking, most dental insurance plans do cover part or sometimes even all of the cost of IV sedation. It’s best to check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment to confirm your plan’s benefits.

If this is something that interests you, your dentist can review your particular needs and your medical history to see if you are a good candidate.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

http://evsedation.com

Posted in Mouth Body Connection, What is...
Tagged anxiety, dental, dentist, IV sedation, nervous, sedation dentistry, what is
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July 31, 2016

What is Xylitol?

Andra Mahoney, BS RDH

What is Xylitol?

What if I told you there was a sugar that actually prevents cavities? Would you believe me? Well, you should! And it called Xylitol (pronounced zai-li-tall).

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. It looks and tastes just like sugar (sucrose). Xylitol has about a third the calories as table sugar, and is a healthy alternative for diabetics. Not only does it make an excellent sugar substitute, but it aids in the prevention of dental caries, and reduces plaque formation.

How does it help prevent cavities?

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth all the time. Bacteria is highly attracted to the sugars found in the foods and beverages that we eat and drink. Most people think this means sweets, candies, etc. While that is true, it also can mean carbohydrates (which are complex sugars) or fruit (which has fructose, a sugar) or any number of things. The bacteria in our mouths eat all those sugars and excrete acid. That acid is what causes cavities.

Now bacteria is way more attracted to xylitol than regular sugar. The Bacteria head right for xylitol! But bacteria cannot break down xylitol. Meaning if they can’t “eat” it, they can’t excrete it. The bacteria dies not able to make acid to cause cavities. That is how xylitol can help prevent cavities!

How does it help dry mouth?

Many things, including prescription medications, can cause dry mouth. But why is dry mouth such a big deal? Dry mouth can effect you quality of life! It decreases your ability to taste. It can cause bad breathe. It can make eating difficult. It can make talking difficult. It can even significantly increase your susceptibility to getting cavities!

Xylitol has a cooling effect, quenching the burning of dry mouth. Xylitol also stimulates saliva flow, which fixes all of the problems previously mentioned. Xylitol is also an humectant, which means it attracts moisture. And Xylitol neutralized saliva’s pH. An acid pH leads to dry mouth, a basic pH can lead to an overgrowth of plaque bacteria. Nice neutral pH is where your mouth is the happiest!

Who can have Xylitol?

Xylitol is safe for all ages! Great for the whole family!

Even diabetics can use xylitol. “The body does not require insulin to metabolize xylitol. For this reason polyols like xylitol produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose. This has made xylitol a widely used sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. If you do have diabetes, however, it’s important to consult your doctor or diet professional before incorporating xylitol into your daily diet. (1)”

And, like chocolate, onions, raisins, or avocados, xylitol is not safe for our 4-legged furry family members. Please do not share it with them.

Where can you find Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in a wide array of products. Most commonly, chewing gum, candies, and mints. It is also found in tooth pastes, mouth sprays, and even as granulated crystals to replace table sugar.

Hope this has been informative and you have found a new way to incorporate the many benefits of Xylitol in your life!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

http://www.xylitol.org

http://www.xlear.com

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged cavities, diabetes, dry mouth, natural sweetener, sugar, xylitol
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December 20, 2015

What is a filling?

Becky Larson, RDH

What is a filling?

As a dental hygienist, I find that more often than not, my patients are confused. Dental professionals tend to speak a “different language” and it can be very hard to understand. A dental filling is a very common procedure that is performed at the dental office. This post will go over what a dental filling is.

Unfortunately, teeth are prone to decay. When decay occurs on one or more surfaces of a tooth, a hole or cavity forms. A dental filling is the standard treatment used to fix a tooth with one or more areas of small decay. By placing a filling, a dentist is able to restore a tooth back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material with a dental drill, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.

A filling also helps to prevent future decay because it closes off spaces where bacteria may enter. Materials used for fillings include gold, porcelain, composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).

It is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for placing fillings. When decay is left untreated it can cause the tooth to fracture, cause an abscess or infection, and/or destroy the inside or pulp of the tooth. As a result, more extensive treatment such as a crown, root canal, and/or extraction may be needed.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/procedures/fillings/article/what-is-a-filling

Sources:

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001055.htm

Posted in Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged amalgam, Cavity, composite, Decay, dental hygienist, dentist, filling, resin, silver filling, tooth colored filling, tooth decay
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October 26, 2015

3D Imaging in Dentistry

Katie Moynihan, BS RDH

3D Imaging in Dentistry

Dental x-rays are a routine part of your dental visit. Unfortunately, x-rays can only show the healthcare provider a 2D image of your tooth structure and supporting bone. Our North Stapley office is excited to now offer our patients a 3D imaging device called Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT. All patients at any of our locations can utilize this great technology. This device is able to capture a 3D scan of a patient’s maxillofacial skeleton for diagnostic purposes.

Uses for a CBCT Scan:

CBCT scans are used in many different fields of dentistry to improve diagnosis and treatment planning in the following cases:

Endodontics
-Tooth morphology, number of canals and root curvature
-Identification of periapical pathology
-Location of trauma, root fractures

Dental implants
– Location of anatomic structures
– Size and shape of ridge, quantity and quality of bone
-Number, orientation of implants
-Need for bone graft, sinus lift
– Use of implant positioning software

Oral and maxillofacial surgery
– Relationship of third molar roots to mandibular canal
– Localization of impacted teeth, foreign objects
-Evaluation of facial fractures
-Location and characterization of lesions

Orthodontics
– Treatment planning for complex cases
– Impacted teeth
-Root angulation, root resorption

Sleep Apnea
-Identification of obstructive airway

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ
– Osseous structures of TMJ
-Relationship of condyle and fossa

How Does It Work:

The patient is precisely placed in a comfortable position at the machine. The scan takes about 20 seconds to rotate around the head, obtaining nearly 600 distinct images. The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality. Once complete, the 3D image is immediately available for viewing and diagnosing. The scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more comprehensive evaluation. One CBCT scan uses about 1/20th the radiation of a traditional head and neck scan at the hospital.

There are many benefits to using a 3D imaging CBCT system in dentistry. We are excited to be able to provide top of the line technology to our patients. This new machine will be beneficial in increasing predictability by decreasing failure to provide you with the best quality of care!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/MedicalX-Rays/ucm315011.htm

Sources:

http://www.conebeam.com/whatis

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dentalconect#benefits-risks

Posted in Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged 3D image, 3D scan, 3D xray, CBCT, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Cone Beam Scan, CT scan, Dental Implants, dentistry, endodontics, maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, orthodontics, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint, TMJ
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August 24, 2015

What is an ABSCESS all about anyway?

Ann Clark RDH

What is an ABSCESS all about anyway?

An abscess is an infection at the tooth’s root. It usually comes with discomfort or pain and can also be found between the gum and the tooth. The most common cause is severe tooth decay but it can also be related to trauma, like a broken tooth or to gum disease. These problems cause openings in the tooth enamel allowing bacterias to travel inward to the pulp (nerve canal) and infect it. This infection can also spread from the root to the supporting bone structure holding in the tooth.

What are the symptoms?

– a continuous severe toothache causing throbbing or sharp pain

-fever

-bitter taste in the mouth

-a smell to your breath

-swollen neck glands

-general discomfort. uneasiness or ill feeling

-redness and swelling of gums

-swelling to your face

-a draining sore on your gums

If the pain stops, the pulp (nerves) has died off from infection but the infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue. Visiting your Dentist is always advised with the above symptoms even if pain subsides.

How is an abscess diagnosed?

Your dentists checks and probes the area looking for swollen, red tissue or draining sites as well as examining X-rays. He may tap the tooth of check to see if it reacts to temperatures and also check biting pressure.

How is an abscess treated?

Our goal is to eliminate infection, preserve the tooth and prevent complications. The tooth may need to be drained which is achieved through root canal therapy. Root surgery can be recommended if we need to remove diseased tooth tissue after the infection is cleared. A crown may be placed over the tooth to provide needed strength. A tooth may also need to be extracted which allows for the draining to take place through the socket. Finally, a third option to drain the tooth would be through an incision into the swollen tissue. Antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection. To relieve pain and discomfort, warm salt water rinses and OTC meds like ibuprofen (advil/motrin) can be used.

How do you Prevent an abscess?

Good home care habits and regular check up with X-rays reduce your risk. If you experience tooth trauma please seek prompt attention.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

WEBMD- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine:”Abscess”

Medline Plus: “Tooth abscess”

Emedicine health: “Dental Abscess”

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged abscess, Decay, dental abscess, dentist, extraction, infection, nerve, pulp, root canal, root surgery, tooth, tooth abscess, tooth pain, tooth trauma
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August 17, 2015

The Secrets About Halitosis

Wendy Parker, RDH

The Secrets About Halitosis

Before we even start trading secrets, what is Halitosis? Halitosis is the fancy word for “Bad Breath.” We’ve all had it at one point or another. Whether that is morning breath, when we’ve forgotten to brush, or when we’ve eaten something with a strong taste. Whether temporary or permanent, bad breath comes to everyone. So let’s talk about the secrets of where it comes from, why we get it, and most importantly, how to get rid of it!

Bad breath can come from several sources. Here’s a list of some of the most common ones:

Tooth decay or / and gum disease such as gingivitis
Dentures and bridges
Mouth sores
Dry mouth
Post-nasal drip and congestion of the nasal passages
Food stuck between the teeth
Coating of the tongue caused by a build up of bacteria
Infection of the throat and tonsils
Sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Bronchitis or pneumonia
Acid reflux and GERD
Chronic constipation
Digestive problems and stomach ulcers
High-protein diet that includes fish, cheeses, and meats
Foods that are strong smelling or spicy such as onions and garlic, exotic spices (ie. curry)
Supplements, such as Fish Oil Capsules
Low Carb Diets – causing “Ketone breath” as a result of the low carb consumption causing the body to burn fat as it’s energy source which then causes an end product of the body making ketones, which causes a fruity acetone-like odor when exhaled
Certain medications
Smoking

One of the most common reasons people have halitosis is due to a condition called “Black Hairy Tongue” or a coated tongue. It sounds scary and unusual, but it’s something that can be cured quickly.

The bacteria build up on tiny rounded projections called papillae which are on the surface of the tongue, also known as tastebuds. These papillae grown longer catch all the food and bacteria in the mouth. Without brushing your tongue or removing the bacteria, it can embed in the tongue and causing a coating. Black hairy tongue is caused by bacteria or fungi in the mouth, which make the tongue to appear black and hairy.

Certain lifestyle habits and conditions can make people more likely to develop black hairy tongue. They include:

poor oral hygiene
smoking tobacco
drinking a lot of coffee or tea
using antibiotics (which may disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth)
being dehydrated
taking medications that contain the chemical Bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach)
not producing enough saliva
regularly using mouthwash that contains peroxide, witch hazel, or menthol
getting radiation therapy to the head and neck

Black hairy tongue is more common in men, people who use intravenous drugs, and those who are HIV-positive.

Now that we learned about Halitosis and Black Hairy Tongue, here are tips and tricks to getting rid of it:

Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, but more importantly, don’t forget your tongue!!! Start at the back of your tongue and scrape forward, being sure not to scrub the tongue and embed the bacteria even further. You can use a tongue scraper to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning the area. Be sure to come in for your regular check up and cleanings so that your friendly hygienist can help you too! Soon, the coating will go away and so will the bad breath.

If you find that you have consistent bad breath you can try our other tips:

If you smoke, quit.
Add more roughage to your diet. Soft foods won’t clean off the tongue effectively.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean.

Natural home remedies include:

Fenugreek should be consumed in the form of a tea made with one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in one liter of water. Simmer till the water is infused and strain before drinking. When consumed regularly, fenugreek seeds are an excellent home remedy for halitosis.
Making a tea or infusion with fresh parsley or cloves is also a good way to treat bad breath. Simply boil water with freshly chopped parsley and drop in a few cloves to the mix. Cool the mixture and strain before using it as a natural mouthwash after eating. There have been numerous studies supporting claims about the efficacy of cloves and clove oil in dental care.
include fresh vegetables, fruits and grains into your daily diet.
increase your intake of Vitamin C from foods
include guava in your diet

An individual should consult their physician for a diagnosis if they have

persistent dry mouth
sores in the mouth
pain with chewing or swallowing
white spots on the tonsils
Fever
any other symptoms of concern

Call your doctor or dentist if the problem doesn’t get better on its own. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or an antifungal drug to get rid of the bacteria or yeast. Topical medications, such as tretinoin (Retin-A), are also sometimes prescribed. As a last resort, if the problem doesn’t improve, the papillae can be surgically clipped off with a laser or electrosurgery.

Hopefully this let you in on some of our secrets to a happy healthy mouth! Happy brushing and breathing everyone!

Want to learn more? Visit us at