Posts Tagged “Endodontics”
If you feel that the right dentist and psychological techniques alone won’t do the trick for you, have a look at the available pharmacological options for coping with dental anxiety.
Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist’s office? You’re not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.
For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear.
Sedation can be useful if:
- you don’t want to be aware of what’s happening during a procedure and you want to be “out of it”. In this case, IV sedation is the method of choice.
- you want a little help to relax – “laughing gas” can give you a pleasant relaxed feeling
- you have a “gut feeling” that sedation would help you and allow you to get work done which otherwise you wouldn’t be able to tolerate
- your fear is procedure-specific, especially if you know that the fear would still exist in the presence of an empathetic dentist and adequate pain-control
- you perceive your fears to be completely irrational and not helped by either an empathetic dentist or psychological techniques
- you have other mental health problems and you feel you’d benefit from sedation
- your primary aim is “to get your teeth fixed” as quickly as possible, for example because you’re very busy or you’ve got an important social event coming up
Sedation may not be a good option if:
- control and trust are a major issue for you
- you’re considering sedation to “make life easier” for your dentist, for example because you fear that they will get frustrated or angry with you
- you feel you would benefit from a gentle approach which would involve being talked through procedures, going at your pace, and using stop signals
- you feel you’re being “bullied” into accepting sedation
- you have an intense dislike for or fear of the drugs used for sedation (or the psych pharmaceutical industry in general)
- you’re worried that sedation will interfere with your judgment and your ability to communicate your concerns to your dentist
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
- Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide otherwise known as “laughing gas” combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.
- IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious deeply asleep during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.
For example, if you are undergoing periodontal scaling and root planing of all four quadrants of your mouth, insurance companies may cover the costs of this procedure if it is completed in one appointment if you are sedated, rather than requiring you to stretch out the procedure to four separate appointments.
Tarzana Endodontics
5567 Reseda Blvd.
Suite 100
Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: (818) 319-4340
Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you come back every six months? It’s because regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. And in between those examinations, it’s important that you work to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you need additional help, your dentist may even suggest more frequent visits.
What Goes On During A Regular Visit
- Checking your teeth for tooth decay is just one part of a thorough dental examination. During your checkup appointment, your dentist (or dental hygienist) will likely evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination (to look for anything out of the ordinary) and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Don’t be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs). Your dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.
- Many dentists will pay special attention to plaque and tartar. This is because plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Food, beverages and tobacco can stain teeth as well. If not removed, soft plaque can harden on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. If not treated, plaque can lead to gum disease.
During your regularly scheduled dental appointments, your dentist will likely look at your gums, mouth, tongue and throat. There are several routine parts to a dental examination.
The Head And Neck Examination
- Your dentist will start off by:
- Examining your face
- Examining your neck
- Checking your lymph nodes
- Checking your lower jaw joints (TMJs)
- The Clinical Dental Examination
- Next, your dentist assesses the state of your teeth and gums by:
- Examining the gums
- Looking for signs of gum disease
- Checking for loose teeth
- Looking at the tissues inside of your mouth
- Examining your tongue
- Checking your bite
- Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
- Checking for broken teeth
- Checking for damaged fillings
- Looking for changes in the gums covering teeth
- Evaluating any dental appliance you have
- Checking the contact between your teeth
- Taking X-rays
The Dental Cleaning
- During the final part of the dental visit, your dental professional cleans your mouth using these methods:
- Checking the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
- Removing any plaque and tartar
- Polishing your teeth
- Flossing between your teeth
- Reviewing recommended brushing and flossing techniques
Once your examination and cleaning have been performed, they’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. It’s important that you see your dentist every six months and that they give you routine examination and cleaning. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today!
CONTACT US:
Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.
&
Richard Martin, D.D.S.
5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax
Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to drastically improve the look of your smile. If you have problems keeping your teeth looking bright and shiny, or if you have crooked or broken teeth, then cosmetic dentistry could help you. With cosmetic dentistry, you can get that perfect smile that everybody wants. Don’t hide your smile from others in pictures and public, you should be able to smile without being ashamed. So learn about cosmetic dentistry and see if it is right for you.
Think about it, is there anyone who doesn’t want his or her smile to be beautiful? There are a few who have a natural beautiful smile, but thanks to science, everyone can have a straight and beautiful smile.
The advances in cosmetic dentistry have restored beautiful smiles to thousands of people who for one reason or another has lost or damaged their teeth. Modern cosmetic dentistry procedures can do wonders to fill up gaps between your teeth, straighten up crooked teeth by putting braces, fill up cavities with fillings or cosmetic dentures and other procedures to restore your smile and help you look younger. Find more at Ellis County Family Dentistry.
Call Us Today for an Appointment
(972) 937-0203
Proudly serving Ellis County and the entire DFW metroplex, including: Waxahachie, Ennis, Red Oak, Ovilla, Italy, Milford, Midlothian, Mansfield, Glenn Heights, Ferris, DeSoto, Lancaster, Duncanville, Ft. Worth, Cedar Hill, Dallas, and Grand Prairie.
Does the thought of going to the dentist make your body tense with fear? Would you rather ignore the pain of a toothache than visit your dentist? You are not alone. There are a number of people who are afraid of going to the dentist, and these people prefer to suffer the pain than to get any treatment.
If you are one of those people, sedation dentistry can help you relax and let go of that anxiety. Sedation is usually used for most of the invasive procedures and also for simple tooth cleaning. Sedation dentistry will allow you to relax while you are on the dentist’s chair.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a procedure wherein the dentist performs dental treatment while the patient is in a calm, relaxed, and stress-free state. This procedure is best for people who suffer from the fear of going to the dentist.
It is a fact that a lot of people fail to visit their dentist and get proper dental treatment because of their fear. More often, these dental problems get worse because they are left untreated. Through sedation dentistry, the dentists can perform treatments on patients in a clam and anxiety-free environment. This treatment method can be used to almost any kind of dental procedure and condition.
Patients with phobias related to dentistry and children who cannot stay still are the ones who undergo sedation. Sedation dentistry does not necessarily mean that the patients are asleep or unconscious. It is only used to help the patients relax and reduce their anxiety. Since the patients are in a sleep-like state, the pain that is felt is very minimal and they cannot sometimes remember what happened during the dental procedure. Since Sedation Dentistry will keep the patient still for a long time, the dentist can work freely and will no longer have to worry about the patient moving every now and then. With this, the outcome of the operation is usually successful and fewer trips to the dentist will be needed afterwards.
There are three types of Sedation Dentistry that are applied by the dentist and this will depend on the level of anxiety of the patient. These are the following:
- Minimal Sedation – In this level of sedation, the patient feels relaxed and is less anxious. He is conscious and can still respond to his environment.
- Moderate Sedation – The patient feels even more relaxed and can only respond to a stronger stimulus.
- Deep Sedation – The patient is in a sleep-like state and is usually unconscious. He will have no memories of what has happened while he was sedated.
A visit to the dentist can cause fear and anxiety. Patients who experience dental phobia may postpone or avoid vital dental appointment, and multiple dental visits is out of the question. Neglecting your oral health can lead to tooth loss, disease, and overall health problems. However, you can overcome dental fear with oral conscious sedation.
Conscious Sedation is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command and that is produced by pharmacological or nonpharmacologic method or combination thereof.
Sedation Dentistry, sometimes called Relaxation Dentistry, refers to the way dentist’s manage Pain and Anxiety during dental appointments.
Unlike General Anesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious, asleep, and unable to respond, patients under Conscious Sedation, are able to respond to commands and breath on their own.
What is oral conscious sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is the use of oral medication to achieve an appropriate level of relaxation so that a fearful patient can calmly receive the dental care he or she needs. Most states require board-certification, which involves additional training in dosage, monitoring, and safety. The entire process is simple and comfortable.
At your first appointment, we will discuss with you your overall health and medical history. If you feel comfortable, we will take X-rays and examine your teeth and supporting tissues. This will give us the information we need to determine which dental treatments will restore your smile. Before you leave the office, we will schedule your next appointment and prescribe an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, medication.
Who should consider oral conscious sedation?
You may want to consider oral sedation if:
- You are fearful or anxious of dental treatment and dental instruments
- Local anaesthetics do not have a numbing effect on you
- You have a sensitive gag reflex
- You suffer from any health issues, such as neck or back pain, which could lead to discomfort while sitting in a dentist’s chair
How do I determine if I am a candidate?
Contact a dentist to discuss whether oral conscious sedation is an option for you. Oral conscious sedation can give you the peace of mind you need in order to undergo dental work. You may enjoy better overall health, an improved self-image, and better quality of life with a healthy, beautiful smile.
A very small percentage of patients may temporarily have hiccups after using oral sedation drugs.
Sherman Oaks Endodontics
4910 Van Nuys Blvd.
Suite 100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: (818) 319-4342
As a dental patient, it’s important that you understand dental laser principles, as they are slowly gaining acceptance in dentistry. They are neither harmful or ineffective, as many “old-school” dentists would have you believe; indeed, they can be valuable tools in the fight against dental disease, in the right hands. First, it’s important to understand what a laser is. The word “LASER” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. As quoted from the PCMag.com Encylopedia, a laser is:
A laser is an optical oscillator, which is made out of a solid, liquid or gas with mirrors at both ends. To make the laser work, the material is excited or ‘pumped,’ with light or electricity. The pumping excites the electrons in the atoms, causing them to jump to higher orbits, creating a ‘population inversion.’ A few of the electrons drop back to lower energy levels spontaneously, releasing a photon (quantum of light). The photons stimulate other excited electrons to emit more photons with the same energy and thus the same wavelength as the original. The light waves build in strength as they pass through the laser medium, and the mirrors at both ends keep reflecting the light back and forth creating a chain reaction and causing the laser to ‘lase.’”
A laser is an optical oscillator, which is made out of a solid, liquid or gas with mirrors at both ends. To make the laser work, the material is excited or ‘pumped,’ with light or electricity. The pumping excites the electrons in the atoms, causing them to jump to higher orbits, creating a ‘population inversion.’ A few of the electrons drop back to lower energy levels spontaneously, releasing a photon (quantum of light). The photons stimulate other excited electrons to emit more photons with the same energy and thus the same wavelength as the original. The light waves build in strength as they pass through the laser medium, and the mirrors at both ends keep reflecting the light back and forth creating a chain reac.
How are lasers used in dentistry?
Dental lasers can be used to:
- reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores.
- expose partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- remove muscle attachments that limit proper movement.
- manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns or other procedures.
- remove overgrown tissues caused by certain medications.
- perform biopsy procedures.
- remove inflamed gum tissues and aid in the treatment of gum disease.
- remove or reshape gum and bone tissues during crown lengthening procedures.
- help treat infections in root canals.
- speed up tooth whitening procedures.tion and causing the laser to ‘lase.’”
Dental lasers can be precisely controlled, and, in the trained hands of an experienced laser dental practitioner, can be a very patient-friendly and effective way to perform many dental procedures.
What are the benefits of using dental lasers?
There are several advantages. Dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise. Also, lasers can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies; reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities; and control bleeding during surgery.
How will I know if treatment with a dental laser is an option for me?
J. Anthony “Tony” Kososki, DDS, FAGD
304 S. Cottonwood Drive, Suite C – Location #1
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone (214) 446-1946
A root canal is done if you have an infection that affects the nerve in the root of a tooth. Generally, there is pain and swelling in the area. The infection can be the result of a tooth crack, cavity, or injury.Without treatment, the tooth may become so damaged that it must be removed.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). Root canal treatment is also called endodontics.
The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth when:
- tooth decay occurs
- fillings leak
- teeth are damaged by trauma, such as a fall
- Tooth structure
A tooth is made up of two parts:
- The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth.
- The root extends into the bone of the jaw, anchoring the tooth in position.
These are composed of the following structures:
Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth.
Dentine is a softer material that supports the enamel and forms most of the tooth.
Cementum is a hard material that coats the root surface.
Dental pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth.
Why Would You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is needed for two main reasons. The first is infection. An untreated cavity is a common cause of pulp infection. The decay erodes the enameland dentin of the tooth until it reaches a root canal. This allows bacteria to infect the pulp. Antibiotics can’t get to infections inside teeth. The inflammation caused by the infection reduces the blood supply to the tooth. The reduced blood supply also keeps the pulp from healing.
The second reason for a root canal is damage to the pulp that can’t be fixed. Trauma or a fractured tooth can damage the pulp. So can a lot of restoration, such as severalfillings placed in the same tooth over a period of time. Sometimes, common dental procedures, such as preparing a tooth for a crown, can hurt the pulp. Then the tooth might need a root canal.
Remember that Healthy Smiles are Confident smiles!!!
Arlington Family Dentistry
(817) 259-1385
3100 Matlock Rd Suite #103 Arlington, TX 76015
Sedation Dentistry
Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist’s office? You’re not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.
For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear.
If you feel that the right dentist and psychological techniques alone won’t do the trick for you, have a look at the available pharmacological options for coping with dental anxiety.
These are not recommended for use instead of, but in addition to a caring dentist. Trust your gut instinct while figuring out which methods might work for you. Sedation is sometimes touted as “the solution for overcoming dental anxiety or phobia”, but in reality, many people don’t like the idea of sedation. Scores on dental anxiety tests bear little or no correlation to the need for (or desirability of) sedation.
Sedation can be useful if:
- you don’t want to be aware of what’s happening during a procedure and you want to be “out of it”. In this case, IV sedation is the method of choice.
- you want a little help to relax – “laughing gas” can give you a pleasant relaxed feeling
- you have a “gut feeling” that sedation would help you and allow you to get work done which otherwise you wouldn’t be able to tolerate
- your fear is procedure-specific (e. g. needles, extractions), especially if you know that the fear would still exist in the presence of an empathetic dentist and adequate pain-control
- you perceive your fears to be completely irrational and not helped by either an empathetic dentist or psychological techniques
- you have other mental health problems and you feel you’d benefit from sedation
- your primary aim is “to get your teeth fixed” as quickly as possible, for example because you’re very busy or you’ve got an important social event coming up
- it’s an invasive or unpleasant procedure such as more complex extractions
Sedation may not be a good option if:
- control and trust are a major issue for you
- you’re considering sedation to “make life easier” for your dentist, for example because you fear that they will get frustrated or angry with you
- you feel you would benefit from a gentle approach which would involve being talked through procedures, going at your pace, and using stop signals
- you feel you’re being “bullied” into accepting sedation
- you have an intense dislike for or fear of the drugs used for sedation (or the psych pharmaceutical industry in general)
- you’re worried that sedation will interfere with your judgment and your ability to communicate your concerns to your dentist
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
- Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.
- IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious — deeply asleep — during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic — numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth — to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.
Sherman Oaks Endodontics 4910 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 100 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Phone: (818) 319-4342
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp; the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp: and associated periradicular conditions.
Root Canals – Male Smokers More Likely to Need Root Canals
According to a recent report from the American Dental Association, males that smoke cigarettes are almost twice as likely to need root canals based on news reports about an extensive study listed to appear in the Journal of Dental Research in April 2006.
The lead author of this study, Boston University’s Dr.Elizabeth Krall Kaye, presented the findings in New York City at a special media briefing hosted by the American Dental Association as well as the American Medical Association.
Root Canal and Root Canal Fear – What is a Root Canal?
A Root Canal is a dental procedure to fix a tooth by removing the pulp chamber of the tooth and filling it with a suitable filling material. A root canal is usually performed when the tooth cannot be filled or restored any other way because the decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected.
Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
To understand why a cracked tooth hurts, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is the inner soft tissue called the pulp. The loose pulp is a connective tissue that contains cells, blood vessels and nerves.
When the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces, and the pulp can become irritated. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a momentary, sharp pain. Irritation of the dental pulp can be repeated many times by chewing. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged to the point that it can no longer heal itself. The tooth will not only hurt when chewing but may also become sensitive to temperature extremes. In time, a cracked tooth may begin to hurt all by itself. Extensive cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
What can I do to prevent my teeth from cracking?
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
- Don’t chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a retainer or other mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing contact sports.
