How medication and anesthesia can help make your visit to the dentist easier

Your dentist will do everything possible to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

Depending on the treatment you are receiving, there are several medications available to help.

Some drugs control pain, some help you relax and others put you into a deep sleep during dental treatment.

The best approach will depend on the type of procedure being undertaken, your overall health – including any history of allergies – and the degree of anxiety you feel.

Some of the options your dentist might discuss include:

Analgesics: These are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. They includes aspirin, acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. There is a separate category of narcotic analgesics – such as those containing codeine – which are used for more severe pain.

Local anesthesia: Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface level. They may also be used to soothe mouth sores. Injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues.

In other cases, your dentist many recommend sedation or general anesthesia.

Your dentist will discuss the best approach to suit your needs.

Whats involved in getting a dental implant?

Dental implants are increasingly popular as a way to replace missing or damaged teeth.

Their great advantage is that they look natural and feel secure helping you to restore your smile and eat more easily.

Implants are an ideal solution for many people but they are not an option for everyone.

Placing implants requires some surgery so patients must be in good health, have healthy gums and have adequate bone to support the implant.

They must also be committed to taking action to maintain their oral hygiene and to visiting the dentist regularly.

The process for placing implants is as follows:

First, surgery is performed to place the anchor. This can take up to several hours. Following the surgery, you may need to wait up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Sometimes follow up surgery is required to attach a post to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. Alternatively, the anchor and post may already be attached and are placed at the same time.

After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is to fit specially-made artificial teeth to the post portion of the anchor. This can take a few weeks to complete as several fittings may be required.

Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital, depending upon a number of factors. A local or general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed.

After your implants are fitted, your dentist will give you tips and advice on maintaining your oral hygiene.

Your dentist can help you decide whether you would be a good candidate for implants.

How to stop your dentist using too much jargon

Having a good relationship with your dentist means they should be able to explain things clearly to you and talk to you in language you understand.

The challenge for the dentist is that, as with any type of medical and professional training, they have to learn many unusual and technical terms.

This jargon has a purpose as it allows professionals to communicate clearly with each other on the same basis.

But often there is no need to use this terminology with the patient. Using these terms becomes a habit and they forget to translate for the patient.

Sometimes. it’s easier to say what you are thinking to a patient rather than have to translate it into something he or she will understand. And the dentist is usually thinking using the jargon.

Many common dental words such as restoration (filling), dentition (set of teeth) and occlusion (how the teeth come together) can easily be translated into terms patients understand.

Your dentist wants to help you understand as much about your dental health as possible so they would prefer that you stop them and ask what terms mean or simply ask them to speak in plain English.

They often slip into jargon out of habit or because it allows them to communicate more easily with others on the team.

They want you to get the treatment you need and be satisfied. So they won’t mind if you stop and remind them to communicate more effectively.

Solving the problem of bad breath

Bad breath – which is also known as halitosis – is a worrying problem that can also be embarrassing.

But there's no need to put up with it. If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist will be able to suggest a range of solutions.

Your dentist will be able to spot problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other disorders. That's why its important to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular visits to the dentist and have professional cleaning.

Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth each day using floss or interdental cleaners. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

If your dental check up shows that your mouth is healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family physician as sometimes bad breath can be a sign of other health problems.

If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, sometimes professional periodontal cleaning is needed to remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. And your dentist may recommend a special antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Keeping your mouth healthy and stopping periodontal disease are essential to reducing bad breath.

So make sure you schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup.

The secrets of brushing and flossing your teeth effectively

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly.

Here are the steps you should follow:

First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Heres how to floss for best results.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

If you have difficulty handling dental floss, consider other types of interdental cleaner such as special brushes, picks or sticks.

Your dentist or hygienist will be able to give your further tips on how to brush and floss for best results.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth is a common problem that causes many people to feel discomfort with hot or cold foods and drinks.

It can also make it uncomfortable to brush or floss the teeth and therefore can lead to further oral problems.

However, sensitive teeth can be treated.

If you suffer from this, your dentist may suggest that you try a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.

For desensitizing toothpaste to work, you normally have to make several applications.

If the desensitizing toothpaste does not help, your dentist may suggest further solutions.

For example, fluoride gel – which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations – may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.

If the sensitivity is caused by receding gums, your dentist may use bonding agents that “seal” the sensitive teeth.

The sealer is usually made of a plastic material.

If there is severe hypersensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, there is the option of endodontic (root canal) treatment.

Sensitive teeth is a problem that can stop you enjoying your food but is one that can often be solved.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

If you sometimes find the taste of something hot or cold painful on your teeth, you may suffer from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth is a common problem which may be caused by cavities and fractured teeth.

But it can also be caused by worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed tooth root.

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body and it protects the crowns of healthy teeth. A layer called cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line.

The part underneath the enamel and the cementum is called dentin, which is less dense than enamel or cementum.

The dentin contains small hollow tubes or canals called tubules. When the dentin loses its protective covering, the tubules allow hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth.

This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort but fortunately, the irritation does not cause permanent damage.

Following proper oral hygiene helps prevent the gums from receding and causing the pain of sensitive teeth.

Brushing your teeth incorrectly or even brushing too much can cause gum problems.

Your dentist will advise you on the best daily routint to maximize your oral hygiene.

How Osteoporosis medications can affect your dental health

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

It affects about 10 million Americans of whom 8 million are women and another 34 million are at risk of developing it.

So this is a disease that affects more women than cancer, heart disease and stroke combined.

But what does it have to do with your dental care?

Well, many people in these categories are treated with a group of prescription drugs called oral bisphosphonates. Studies have reported that these drugs reduce bone loss, increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

But some people have been alarmed and confused by recent news reports about oral bisphosphonates because of uncommon complications that have been linked to these drugs.

The drugs have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare but potentially serious condition that can cause severe destruction of the jawbone.

The true risk posed by oral bisphosphonates remains uncertain, but researchers seem to agree that it appears very small.

Given the risks associated with osteoporosis and the proven benefits of oral bisphosphonate therapy, you should not stop taking these medications before discussing the matter fully with your physician.

If your physician prescribes an oral bisphosphonate, its important to tell your dentist so that your health history form can be updated.

In this case, some dental procedures, such as extractions, may increase your risk of developing ONJ, so your dentist needs to be able to take your full health picture into account.

The secrets of avoiding gum disease as an older adult

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time and thats one reason it is common among older adults.

The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues.

Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition, including:
– Food left between the teeth
– Tobacco use smoking and smokeless tobacco
– Badly aligned teeth
– Ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures
– Poor diet
– Systemic diseases such as anemia

Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled and, if caught in its early stages, it can be reversed. However, in advanced stages, it may require surgery.

Look out for the following warning signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them:
– Bleeding gums when you brush
– Red, tender or swollen gums
– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
– Pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
– Loose teeth or teeth moving apart
– Any change in your bite
– Any change in the fit of your partial dentures
– Constant bad breath or bad taste

Keeping an eye out for these problems and having regular dental checkups can help you stop gum disease becoming a major and expensive problem.

How braces can be made to look good

Orthodontic appliances such as braces can be used to help straighten out crooked and crowded teeth.

This is not just about looking better; it also helps improve your dental health.

How they look may determine how you feel about wearing them but, these days, braces can be as inconspicuous as you want.

Brackets the part of the braces that attaches to each tooth can sometimes be attached to the back of the tooth, making them less noticeable.

The brackets can be made in a wide range of different materials such as metal, ceramic or plastic.

They can also be designed to look appealing. For example, they may be clear or tooth-colored. There can also be shaped in a variety of ways like hearts and footballs or created in favorite colors.

You could even go for gold-plated braces or glow-in-the-dark retainers!

Invisalign Straightens Teeth Without Braces!

Endre Selmeczy, D.M.D. is certified and offering the popular Invisalign system which uses a series of clear, removable aligners to adjust your teeth over time, eliminating uncomfortable and undesirable metal braces.

The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. It is custom-made for your teeth and is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. Check out the benefits below:

-Custom-fitted aligners for maximum performance

-Effective, with improvement noticeable during treatment process

-Removable for eating, flossing or special occasions

-Comfort with smooth edges

-Clarity so no one knows you are straightening your teeth

Your custom-made smile program. Your treatment plan begins with a consultation with Dr. Selmeczy where you will discuss the options to treat your particular issue. When you begin treatment, you’ll wear each set of aligners in approximately two-week increments. The aligners gently move your teeth into position, and at the end of each two-week period, you “graduate” to the next set of custom aligners. You will have occasional checkups – often as little as once every six weeks – in order to gauge your progress and you can usually see positive changes to your smile early in the process.

For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Of course, your total treatment time depends on your particular situation. Before you schedule your consultation with Dr. Selmeczy, it’s a good idea to take the self-assessment at www.invisalign.com to figure out if the Invisalign system is for you. Then take the results with you to your initial consultation.

Offers CareCredit

CareCredit is a program that allows patients to get the Dental Treatment and procedures needed when their insurance doesn't cover the total cost. CareCredit provides a variety of financing options and payment plans designed to meet the patients needs. CareCredit allows the patient to make payments on their dental work without interest charges.

You can apply online to get instant approval. After you get approved then make an appointment with us. While at our office we will discuss they payment plan that works best for you and your budget.

Offers Oral Cancer Screening

We offer an advanced Oral Cancer Screening, recommended yearly. This section of our Web site intends to educate patients on oral cancer as well as the screening process.

The material is posted here courtesy of Zila Pharmaceuticals, Inc. who developed the Vizilite Plus process that we use.

The process uses a special chemical mouth rinse that makes the potentially dangerous tissues stand out in special lighting conditions, so that they can more easily be seen during a visual inspection.

Offers Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation

Our office is now offering IV conscious sedation.

If you feel that Oral Sedation is not sufficient, IV conscious sedation allows a relaxed state that is controlled through the use of medications introduced through an intravenous catheter.

It will put you in a state of mind where you'll feel removed from what is really going on. You will have almost no memory of the procedure.

We are dedicated to providing you Superior Dental Care with the highest level of comfort. We would love to have the chance to make your dental experience free of anxiety and fear.

Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding this new addition to our services.

Offers Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

If you're afraid to go to the Dentist, you're at the right place. We can take care of your dental needs with no discomfort at all. With Sedation Dentistry, you'll feel like you slept through your appointments. You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were asleep. You'll wake up refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished. Because you are completely comfortable, we can do years' worth of dental treatments in one or two visits. People with very busy schedules can get the dental care they need, easily and quickly.

 

How Does Oral Sedation Work?

 

You are given a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive, you will be very drowsy. When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted to the comfort room and covered with a thick, warm blanket. You will be placed on a monitor so that we can watch your vital signs. You may be asked to take an additional pill, depending upon how sleepy you are. After you are comfortable, we will take care of your dental needs. When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.

It is safe! You take a small pill prior to your treatment - there are no intravenous tubes or needles. Complex Dental Treatments that usually require up to eight appointments can be completed in a little as one or two appointments. People who have difficulty getting numb find that Sedation Dentistry eliminates this problem. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

Good candidates for oral sedation are people who:

* have a high fear level
* have had traumatic dental experiences
* have difficulty getting numb
* experience a severe gag reflex
* have very sensitive teeth
* have complex dental problems
* have limited time to Complete Dental Care
* hate needles and shots
* hate the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dentistry
* are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I feel pain?

No, you won't.

2. Will I be unconscious?

No. you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.

3. Will I be monitored?

Yes, one of our team members is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

4. How long will I be asleep?

Depending upon your needs, from two to six hours.

5. Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.

Offers Cosmetic Dentistry

Did you know that people check your smile even before they look in your eyes? If chipped, stained, or crooked teeth are hiding the real you, then it could be time for a smile makeover. A beautiful smile can brighten life every day. Unlike plastic surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry is not a major operation. You could change your life in as little as one or two appointments!

We offer a free cosmetic consultation to our new patients. There are many ways we can give you a youthful, attractive, natural-looking smile. Just whitening your teeth can give you a whole new look!

Offers General Dentistry

Our caring staff believes in providing a comfortable atmosphere during your visit to our office. We provide gentle, family-oriented Dental Care to adults and children.

Our services cover all aspects of Dentistry and utilize state-of-the-art equipment and sterilization techniques. We can take care of all of your family members' dental needs.

Dental Implants

Turn that frown upside down! If you are embarrassed or concerned about damaged or missing teeth, consider contacting us today to learn more about dental implants. Implants are the best alternative to healthy teeth. This is because, unlike other methods of replacing teeth, implants are anchored into the bone itself. They last longer than typical bridges or dentures, and look and function like your own teeth. For a limited time, we are offering a free implant consultation and free 3-D imaging as needed. Please see the specials page for more details about this offer.

Things You Need To Know About Dental Care

Do you want to take better care of your oral hygiene when you're at home and not just when the Dentist helps you out? Is there something you've been dying to ask about caring for your teeth? The answer to that is obvious, so read on for more information.

Do not forget to remove plaque from your teeth when flossing. You should place the floss at the bottom of the tooth and gently pull it so it scrapes the plaque off your tooth. Do this for each tooth before focusing on cleaning the space between your teeth with floss.

Do not forget to brush your back teeth. Brushing the front of the teeth is natural and easy because it is what you can see in your mirror, but the back of the teeth are also important. To prevent these problems, be sure to brush the teeth at the back of your mouth thoroughly.

Choose some waxed floss if you are having a hard time with flossing. This type of floss is easier to hold. You could also get a floss-holder to help you clean your teeth efficiently or replace floss with a dental pick to clean between your teeth. You will still have to use floss to remove the plaque from your teeth.

There are many food that you can add to your diet to give your teeth the best possible chance to stay healthy and strong. Foods high in vitamin C and vitamin A, such as oranges and carrots, help teeth stay strong. Onions, eaten raw, fight the bacteria that can promote decay. Don't forget to drink lots of water. It can help rinse away bacteria that can harm your teeth.

Invest in a good antibacterial rinse. Use is after you brush your teeth. If your teeth or gums are too sensitive, ask your dentist about alternatives such as Sensodyne or fluoride rinses. You should know that using an antibacterial product remains the best way to slow down gum disease and tooth decay.

Consider purchasing electric toothbrushes for the whole family. They cut down the effort you have to produce to get the same results with a manual brush. Electric toothbrushes are not only affordable, but are recommended by most professional dentists. They have solid bristles which cup around your tooth and quickly help brush away plaque.

Flossing picks are the perfect solution for those of us who can't quite remember to floss after meals. They are basically just a stick version of floss. They are very small and easy to conceal. It's easier for some to remember the picks rather than regular floss. Your children may also benefit from these picks.

Drink your milk! Calcium plays a role in the hardness of bones and teeth, so you should ensure that you're getting enough dairy in your diet. It is also said that those with a high-dairy diet end up with fewer other health related problems, so enjoy a glass of skim milk today!

There are a wide variety of actions to take to care for your teeth. Don't leave the health of your mouth solely in the hands of a dentist. Use the tips from this article and your dentist will compliment you on your good hygiene the next time you schedule an appointment.

Take Care Of Your Teeth With This Tips

Dental Care is an interesting subject because everyone should be fully aware of how to properly care for their teeth. Thankfully, there are article such as these that have helpful dental care tips to improve the smiles on many people. If you would like a cleaner mouth and brighter smile, read on for great dental care tips.

A glass of water a day keeps the dentist away. Actually, make that eight glasses of water, or 64 ounces. When you drink enough water, you are less likely to drink things that harm your teeth. When you skimp on water, you fill up on soda pop, Kool-Aid, and other sugary drinks.

A proven teeth-whitening formula is hydrogen peroxide. All that your toothbrush really needs is a couple drops. Brush using a gentle hand and avoiding your gums for at least two minutes. Then, brush your teeth as normal using whatever toothpaste you normally use.

One of the worst feelings is to have a seed or some other foreign object caught between your teeth. Do not try to force it out with a fork or other hard object. Take a small length of floss and gently try to remove it. If it does not come out, visit your Dentist, and they can help remove it.

Mouthwash can be a welcome addition to your dental routine. Read the label carefully to ensure that you are using the product correctly. You'll notice pink or blue marks on your teeth where you have missed spots when brushing. It is important to have sufficient time to brush your teeth thoroughly after using these products. It could be quite time-consuming, so don't try it if you are running late or needing to leave your home quickly.

A tooth-brushing session needs to last two minutes or more. Make sure you give time to each tooth, from the bottom of the gum line upwards. Brushing too hard can actually cause damage to your gums and your teeth. Use a softer toothbrush if your gums tend to hurt when you brush.

Carbonic acids erode your enamel, so be careful of citrus fruits and juices that contain this element. Take extra time to carefully brush your teeth after eating acidic foods. Taking that step will help to get rid of the carbonic acids before they begin to call trouble.

If you visit a dentist for the first time, think about how the experience was after your appointment is over. It is never to late too switch if you were not comfortable. Factors like how nice the staff was to you and how clean the office was should all be considered.

Eating food from certain groups can help you with your oral hygiene efforts. Dairy has lots of calcium, so try eating low-fat sour cream and cheese. Nuts contain your healthy fats, and they also have much calcium. Stay away from meats that are high in fat, and stick to more lean meats and protein sources such as almonds.

As stated in the above article, all it takes for you to have a clean mouth is to follow the simple tips presented in this article. You should now be aware of what to do each day that will contribute the overall cleanliness of your mouth. Stick with it and soon you will have that perfect smile.