Month: April 2019

Also referred to as endodontic treatment, “Root canal therapy” is a process used to remove a seriously injured tooth. When performed successfully, the treatment relieve serious pain and makes gums healthy. Additionally, it also helps protect the surrounding teeth from excessive wear and pain. Warning signs like an infected or inflamed teeth can easily be identified to help you understand whether you actually need a root canal or not. The most obvious sign is sensation in tooth, particularly to hot or cold objects.

Before starting the process, our dentists will numb the infected area to completely desensitize the nerve. Sometimes, a numbing gel is placed on your gums prior to injecting the numbing medication. This helps to reduce sensitivity. The first step in the process is the removal of damaged tooth. Our dentists use a drill to remove the nerve and pulp around the tooth.

The Need for Root Canal
When the pulp becomes infected, patients experience a lot of pain. There could be many other factors that contribute to inflammation and result in pulp infection. If the infection is left untreated, an abscess can form resulting in a lot of pain.

During the process, our dentist removes the infected pulp. It is then cleaned and shaped. Further, the area is filled and sealed. Once the process is completed, our dentist will place a restoration on your tooth to retrieve the functionality.

After the restoration is done, your teeth will continue to function naturally. The major objective behind opting a root canal is fixing the infected tooth without having to remove the entire tooth from your mouth. Therefore, a root canal therapy is the best way to preserve a lost, damaged or infected tooth in the best possible ways.

After the Treatment
Your tooth may be quite sensitive after the treatment. So, if you are struggling with pain, you may be prescribed over the counter medications. The tooth gone through root canal treatment might feel a little different for some time. If you continue to have a lot of pain or discomfort, you will end up visiting your dentist. If you get in touch with our team of dentists, you won’t have any more issues. We have an experienced team of dentists taking care of the oral health requirements.

Give us a call today to learn more about root canal or any specific concerns you would have in relation to oral health.

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Sedation is a process which aims at reducing irritability or pain during a medical procedure by administration of sedative drugs. Examples of drugs that are generally used for sedation include etomidate, isoflurane, propofol, ketamine, midazolam, lorazepam and fentanyl.

Sedation is typically used in minor surgical procedures such as endoscopy, vasectomy, or dentistry and for reconstructive surgery, some cosmetic surgeries, removal of wisdom teeth, or for high-anxiety patients.

Methods of Sedation used in Dentistry
Sedation methods in dentistry include in halation or inhaled minimal sedation (using nitrous oxide), oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Inhalation sedation is also sometimes referred to asrelative analgesia.

• Inhaled minimal sedation. Here, you are made to breathe nitrous oxide — also known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. This gas has a soothing effect. The amount of sedation you receive is controllable by your dentist, and the gas tends to wane 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 size of dose given, oral sedation ranges from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, a pill is given. Typically, the pill is Halcion, a member of the same drug family as Valium. It is usually taken an hour before the procedure. The pill makes you drowsy, although you are still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This type of anesthesia is the most common associated sedation used in dentistry. Some people become dizzy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. Though a gentle shake can be enough to awake them.
• Intravenous (IV) moderate sedation. Under this method you are given the sedative drug through a vein, so it works faster. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
• Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will be given medications because of which you will either be almost unconscious or totally unconscious — deeply asleep — during the dental procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wane away or are reversed with medication.

Irrespective 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.

Can any dentist perform sedation?
Most dentists can prescribe or administer minimal sedation (such as nitrous oxide or pills). An increasing number of dentists are authorized to give moderate sedation. However, only a fraction of dentists who have completed the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program in deep sedation and general anesthesia have the authority to use more complex techniques. These dentists are typically oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists. Some dentists use a dentist anesthesiologist, who is specially trained to give all levels of sedation and anesthesia to both children and adults.

Each state’s dental board carefully regulates the use of sedation techniques. Many states require dentists to hold permits in order to perform sedation.

How safe is ‘Sedation Dentistry’?
Element of risk is always involved in getting anesthesia. But that risk is countered to a great deal when given by experienced dentists. However, certain people, like those who are suffering from obesity or who have obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop complications from the anesthesia. Thus, they should take extra precaution and should obtain green signal from their doctor before going for sedation.

It is important to ensure that your dentist is well qualified and adequately trained to prescribe the type of sedation you will be receiving. A smart patient should ensure that the below written things are followed:

• Prior to initiate the procedure, your dentist should go through your medical history and ask about any medications you’re currently on. This makes his judgement better to understand whether you are an appropriate candidate for sedation or not.
• You have every right to ask questions like what amount of dose of the sedative is appropriate for your health and age. You should also ensure that the dose is within the limits as recommended by the FDA.
• You should be confident about the credentials of the dentist. It’s advisable to learn how much training the dentist has got and how many procedures he or she has performed using sedation. Such information about the dental practitioner is very important for you to form trust in him.
• The doctor is supposed to provide you a form detailing the risks of the procedure. Go through it carefully and ask your dentist about the points or jargon you feel ambiguous about.
• The procedure followed by the dentist should be compliant with the American Dental Association’s guidelines. The dentist should also have essentials like oxygen — artificial ventilation — and drugs that can reverse the effects of sedation if such a need arises.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Flossing is a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy thoroughly. If practiced well, it can help you get rid of poor oral health and many other diseases linked to it. The right method to floss is the key to a positive oral health. Flossing becomes even challenging while your braces are in. The process is tricky, however, if you follow these simple steps, you can do it successfully:

• The first step to start is by rinsing off your mouth. This is done to flush out remaining food particles, if any.
• Brush your teeth every time you eat. If you fail to brush consistently, you will open up opportunities for poor oral health in the long run.
• Use a thin and waxed dental floss. A non-waxed floss gets caught on the braces and leaves shred between the bracket. Pull the floss up to the gum line to make sure that the plaque is removed properly. The amount of dental floss used should also vary slightly on the basis of size of mouth and hands.
• Floss with one hand a few inches behind one end. Place it above the main wire of braces to ensure that it does not get stuck.
• Once the floss is placed behind the wires, use your hands to move it up and down between the tooth. This is done up and down along the wires to remove food particles.
• Since braces multiply the chances of plaque accumulation, people with braces are required to brush their teeth after every meal.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash that is fluorinated. This prevents the accumulation of white spots on teeth.
• An orthodontic floss threader is highly useful.
• Always use an electric toothbrush. They are proven to be much more effective than manual toothbrushes.

If you are facing issues flossing with a string, there are other methods that can be followed to keep your teeth and gums clean. You can also try interdental brushes that are made to get in small spaces around brackets and the gaps between the teeth. This is helpful while undergoing braces treatment.

Another interesting method is using a water flosser. Water flosser helps you easily remove plaque and bacteria build-up with your braces. It uses a water jet to gently clean the gaps between your teeth without irritating your gums. It is an effective method to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces.

Consult our orthodontist today and share your experience with flossing with braces. Also, they will help you identify and understand how you can maintain a great oral health using the right flossing techniques.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Patients always want their lower denture to fit better and we have often heard them saying that their “lower denture is loose and they want better suction.” They usually compare it with upper dentures and want them to be as tight as their upper denture and not move much. Loose denture can create problems during speech, eating and results in pain during infection. Although, there are multiple reasons for the looseness of a lower denture, however, the primary one is the anatomy of a lower jaw. The lower jaw does not allow space for the movement up and down.

Some of the Other Reasons for Poorly Fitted Dentures Include:

Misshaped Denture Base
The surface of denture touching the gums is called base. Base can deform over time if they are left to dry out when placed out of the mouth. Ridge also changes which makes the denture appear distorted. However, this causes the jaw to change and not the denture.

Decrease in the Amount of Saliva
A major element in denture retention and stability is saliva. Saliva helps in the suction of a denture. If saliva is thick and deficient, denture will not fit properly. This takes place due to an underlying medical condition or drugs/medicines that are taken to resolve other medical issues.

Resorption of Ridge or Bone
The role of bone to support a full denture has always been highly appreciated. Not having enough bone makes the gums small and flat. Jaws start to resorb once the teeth are removed. This makes denture retention and stability quite difficult.

Solutions to Denture Problems:

Redesigning the Denture
A new denture should be designed to avail the best results. This can be done in 2-5 visits under normal circumstances. A normal denture should last for about 7-8 years.

Do a Hard Reline of the Denture
Reline readapts your denture base to the present ridge anatomy. This is easily achievable in a day or two or most of the time you must go without your denture.

If you are tired of trying in-house methods to fix loose dentures, talk to our dentists. We offer dentures that can improve function, biting, chewing, talking and smiling. If you wear dentures, it is mandatory to see your dentist twice a year. If you still have any queries to correct your denture problems, please get in touch with our dentist today.

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Wearing dentures is also an art because if you don’t wear them properly you might come across a lot of mouth problems. An ultimate solution to tooth loss, dentures, are designed to be more comfortable and natural looking than they used to be in the past. So, missing out on denture care could mean inviting a lot of problems for your oral health. A loose denture could also cause changes in your facial features. However, if you don’t take proper care of your dentures, problems can occur.

Listed below are some of the common denture problems experienced by people. Let’s take a look:

It is very important to keep your mouth clean when you start wearing dentures otherwise the following problems may occur:

• Gum irritation
• Problems while speaking and eating
• Dentures that move around your mouth
• Mouth infection

How to Treat Denture Problems:
Make Sure Your Dentures Fit
Your bones and gums keep evolving with the time passing and your dentures won’t fit as well. When this happens, your dentures need to be adjusted and modified as well. Don’t adjust your dentures by your own.

Take a Note of What You Are Eating
It is recommended to eat soft food like egg and yogurt. Do not eat anything that sticks to the mouth. Chew your food slowly. While chewing, use both sides of the mouth at the same time. This prevents dentures from moving or tipping. Eating becomes easier once you get used to your dentures.

Clean Your Mouth Daily
Clean your gums and also massage them properly before putting in. This helps to keep your mouth clean.

Avoid Using Toothpicks
Toothpicks are biggest enemies to dentures. It is recommended not to use toothpicks when wearing dentures.

At first, you may take a lot of time getting used to wearing dentures but once you are ready, you would not face such problems every now and then. Proper care can keep your dentures in good shape. When you are not wearing your dentures, you should keep them in water or a solution. Proper care and regular dental visits will keep your dentures stay in shape for a long time.

If you are tired of poorly fitted dentures, connect with our dentist today. They will help you understand when your dentures need to be replaced. Meanwhile, you can take care of your dentures at home.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

A recent survey by Nova Scotia Dental Association identified a close association between stress and oral health. It says managing stress may lead to improved oral health. 2019 Nova Scotia Oral Health Report confirms how stress can have a negative impact on your oral health.

According to the report, stress may contribute to the following conditions:

Canker Sores
The actual cause of canker sores is still not identified but it closely resembles to the way you deal with stress and anxiety. It often surfaces during high times of stress. Stress puts the immune system under pressure which often leads to the formation of sores. Canker sores are non-toxic but cause a little pain. On the other hand, cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)

Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious disorder that is affecting millions of people every year. It is characterized by red and inflamed gums and also involves bleeding and tooth loss. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) says emotional anxiety could affect your oral health. Stress has an effect on the immune system that fights against the bacteria causing periodontal disease, thereby making your body more susceptible to gum infection.

Dry Mouth
Dry mouth often results due to medications that help reduce stress and anxiety level. The lack of saliva in your mouth causes an increased risk of tooth decay. Saliva washes away harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Therefore, having a dry mouth can be risky for your oral health. To prevent such mishappening, it is advisable to keep drinking enough water and stay hydrated. The dental association suggests chewing sugarless gum to help combat dry mouth.

Teeth Grinding
Also referred to as bruxism, teeth grinding often occurs unconsciously while sleeping. Though it’s not deadly, it may put strain on the jaw muscles and tissues and wear down your teeth. The other consequences are jaw pain, headache and permanent damage to your teeth. Teeth grinding triggered due to stress may cause sensitivity in teeth, sore jaw and insomnia.

How Is Stress Linked to Your Oral Health
It is generally seen that in a stressful condition people depend on unhealthy habits, be it smoking or drinking. These habits adversely affect oral health and contribute to oral cancer, gum disease or tooth decay.

Adopting self-care practice should be the first step to managing stress. If you keep practicing regular oral hygiene habits, like brushing, flossing and balancing your nutrition choices, you will be able to get rid of stress.

How to Handle Stress and Practice Smart Oral Hygiene Habits
Stress can include both physical and emotional pain. After observing the signs of stress, you need to come up with an action plan to manage it. Other than just brushing and flossing, you must use a tooth-friendly toothpaste which is rich in fluoride content. Using a night guard is also a quick fix solution to help get rid of bad oral habits. Eat a healthy balanced diet and do not forget to schedule a visit to your dentist once in every 6 months.

Request an appointment with us today to move towards a path of oral health and well being!

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Dentures emerge as one of the cost-effective and viable options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. The two most common types of denture available are: full or complete dentures that replace all teeth in a jaw and partial dentures that replace only a few missing teeth.

Dentures available these days are quite comfortable and appealing. They allow a person to bite and chew comfortably while improving functionality. Dentures with a thinner denture base are more comfortable but in order to maintain the stability and retentive properties of dentures, it is important for a denture to be designed sufficiently thick. Similarly, dentures with stainless steel components tend to be more comfortable. Acrylic denture base that is rigid and flexible rely on the thickness of denture base for durability and strength.

It is very important to take note of the structure and designing of dentures. The consequences of not doing so may result in a shift in remaining teeth, inability to bite, chew properly and a sagging facial appearance. If your dentures do not fit properly, it is important to see your dentist. Ill-fitting dentures not only compromise facial appearance but also deteriorates oral health.

Does Denture Treatment Lead to Scarring?
To make dentures comfortable, our dentist makes adjustments from time to time. This results in pressure sores in areas where the denture is pressed or rubbed excessively. The entire process is repeated multiple times until the denture becomes comfortable and stable.

Bruising is seen in patients aged above 50, otherwise, no scars are found in this procedure till the time there is repeated trauma to the gums by improper fitting.

There are many potential reasons for loosening of a denture. It could be the anatomy of lower jaw, movement of the mouth and so on. To make sure that dentures do not loosen, it is important to:

Perform a Hard Reline of the Denture
Reline adapts your denture base to the current ridge anatomy. This is done in a day or two.

Remake the Denture
When a new reline is inadequate, a new denture should be fabricated to get the best results. This process can be performed in 2-5 visits. A normal denture should last for around 7 years.

Patients may find inconvenient and embarrassing if the denture is not fitted or positioned properly. Therefore, it is important to choose the right set of dentures when it comes to improving the shape and design.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

The first step in the path towards a healthy oral care routine is identifying your cavity risk level. In this context, a quick examination of your oral health and discussion with your dentist comes across quite valuable. With regular examination, you will be able to take an effective approach towards improving your oral health.

Listed below are some easy tips suggested by our dentists to prevent cavities:

Brushing Properly Using Right Techniques and the Right Brush
Brushing your teeth properly is one of the effective ways to prevent cavities. Make sure to practice brushing after meals and before going to bed. Brushing before going to bed is quite important because if you allow bacteria to linger on your teeth overnight will ultimately lead to cavities.

Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps to clean away bacteria. Proper brushing technique also adds to improved oral health.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gently. Place it at a 45-degree angle against the gums. The brush should be moved back and forth. Also, move the brush around your tongue to remove bacteria and get rid of bad breath. To maintain oral health in the long run, it is recommended to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Taking acidic coffee and tea for a long time period can increase your risk for new cavities. You should try to reduce the frequency of coffee and tea and rinse your mouth with water.
Another important step is quitting smoking and tobacco that can lead to many difficult problems. Smoking not only stains your teeth but also lead to gum disease and even oral cancer.

Drink Water
Drinking water with fluoride is also one of the useful methods to prevent cavities. Water remineralizes the teeth and also promotes saliva production to rinse away harmful bacteria.

Have Dental Sealants Placed Properly
Sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. They play a useful role in protecting the tooth by acting as shielding against bacteria and plaque.

Do Not Forget Regular Checkups
Visit your dentist for a regular examination. You can also connect with our experienced dentists who will guide you by analyzing any areas for early tooth decay.

Schedule your next checkup with us today. If you need further clarity, speak to one of our dentists.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.