Are your teeth a sensitive subject?

Dentin hypersensitivity, commonly referred as sensitive teeth, is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. One in five people in the U.S. experience it at some point in his or her life.  Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within microscopic tubes (pores) located in dentin, which results in nerve irritation. You can avoid it by reducing excessive consumption of acidic food and beverages like sport drinks, soda, energy drinks, and citrus juices. Conditions such as bulimia nervosa and acid reflux also have similar erosive effects on tooth enamel. Abrasion of enamel from aggressive tooth-brushing can lead to dentinal sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste brushing in circular motion will minimize enamel abrasion and thus tooth sensitivity. In-office treatment, such as topical agents, sealants, fluoride can be applied. Interesting research associated with dentin hypersensitivity suggest that mouth sensitivity may be associated with sensitivity in other areas such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, or touch. Sight sensitivity, specifically to sunlight, was the most common association. Notify your dentist if you experience tooth sensitivity to monitor and help remedy the sensitivity.

Dr Yani McConnell

Aspirin - Friend or Foe?

Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid ASA, is the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and fever reducing med in the USA. Aspirin at a low dose of 81 mg (“baby” Aspirin) reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes, and cardiovascular death significantly. Nonetheless, despite these great cardiac benefits, patients taking aspirin are also at a higher risk for unwanted bleeding, including risks for strokes caused by hemorrhage in the brain. Strokes can be caused by blocked blood vessels or by rupture of these vessels in the brain.

As with most medications, effects are dose-related. Individuals should also we aware that aspirin will interact with any other medication that alters bleeding, including the blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs like Ibuprofen, and any many herbal medications. Patients are often unaware that over 50 herbal meds can alter platelet and blood clotting function, ad they often fail to report the use of herbs and supplements to their healthcare provider. Drinking alcohol with aspirin can also worsen the development of bleeding from the GI tract. Therefore a patient’s physician must weigh the cardiovascular benefit of some meds against the risks of unwanted bleeding in individuals with cardiac problems.

Inform your dentist and physician if you are taking aspirin or any blood thinner, how much and how often. You may observe bleeding from your gums when you brush and floss your teeth. Discuss this finding with your dentist; most often bleeding is a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Your dentist or hygienist will determine whether this sign is a result of aspirin therapy.

It's No Laughing Matter Or Is It?

Dentists often hear, "Don't take this personally, but I don't want to be here." Or, "I'd rather give birth than go to the dentist."  Dental visits are anxiety producing for some individuals and result in uncomfortable stressful situations.  The good news is that our office has the "cure."  It's been used safely for over 100 years and goes by many names such as Nitrous Oxide or Laughing Gas. The bottom line is that this sweet smelling blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen reduces anxiety, minimizes an overactive gag reflex, raises your pain threshold and helps make your dental visit pleasant and comfortable with its calming effect.

Nitrous Oxide is non-addictive, predictable, and reliable and - perhaps, the safest sedative in dentistry. During the treatment, you remain fully conscious and have all your natural reflexes.  Both adults and children can use it.  In fact, 85% off all pediatric dentists use "laughing gas" with their patients.  You quickly recover in about 5 minutes after the nitrous oxide is turned off, and you are switched to pure oxygen to breathe. It is safe to drive and return to your normal activities after the visit.

The nitrous oxide is administered through a "mask" or nosepiece that fits snugly over your nose. The amount you receive can be individually adjusted to satisfy your personal needs.  A euphoric effect is produced that may be accompanied by a tingling in the hands and feet.  Some report feeling giddy - thus the name laughing gas.  The most common response we hear is "I'm aware of what is happening, but it doesn't bother me."

Contraindications to the use of nitrous oxide are pregnancy, if you are uncomfortable with something around your nose or if your have a respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult.  It is recommended to refrain from eating for about 2 hours before treatment.  Nitrous oxide is excellent for patients with a history of heart problems because it reduces tension and provides 2-3 times more oxygen than breathing normal air.

Nitrous oxide does not numb teeth, so most patients use it in combination with a local dental anesthetic. However, after being placed on nitrous oxide for several minutes, many patients report, " I hardly felt the injection."

Call our office to find out how nitrous oxide can dramatically help you.

Bridging the Gap

How we perceive our smile and appearance affects our self-esteem, our moods and how we function in social and business relationships. Common conditions that impact negatively on your smile include: broken, cracked or worn teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth, decayed teeth, gaps between your teeth or "gummy smiles." Each patient and each specific circumstance must be evaluated on its own merits. Factors such as occlusion [bite], oral habits, available space, health of the gum tissue, severity of the problem and patient expectation must be taken into consideration while planning your comprehensive makeover. Many people are left with spaces created by extraction of teeth due to severe cavities or periodontal [gum] disease. In those circumstances, the treatment of choice may be a fixed bridge [an attached group of crowns (caps)] to replace the missing teeth or dental implants.

Several teeth are prepared [cut into a conical shape] to serve as abutments [teeth to which the fixed bridge is attached] so that the pontics [crowns that replace the missing teeth] are held in position. This procedure usually takes 2-4 visits, depending on how extensive the situation is, and is completed when the bridge is permanently cemented to the abutment teeth. The most common fixed bridges are made with porcelain fused to metal for both strength and esthetics. Call our office if you think you're a candidate for this type of procedure.

What is gum disease (Gingivitis)?

We are starting an awareness of gum disease. We love Pink Gums. Pink gums are healthy gums.

What is gum disease (gingivitis)?

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is most commonly a result of poor dental hygiene. Gingivitis is a very common condition and varies widely in severity. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when teeth are brushed or flossed. Gingivitis is not the same thing as periodontitis, although sometimes a person may be affected by both.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease?

While gingivitis is inflammation of the gums around the teeth, periodontal disease occurs when the bone below the gums gets inflamed or infected.

Gingivitis starts as food debris mixes with saliva and bacteria-forming plaque that sticks on the surfaces of teeth. If dental plaque and tartar aren't removed by brushing with toothpaste and flossing, it can become mineralized and form tartar, or calculus. Tartar is very hard and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.

Both dental plaque and tartar are filled with harmful bacteria, and if they aren't removed from teeth, they will begin to irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will often extend from the gums to the bone and lead to periodontitis. When the underlying bone gets infected, it will start to recede away from the teeth and form deep gum pockets. These pockets collect plaque and bacteria as they are very difficult to keep clean, and more bone loss occurs. As periodontal disease progresses into later stages and more bone tissue is lost, the teeth may eventually become loose and fall out.

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