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FAQs
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01.
What is Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
02. Anxiety & Phobia Causes
03. I have Dental Phobia is Sedation
the Answer?
04. Symptoms
05. What is Sedation Dentistry?
06. How can Sedation Dentistry help
me?
07. Who is a candidate for Sedation
Dentistry?
08. Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
09. My teeth are very sensitive when
the dentist uses the sonic cleaning method. Would
the new sonic toothbrushes that one can purchase
help with that condition if I used one regularly?
Or would a toothpaste for
sensitive teeth be more effective?
10. How durable are porcelain veneers?
11. What are inlays and onlays?
12. How are they applied?
13. What is Bonding?
14. What are Dental Implants?
15. What is a Bridge?
16. Why do I need a bridge?
17. How is a bridge attached?
18. What materials are used for a
bridge?
19 . How do I take care of my bridge?
20. What causes Periodontal disease?
21. Why Should I Remove My Wisdom
Teeth?
22. How do I take care of my mouth
after an extraction?
23. Does smoking increase my risk
of Gum Disease?
24. How many times a day should I
brush my teeth?
25. Does flossing fight periodontal
disease?
26. Can my diet affect my teeth?
27. What is Arestin®?
28. Who can benefit from Arestin®
(minocycline HCl 1mg)?
29 . Is treatment with Arestin a new
procedure?
30. Does Arestin work?
31. How long does treatment with Arestin
take?
32. Will I have to return to the dentist
to have Arestin removed?
33. Does treatment with Arestin hurt?
34. Are there any side effects with
Arestin?
35. How much does Arestin cost?
36. How does Arestin® work?
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| Some
people don't look forward to dental appointments
any more than they look forward to visits to a physician.
Most dental procedures aren't painful, but just
being examined can make people feel stressed. Some
anxiety about going to the dentist can be considered
acceptable. For those with dental phobia, however,
the thought idea of going to the dentist is terrifying.
They may be so frightened, in fact, that they'll
do just about anything to avoid a dental appointment.
A phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear of a specific
activity, object or situation. People with dental
phobia routinely put off routine care for years
or even decades. Rather than make an appointment,
they'll put up with gum infections (periodontal
disease) , pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth.
Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common.
It has been estimated that 9 to 15 percent of Americans
about 30 to 40 million people avoid seeing the dentist
because of anxiety and fear. A survey commissioned
by the British Dental Health Foundation found that
36 percent of those who don't see a dentist regularly
cite fear as the main reason. People often use the
words "anxiety" and "phobia" interchangeably, but
they aren't the same thing. Those with dental anxiety
will have a sense of uneasiness when it's time for
their appointments. They'll have exaggerated or
unfounded worries or fears. Dental phobia is a more
serious condition. It's characterized by objectively
morbid fear or dread. People with dental phobia
aren't merely anxious, but terrified or panic-stricken.
People with dental phobia have a higher risk of
periodontal disease and premature tooth loss. Apart
from the physical consequences of avoiding the dentist,
there may be emotional costs as well. Discolored
or damaged teeth can make people self-conscious
and insecure. They may smile less or keep their
mouths partly closed when they speak. Some people
can become so embarrassed about the cosmetic qualities
of their teeth that their personal and professional
lives begin to suffer. There may be a serious loss
of self-esteem. There are varying degrees of dental
anxiety and phobia. At the extreme, a person with
dental phobia may never see a dentist. Others may
force themselves to go, but they may not sleep the
night before. It's not uncommon for people to feel
sick or, in some cases, to actually get sick while
they're in the waiting room. Dental phobia, like
other mental disorders, can be treated. Without
treatment, dental phobia is likely to get worse
over time, in part because emotional stress can
make dental visits more uncomfortable than they
need to be. People who are unusually tense tend
to have a lower pain threshold, which means they
may experience pain at lower levels than other people.
They may need additional anesthetic or other pain
treatments. They may even develop stress-related
problems in other parts of the body, such as headaches
or muscle stiffness in the neck or back. |
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| There
are many reasons why some people develop dental
anxieties and phobias. A few common themes
emerge. Pain. In a survey of people who had not
seen a dentist for 12 months, 6 percent reported
fear of pain as the main reason. The fear of pain
is most common in adults 24 years and older, probably
because their early dental experiences predated
many of the advances in "pain-free" dentistry. Feelings
of helplessness and loss of control. Many people
develop phobias about situations — like flying in
an airplane — in which they feel they have no control.
When they're in the dental chair, they have to stay
still. They may feel they can't see what's going
on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common
for people to feel helplessness and a loss of control.
Embarrassment. The mouth is an intimate part of
the body. People may feel ashamed or embarrassed
to have a stranger looking inside, especially if
they're self-conscious about the appearance of their
teeth. Also, the physical closeness that occurs
during dental treatments — the dentist's face may
be just a few inches away — often makes people anxious
and uncomfortable. Negative past experiences. Anyone
who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental
procedures is likely to be more anxious the next
time around, as is someone who has been told how
painful dental procedures are.on't look forward
to dental appointments any more than they look forward
to visits to a physician. Most dental procedures
aren't painful, but just being examined can make
people feel stressed.\par Some anxiety about going
to the dentist can be considered acceptable.\par
For those with dental phobia, however, the thought
idea of going to the dentist is terrifying. They
may be so frightened, in fact, that they'll do just
about anything to avoid a dental appointment. A
phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear of a specific
activity, object or situation.\par People with dental
phobia routinely put off routine care for years
or even decades. Rather than make an appointment,
they'll put up with gum infections (periodontal
disease) , pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth.\par
Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common.
It has been estimated that 9 to 15 percent of Americans
about 30 to 40 million people avoid seeing the dentist
because of anxiety and fear. A survey commissioned
by the British Dental Health Foundation found that
36 percent of those who don't see a dentist regularly
cite fear as the main reason.\par People often use
the words "anxiety" and "phobia" interchangeably,
but they aren't the same thing. Those with dental
anxiety will have a sense of uneasiness when it's
time for |
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| If
a bad experience in the past made you afraid of
seeing your dentist, sedation may help you get the
treatment you need. Pain is among the main
reasons people go to the dentist. It's also what
keeps them away: Some 35 million Americans are so
afraid of pain that they won't go anywhere near
a dentist's chair until a toothache gives them no
other choice. "I was probably 10 or 11 years old
when I had a tooth pulled and it was excruciating,"
recalls Jim, 56, an account executive "After that,
I never went to a dentist unless I was in pain."
It took Jim more than four decades — and a push
from his daughter, who wanted to see him smiling
in her wedding photos — to get some long-needed
dental work done. Most people don't wait that long
to have cavities filled or their teeth repaired,
but the anxiety they experience is no less severe.
More and more dentists have begun offering some
form of sedation to make the experience a little
easier. Less Pain and Stress People who have had
painful experiences in the past will understandably
be dubious when they're told that most dental procedures
today are nearly pain-free. A shot or two of novocaine
will make your jaw or teeth numb, but there's no
getting around the fact that it's an uncomfortable
experience. And the more apprehensive people feel,
the more uncomfortable the procedure is likely to
be. Sedation can make a difference. Apart from the
fact that sedating drugs have some analgesic (pain-killing)
effects, they also reduce fear and anxiety. It's
an option for people who are too afraid to go to
the dentist any other way. Types of Sedation Getting
sedated doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be
"out" for the duration of the procedure. This is
certainly an option, but most dentists prefer “conscious
sedation,” in which patients are awake, but relaxed
or drowsy. Conscious Sedation Some people have no
anxiety undergoing treatment. Others find it difficult
to even enter the dentist's office. If you are nervous
or fearful about dental treatment, sedation can
help relax you, making your experience easier and
more pleasant. Although your dentist may explain
the procedures to you and ask if you have questions,
he or she may not perceive or understand your fears.
Also, if your dentist doesn't know you are anxious,
he or she may not suggest sedation as an option.
Talk to your dentist about your anxiety. That may
be enough to relax you. If not, there are many anti-anxiety
drugs that can be used during dental treatment.
Your dentist can even give you one before your appointment,
to use if you have trouble sleeping the night before.
If you are given an antianxiety drug to take the
night before, you should arrange to be driven to
and from the office. Also, avoid alcohol and over-the-counter
sleep aids, because they can react with sedating
medications. |
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There
isn't a clear boundary that separates "normal" anxiety
from phobia. Everyone experiences various
fears and concerns and copes with them in different
ways. However, the prospect of dental work shouldn't
fill you with terror. If it does, then you may need
some help overcoming the fears. Some of the signs
of dental phobia include:
· You feel tense or have trouble sleeping the night
before a dental exam.
· You get increasingly nervous while you're in the
waiting room.
· You feel like crying when you think of going to
the dentist.
The sight of dental instruments — or of white-coated
personnel in the dentist's office — increases your
anxiety.
· The thought of a dental visit makes you feel physically
ill.
· You panic when objects are placed in your mouth
during a dental appointment or you suddenly find
it difficult to breathe.
Nitrous oxide is a common inhaled anti-anxiety drug
given just before treatment starts. Diazepam (given
in pill form) and other similar drugs can be given
30 minutes to an hour before treatment or the preceding
night. Diazepam and other oral sedatives do not
provide pain relief. You also will receive a local
anesthetic injection. Children often receive antihistamine-type
sedatives (such as hydroxyzine), which can cause
significant dry mouth. Depending on the doses and
types of sedatives used, different levels of sedation
are achieved. Dr Perry might consider deeper levels
of sedation for complex procedures or if you are
more anxious.
· Anxiolysis. Very light sedation, usually induced
by nitrous oxide. It provides a feeling of having
no worries.
· Conscious sedation. Medium sedation induced by
nitrous oxide or intravenous drugs. Your gag reflexes
still work and you can respond to commands.
· Deep sedation. You are somewhere between conscious
and unconscious, but closer to unconscious. You
experience a partial loss of your gag reflex and
you cannot respond consistently to stimulation or
commands. You may also be unable to keep your airway
open for breathing independently under deep sedation.
· General anesthesia. You are unconscious and cannot
keep your airway open for breathing or respond to
commands or stimuli. Usually, an endotrachial tube
will be used to assist with breathing. If you will
be receiving nitrous oxide, eat lightly before and
after your appointment. After your dental procedure
is over, you will receive oxygen for several minutes
to clear the nitrous oxide from your system. If
your dentist just takes off the mask without giving
you oxygen, you can experience headache or other
side effects. These are rare, however, with the
25 to 40 percent concentration of nitrous oxide
typically used by dentists. If you are taking medication
for psychiatric conditions, talk to your dentist
before receiving any sedative. |
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| Sedation
dentistry means that you will be sedated during
your dental treatment. Sedation is provided
by either a sedation dentist or an M.D. anesthesiologist
who works side-by-side with the dentist during your
care. All of your dental treatment is performed
while you are in a safe, painless, twilight sedation.
Sedation dentistry at Pleasant Dreams Dental Centers
is performed in state-of-the-art dental offices.
Dr. Perry is your local Pleasant Dreams Dental Dentist.
The result is that you feel no anxiety, no fear,
no pain, and then wake up after the work is completed.
In less than an hour you are ready to leave the
office. And best of all, you feel like you had a
pleasant nap with little or no memory of the dental
appointment. It's safe, it's effective, and it makes
possible the care that you so desperately need.
All types of dentistry can be done while you are
sedated, from simple cleanings to complete smile
makeovers. It's not just the dentistry that you
need; it's also the cosmetic dentistry that can
make for beautiful and healthy smiles. And it's
not just about helping fearful patients. For those
who want to avoid the inconvenience of scheduling
multiple regular dental appointments, or those who
simply find it difficult to sit for long appointments,
sedation dentistry is the answer because all your
dentistry can be completed in only one or two appointments. |
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Sedation
Dentistry is the answer if you have:
· Fear and anxiety about going to the dentist.
· Difficulty getting numb by regular 'Novocaine'.
· Uncontrollable gagging
· Difficulty sitting still for a long time.
· Time constraints making multiple dental appointments
difficult to schedule.
· Fear of injections and needles
· Fear of the feeling and noise from the dental
drill.
· Your safety and comfort is our first concern.
· Combine all appointments into fewer visits.
· Dental care while you are comfortably sedated.
· The highest infection control standards.
· Variety of payment options available.
· Dentistry for all ages.
Sedation If you've been hiding your smile, putting
up with pain, or putting off going to the dentist
because you're too anxious or afraid, your life
is about to change! New and safe sedation techniques
mean you can have years of dental treatments done
quickly, with no discomfort while you sleep. Cosmetics
Now a movie star smile is as close as your mirror.
Starting with healthy teeth and gums, we can greatly
improve your smile through porcelain restorations,
veneers, whitening, and other state-of-the-art treatments.
Implants For those who wish to replace missing teeth,
dental implants may be an effective solution. Implants
act as the artificial root to which new teeth are
attached. Periodontal Disease Unhealthy gums are
a red flag, warning of future tooth loss and the
potential for stroke and heart disease. A periodontal
assessment is one of the most important things you
can do for yourself and your family. |
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| Is
it right for me? If you are anxious or concerned
about visiting a dentist, sedation dentistry is
a great choice. Your dentist can answer any questions
you may have about this easy and painless treatment
option. People who have... · Simple anxiety or extreme
fear about going to the dentist and a wish to be
sedated. · Hate the noise, smell, feel of the dental
drill. · Embarrassment about the extent of their
dental problems brought about by fear. · Hate getting
the 'Novocaine' shot at the dentist. · Difficulty
getting numb. · Time constraints that would be helped
by having longer dental appointments where more
treatment is accomplished at each visit. · Severe
gag reflex. · Very sensitive teeth. · Children who
are too anxious to sit still. · Handicapped individuals
who have difficulty holding still for dental treatment.
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| This
is the safest type of sedation dentistry.
You are sedated and completely comfortable while
being cared for by a highly trained sedation dentist
or an M.D. anesthesiologist. Your level of sedation
is monitored and adjusted throughout your dental
appointment so that you have no pain or awareness
and no memory of the procedure when its over. Will
I need to be accompanied by someone to and from
my dental appointment? Yes, someone must bring you
to the office and take you home at the end of your
appointment. At home you will relax and rest comfortably
for the rest of the day. How long will I be sedated?
It depends on the extent of your dental treatment.
It can be as short as 1 hour or as long as 3 to
4 hours. Your dentist will tell you the details
of your treatment and the length of time needed
to complete it. |
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| Ultrasonic
scalers generate a high frequency vibration to remove
tartar from your teeth during cleanings performed
at your dentist's office. While sensitivity
to such scaling is common, the sonic toothbrushes
sold for at-home use are set at a much lower power
and shouldn't irritate your teeth. However, if you
have sensitive teeth, using a sonic toothbrush may
not alleviate the problem. There are two primary
reasons for tooth sensitivity. Dentinal sensitivity
occurs when the middle layer of a tooth is exposed.
This layer, known as dentin, lies below the gumline.
The dentinal layer consists of fine tubules, which
contain nerves that branch from the tooth's pulp
chamber. When the dentin is exposed, the nerves
can be stimulated by pressure of temperature changes,
resulting in sensitivity that can affect any number
of your teeth. In contrast, pulpal sensitivity is
a reaction of the pulp to infection, recent dental
treatment, or excessive pressure from biting or
grinding. Pulpal sensitivity is usually confined
to an individual tooth. There are several treatments
available for dentinal sensitivity, all of which
aim to block the tubules in the dentin, preventing
the stimulus from reaching the nerves. In the dental
office, your dentist or hygienist may use higher-strength
fluoride varnishes and other products that are painted
on the tooth to reduce sensitivity. At home, you
can use any number of widely available toothpastes
and fluoride rinses for sensitive teeth. Look for
products that include potassium nitrate or stannous
fluoride, which have been proven to reduce dentinal
sensitivity in the roots. You should discuss treatment
options with your dentist. Happily, tooth sensitivity
is usually easily remedied. |
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| With
proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your
smile for well over a decade. Dr. Perry will
ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest
quality porcelains and are bonded with the most
advanced and proven materials available. Refraining
from using your veneers as tools to open and cut
things will prolong their life, and if accidental
breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible
to replace only the veneer involved. |
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| Inlays
and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite
resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged
area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to
a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth.
An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar
to the inlay but extending out over one or more
of the cusps of the tooth. Traditionally, gold has
been the material of choice for inlays and onlays.
In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly
popular due to its strength and color, which can
potentially match the natural color of your teeth. |
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| Inlays
and onlays require two appointments to complete
the procedure. During the first visit, the
filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying
area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared
for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and
bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the
dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The
dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the
tooth and schedule the next appointment. At the
second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed.
Dr. Perry will then make sure that the inlay or
onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory,
the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with
a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of
a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative,
inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto
the tooth using special high-strength resins, can
actually increase the strength of a tooth by up
to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10
to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to
the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire
crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
Indirect fillings or restorations These are usually
done by making and impression or your tooth and
sending out to the labe to have a piece custom made
and placed into your tooth at a second visit. These
types of restorations are usually more durable and
last longer. Dirct fillings or restorations These
are usually done chairside in one visit but have
the tendency to leak or crack causeing the need
for further treatment and possibly tooth loss. You
have the choice Ask your dentist or Dr Perry to
give you a choice in treatment options when it comes
to replacing your old broken restorations/fillings.
Only your dental professional can help you make
the proper treatment choice. |
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| Bonding
is an alternative to veneers, and can be used as
a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped,
cracked, discolored or misarranged. The tooth
is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching
the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once
the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and
sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist.
Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished
to a natural appearance. The bonding procedure can
often be completed in a single office visit, and
can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly.
However, since the plastic resin used is not as
strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more
likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth.
Bonding typically lasts three to five years before
need of repair. |
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| Dental
implants are designed to provide a foundation for
replacement teeth that look, feel and function like
natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth
regains the ability to eat virtually anything and
can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear
natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed
into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone
bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation
for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can
help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone
deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live!
With them, people are rediscovering the comfort
and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as
tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed
into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached
to the implant which protrude through the gums.
These posts provide stable anchors for artificial
replacement teeth. For most patients, the placement
of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.
First, implants are placed within your jawbone.
For the first three to six months following surgery,
the implants are beneath the surface of the gums,
gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be
able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet
during this time. At the same time, your restorative
dentist designs the final bridgework or denture,
which will ultimately improve both function and
aesthetics. After the implant has bonded to the
jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will
uncover the implants and attach a small healing
collar. Dr. Perry can then start making your new
teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or
attachments can be connected to the implants. The
replacement teeth are then made over the posts or
attachments. The entire procedure usually takes
six to eight months. Most patients do not experience
any disruption in their daily life. |
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| A
bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth
— attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural
teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are
either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or
they can be removable. Fixed bridges are applied
by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or
by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the
abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to
the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be
aware of their importance to your appearance and
dental health. Your teeth work together for many
daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing
teeth, it's difficult to do these things. Missing
teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges
are a great way to restore your dental health and
appearance. |
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| Oral
functionality and appearance are important reasons
for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support
your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may
cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a
bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other.
Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other
oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number
of potentially harmful disorders. Increased risk
of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst
side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized
with a bridge. Missing teeth can cause speech disorders
as they are used to make many of the sounds we use
to speak clearly. |
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| The
attachment procedure usually takes two or three
appointments to complete. At the first appointment
Dr. Perry will prepare the teeth on either side
of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and
dentin. Since the bridge must be fabricated very
precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the
opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken
and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural
teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth.
A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth.
Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth,
provide support for the bridge. |
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| Bridges
can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious
alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or
non-precious metal. |
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| A
strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep
the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This
is of critical importance as the bridge relies on
the neighboring teeth for support. |
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Periodontal
disease is caused mainly by bacteria contained within
dental plaque, the sticky substance that normally
forms on your teeth. Interestingly, it is
your body's response to the bacterial infection
that causes most of the problems. In an effort to
eliminate the bacteria, the cells of your immune
system release substances that cause inflammation
and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament
or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding
gums, signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of
periodontal disease), and loosening of the teeth,
a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage
of disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting
your dentist regularly (about once every six months)
can prevent periodontal disease. Daily brushing
and flossing, when done correctly, help remove most
of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings
by your dentist or dental hygienist will keep plaque
under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush
or floss to reach. If oral hygiene slips or dental
visits become irregular, plaque builds up on the
teeth and eventually spreads below the gumline.
There, the bacteria are protected because your toothbrush
can't reach them. Good flossing may help dislodge
the plaque; but if it is not removed, the bacteria
will continue to multiply, causing a more serious
infection. The buildup of plaque below the gumline
leads to inflammation of the gums. As the gum tissues
become more swollen, they detach from the tooth
forming a space, or "pocket," between the tooth
and gums. In a snowball effect, the pockets encourage
further plaque accumulation since plaque removal
becomes more difficult. If left untreated, the inflammatory
response to the plaque bacteria may spread to the
periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading
to destruction of these structures. Another problem
is that if plaque is allowed to build up on teeth,
over time it becomes calcified, or hardened, and
turns into calculus (commonly called tartar). Since
calculus is rougher than tooth enamel or cementum,
even more plaque attaches to it, continuing this
downward spiral. And don't think tartar-control
toothpaste will protect you. Although it may help
slow accumulation of calculus on the teeth, it can't
do anything for tartar that has already formed below
the gumline. Periodontal disease is serious infection
and gums and other tissue surrounding teeth millions
of Americans have periodontal disease left untreated,
intending to involve loss the welcome news that
periodontal treatment can make your mouth healthier
and help you keep your teeth. Symptoms of periodontal
disease Know the symptoms of periodontal disease
or subtle the disease is not entirely without warning
signs. If any of the following applies to you; please
contact your dentist immediately.
· Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
· Red, swollen, or tender gums.
· Persistence Bad breath or bad taste.
· Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums.
· Loose or shifting teeth.
· Changes in the way teeth fit together when you
bite.
Periodontal disease may progress. You may have periodontal
disease without noticing any symptoms. There are
three main stages: Gingivitis, periodontitis, and
advanced periodontitis. Early detection and treatment
can help keep periodontal disease from progressing.
Gingivitis Bacteria and plaque have caused the gums
to become inflamed and to bleed easily. Plaque gets
in the space between the gum and tooth, causing
“pockets”. Good home care and professional cleaning
are usually enough to restore healthy gums. Periodontitis
High levels of bacteria initiate a release of tissue
destroying enzymes. These enzymes start a process
which results in deeper pockets and bone loss. Treatment
is aimed at stopping further damage and reversing
the progression of the disease. Advanced periodontitis
Bacteria and enzymes have caused gum and bone to
degrade further. At this stage, tooth loss is possible,
and is critical to avoid this outcome. |
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| Wisdom
teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth.
When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy,
wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately,
this does not generally happen The extraction of
wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented
from properly erupting within the mouth. They may
grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and
even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted
teeth can take many positions in the bone as they
attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to
erupt successfully. These poorly positioned impacted
teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially
erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria
to grow and will eventually cause an infection.
The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness.
The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may
move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or
natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem
occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted
wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the
jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending
impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems.
Early removal is recommended to avoid such future
problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved
with the procedure. All outpatient surgery is performed
under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient
comfort. Dr. Perry has the training, license and
experience to provide various types of anesthesia
for patients to select the best alternative. Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed
under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen
analgesia) or general anesthesia. These options
as well as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve
damage, sinus complications) will be discussed with
you before the procedure is performed. Once the
teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control
bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your
mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the
office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon
discharge, your post-operative kit will include
postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain
medication, antibiotics and a follow-up appointment
in one week for suture removal. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to call us at
(631) 654-0707. Our services are provided in an
environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern
monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced
in anesthesia techniques. |
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1.
DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY. Tomorrow, rinse
mouth gently every 4-6 hours using ¼ teaspoon of
salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinses
for several days.
2. BLEEDING.
Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected.
If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads
over bleeding occur, place gauze pads over bleeding
area and bite down firmly or 1-2 hours. Repeat
if necessary. Some oozing of blood can cause pink
saliva for several days. DO NOT SLEEP WITH GAUZE.
You might want to place a towel on your pillow to
protect your sheets.
3. SWELLING.
Ice bag or a cold moist cloth should be applied
to area outside the mouth. Ten minutes on and
ten minutes of for the first 12-24 hours.
4. PAIN.
For mild to average pain take over the counter Tylenol
or Advil or Motrin the same as you would for a headache.
You can refer to the directions on the bottle from
the manufacturer.
5. FOOD. Light
diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.
6. BONY EDGES.
Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the
gums during healing. These are not roots. If annoying,
return to this office for their simple removal
7. If any
unusual symptoms occur please call 631-654-0707
at once.
8. Simple
care is required for an immediate recovery.
9. Soreness
or pain can be for up to 2 weeks in some cases depending
on the difficulty of the extraction.
10. SMOKING.
You should refrain from smoking for up to 72 hours
after your extraction. Smoking will often triple
the time it takes to heal and can cause damage and
destruction to the healing site. This can cause
more pain.
11. MEDICATIONS.
Please take all your medications as directed.
If you have any questions please call the office
at 631-654-0707.
12. NO SPITTING
OR USING STRAWS FOR DRINKING FOR 24- 48 HOURS.
13. YOU SHOULD
REFRAIN FROM EXCERCISE OR HEAVY LIFTING FOR 24-
48 HOURS AFTER YOUR EXTRACTION. |
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| The
chemicals in cigarette smoke have been shown to
harm the “helpful” bacteria that keep your gums
strong. Cigarettes also lower HDL or your
“good cholesterol,” which can lead to artery damage
and to the decreased flow of nutrients to your gums.
If you smoke, it’s probably a good idea to try and
quit. |
|
| The
American Dental Association recommends that you
brush your teeth at least 2 times every day. This
will help to cleanse your teeth of unwanted bacteria
or the food bits on which they can feed. |
|
| The
American Dental Association recommends that you
floss at least once every day. Flossing helps
stimulate your gums to rebuild themselves. Also,
by scraping away plaque and other material, flossing
stimulates your body’s immune system to take care
of any invading bacteria, thereby helping to keep
gums healthy. |
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A
healthy diet helps your body stay in top physical
condition. If you do not eat well-balanced
meals every day, you may be missing important nutrients
that your teeth and gums need to fight invading
bacteria. Talk to your dentist or physician about
how you can improve your diet for peak physical
condition. If you are concerned that any of these
factors could use improvement, call your general
dentist or periodontist today for a checkup. Your
health care provider will be better able to help
you if you come to his or her office prepared with
a list of things to discuss. Periodontal Treatments
for Periodontal Disease Today there are several
ways in which dentists and periodontists are helping
patients overcome periodontal disease. Old and new
therapies used together often help dental professionals
address the various factors that contribute to periodontitis.
Gum Irrigation and
Ultrasonic Therapy
· Gum Irrigation:
Dentists often use a strong stream of water to help
wash plaque and bacteria off of teeth. This is done
by directing the water so that it penetrates below
the gum line. As the body responds to this pressure,
the bond between tooth and gum is made more solid.
· Ultrasonic Therapy:
This procedure uses an instrument that directs ultrasonic
vibrations through the gums and teeth. Similar to
gum irrigation, this procedure strengthens tooth
and gum stability and encourages your own immune
cells to destroy harmful bacteria. Scaling and Root
Planing (SRP) Scaling and root planing is a type
of professional tooth cleaning. It removes plaque
and tartar from the teeth and smoothes the root
surfaces. |
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Arestin®
(minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres is a treatment
for chronic periodontitis, an infection of the gums
that can lead to tooth loss. Research has
shown periodontitis may be linked to other serious
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis,
and diabetes. Microsphere technology enables extended
release of the antibiotic minocycline to effectively
kill the germs that cause periodontal disease.
The Arestin® Facts
· Treatment with Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg)
microspheres is fast, easy and doesn't cause discomfort.
· Treating periodontal disease with Arestin and
scaling and root planing will help you manage chronic
periodontist more effectively than scaling and root
planing alone. You’ll also be less likely to lose
your teeth.
· Patients treated with Arestin experience minimal
side effects.
· Arestin does not require bandages or stitches.
· Arestin is bioadhesive and bioresorbable. It will
not leak, fall out, or leave anything to be removed
by the dentist or hygienist in a follow-up visit.
· Treating periodontitis with Arestin plus SRP can
keep this chronic disease from progressing to the
point where surgery is needed.
· Arestin doesn't require anesthesia because application
is comfortable. |
|
| Most
patients with periodontal disease can benefit from
Arestin. However, Arestin should not be used on
children and pregnant or nursing women. |
|
| The
use of a locally administered antibiotic is not
a new concept. For years, dentists have used
antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root
planing treatments. However, Arestin, which was
FDA-approved in February 2001, is the first locally-administered
time released antibiotic encapsulated in microspheres
to make Arestin a fast, easy treatment that doesn’t
cause discomfort and has been shown to be more effective
than SRP alone. |
|
| Yes,
Arestin plus scaling and root planing is an effective
treatment for periodontal disease compared to scaling
and root planing alone. Clinical studies
show that patients who received a combined treatment
of scaling and root planing and Arestin maintained
healthier gums and pockets versus those who were
treated with scaling and root planing alone. |
|
| In
clinical trials, investigators were able to treat
an average of 30 periodontal pockets, in less than
ten minutes. That's up to three sites in
one minute! Treatment time for placement depends
on the location and the number of periodontal pocket
sites, but generally the procedure is fast, easy
and comfortable. |
|
| No.
Arestin does not require bandages and won’t leak
or fall out. It is naturally absorbed into
the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed
by your dentist. |
|
| Treatment
with Arestin is easy and doesn’t cause discomfort.
There is no need for anesthesia, and that means
no needles |
|
| In
clinical studies, minimal side effects were reported.
Those that were reported were similar to those in
the placebo group. Arestin does not alter taste
buds, cause teeth staining, or upset stomach. |
|
| The
cost of Arestin treatment will vary depending upon
your treatment needs. After your dentist
has evaluated your oral health and discussed the
treatment options, he or she can provide you with
an estimate of the cost. Keep in mind that treating
your gum disease today is less costly and better
for your health than waiting to treat symptoms at
a more advanced stage. |
|
·
Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres provides
dental professionals with a fast and easy way to
treat periodontal disease. Arestin uses microsphere
technology that delivers minocycline, a potent but
low-dose antibiotic that kills the bacteria that
cause periodontal disease. Minocycline is placed
painlessly under the gum, directly to the infected
site
· If you could see
them, these microspheres would look like tiny beads
of many different sizes. However, they are
smaller than a grain of sand and look like a yellow
powder to the naked eye. Administered as a powder,
the microspheres become moist from various fluids
beneath the gums, they stick to the infected sites
around your teeth. The moisture causes the release
of the antibiotic minocycline, which can then access
the bacteria in the intricate sites around your
teeth, including the sites that are difficult to
reach with other methods of treatment. The different
sizes of the microspheres enable the medication
to be continually released and fight the infection
for at least 21 days. This helps control periodontitis
for at least 12 months when used with SRP. Arestin
is administered quickly and easily. Application
is comfortable and no anesthesia is needed. Arestin
does not require bandages and won't leak or fall
out or leave anything to be removed by your dentist.
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