A Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 2

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health.

The very biggest obstacle in the path of perfect oral health is almost always ignorance. But, more than just not knowing any better, there are a number of myths that many Colorado Springs residents dangerously believe to be fact. And by adhering to the falsities perpetuated by these myths, these people put themselves at a much higher risk of doing permanent damage to their teeth and gums.

In Part 1, a dentalimplant dentist in Colorado Springs discussed the first two myths:

Myth # 1: Your oral health has little to do with your general health.

Horribly untrue: you eat with your mouth and you breathe through your mouth, so if it’s full of bacteria, you put your body at much greater risk of infection.

Myth # 2: If it doesn’t hurt, I can live with it.

Gum disease, surface cavities and even oral cancer frequently DON’T present with painful symptoms. And you certainly cannot live with those!

Let’s move along and take a look at the next two common misconceptions…

Myth # 3: If it’s not broken, why fix it?

“Unless you painstakingly examine each and every tooth and your gums with a magnified dental mirror, you cannot know whether it’s “broken,” can you? Dental problems rarely tend to announce themselves with much fanfare. Rather, they begin small, at which stage they’re easy and inexpensive to treat, and they develop and worsen over time. By the time you do realize you’ve got a problem that requires professional attention, the necessary treatment will likely be a lot more complex and a lot more expensive,” explains a Colorado Springs family dentist.

“There are two important messages for Colorado Springs residents to realize: (1) Just because you don’t notice anything wrong with your teeth doesn’t mean there isn’t anything wrong. And (2) dentists are trained to and have the specialized equipment necessary to identify problems in their infancy, or that may be hidden from the human eye. They can then provide early treatment that will prevent you from sustaining permanent damage. This is why routine preventative appointments with your dentist are essential for the maintenance of excellent oral health and hygiene.”

Myth # 4: It’s normal for your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.

“If you got in the shower and started bleeding from your skin where you scrubbed it, would you think it was normal? No! You’d probably jump out the shower and go straight to the doctor’s office. Why are your gums any different?

“The gums tend to bleed when they have been weakened by infection, which means that your oral health is compromised,” warns the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “If your gums bleed quite a bit when you brush them, it probably means that you have gingivitis or even periodontitis – gum disease. In addition to being at risk of ultimately losing your teeth, other symptoms of these conditions include really bad breath, so you may want to have that sorted out by going to your dentist before you find yourself losing friends.”

What if I’ve been told I’m in good oral health, but my gums still bleed?

“You may want to switch to a softer toothbrush and ease up on the pressure; hard, vigorous brushing can cause the gums to tear and bleed. Most family dentists recommend using a “soft” or “medium” bristled toothbrush and short, brisk strokes, rather than long, hard scrubs.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Family Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 1

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

In an effort to purge the dangerous dental myths from the minds of Colorado Springs’ residents, this four-part article series presents to you what an experienced family dentist has to say about the following very common misconceptions. And if there’s one medical professional that’s extremely qualified to talk about the damage that can be potentially done to your teeth through ignorance, it’s a surgeon who routinely repairs this damage!

Let’s get started…

Myth # 1: Your oral health has little to do with your general health.

“Actually, your oral health and general health share a very direct and intimate connection,” says a Colorado Springs dental implant surgeon. “Not only does your body receive its nutrition through the oral cavity, but it’s also the primary airway. People who do not brush and floss regularly will have a lot more oral bacteria in their mouths, which are easily introduced into the rest of the body via swallowing and breathing. So, the unhealthier your mouth is, the greater the risk to your general health.

“This especially becomes a problem if you develop gum disease, which is an aggressive bacterial infection of the gums. It is an accepted fact amongst the medical community that gum disease shares a link with potentially fatal illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and liver and kidney disease. Further links between gum disease and osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications are supported by research.

“It’s important for Colorado Springs residents to understand that poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease, which is a systemic and inflammatory disease, meaning that it affects all of your body’s major systems and organs. Therefore, to ignore the health of your teeth and gums may come at the cost of your life, and this is no inflammatory statement… if you’ll excuse the pun.”

Myth # 2: If it doesn’t hurt, I can live with it.

“There are many oral ailments – and potentially fatal ones too – that do not necessarily cause pain,” warns the family dentist. “Colorado Springs residents frequently wait until the their problems start causing them discomfort before they seek treatment, which is a very erroneous philosophy to have. For example, you can quite happily live with gum disease for many years before it starts causing symptoms that simply cannot be ignored, by which time the damage may be irreversible.

“Another example: A cavity can go undetected until it becomes so big that the pulp chamber is exposed and infected with bacteria. Only once this has happened – only once it is too late for a straightforward filling – will you likely experience the pain associated with endodontic infection. And then, of course, the treatment solution will probably be root canal therapy and a dental crown, which is far more extensive and expensive than a simple filling. Then there is oral cancer, which can appear as painless sores…”

“The take-home message here is that ignoring an oral problem, or not going for routine dental examinations (whether you feel something is wrong or not) may end up costing you substantially more money to get fixed, if it can be fixed at all,” says a Colorado Springs family dentist. “By neglecting to receive regular professional attention, you risk permanent damage to your teeth and possibly even tooth loss, not to mention the having to pay the associated bills. Prevention is always better than cure!”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Oral Surgeon’s Comprehensive Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 4

This four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what patients can expect from its different methods of administration.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on sedation dentistry and what patients need and want to know about this very beneficial branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part 3, an experienced oral surgeon in Colorado Springs began describing the different methods for the administration of sedation medications. We looked into oral conscious sedation, which involves taking one or two small pills about an hour prior to dental treatment; and we looked at inhalation sedation, which involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen whilst in the dentist’s chair. Both achieve the same wonderful, anxiety-free results.

Now, let’s look at the final of the three primary modes of sedation administration…

The Primary Modes of Sedation, Continued

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

For intravenous (IV) sedation, as the name suggests, the calming medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, via an intravenous drip. The effects are similar to the other two methods and will make a patient feel completely calm, relaxed and as though they are in a dream-like state. They are unlikely to remember much about their procedure, although they will be able to respond to the dentist’s questions during treatment.

“The procedure with IV sedation starts out the same as the other methods in that we will sit you down and explain to you in detail what you can expect before you undergo treatment,” says a Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “We’ll rub a little anesthetic gel on your hand to make sure that you don’t feel any pain when we insert the needle. Once everything is ready and you’re happy to proceed, we’ll gently inject the sedative drug into the IV drip and you’ll notice an increasing sense of sleepiness and relaxation. We’ll do this gradually so that the onset of sedation doesn't alarm you.

“And when you’re at the desired level of sedation, we’ll begin your treatment. All the while we will be closely monitoring your vitals and the administration of the medications. Once the procedure has been completed, we’ll cease feeding the sedative into the IV tube and you’ll be allowed to recover in your own time. You will probably feel sleepy for quite some time after treatment, so don’t expect to get in your car and drive off home!”

Some Important Facts to Know About Sedation Dentistry

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Not all Colorado Springs implant dentists are qualified to offer their patients sedation, which means that they will be required to call in a specialist to do it for them. It’s often best to find a dental implant surgeon who also has the necessary training and qualifications to offer sedation, because it’s quicker, easier and eliminates having to foot the bill for the specialist’s services.

You will need to plan accordingly if you are going to be sedated for your dental procedure or treatment. You must arrange transportation from the dental office, because you won’t be fit to drive and you should take the rest of the day off from work. Don’t plan any strenuous activities either: rather have a good rest and wake up the following morning completely recovered.

“In addition to avoiding exercise or any strenuous activities, stay away from alcohol and don’t eat a heavy meal straight after treatment,” advises the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “Have a rest first and then enjoy a light meal. You may experience the odd dizzy spell after (especially) IV sedation, so try to limit your activity and lie down if you do feel faint.”

Are There Any Patients Who Aren’t Considered Candidates for Sedation?

Unfortunately, yes, and they are:

• Patients who have a history of allergic reaction to sedation medications.
• Patients who are pregnant.
• Patients with glaucoma or any kind of kidney or lung problem.
• Patients with blood pressure or heart problems.

“Always notify your dentist of any medications or of any allergies you may have to medication, no matter how unrelated you think it may be,” urge oral surgeons in Colorado Springs. “We don’t care if you’ve been taking aspirin for a headache: tell us about it. Being on medication or having an illness that might keep you from receiving sedation doesn't mean you can’t receive treatment. We may be able to find a creative way around the problem by seeking the advice of your doctor, so don’t despair.”

A Colorado Springs Dentist’s Comprehensive Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 3

This four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what patients can expect from its different methods of administration.

Welcome to the third instalment of this four-part article series on sedation dentistry and the various aspects that patients want and need to know about this essential branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part 2, an experienced ColoradoSprings dentist explained the many wonderful benefits of sedation, which extend well past the simple act of calming nervous and fearful patients. It also eliminates pain and calms strong gag reflexes, while enabling dentists to perform longer and more complex procedures in a single appointment, rather than breaking it down into smaller and more manageable phases.

Now, let’s take a look at the three primary modes of sedation administration, the procedures involved and what patients can expect.

The Primary Modes of Sedation

• Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation simply involves swallowing one or two small pills, depending upon the recommendations of the Colorado Springs dentist. You will be required to arrive for your appointment an hour beforehand and the procedure and sedation will be explained to you in full again.

Once you have taken your pill, you will be left to sit back and relax while the effects kick in. By the time it’s your turn for an appointment, you should be feeling completely relaxed, comfortable and anxiety-free. While you are receiving treatment – even if it’s just a standard dental examination – the dentist will ensure that you’re comfortable and will also closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.

“Towards the end of your appointment, you may begin to become more conscious of what’s going on as the sedation effects of the pill wears off,” says a Colorado Springs implant dentist. “You’ll likely feel quite sleepy and won’t remember much from your procedure. Please do make sure to arrange transportation from your dental office to your home, because you won’t be fit for driving whilst under the effects of sedation, even though it’s wearing off.”

• Nitrous Oxide or Inhalation Sedation

The administration of sedative medications – usually Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” - via an oxygen mask is a popular method of sedation, especially for kids, nervous patients and for those with a strong gag reflex. Inhalation is suitable for patients between the ages of 5 to 95 years. The procedure, similar to oral conscious sedation, is really very simple:

“Upon arriving for your appointment, we’ll explain to you the entire procedure and what it is you can expect from your treatment,” says a Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. “We’ll also describe what you can expect to feel so that nothing takes you by surprise. Once you are comfortably in the dentist’s chair, we’ll put a small oxygen mask over your nose and mouth, but it won’t only be delivering oxygen to you. We use a mixture of oxygen and a gas called nitrous oxide, which makes you feel totally relaxed, spaced out and anxiety-free.

“Throughout treatment, we will periodically adjust your gas intake so that the calm, sedated state is maintained. In spite of this, you will still be able to respond to our questions and prompts, although you may slur your words! Once your treatment is complete, we’ll reduce the levels of nitrous oxide you’re breathing in until you’re left only with oxygen. We’ll then remove the mask and allow you some time to emerge from the fog of sedation.

“Once again, it’s important that you arrange for transportation home, because although you’ll feel a lot more awake after treatment, you still won’t be fit to drive yourself,” says the ColoradoSprings dentist.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more about sedation dentistry and what the final mode of administration entails – intravenous sedation - stay tuned for the final instalment of this four-part article series.

A Colorado Springs Cosmetic Dentist’s Comprehensive Patient Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 2

This four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what patients can expect from its different methods of administration.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on sedation dentistry and everything patients need to know about this essential branch of dental healthcare. Previously, in Part 1, an experienced Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist explained what sedation is and what the three primary modes for administration are (oral pills, nitrous oxide gas and intravenous) before going on to describe what it actually feels like for patients.

Now, let’s take a look at the many benefits of sedation dentistry…

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

• Anxiety-free Treatment: Sedation dentistry eliminates fear and anxiety, which encourages patients to receive the routine preventative or restorative treatment they need to keep their teeth healthy.

• No More Sweaty Palms and Racing Hearts: It also eliminates many of the physical symptoms associated with fear and anxiety, which includes sweating, trembling, fainting, nausea and panic attacks.

• Pain-free Treatment: You don’t need to be terrified of the dentist to benefit from sedation dentistry.

“Sedation is often administered to patients about to undergo complex and invasive procedures for which it eliminates pain, stress and discomfort,” explains the Colorado Springs dental implant dentist. It’s also good for patients who suffer with extremely sensitive or painful teeth.”

• Single Visit Treatment: Sedation dentistry enables dentists to perform longer and more involved procedures, such as dental implant surgery, in a single appointment instead of breaking it down into shorter phases or stages. With more work being achieved in a single appointment, patients are saved the time, inconvenience and expense of multiple procedures.

• A Good Dental Catch Up: Oftentimes, Colorado Springs dental implant dentists only see patients after many years of abandon, probably because fear and embarrassment has kept them away. Sedation dentistry enables the dentist to provide several years’ worth of treatment in only a few appointments. This isn’t the recommended way to go about receiving professional dental care, but it’s better than total neglect!

• Eliminates Gagging: Sedation can also be prescribed to those patients who have a strong gag reflex and who struggle to keep their lunch down, even when undergoing a straightforward check-up or cleaning.

• Benefits Dentist and Patient: Sedation dentistry is as beneficial to the patient as it is to the dentist. Any decent cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs is wholly concerned about the comfort and wellbeing of their patients and if a patient is seen to be struggling with panic and fear, it’s going to be hard for the dentist to dispense the quality of care they are truly capable of. By sedating the patient, both parties are put at ease and, as such, the dentist can provide the best quality care under much better and more relaxed circumstances. Patients are also calmer and more cooperative under the effects of sedation.

• Safe and Easy: Sedation medications are easily metabolized by the body, so they won’t deliver an unpleasant hangover afterwards. They also take effect really quickly and the dentist can easily control the dosage.

Who’s the Ideal Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

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The ideal candidate for sedation dentistry is someone who suffers from any of the above-mentioned conditions: anxiety, fear, nervousness, strong gag reflex, painful or sensitive teeth or advanced neglect.

“If you have any kind of anxiety about undergoing dental treatment, whether it’s a routine examination or advanced surgery, sedation can really help you,” explains a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs. “It can also help you overcome your fear, making it easier for you to seek professional dental care in future, even if you’ve had a bad experience in the past.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read more about sedation dentistry and what the different modes of administration entail (pills, nitrous oxide gas and IV), stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.