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Cosmetic Dentist - Antioch
5357 Mt. View Road
Antioch, TN 37013
(615) 731-8960

Posts for: January, 2010

By drglasmeier@nashvillefirstimpressions.net
January 19, 2010
Category: Uncategorized

Question: Can sedation help if I have a really big gag reflex?

 

Answer: Yes, sedation can minimize and often times completely eliminate it completely. The gag reflex refers to the response cause when the tissue in the back of the throat is irritated. There are multiple nerve endings located in the back of the throat and the "uvula", the flap of tissue that hands down in the throat and vibrates when a person says "ahhhhh". When foreign objects come in contact with this area such as impression material, filling material, cotton, the gag reflex is stimulated further producing a vomiting response. There is a great deal of variety of the intensity in gag reflex from person to person.

 

There are multiple treatment modalities to help improve or lessen the gag reflex. Topical anesthetic spray can be used at the back of the throat producing numbness or suppression of the gag reflex within seconds and up to 15-20 minutes. Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, can also work on the higher centers of the brain to also help with reducing gagging. If topical spray and laughing gas are not sufficient, oral and/or IV sedation can likely remove all the normal gag reflex reactions. With sedation, the muscles in the mouth and throat are more relaxed decreasing the likelihood of a gag reaction.

 

With sedation, routine dentistry, impressions, extractions, etc. can be accomplished in a short amount of time while minimizing the gag reflex often encountered in patients.


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By drglasmeier@nashvillefirstimpressions.net
January 17, 2010
Category: Uncategorized

Question: If I want to whiten my teeth, should I whiten before or after my dental work.

 

Answer: Almost always you would want to whiten prior to commencing with your dental treatment. Modern teeth whitening techniques are designed to remove external stains from natural tooth structure. It is well known that there a variety of successful brands and techniques available that can help whiten stained and darkened teeth. However, in spite of the technological advancements, whitening materials have no effect on existing restorations in the mouth.

 

Restorations such as crowns, bridges, fillings, etc. will not respond to whitening. Because of this, it is encouraged to whiten before any major restorations are placed or there could be some discrepancies in the tooth colors.


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By drglasmeier@nashvillefirstimpressions.net
January 11, 2010
Category: Uncategorized

Question: Why do I need to get a cavity fixed?

 

Answer: The answer is ABSOLUTELY. It is important to understand what cavity is and how it affects the tooth. A cavity simply refers to "hole" that is commonly found on a tooth. It is a result of bacteria that normally occupy the mouth becoming "opportunistic" meaning when given an opportunity in the right conditions, they can cause destruction to the tooth. The reason why we discourage sodas and sweets is that the bacteria in your mouth can take this sugar and metabolize it into an acid that can dissolve the enamel from the tooth. Enamel loss is characterized by holes, or dark stains, or identifiable softness within the tooth.

 

The problem with small cavities is that when the cavity is in the enamel, you cannot feel it. It typically does not occur until the cavity reaches the "dentin" which is tooth structure under the enamel. When the cavity reaches the dentin, sensitivity begins. The tooth will become hot/cold sensitive, bite sensitive, can periodically throb and is also more susceptible to fracture. The longer the cavity persists the deeper it gets, and the deeper it gets, the closer it gets to the nerve.

 

Once it gets to or close to the nerve, the sensitivity changes. Now the tooth become lingering cold sensitive and throbs eratically without any warning and without any stimulation. The tooth at this point can keep you up at night and be very unpredictable. If the cavity gets any further, the nerve becomes infected and the result is an abscess. An abscess is characterized by swelling, excruciating pain, pain to biting, pain to touch, pain when laying down, etc. When a tooth gets to this point, the only two options to resolve this pain is an extraction or root canal.

 

Why is this important to know? The reason is that something simple like a filling can prevent an onslaught of problems that become more time consuming, painful and costly. For example a small filling that costs $150 may appear to be costly but when compared to other options it is actually very inexpensive. A cavity that never gets filled can become a root canal, filling and crown that now costs $2000-2500 or an extraction + a permanent bridge which is typically $2500-3000.

 

This definitely puts a small filling into perspective.

It is important not to delay treatment that needs to be completed. Delaying treatment can become painful, costly and very time consuming. I like to think "an ounce of prevention keeps away a pound of problems".

 

Please call our office if you have any questions and as always, we appreciate your dedication to your oral health as well as your loyalty to our office!

 

Dr.Glasmeier


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By drglasmeier@nashvillefirstimpressions.net
January 11, 2010
Category: Uncategorized

Question: Is tongue piercing safe?

 

Answer: Oral piercing has become fashionable over the last decade. While oral piercing can involve the lips,cheek, uvula, the tongue remains to be the most commonly pierced. Tongue piercing involves placing a "barbell"-type stud through the tongue.

 

There are several common risks associated with tongue piercing.

Infection- This is possibly due to nonsterile techniques and/or improper care after the piercing. Treatment can include antiobiotic therapy, localized cleaning and oral hygiene instructions. Serious infections, involving the tongue, jaw and chin can require emergency medical treatment.

 

Chipped or Broken Teeth- Usually occurs through biting the barbell especially in new piercings with the initial longer barbell. To minimize the risk, a shorter barbell or made of acrylic/plastic should be worn.

 

Enamel Loss- Most commonly occurs at the back of the teeth through repeated rubbing against the jewelry. A shorter barbell or one made of non-metallic material can also be worn to prevent enamel loss.

 

Gum recession- Over time, repeated contact between the tongue ring and the gums can lead to receding gums especially with long stem barbells. Smaller tongue rings can reduce the risks of receding gums.

 

Future considerations for the tongue ring user:

 

1. Replacing metal barbell with a shorter, plastic based barbell.

2. Using antiseptic mouthrinse, such as Listerine on a daily basis and brushing the tongue regularly.

3. Exercise conscious control of the movement of tongue jewelry during chewing or speech.

 

Please contact Dr.Glasmeier if you have any questions re: tongue rings.


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Dental - Antioch, First Impressions Family Dentistry , Antioch TN, 37013 (615) 731-8960