True or False?

    Good oral hygiene prevents cavities. TRUE. (Of course.) As simple as this is, regular brushing and flossing is the best way you can prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing after every meal for 2-3 minutes will help prevent cavities by removing food particles that normally create an environment for bacteria in your mouth to cause cavities.

    HOWEVER, while good hygiene does help prevent cavities, the fact is that some people are more susceptible to cavities(and gum disease) in spite of the person's best efforts. There are genetic factors, medical history factors and prescription factors that will contribute to having problems.

    
True or False?

      If your tooth is chipped tooth, it is likely because there is tooth decay present. True and False. While tooth decay(cavities) are the most common reason for a chipped tooth, there are many other ways a tooth can chip or crack.
     A tooth is more susceptible to fracture regardless of decay if: large filling already present, parafunctional habits exist, patient is a grinder, tooth has been fixed multiple times, and malalignment of the teeth. Tooth decay will either exacerbate a preexisting condition or can alone cause fracture of a tooth.

 True or False?
   

     If a tooth is chipped but there is no cavity, then I should not be concerned. Depends. Assuming your hygiene is good, you do not grind your teeth and you are getting regular checkups, your risk for problems is decreased. The biggest concern is that bacteria can flourish around fractured areas if they are not kept clean and cause bigger problems.
   
 True or False?

     A filling should last forever and never need replacement. False. Most fillings at some point require replacement or maintenance to prevent further problems. Good hygiene can certainly offset the need for replacing a filling but much like everything else in life, fillings will likely need to be replacement for reasons such as new decay, leakage, chipping due to grinding forces.

 True or False?

     All silver filling should be replaced with tooth colored fillings. Absolutely false. If you know the expression "If its not broke, don't fix it", then you know my practice philosophy. Replacing a filling that has no issues can potentially create new issues. So when would we replace a filling? When tooth decay is present, filling is leaking, filling is chipped and/or patient is having symptoms.

Question: Why do I have to be monitored during sedation...my dentist used to give me Valium and never had to monitor before?

Answer: This is very common question especially since monitoring was not alway considered a standard until recently. Most patients that undergo sedation typically are administered multiple medications for not only preparation for the visit but during the visit. A common example is a patient who elects for oral sedation and is prescribed Valium the night before and Triazolam/Vistaril the day of the appointment. In this particular situation, the Valium is used to assist with sleep the night before since most patients have a great deal of anxiety leading up to the appointment. The valium, too, will stay in your body much longer than some of the other medications which can help prolong and strengthen the level of sedation when given with other medications.

The triazolam/hydroxyzine is typically given the day of the apppointment which increases the level of "anxiolysis" or sedaton effects for the patient. While the valium alone does not typically have much effect on the patient in re: vital signs and level of consciousness, additional meds such as triazolam can heighten the sedation to a point where we can see changes in a person's breathing or blood pressure. As the sedation becomes greater the more relaxed a patient can become but also the muscles in the airway and others used for breathing. This is the answer to the original question because sedation can affect the respiratory ability of a patient, it is absolutely imperative that patients are monitored to detect for even the smallest of changes.

By monitoring blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, respirations and sometimes heart rhythms, we can deliver safe levels of sedation to a patient without being as concerned about what may happen in response to the administration of multiple oral medications. Monitoring is an ABSOLUTE must!

Hope this helps!

Dr.G

If your dentures hurt when you eat or chew or fall out when you speak then implant dentures may be for you! Our practice have found that some denture wearers suffer pain, bad breath, and even embarrassment when their dentures move unexpectedly during speaking or chewing. Mini dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting lower dentures often brings relief and solves these common problems.

How is the Procedure Performed?

This procedure is virtually painless can usually be completed in just one office visit. First, an exam and xray will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, which require a sufficient base of jaw bone for their placement. Using local anesthesia (just like fillings or extractions), several implants will be placed into the bone. Once the implants are secure, we will adjust/modify your denture so that it attaches with your new implants. The result is that your upper or lower denture is now firmly in place and you can speak and eat with confidence.

A Fix for Common Denture Problems
We have found that some denture wearers suffer physical discomfort, unpleasant breath, and even embarrassment when their dentures move unexpectedly during speaking or chewing. Using mini dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting lower dentures often brings relief and solves these common problems.

So if your denture is loose and are having a hard time eating the foods you love to eat, talk to Dr.Glasmeier about mini implants for dentures!

1.All OTC (over the counter) teeth whitening products are the same.
False. There are many variations in how products are distinguished:
1. % Strength
2. Type- Carbamide peroxide vs Hydrogen peroxide
3. Delivery- Tray, Strips, Paint-On- Gel
4. Preservatives- Will Alter the Shelf life of the Product
5. ADA seal- Should have this seal to verify its safety.

2. People with sensitive teeth are not candidates for teeth whitening.
False. While teeth whitening can produce hot/cold sensitivity, is often brief and temporary. People with large cavities and periodontal(gum) disease must use great caution when using these products. Talk to your dentist about what is the best product for you and why.

3. Patients that have cavities are not candidates for teeth whitening.
False. When used properly, even patients with cavities can whiten teeth. In fact, there is very new research showing that teeth whitening can help prevent or reduce cavities when used appropriately.

Talk to Dr.Glasmeier about teeth whitening and what is best for you!

How does dental sedation work for children?

Dr.Glasmeier offers oral sedation for children who are fearful and/or have extensive dental needs that require measures to help relax/calm the child. By using oral sedation, the child can put be into a very relaxed, pain free statethat enables the dentist to accomplish the dental treatment successfully with thecooperation of the child. Oral sedation has been shown to be very helpful with children that are very nervous or have difficulty cooperating throughout the dental treatment.The end result is a more relaxed child with a pain free visit and very little recollectionof his/her dental visit(amnesia). Talk to Dr.Glasmeier about how oral sedation can help with your child's dental care!