Sleep Apnea Often Goes Undiagnosed

Sleep apnea (Cheyne-Stokes breathing) is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound.Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep 3 or more nights each week. You often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep when your breathing pauses or becomes shallow.This results in poor sleep quality that makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This most often means that the airway has collapsed or is blocked during sleep. The blockage may cause shallow breathing or breathing pauses.When you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea happens more often in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone.
Central sleep apnea often occurs with obstructive sleep apnea, but it can occur alone. Snoring doesn’t typically happen with central sleep apnea.

Untreated sleep apnea can:

* Increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
* Increase the risk for or worsen heart failure
* Make irregular heartbeats more likely
* Increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways can be blocked or narrowed during sleep because:

* Your throat muscles and tongue relax more than normal.
* Your tongue and tonsils (tissue masses in the back of your mouth) are large compared to the opening into your windpipe.
* You’re overweight. The extra soft fat tissue can thicken the wall of the windpipe. This causes the inside opening to narrow and makes it harder to keep open.
* The shape of your head and neck may cause a smaller airway size in the mouth and throat area.
* The aging process limits the ability of brain signals to keep your throat muscles stiff during sleep. This makes it more likely that the airway will narrow or collapse.


Major Signs and Symptoms

One of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea is loud and chronic (ongoing) snoring. Pauses may occur in the snoring. Choking or gasping may follow the pauses.The snoring usually is loudest when you sleep on your back; it may be less noisy when you turn on your side. Snoring may not happen every night. Over time, the snoring may happen more often and get louder.
You’re asleep when the snoring or gasping occurs. You will likely not know that you’re having problems breathing or be able to judge how severe the problem is. Your family members or bed partner will often notice these problems before you do.

Others signs and symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

* Morning headaches
* Memory or learning problems and not being able to concentrate
* Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings or personality changes
* Urination at night
* A dry throat when you wake up


Diagnosis:

Your doctor will check your mouth, nose, and throat for extra or large tissues. The tonsils often are enlarged in children with sleep apnea.
Adults with the condition may have an enlarged uvula or soft palate. The uvula is the tissue that hangs from the middle of the back of your mouth.A sleep study is the most accurate test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It captures what happens with your breathing while you sleep.

Polysomnogram
A polysomnogram (PSG), is the most common study for diagnosing sleep apnea. This test records:

* Brain activity
* Eye movement and other muscle activity
* Breathing and heart rate
* How much air moves in and out of your lungs while you’re sleeping
* The amount of oxygen in your blood

Treatment Of Sleep Apnea ?


Lifestyle Changes

* Avoid alcohol and medicines that make you sleepy. They make it harder for your throat to stay open while you sleep.
* Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese. Even a little weight loss can improve your symptoms.
* Sleep on your side instead of your back to help keep your throat open. You can sleep with special pillows or shirts that prevent you from sleeping on your back.
* Keep your nasal passages open at night with nose sprays or allergy medicines, if needed. Talk to your doctor about whether these treatments might help you.
* Stop smoking.

Mouthpiece
A mouthpiece, sometimes called an oral appliance, may help some people who have mild sleep apnea. Your doctor also may recommend a mouthpiece if you snore loudly but don’t have sleep apnea. A dentist can make a custom-fit plastic mouthpiece for treating sleep apnea.

Breathing Devices
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and nose, or just over your nose. The machine gently blows air into your throat.

Surgery
Some people who have sleep apnea may benefit from surgery. The type of surgery and how well it works depend on the cause of the sleep apnea.Surgery is done to widen breathing passages. It usually involves removing, shrinking, or stiffening excess tissue in the mouth and throat or resetting the lower jaw.

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can’t detect the condition during routine office visits. Also, there are no blood tests for the condition. Most people who have sleep apnea don’t know they have it because it only occurs during sleep.Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and/or breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea in many people. Treatment can improve your overall health and happiness as well as your quality of sleep.Consult your doctor today for more information or call us at 177-645-0704.

Permanent Solution For Tooth Loss - Dental Implants

One of the most exciting advancements in cosmetic dentistry in the past decade has been the introduction of dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent aesthetic option for the replacement of missing or lost teeth. This mode of treatment is indeed more expensive than a conventional denture, but if sufficient bone is present into which the implant can be placed, then dental implants are often the most ideal way to fill a space left by the loss of a tooth/teeth.

There are two stages to dental implants. At first the dental implant post is placed into the jaw by a specialist implant dentist (Periodontist or Oral Surgeon). When the jaw has healed over and the sutures have been removed, then it is possible to attach the man made dental crowns to the implant. These replacement teeth are attached to the dental implant, and are positioned just above the gum like real teeth which gives a beautiful aesthetic natural appearance. Not all patients are suitable for implants. A consultation with a DermaDental dentist along with specialist x-rays will determine a patient's suitability for dental implants.

A dental implant affords the new man made tooth the much needed strength to remain in-situ within the mouth, for a very long time. Dental implants allow patients to live a completely normal life with absolutely no need to worry about dentures falling out of the mouth during eating or talking. Dental implants can also be successfully placed in order to support fixed bridges or dentures, ensuring a very stable result with minimal risk of movement during normal daily function.

Dental implants are as close to real teeth as are available. Because the root of the implant is secured to the jawbone like a real tooth, it acts and feels like a real tooth. If you have a missing tooth or are looking to replace an earlier dental substitute, make an appointment to see a dentist.For more information call Goma Dental at 177-645-0704.

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Gum Disease in Diabetics

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which, in turn, can lead to blood sugar and diabetic complications.People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t control their diabetes are especially at risk.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

Studies indicate that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer some protection.There are also researches that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.Bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

* Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
* Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
* Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
* Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.


Regular treatment is a must, as well as the change in regime to our oral hygiene, and it is only through these precautions that we can expect to fight the progress of any gum disease. Root planning is a method of neutralising deeply impregnated bacteria at the root of the tooth. To treat this your dentist will set out a plan to treat each tooth separately, and it can cause discomfort for a few days after the treatment has been completed. Remember that the treatment doesn’t stop when you leave the dental surgery; it is you who needs to make sure that you have a regular routine of brushing, flossing and mouth-washing to keep the disease at a slow rate. Drinking water throughout the day will also help to neutralise acid build up.Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and can help you keep your teeth for life!

Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a problem about which not many are aware of the causes. It can pose great danger for your oral health. It makes way for many serious gum and teeth problem. It might begin with an inflammation in the gums or toothache. You might not notice its severity, until something big happens. Many people who are in the worse case of this disease even lose their teeth. Our dentists are treating this problem by using their technology. Their studies show that the major cause of this problem is bacteria. The deposition of plaque or mucus in the mouth can worsen the situation.

The gums turn red in the initial phase and then inflame and start bleeding. Gingivitis is the prior stage to this problem. This is caused due to the tissues located in and around the mouth. The bones and tissues weaken up. The sub par hygiene is the most important factor that should be taken care of. Maintain the dental health properly by visiting the dentists regularly. Your stress can also have an effect on your teeth. It can lead to bruxism which can damage your teeth. Your knowledge and refraining from sugary products can help you safeguard your teeth.

Daily oral hygiene measures to prevent periodontal disease include:

* Brushing properly on a regular basis (at least twice daily), with the patient attempting to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum-line, to help disrupt the bacterial-mycotic growth and formation of subgingival plaque.
* Flossing daily and using interdental brushes (if there is a sufficiently large space between teeth), as well as cleaning behind the last tooth, the third molar, in each quarter.
* Using an antiseptic mouthwash. Chlorhexidine gluconate based mouthwash in combination with careful oral hygiene may cure gingivitis, although they cannot reverse any attachment loss due to periodontitis.
* Using a 'soft' tooth brush to prevent damage to tooth enamel and sensitive gums.
* Using periodontal trays to maintain dentist-prescribed medications at the source of the disease. The use of trays allows the medication to stay in place long enough to penetrate the biofilms where the microorganism are found.
* Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning as required. Dental check-ups serve to monitor the person's oral hygiene methods and levels of attachment around teeth, identify any early signs of periodontitis, and monitor response to treatment.

The cornerstone of successful periodontal treatment starts with establishing excellent oral hygiene. This includes twice daily brushing with daily flossing. Also the use of an interdental brush (called a Proxi-brush) is helpful if space between the teeth allows.Your dentist is there to help you with preventive measures as well as treatment, take a little time on your next visit to have a chat about gum disease prevention.

New Solution For Missing Tooth - Dental Implants

Despite advances in dental care and a greater awareness of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, millions of people lose teeth each year due to decay or head trauma. In the past, patients wishing to replace a missing tooth had a choice between a partial denture or a dental bridge. These were, at best, only satisfactory substitutes for real teeth and always involved a significant adjustment of lifestyle for the patient. Certain foods became off limits because of the dangers of breaking parts of the prosthetic and patients were frequently worried about the embarrassment of dentures falling out at inopportune moments. All of that changed with the introduction of the dental implant.

A dental implant is a relatively new solution to missing teeth that involves drilling a small screw into the jawbone itself to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth. Because the implant is attached to the jawbone, it creates a similar feeling of stability to a real tooth, which is secured by a root.

The implant is usually made from titanium or other lightweight but strong metal. Once placed into the jaw at the initial appointment it is left for several weeks or months to fuse with the bone and tissue in a process called osseointegration. When the implant has fully fused, the dentist will replace the temporary crown with a permanent one and it will look and feel exactly like a real tooth. Solid, comfortable and able to endure any food that you care to eat, a dental implant really is the closet thing to a real tooth and can put an end to any anxieties experienced with other dental substitutes.

Advanced Braces To Create Dream Smile

Braces, also known as dental braces or orthodontic braces, are devices made from a combination of metal, plastic and ceramic used to align teeth for cosmetic and dental health purposes. They are commonly used to correct malocclusions, which include all bite misalignments, as well as crooked or overcrowded teeth.

Having existed in one form or another for over a hundred years, braces aim to use the force applied by wires and plastic retainers to gradually manipulate teeth into a more attractive position. They have become increasingly common over the last twenty years with more and more patients benefiting form the increasingly improved and more affordable treatment.

Most patients of a certain age will be very familiar with fixed metal ‘train-track’ braces which were very popular in the 1990s and first years of the new millennium but brace technology is now able to offer less intrusive and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. Patients now have the choice of clear plastic invisible braces called Invisalign, or incredibly fast-acting braces such as the Inman aligner or Six Month Smile treatment, which aim to straighten teeth up to 75 per cent faster.

Almost all braces involve a certain amount of discomfort when initially fitted that normally passes after the first few days, but some treatments do involve uncomfortable tightening on a regular basis. Other new braces like the Damon system aim to limit the discomfort to the patient by using revolutionary self-ligating wires that require no tightening.

Dentists can now offer each individual patient the most suitable treatment depending on their individual requirements and preferences. Brace technology has come a long way since the first braces were used in the 1880s and can now offer straighter teeth with the minimum fuss, discomfort and cost to the patient.For more information on Invisible Braces call Goma Dental At 177-645-0704.

Goma Dental Promotes Dental Hygiene

It takes a lot of effort if you wish to have a good set of teeth. It calls for discipline on your part as you need to observe oral hygiene habits consistently. A good set of clean teeth with healthy gums enhances your personality by boosting your confidence. Therefore, getting a brilliant smile can only come after following good oral hygiene techniques.

People have today become much more conscious of appearance and wellness than ever before. They are living longer, thanks to advances in medical and dental science and in their quest for youthfulness, they invest time, effort and money in dental care in particular, healthy foods, and are doing regular exercises.

Getting a brilliant smile can only come from making sure that you brush your teeth regularly and properly to prevent the build up of tartar and tooth decay and bleeding gums. Obviously one of the steps towards this is making sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check ups, but there are also ways you should look after your teeth in-between visits to ensure good oral health.

Eating a good healthy diet without too many snacks or sugary refined foods also helps. Use dental products which contain Fluoride. Your dentist may also advise you to rinse with a mouthwash containing fluoride and show you the appropriate way of brushing of your teeth and the use of floss. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice each day and after every meal is the ideal. You should also floss at least twice each day to make sure food is not trapped between teeth.

Plaque develops on your teeth every day and taking these measures you can prevent plaque and decay.Smoking bad for your health and can lead to oral cancer, periodontitis, and tooth decay. It will also stain your teeth. For help on how to stop this unhealthy habit, please contact your dental surgeon.By making these few small sacrifices and tying it together with the all important six-monthly check ups with a dentist you can help to prevent any future dental concerns. An extra few minutes each day to maintain dental hygiene is a small price to pay for a life free of the pain and worry caused by dental disease.

It pays to have a good set of clean and healthy set of teeth. Observe the above tips and you will earn the distinction of having a brilliant smile as bonus. All it takes is discipline on your part. That smile can do wonders to your personality, confidence and poise. You should give yourself a chance that you richly deserve to have your dental flaws rectified . See your dentist regularly.

Quit Tobacco To Prevent Oral Cancer

India has one of the highest incidence of Oral cancer in the world. The high incidence of oral cancer and oral pre-cancerous lesions in India has long been linked with the habit of betel quid chewing incorporating tobacco.Oral cancer ranks number one among men and number three among women in India. Oral cancer constitutes 12% of all cancers in men and 8% of all cancers among women.

Tobacco use has many negative effects on a person’s oral health. People who smoke or use smokeless tobacco are particularly at risk of developing oral cancer or periodontal (gum) disease. Tooth decay, badbreathtooth loss, bad breath (halitosis) and stains on the teeth are additional oral health conditions associated with tobacco use.Oral cancer is perhaps the most significant threat to a smoker.Tooth decay is damage to teeth caused when food and bacteria interact to form plaque and tartar.Each year, physicians diagnose new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (upper throat at the back of the removal of the lower jawmouth). The five-year survival rate for oral cancers is 50 percent, and treatment methods can significantly alter facial appearance.

In Peninsula Malaysia, Indian is the predominant ethnic group for oral cancer .According to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) of Malaysia, mouth cancer is ranked as the 7th and 3rd most common cancers for the Indian males and females respectively. Oral cancer among the Indian males and females accounts for 4.5% and 6.5% respectively of all cancers (NCR report, 2003-2005). Hospital based data from different hospitals in Malaysia from 2003-2005 has shown that oral cancer was reported to be the highest among ethnic Indians, followed by Malays and Chinese.


nosmoking signAbout 90 percent of people with mouth cancer and some types of throat cancer have used tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society. All forms of tobacco are dangerous, including cigars, pipes, cigarettes, hookahs and other, more exotic forms. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancer. Using smokeless tobacco increases the risk of developing cancers of the cheek, gums, or inner surface of the lips by nearly 50 times.hookah_student

Smoking can cause cancer to develop anywhere in the mouth or pharynx. Pipe smoking also has an added risk of causing cancer in the area of the lips that comes into contact with the pipe. Smokeless or chewing tobacco is associated with cancers of the tongue, cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips. This cancer can begin within a few years of regular use of smokeless tobacco and tends to spread quickly. Unless it is detected early, major surgery is often needed to remove parts of the mouth, jaw and tongue.

Smoking is among the leading risk factors for developing gum disease, a bacterial infection that erodes tissue that supports the teeth.People who smoke and have gum disease are likely to suffer from failed dental restorations and dental surgeries. Associated problems include :

*Tooth decay.
*Delayed healing.
* Other problems.

Use of tobacco products causes oral cancer because tobacco contains carcinogenic toxins, including nitrosamines. These chemicals damage cells in the lining of the mouth, pharynx (upper throat at the back of the mouth) and larynx (voice box). Damage to these cells may cause them to malfunction and to rapidly multiply as cancer cells. Many of the chemicals found in tobacco also damage DNA. When functional, DNA tells the cells how to grow and repair the damage.

Signs and symptoms

People who develop periodontal (gum) disease as a result of using tobacco products may experience symptoms such as swollen, red or sensitive gums. They also may experience gum pain or gums that bleed when brushing or flossing teeth.

Other symptoms associated with gum disease include:

* Bad breath (halitosis)
*An abscess or pus on the gums
*Receding gums
*Periodontal pockets
*Shifting teeth.

Lip cancers may be detected earlier than other oral cancers because of their highly visible location. Many oral cancers are not detected until the symptoms become more advanced. When detected early, many oral cancers can be successfully treated. Some conditions that may indicate early signs of oral cancer include:

* Leukoplakia causes lesions that look like thick, white patches of tissue in the mouth or throat.
*Erythroplakia. It is a condition that causes raised red lesions in the mouth or throat.
* Dysplasia is a precancerous condition in the mouth or throat that may be preceded by leukoplakia

The most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

*Sore in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal or bleeds easily.
*Pain in the mouth that does not go away.
*Lump or thickening in the cheek or on the lip.
*Red or white patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
*Persistent bad breath.

Symptoms of more advanced oral cancer include:

*Difficulties chewing and swallowing.
*Problems moving the tongue or jaw.
*Loosening of the teeth or pain around teeth and jaw.
*Numbness around tongue or other areas of the mouth.
*Weight loss.

Diagnostic Methods

Patients who have concerns about their oral health should visit a dentist /physician. In either case, an examination of the patient’s head, neck and mouth will likely be performed and a thorough medical history obtained, including any family history of periodontal (gum) disease, cancer or other illnesses. The dentist/physician also will likely ask about tobacco use that may be related to the patient’s symptoms. New dental products like Vizilite and Oral Advance can help us in accurate diagnosis of oral cancerous lesions in Dental Operatory itself.

Various tests (e.g. CAT scan, PET scan) may be used to diagnose oral cancers and to examine for possible spread of the cancer to the head and neck area. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the physician will need to learn the stage of the cancer. Staging is based on the dimensions of the cancer, whether ther is lymph node involvement and whether there is spread to distant organs. Cancer staging provides information as to the extent of the disease and helps with planning treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the cause of the oral health problem. Typically, periodontal (gum) disease results in widespread infection of the gums that requires treatment by a dentist or periodontist. Examples of such treatments include use of antibiotics, scaling, root planing or gum surgery. Gum surgery may involve reflecting the gums away from the bone, cleaning diseased gum pockets and stitching them back into place, or grafting soft tissue from another area of the mouth to replace diseased gum tissue.

Treatment of gum disease in people who use tobacco can be difficult to perform successfully. It is crucial that patients avoid using tobacco while undergoing treatment. Failure to do so will impact the effectiveness of treatment. Gum disease often improves greatly after quitting smoking.

Treatment for oral cancer varies depending on a number of factors, including the general health of the patient and the location and stage of cancer. The patient’s age, family and peer support and the ability to tolerate certain medications or procedures also affect the treatment plan.
Treatment options for individuals with oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These methods may be used alone or in combination.

Preventive Methods

The best way to prevent tobacco-related oral health problems is to avoid using tobacco in the first place. People who use tobacco products often can significantly lower their risk of oral health problems by quitting tobacco use.

Patients who have concerns about their oral health should visit a dentist. In this case, an examination of the patient’s mouth, head and neck will likely be performed and a thorough medical history obtained, including any family history of cancer, gum disease or other illnesses. Patients may be asked about their tobacco use, and may have to undergo additional testing if cancer or gum disease is suspected.Treatment depends on the cause of the oral health problem. Treatment options for patients with gum disease include use of antibiotics, scaling, root planing, and gum surgery to clean diseased gum pockets. Treatment options for patients with oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The best way to prevent tobacco-related oral health problems is to avoid using tobacco in the first place. People who use tobacco products often can significantly lower their risk of oral health problems by quitting tobacco use. Regular dental examinations also are crucial in detecting oral health conditions in their early stages, when they are most treatable.

Root Canal Treatment In Shimla

Also referred to as endodontics, a root canal treatment( rct ) is usually done when the nerves of your tooth are believed to be infected or injured. Before being recommended this treatment, your dentist will first make a proper assessment of your teeth’s condition.

At this point, it is important that you understand the need to undergo a root canal treatment before the pulp becomes too infected, resulting to abscess. If still untreated, the infection could spread to the rest of the tooth and it might be necessary to extract it.

Basically, the root canal treatment is designed to:

• Remove infection
• Clean the infected tooth
• Fill the infected tooth in order to protect it from another infection

During your first visit to the dentist, the pulp that is infected will be removed. In addition, all abscesses will be drained and the root canal will be thoroughly-cleaned as well as shaped as part of the preparation for a temporary filling.

On your second visit, the tooth will be checked for any signs of infection. If there are none found, your dentist can now fill the tooth permanently.

Although a root canal treatment can be painful, keep in mind that it is better to save the infected tooth than leave it until it rots out or even have it extracted. Most dentists would recommend this procedure in order for you to enjoy more natural teeth.

Caring for your tooth after a root canal treatment will require nothing special. Your dentist will probably suggest a good oral hygiene program, healthy lifestyle and proper diet in order to ensure perfect oral health.If you are suffering pain in one or more of your teeth, have a tooth abscess or think you may need a root canal treatment, don’t let fear put you off. You need to make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection and save your tooth.

Fluorosis is A Dental Problem

Too much flouride during the early stages of tooth development can cause fluorosis (discolourisation). Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are most susceptible to this problem. Fluorosis is not a disease, but it is a cosmetic nuisance, which can be prevented in the young . But if it is allowed to go unattended, flourosis can result in darkened teeth in adults. Fortunately, the damage caused to the physical appearance of the teeth can be corrected by a dentist. Crowns and veeners are usually to cover-up darkened teeth.

As it is always the case, prevention is the best option. By taking your child to the dentist regularly, early signs of fluorosis can be detected and early remedial action can be taken. The article is intended to create awareness of fluorosis with some practical steps that you as parents can take to help your kids, especially those between the ages of 1 to 4 when their ‘milk’ teeth are being replaced permanent teeth.

Fluorosis is a dental problem which happens when a child ingests too much fluoride during the early stages of tooth development. It usually affects children between the ages of one and four years old. It is at this stage when permanent teeth begin to form underneath the ‘milk’ teeth. Children over the age of eight are at almost no risk of developing fluorosis.

Symptoms of Fluorosis

If your child has an excess of fluoride in their diet while their permanent teeth are developing, this can bring about the noticeable signs of fluorosis. The main characteristic of fluorosis is the stains which form on the teeth when yellow and brown spots begin to appear on the enamel of the tooth. The colour changes can range from minor tinges to extensive changes in the enamel’s surface. Stains and discoloured spots can also appear as streaks and in the more severe cases, black and gray spots or pits can develop.

Once your child’s teeth are fully develop, fluorisis no longer poses any risk, this is usually around the age of eight at the latest. Although fluorosis is not a disease in itself, it can be a very noticeable cosmetic condition. In minor cases of fluorosis the discolourations can be so tiny that only your dentist will notice them. The marks that fluorosis leaves on your teeth will be permanent, and as time passes they have a tendency to darken.

It’s easy for your dentist to spot the signs of fluorosis during one of your regular checkups. You may be asked some questions about your child’s diet such as if they’re using fluoride supplements, a fluoride toothpaste or drinking an excess of fluoridated water. It’s common to be asked about several other medical conditions which could potentially have a similar effect, so that they can be ruled out.

Treating Fluorosis

Fortunately, in most cases, fluorosis is so minor that it doesn’t warrant any treatment. Similarly, the discolouration associated with fluorosis can often occur only on the back of your teeth, where they can’t be spotted. In more severe cases, the front teeth may have to be treated through teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment. In the most extensive cases of fluorosis, the teeth which have become discoloured can be covered with dental restorations like veneers or crowns.


What to Consider with Fluorosis

*Look for signs of dental fluorosis.
*Visit your dentist for a diagnosis.
*Get teeth-whitening treatments.
*Consider tooth restorations for severe cases of fluorosis.
*Heed prevention measures.

Be aware of your child’s fluoride intake, especially while he is under the age of 6.You should make sure to only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste if your child is under the age of six. It’s also important to make them spit after brushing rather than swallowing. As such, you should avoid toothpastes which might encourage swallowing like flavoured toothpastes and to make sure products which contain fluoride aren’t anywhere your children can get at them. There’s a number of soft and fruit drinks which contain fluoride and many brands of bottled water also contains added fluoride. It’s important to make sure your child doesn’t consume a lot of these beverages in order to avoid fluorosis.
Cosmetic Dentistry

* Teeth Whitening
* Veneers
* Lumineers
* Gum Contouring
* Crowns
* Cosmetic Bonding
* Dental Implants
* Smile Makeovers
* Cosmetic Dentistry

Many dentists now believe that a healthy and balanced diet, one which eliminates high sugar content food, will provide enough fluoride for the average child to defend against cavities without the need for adding fluoride to drinking water. Flouride has for too long been used as a safety net against poor diets but it would seem even this strategy is not working. Ireland suffers from a tooth decay rate higher than five other European countries that don’t fluoridate the water, which would seem to prove that fluoride is doing little to stem the rate of decay and in large quantities may even be responsible for it. Dentists can advise patients and parents on the necessary levels of fluoride and will recommend which toothpastes are suitable to use in your area.

Flourosis is preventable and can be detected early if you make it a point to take your kids to see your dentist regularly.

Ivoclar Vivadent - Implant Care Program

Ivoclar Vivadent’s Implant Care Program encompasses coordinated products and provides a comprehensive protection of implant restorations.

Ivoclar Vivadent presents Implant Care, a product program for the professional care of patients during the various implant treatment phases and throughout the rest of their lives. This program allows dentists to meet the requirements posed by complex restoration structures and the patient’s individual intraoral situation. Implant Care includes a set of coordinated products, such as the disclosing liquid “Plaque Test”, the “Proxyt” prophy paste with an RDA value of 7, the chlorhexidine-containing protective varnish “Cervitec Plus”, the oral health care gel “Cervitec Plus” containing chlorhexidine and fluoride and the lip and cheek retractor “OptraGate”. All these products for professional tooth cleaning and bacteria control protect and preserve the sensitive peri-implant tissue. High-quality superstructures, fixed or removable dentures and natural teeth are thus optimally treated, both in terms of function and esthetics.For more info visit http://www.ivoclarvivadent.com

Cure For Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth, triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. For millions of people, sensitive teeth can make life miserable. The pain and discomfort make even favorite hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy. All is not lost. In many cases, sensitive teeth can be successfully treated bringing long sought after relief.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s never center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli – for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food – to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

There are many factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity, including.

*Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
* Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
* Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
* Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing inflammation.
* Teeth grinding. grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
* Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to teeth sensitivity.
* Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
* Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
*Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
*Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
*Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in 4 to 6 weeks.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

* Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
* Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
* Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
* Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
* Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
* Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
* See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every 6 months (or sooner depending on your condition).


If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:

* White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
* Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
* Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

If you cannot get relief by brushing gently and using sensitivity tooth, your dentist has several options for relief. Your dentist can use “oxalate” compounds that, when applied on the root of the affected tooth, will reduce if not eliminate the sensitivity. Many dentists prescribe high flouride content mouthwashes which help to reduce tooth sensitivity. They may also apply “bonding agents” to close the pores of the tooth root. Always consult your dentist regularly so that you can be proactive in the care and maintenance of your teeth. Protect your smile and feel good about yourself.

Why to Consider Traveling for Medical Care ?

The new phenomenon of medical tourism—or international health travel—has received a good deal of wide-eyed attention of late. While one newspaper or blog giddily touts the fun 'n sun side of treatment abroad, another issues dire Code Blue warnings about filthy hospitals, shady treatment practices, and procedures gone bad. As with most things in life, the truth lies somewhere in between.

In short, I've found the term "medical tourism" is something of a misnomer, often leading patients to emphasize the recreational more than the procedural in their quest for medical care abroad. Unlike much of the hype that surrounds contemporary health travel, Patients Beyond Borders focuses more on your health than on your travel preferences. Thus, throughout this book, you won't see many references to the terms "medical tourism" or "health tourism." In the same way business travelers don't normally consider themselves tourists, you'll begin to think more in terms of medical travel and health travel.

My research, including countless interviews, has convinced me: With diligence, perseverance, and good information, patients considering traveling abroad for treatment do indeed have legitimate, safe choices, not to mention an opportunity to save thousands of dollars over the same treatment in the United States. Hundreds of patients who have returned from successful treatment overseas provide overwhelmingly positive feedback. They persuaded me to write this impartial, scrutinizing guide to becoming an informed international patient. I designed this book to help readers reach their own conclusions about whether and when to seek treatment abroad.

So, why go abroad for medical care? Here are seven reasons.

1. Cost savings. Most people like to get the most for their dollar. The single biggest reason Americans travel to other countries for medical treatment is the opportunity to save money. Depending upon the country and type of treatment, uninsured and underinsured patients, as well as those seeking elective care, can realize 15 to 85 percent savings over the cost of treatment in the United States. Or, as one successful health traveler put it, "I took out my credit card instead of a second mortgage on my home." As baby boomers become senior boomers, costs of healthcare and prescriptions are devouring nearly 30 percent of retirement and preretirement incomes. With the word getting out about top-quality treatments at deep discounts overseas, informed patients are finding creative alternatives abroad. The costs listed in this table are for surgery (except as noted), including the hospital stay in a private, single-bed room. Airfare and lodging costs are governed by individual preferences. To compute a ballpark estimate of total costs, add $5,000 to the amounts shown in the table for you and a companion, figuring coach airfare and hotel rooms averaging $150 per night. For example, a hip replacement in Bangkok, Thailand, would cost about $18,000, for an estimated savings of at least $15,000 compared with the U.S. price. The estimates above are for treatments alone. Airfare, hospital stay (if any), and lodging vary considerably. Savings on dentistry become more dramatic when "big mouth-work" is required, involving several teeth or full restorations. Savings of $15,000 or more are common.

2. Better-quality care. Veteran health travelers know that facilities, instrumentation, and customer service in treatment centers abroad often equal or exceed those found in the United States. Governments of countries such as India and Thailand have poured billions of dollars into improving their healthcare systems, which are now aggressively catering to the international health traveler. VIP waiting lounges, deluxe hospital suites, and staffed recuperation resorts are common amenities, along with free transportation to and from airports, low-cost meal plans for companions, and discounted hotels affiliated with the hospital. Moreover, physicians and staff in treatment centers abroad are often far more accessible than their U.S. counterparts. "My surgeon gave me his cellphone number, and I spoke directly with him at least a dozen times during my stay," said David P., who traveled to Bangkok for a heart valve replacement.

3. Excluded treatments. Even the most robust health insurance plans exclude a variety of conditions and treatments. You, the policyholder, must pay these expenses out of pocket. Although health insurance policies vary according to the underwriter and individual, your plan probably excludes a variety of treatments, such as cosmetic surgeries, dental care, vision treatments, reproductive/infertility procedures, certain nonemergency cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, weight loss programs, substance abuse rehabilitation, and prosthetics—to name only a few. In addition, many policies place restrictions on prescriptions (some quite expensive), postoperative care, congenital disorders, and pre-existing conditions. Rich or cash-challenged, young or not-so-young, heavily or only lightly insured, folks who get sick or desire a treatment (even one recommended by their physician) often find their insurance won't cover it. Confronting increasingly expensive choices at home, nearly 40 percent of American health travelers hit the road for elective treatments. In countries such as Costa Rica, Singapore, Dubai, and Thailand, this trend has spawned entire industries, offering excellent treatment and ancillary facilities at costs far lower than U.S. prices.

4. Specialty treatments. Some procedures and prescriptions are simply not allowed in this country. Either Congress or the Food and Drug Administration has specifically disallowed a certain treatment, or perhaps it's still in the testing and clinical trials stage or was only recently approved. Such treatments are often offered abroad. One example is an orthopedic procedure known as hip resurfacing, a less expensive alternative to the traditional hip replacement still practiced in the United States. While this procedure has been performed for more than a decade throughout Europe and Asia, it was only recently approved in the United States, and its availability here remains spotty. Hundreds of forward-thinking Americans, many having suffered years of chronic pain, have found relief in India, where hip resurfacing techniques, materials, and instrumentation have been perfected, and the procedure is routine.

5. Shorter waiting periods. For decades, thousands of Canadian and British subscribers to universal, "free" healthcare plans have endured waits as long as two years for established procedures. "Some of us die before we get to the operating table," commented one exasperated patient, who journeyed to India for an open-heart procedure. Here in the United States, long waits are a growing problem, particularly among war veterans covered under the Veterans Administration Act, for whom long queues are becoming far too common. Some patients figure it's better to pay out of pocket to get out of pain or to halt a deteriorating condition than to suffer the anxiety and frustration of waiting for a far-future appointment and other medical uncertainties.

6. More "inpatient friendly." As U.S. health insurance companies apply increasing pressure on hospitals to process patients as quickly as possible, outpatient procedures are becoming the norm. Similarly, U.S. hospitals are under huge pressure to move inpatients out of those costly beds as soon as possible. Medical travelers will welcome the flexibility at the best hospitals abroad, where they are often aggressively encouraged to spend extra time in the hospital post-procedure. Patient-to-staff ratios are usually lower abroad, as are hospital-borne infection rates.

7. The lure of the new and different. Although traveling abroad for medical care can be challenging, many patients welcome the chance to blaze a trail, and they find the creature comforts often offered abroad a welcome relief from the sterile, impersonal hospital environments so often encountered in U.S. treatment centers. For others, simply being in a new and interesting culture lends distraction to an otherwise worrisome, tedious process. And getting away from the myriad obligations of home and professional life can yield healthful effects at a stressful time. What's more, travel—and particularly international travel—can be a life-changing experience. You might be humbled by the limousine ride from Indira Gandhi International Airport to a hotel in central New Delhi or struck by the simple, elegant graciousness of professionals and ordinary people in Thailand, or wowed by the sheer beauty of the mountain range outside a dental office window in Mexico. As one veteran medical traveler put it, "I brought back far more from this trip than a new set of teeth."By Josef Woodman
US News - Posted October 1, 2008

Green Dentistry

Over the last few years, Dental Clinics have instituted various action plans to make dental offices more eco-friendly. With so much public awareness about the Green Movement recently.During the last decades, public awareness and professional accountability on environmental issues has been increasing steadily as human activities have already resulted in irreversible global changes.

* We have replaced incandescent lights with florescent lighting, which is five times more efficient.
* We have fully integrated comprehensive practice management software, which stores all of our patient records. This means no more wasting paper in order to produce paper charts and records.
* All of our computers, faxes, copy machines, and printers are Energy Star rated, meaning they run cooler and save on energy.
* We recycle all paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass, and we use recycled/remanufactured ink for our printers.
* We have digital radiography, which means no more film processing with harsh chemicals. It also uses less radiation than a traditional X-ray system.
* We have a CAD/CAM milling machine which reduces material use, as well as fuel consumption by both lab and patient.
* We use less water with our motion sensor sprays used to disinfect our hands.
* We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners.
* We consolidate our supply orders to save packaging and fuel consumption.
* We use an autoclave cassette system rather than paper and plastic bags for most instrument sterilization.
* We use an oil free air compressor and oil free vacuum system.
* Our office is mercury-free

Most importantly, we do not place mercury-based amalgam fillings in our patients’ mouths. We have an amalgam/mercury separator in our vacuum system which filters out the discharge of the harmful element mercury from the filling material that we remove from patients’ teeth.

Our main goal is to inform the dental community on contemporory literature on dental waste production and disposal,but most of all to sensitize all those involved in dental education for actions that will lead to an environmentally responsible dental practice.If you have any questions about green dentistry or mercury-free dentistry, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re happy to share information about our technology and procedures.

CEREC : Advanced Restorations

CEREC is one of the most advanced dental products available anywhere in the world. It offers same day dental restorations including the fitting of crowns, veneers and inlays. Saving huge amounts of time and laboratory work, the CEREC system allows dentists to design, manufacture and fit ceramic restorations in a single trip producing a final result that is a stunningly accurate dental restoration indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

CEREC was first created by Professor W. Mörmann and Dr. M Brandestini in Switzerland in 1980. The first treatment was carried out in 1985 and the technology has been advancing and improving ever since. Today it is used by a growing number of dentists all over the world and represents the future of dental technology.

It works by utilising digital x-rays and 3D imaging to build up an accurate three-dimensional portrait of the patient’s mouth. The dentist can then use this to design an accurate ceramic restoration before instructing a computer-guided mill to sculpt the desired product from a single piece of porcelain. This milling can take as little as six minutes which, when compared to the days or even weeks of laboratory work it used to take is really a remarkable leap forward. Because the porcelain is sculpted from a single piece it means it is much stronger than layered replacements.

Once fabricated, the dental replacements are cemented into place with dental bonding producing a perfect dental restoration that can even be matched to the existing teeth colour. Indian dentists are now using CEREC technology to offer outstanding and revolutionary dental treatment to all patients.

DURAthins - No-Drill Veneers

Are you dreaming about a new smile? Do you want teeth that are brighter, larger or more youthful, but hate the thought of removing healthy enamel in order to do it? If so, DURAthin veneers may be the answer you’ve been waiting for. Durathins are an even more incredible, precise and beautiful version of the “LUMINEER” style restoration.

They are very thin porcelain veneers designed to adhere directly to the front of the teeth without removing any enamel! This means that for some people, we can design the smile of their dreams without even drilling on their natural teeth. And there’s more good news… if you ever wanted to have the DURAthins removed, your natural smile would still be in tact! For more information on DURAthins, visit their website.

Perfecting your smile with veneers can involve needles, drilling, and shaving down the tooth’s enamel before making the cosmetic enhancement. Now, with DURAthin veneers, a leading brand of no-prep veneers, you can have the smile of your dreams, skip the tooth enamel reduction stage, and retain your natural tooth structure.

Because they are so thin, about the width of two pieces of paper, your custom DURAthin veneers can be bonded directly to your tooth’s surface. We will design a shape that won’t appear unnatural or bulky and choose a shade that complements your facial features and blends with surrounding teeth. DURAthins transform teeth to produce a beautiful, lasting smile in about two visits.

DURAthin veneers dramatically change the appearance of those with:

* a narrow smile
* small teeth
* worn teeth
* stained teeth
* chipped teeth
* slight misalignments
* misshapen teeth
* and/or gaps between teeth.

A smile makeover with DURAthins will last for years, but a dentist can remove your veneers at any time because the underlying tooth structure remains original. People with traditional veneers don’t have that option.

Reserve an appointment time with us; bring your questions and expectations for a dramatically improved appearance, and we’ll get started on your spectacular smile with DURAthins.Porcelain veneer technology has come a long way. They are now one of the preferred, by dentists and patients alike, of the cosmetic dental procedures. They can have an enormous impact on the appearance of teeth in such a short space of time. Ask a your dentist about DURAthins.

OraVerse - Local Anesthesia Reversal Agent

OraVerse is the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent that rapidly and safely brings patients back to normal sensation and function .It reverses the effects of local anesthesia two times faster.
* Rapidly, and safely, restores normal function so patients can speak, smile, and drink normally twice as fast - some returned to normal in as soon as 15 minutes
* Reverses the effects of the most widely used local anesthetics combined with vasoconstrictor
* In a separate pediatric clinical trial with 152 patients aged 4 to 11 years, the time to recovery of normal lip sensation was accelerated by 53 minutes (47%) in the maxilla and 120 minutes (67%) in the mandible compared with control

As the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent, OraVerse allows you to bring patients back to normal sensation and function twice as fast. In fact, in clinical studies, patients were able to:

* Smile, sooner
* Speak, sooner
* Drink normally, sooner
* Minimize drooling, sooner

OraVerse is easy to use

* Simply inject into the same site where the local anesthetic was given using a standard dental syringe and the same administration technique.
* Dose in a 1:1 ratio to local anesthetic

OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate) is a clear, colorless, sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic, preservative-free solution. Each 1.8 mL cartridge contains 0.4 mg phentolamine mesylate.OraVerse, produces an alpha-adrenergic block of relatively short duration resulting in vasodilatation when applied to vascular smooth muscle.

Important Safety Information:
Following parenteral use of phentolamine at doses between 5 and 15 times higher than the recommended dose of OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate), myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular spasm and occlusion have been reported, usually in association with marked hypotensive episodes producing shock-like states. Although such effects are uncommon with OraVerse, clinicians should be alert to the signs and symptoms of tachycardia, bradycardia, and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, as these symptoms may occur with the use of phentolamine or other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.

Cosmetic Dentistry In Shimla

We all dream of having an award-winning smile. Our smile says so much about us. It is one of the most important ways we have of communicating with others. Research has shown that people with healthy looking smiles are perceived to be more attractive and successful. Previously, dazzling smiles were the sole preserve of the rich and famous but increasingly that is becoming less and less the case.

Amongst the dozens of procedures available to dentists to create beautiful smiles are crowns and veneers, dental bonding, tooth contouring and gum contouring. These processes along with many others can all be used to help create the perfect smile.

Technological advances such as the introduction of lasers and cad/cam technology in dentistry has meant a greater degree of accuracy and a substantial reduction in risk and pain associated with dental procedures in the past.

Skilled dentists will produce a smile plan, which is based around the individual’s preferences and existing smile structure. Any existing flaws will be corrected and crowns and veneers added where necessary, and the process almost always includes a whitening procedure.There are an almost endless number of ways cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of teeth.

A dentist will be able to offer you a consultation to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted to give the self-confidence to succeed. Call 177-645-0704 for an appointment with Dr Goma.

Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA)

The Wand is essentially a computer-controlled dental injection. The flow rate of the local anaesthetic is controlled by a computer. This means that the injection is guaranteed to be slow and steady and therefore comfortable.The manufacturers of the Wand - now call their products CompuDent and STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System.The STA system only lets a certain amount of anesthesia go through while you are having your dental process, promising that there won't be any pain felt from the stick of the needle or the dentist working on your mouth. Only the location that dental work has to be done on is numbed.

It simply doesn't look like a syringe! The needle used with STA doesn't even compare to a syringe! The needle is much smaller than the dental needles you are probably familiar with. It looks more like a wand or pen and has a tiny needle at the end; in this way, you do not experience the usual numbness and embarrassing drooling sensation that often accompanies a visit to the dentist.

What are the advantages?

* Looks non-threatening and almost cute. Researchers have found that the Wand induces less anxiety than any other injection method .
* The precise control of flow rate and pressure reliably produces a comfortable injection even in potentially more "difficult" areas like the palate, where the tissue is less elastic.
* Many dentists enjoy the light weight and easy handling. The penlike grasp allows the operator to rotate the handpiece, which can make it easier to glide the needle into the tissue.
* Two "fancy" injection techniques (the AMSA and P-ASA, for the nerds among you) are much more comfortable and effective when the Wand is used.


What are the disadvantages?

* Cost! It's more expensive than using traditional syringes, both for the machine and the disposables. And if you wanted to rely on the Wand alone, you'd have to have a backup Wand in case one breaks down sometime, which means more cost. Because the cartridge holder, tube and handpiece are disposables, there's a larger volume of hazardous waste (and higher costs for getting rid of the extra waste).
* Some dentists complain they lose time because it takes longer than their "standard" injection.
* Takes up extra space. This can be a problem in some rooms, depending on space and layout.
* A lot of dentists are happy with their painless injection techniques and don't see the need for it.

Numerous patients have gone through terrible experiences with dental needles. Since the STA system is controlled by a computer and released automatically, you won't feel like a bee has stung you. This anesthesia is given to you depending on how much pain you can stand - without using the hated dental syringe.With the Magic Wand fear of needles is now a thing of the past.

Regain Your Smile With Dental Crown

A dental crown is a ceramic cap that is cemented over an existing tooth to repair damage or to restore its cosmetic appearance. It is most commonly used to cap teeth that have been filled or to protect teeth broken as the result of a head trauma.

There are many ways a tooth can be damaged. Sporting injuries account for up to 50 per cent of dental injuries. Dentists advise wearing a mouth guard when playing any sport with a high level of physical contact or that can involve any kind of collision. However it is still common for teeth to be chipped, cracked or broken when playing sport. Teeth are also commonly damaged in motor vehicle accidents or from simply accidentally chewing on hard food. Damage to teeth will initially be repaired with composite dental bonding. This tooth coloured resin is used to fill cracks and repair chips but it can itself be susceptible to damage. Dentists therefore often use a dental crown to sit over the damaged tooth to protect it from further injury.

Dental crowns are also used to protect teeth that have had cavity fillings. This is especially true of teeth with large cavities as dental bonding, used as a filling material, is weaker in large areas. Crowns are also used to protect teeth that have been subject to a root canal procedure. This is when an infected tooth has been hollowed to remove the infection. A dental crown is the last step in a complex process designed to preserve the functionality of the patient’s original tooth and prevent extraction.

Dental crowns are commonly manufactured from porcelain, a type of ceramic with a similar consistency and appearance to tooth enamel. Modern crowns are increasingly fabricated using the latest computer-aided technology. Using 3D imaging and digital x-rays dentists can construct images of the patients’ teeth on a computer. They can then use this information to manufacture a dental crown by milling it from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This new technology has reduced treatment time for patients and improved the accuracy of treatment.

Dental crowns are very versatile and useful dental tools that can prevent the need for further treatment.With proper oral care dental crowns are known to endure the wear and tear for several years and come very cheap when compared to implants. Patients with damaged teeth should make an appointment with their dentist to discuss the benefits of dental crowns.

Porcelain Veneers Can Transform Your Smile

Porcelain veneers are one of the most realistic and elegant of all the cosmetic dentistry treatments.Veneers are incredibly thin tooth-shaped caps that are cemented over existing teeth to disguise dental repair work and defects such as discolouration. Veneers can be used individually or as part of a complete renovation of the dental arch.

The discolouration of teeth can be due to a number of factors. It could be the result of a hereditary condition or medication for another disease. Some patient’s teeth are discoloured by lifestyle factors such as smoking or drinking coffee or red wine. However, by far the most common cause for discolouration is age. Stained enamel cannot be cleaned so the options are bleaching or veneers. Many people find teeth whitening procedures ineffective but a set of porcelain veneers will almost certainly produce a stunning effect. A row of dental veneers will also be suitable to restore the appearance of worn or unevenly spaced teeth.

Teeth that become damaged either as the result of dental trauma or tooth decay can also be repaired using porcelain veneers. Chipped, cracked or broken teeth can be very painful and also destroy the structural integrity of the tooth. Once repaired it may be necessary to cap the tooth with a veneer for structural support and to protect the tooth form further damage.

Modern veneers are incredibly thin with some of the latest being the same width as a contact lens. Because they are so thin it is now unnecessary for dentists to remove tooth enamel prior to application. This also means that veneers are now removable without causing further damage to the existing teeth.

The manufacture of porcelain veneers has been dramatically affected by the introduction of new technology. In the past, porcelain veneers needed to be measured using a system of dental moulds and x-rays. These were time-consuming processes, as was the laboratory conditions needed for their manufacture. Today, by using the latest in 3D imaging and digital x-rays, a dentist can use a computer to design and manufacture a porcelain veneer in as little as six minutes. This has significantly reduced treatment times and discomfort for patients.

It is now possible for dentist to design, manufacture and fit a whole dental arc of porcelain veneers in an afternoon. You could have a completely new and youthful set of teeth in just one day. The confidence that comes from a new set of shiny veneers cannot be underestimated and can make a big difference to your life. Veneers are incredibly lifelike and almost impossible to tell apart from real teeth and can have a healthy effect on your own self-confidence.Ask your dentist about the latest in porcelain veneer technology.