Monthly Archives: March 2016

What To Do When You Already Have Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay, , , , ,

ThinkstockPhotos-464323669Even after your best efforts of preventing tooth decay, sometimes, it just happens and your dentist ends up finding a sign or two. Though, it’s not as threatening, nor as painful, you shouldn’t give in to the temptation of putting off treatment for a later time.

Why so?

This is because tooth decay just doesn’t repair itself, not now and not ever. If it’s already begun showing signs and symptoms, what may start off as a minor problem can escalate rather quickly if left untreated, more so if left unchecked.

How Tooth Decay Starts

Tooth decay is a very subtle bacterial infection that starts way before patients develop any noticeable signs and symptoms.

Thanks to the acid-spewing bacteria produced by the sticky plaque on your teeth, the acids can slowly dissolve even the hard enamel protecting your teeth. It does this without causing any pain or discomfort.

By the time tooth decay does cause pain, it can infect not just your teeth, but also the root and cause even more pain.

Apart from pain, here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • A foul taste in your mouth

Though, if you visit your dentist regularly, you won’t have to worry about checking signs and symptoms yourself since they’ll know if you’re already suffering from early tooth decay through a regular oral or dental examination.

What To Do

The best possible course of action is to seek care as soon as possible.

Not postponing treatment gives you a better chance of fighting off tooth decay and in many cases, even reversing its effects.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Fluoride treatments. Applied via liquid, gel, foam or varnish, the flourish is brushed to teeth and placed in a small tray that’s worn over the teeth. Each treatment takes no longer than a few minutes and is likely to help restore the tooth’s enamel in minor cases such as when the cavity is just getting started.
  • If the decay has begun to erode tooth enamel, fillings can be used to restore teeth to its proper shape and cover up cavities. For a better look, opt for tooth-colored fillings that fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
  • Once the cavity has grown too big, causing the tooth to lose much of its structure, a crown may be the only way to restore the tooth’s shape and function. These treatments cost a bit more than just a simple filling.
  • Root canals. A root canal is often the only way to save the tooth once the tooth decay has progressed too much, where the diseased pulp is cleaned and sealed. A crown may be necessary if to restore the tooth to its proper form and function.
  • Tooth extraction. In the worst possible case, the dentist may have to remove the affected teeth to prevent tooth decay from spreading even further. Aesthetically, having a missing tooth or two just doesn’t look good. Though, the various health risks it poses shouldn’t be neglected as well.

 

One good reason why you shouldn’t let tooth decay progress even further is not just the possible loss of teeth, but how it can progress to periodontitis.

This form of gum disease is very dangerous and may put you at risk for various complications, ranging from heart disease and diabetes, among others. Even worse is that it’s not easy to cure, nor is it curable in most cases, often only manageable through regular treatments, which can be quite expensive.

To put simply, you should always go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Though, if you’re already there, might as well ask for a list of possible treatment options and have tooth decay taken care of right there and then.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to do this is to brush and floss daily, as well as visit the dentist regularly for checkups and thorough cleaning sessions.

If you feel that you may be suffering from tooth decay, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment for a checkup today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

The Use of Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry

Sleep Dentistry, , , ,

480865629Dental anxiety is a real thing and is very common in both adults and children. While some adults suffering from dental anxiety tend to have ways to cope, there are those that have a hard time entertaining the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup.

In these cases, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. The patient will still be able to move around and respond normally to voice, as well as other stimuli.

More often than not, the effects of the medicine will last until the treatment is finished.

One form of medicine commonly used by dentists is Nitrous Oxide

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to help patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fear of the dentist and makes them feel more comfortable. The effect often lasts throughout the whole treatment, calming the patient and allowing the dentist to proceed safely with the treatment.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, then the patient is asked to wear a mask and breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases.

The dentist will often adjust the levels of the gas administered, depending on the type of treatment involved. Also, dentists have received the necessary training and education to know how to prevent their patients from being overdosed.

Benefits

The main benefit of nitrous oxide is that it is inhaled through a mask, which makes the ideal option for patients who are afraid of needles. Also, since it is in gas form, it tends to take effect quickly.

The effects quickly wear off as well, and the gas is often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally as they would and even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Nitrous oxide can also be used by just about anyone, from kids, to adults, to even people who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Disadvantages

Of course, nitrous oxide is not perfect. It will not work for patients who are extremely anxious or are deathly afraid of sitting still in a dentist’s chair. Also, while this is a rare occurrence, nitrous oxide has been known to induce vomiting and nausea.

Those who have a cold or difficulty breathing through their nose are advised to postpone their treatment until they feel better.

Patients feel uncomfortable wearing an oxygen mask are advised to stay away from nitrous oxide sedation.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Generally, however, nitrous oxide is one of the safest ways to sedate patients and calm them down enough to receive treatment safely and comfortable.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you feel that would benefits from nitrous oxide, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 to see if you would be a good candidate. Visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com to learn more about Dr. Clive Rosenbusch and his team.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Invisalign, Oral Health, Tooth Crowding, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Teenage Girl with Braces

Traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most common techniques used by dental professionals to straighten the teeth of their patients. The main purpose for such treatment options is to help move teeth to their ideal position, improving their patient’s look. At the same time, both treatment options also promote proper function of the teeth, which helps prevent further dental problems in the future.

With traditional braces, dentists use metal wires, brackets and even elastics to help “push” teeth to their ideal position. Meanwhile, Invisalign utilizes a set of clear plastic trays to accomplish the same thing.

The main difference between the two is that traditional braces are very obvious and have been known to make patients feel self-conscious about their smile. While, on the other hand, Invisalign remains practically invisible.

Each treatment option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

It’s important that you know what each treatment option brings to the table in order to make a proper, informed decision about which treatment you’ll choose to help improve your teeth.

The Argument For Dental Braces

Traditional braces work by utilizing wire and brackets that pressed against your teeth, encouraging slight movements of the teeth that gradually helps put it in proper alignment and eventually, straighten it.

Dental braces are considered the more versatile of the two as the procedure can be used to correct even the most complicated cases.

While it is debatable about whether the braces are esthetically pleasing or not, what can’t be denied is its function and how effective braces are in straightening teeth.

Unfortunately, the braces do have drawbacks, including but not limited to:

  • The use of visible brackets and wires can make the patient feel self-conscious about their smile. While, the patient can learn to adjust to this over time, it still is a major deciding factor that’s worthy of consideration.
  • Braces are permanent and can only be removed by an orthodontist. Also, should any of the wires or brackets be lost, they’d have to be refitted by the orthodontist and additional costs may be incurred.
  • The patient will have to adjust to a whole new oral routine, mainly because braces require more extensive care, including different brushing and flossing techniques for proper cleaning.
  • The risk of breaking and staining means that the patient will have to alter their diet and avoid certain food items.

Why Invisalign is a Better Option

Invisalign utilizes a set of clear, computer-generated trays that has to be worn for around 20 to 24 hours a day, only to be removed when eating or drinking. The tray is also changed every two weeks, though certain trays can last for as long as six months and even one year in between changes.

The best advantage to using Invisalign is that they’re practically invisible, hence the name.  This is good news for those who simply do not want people to know that they’re wearing braces. This also helps avoid being put in awkward social situations where the braces may end up being the source of discrimination or bullying.

While Invisalign is mainly considered as an esthetic procedure, it works almost as effectively as dental braces do and, in many cases, improving the functionality of teeth.

That and the fact that Invisalign does not cause any speech problems and can easily be removed anytime makes Invisalign a generally more appealing option.

Which Is Which?

The unique advantages that Invisalign offers – such as being able to take them out anytime, no need for dietary changes and so on – clearly makes it the better treatment option of the two.

Ultimately though, your orthodontist will be the most qualified person to help you weigh out which of the two are best suited for your particular case.

Be sure to discuss with your orthodontist thoroughly to make sure that you do not make a choice that you’ll end up regretting in the end.

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.