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5 Dental Emergencies and How to Manage Them

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Dealing with a dental emergency may be unpleasant, but it is the best way to minimize the pain you are going through and address the problem.

Tooth pain or discomfort should generally prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist. Ignoring dental problems can lead to a variety of problems, from prolonged pain and difficulties eating to heart disease. When it comes to dental trauma or infection, these emergencies don’t allow any postponing.

st. louis with a severe toothache

If you are not sure whether your pain qualifies as a dental emergency and you want to know what you can do about it, here is a list of the most common dental emergencies.

Toothaches

Whether it signals a cavity, tooth decay, gum disease or some other problem, the dreaded toothache may be a sign of trouble. It can be a very debilitating pain which radiates and pulsates. When you experience such pain, you need to see your dentist for a diagnose. However, until you get to the dentist’s office, you may consider taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory, as reducing the swelling will help ease the pain. If you are postponing your visit because you are afraid of the procedure, our St. Louis sedation dentist can make the entire process comfortable for you.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

If you get a crack in a tooth or you chip off a piece of it, chances are it is not really an emergency. The dentist can schedule you right away for a consultation, just to see what steps he will need to take next time. If you are in pain, though, he will likely act right away.

Depending on the depth of the crack or the size of the chipped piece, you can experience discomfort at tooth level, especially if the dentin is exposed. You can also hurt your tongue or cheeks in sharp edges, so try to chew on the other side to protect them as much as you can.

Swollen Face

If other conditions are more or less urgent and could wait a day or two if you’re not in great pain, a swollen face likely requires a trip to the emergency room ASAP. It is a symptom that you need to address as soon as possible, as it may indicate an infection. It could be a tooth, your gums or even your bone, and it can spread to your throat or ear.

Abscess

A tooth or gum abscess is usually annoying and painful enough to send you to the dentist the next day. Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, pain on contact, starting to swell are all signs that you might need a root canal.

Bleeding from the Mouth

Any type of bleeding from your mouth is not normal, so schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. In certain cases, it can indicate a chronic gum disease that needs to be addressed before your gums start receding and you lose your teeth. If your bleeding is caused by a dental procedure or an injury and it won’t stop, speak with your dentist ASAP.

Dealing with a dental emergency may be unpleasant, but it is the best way to minimize the pain you are going through and avoid improvised treatments that don’t really address the problem. Leave it to the professionals to take the best course of action and remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Give The Dental Anesthesia Center a call today at (314) 862-7844.

How Long Will the Effects of Novocaine Last?

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Novocaine is a local anesthetic that is generally used in dental treatments or small surgeries.

It is ideal for this type of procedures because it has a short-lived effect and can be concentrated in small areas. It’s effect will typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how the practitioner uses it.

dentist performing procedure

If you are about to have a procedure with Novocaine here is what to expect.

What is Novocaine?

Novocaine is a brand of the local anesthetic procaine, usually used for uncomplicated procedures. It numbs a small localized area, allowing the doctor to perform surgery.

The types of procedures that require the use of Novocaine vary from dental care to small surgery, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, etc. Your doctor will most probably administer this anesthetic when treating a cavity, removing a wart or collecting tissue for biopsy.

A Short History of Novocaine

Novocaine has revolutionized the medical world at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming the first synthetic local anesthetic to be used in the United States. It has allowed doctors to perfect their procedures and increase the quality of treatment received by the patients.

Novocaine replaced cocaine as the local anesthetic, and it had fewer side effects than the drug. In the last decade, with new synthetic anesthesia being introduced, Novocaine lost its popularity, but plenty of dentists and doctors continue to use it.

How Long Do the Effects of Novocaine Last?

If you are worried that Novocaine will not numb you throughout your procedure, it is important to note that while it might be the shortest acting local anesthetic nowadays, your dentist can make it to last longer by administering it together with epinephrine (adrenaline).

The dentist will increase the dosage if needed, or switch to a different drug in case Novocaine is no longer helping.

Novocaine by itself will typically last about 30 minutes while paired with epinephrine it can last up to 90 minutes. Its effects begin 9-10 minutes after being administered through an injection in the tissue.

What Factors Could Influence How Long Novocaine Lasts?

The main factor that dictates how long the drug’s effect will last is the dosage. Your sedation dentist will calculate it for the size of the area that needs to be numbed, how many nerves are present in that area and whether they will use epinephrine or not.

If the Novocaine injection doesn’t seem to work, the dosage will be increased, or the injection will be made in a different area. The doctor might also choose to use something else.

The bottom line is this: Novocaine is a widely used local anesthetic because it is generally stable and safe for patients. Its prolonged effects, when paired with epinephrine, allow it to be used for a broad range of treatments while having minimal side effects.

If you have additional question, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (314) 862-7844.

7 Vitamins That Are Great for Your Teeth

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These seven vitamins will contribute greatly to you or your child’s oral health.

In the dental industry, we talk a lot about what foods you shouldn’t eat. The reason is that most oral health issues stem from the combination of improper eating and lack of cleaning. What we discuss less are the foods that improve your oral health. Well, we are changing that today by presenting 7 mouth-friendly vitamins and minerals, plus the foods your children should eat to get them. You can find an explanation for each of them in the following passages.

buying broccoli

Calcium

The most well known of the bunch is calcium, which plays an integral role in teeth and bone health. You can obtain this mineral through foods like milk, yogurt, certain vegetables, and some types of fish. Please note that you may have trouble getting enough if you have dairy issues. In that case, a nutritional supplement might be your best option. This should be discussed with your doctor.

Vitamin D

The interesting thing about Vitamin D is that it does not have a direct effect on your oral health. Instead, it helps you absorb calcium, which we’ve already covered. The best way to get Vitamin D is through sun exposure, as very few foods have it. If you’re looking into supplements, many companies combine calcium and Vitamin D in the same pill.

Potassium

Potassium plays two roles in oral health. They are increasing tooth density and reducing calcium leaching. Foods that contain this mineral include bananas, tomatoes, some beans, all kinds of potatoes, and avocados.

Phosphorus

Calcium is the primary bone builder in your body, but it requires a team of vitamins and minerals to help it function. One of them is phosphorus, which plays a supporting role. You can find it in many types of seafood, other meats, and lentils.

Vitamin K

This vitamin helps block harmful substances from degrading your teeth and assists in strengthening every bone in your body. The best foods to get it from are leafy greens like kale and spinach, though many other vegetables have it too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps protect against gum disease, which frequently affects children. Oranges have famously high levels of it, but so do leafy greens and other vegetables. The latter might be preferable due to their lack of sugar.

Vitamin A

One of the things people often don’t know about oral health is how important saliva is. When you don’t have it, your mouth becomes dry, and you are at heightened risk of many diseases. Fortunately, Vitamin A is in a variety of foods. The most popular of them are fish, kale, spinach, eggs, and carrots.

One thing to note is that you can obtain many of these vitamins through nutritional supplements. Some of them even have everything you need for healthy teeth, as they are specifically constructed to do so. Though we are not nutritionists, the general wisdom on this subject is that getting your vitamins from food is more effective than supplements. Of course, you may consider doing both. This should be discussed with your doctor.

One thing you can be sure of is that taking care of all 7 points on this list should lead to a healthier mouth. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center give us a call at (314) 862-7844.

Why Putting Off Going to the Dentist Will Cost You in the Long Run

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Those with dental anxiety and similar issues often choose to not go to the dentist at all.

Though they usually know that getting oral care is a smart idea, they decide to stay away. What frequently happens next is those people developing severe dental issues that require more cost and attention than regular maintenance would have. Here’s why employing this strategy will cost you in the long run.

ST. Louis man with toothache

Oral Health Maintenance

When you visit a dental office, the staff takes a look at your mouth and then goes to work. One of the crucial things they do is scrape plaque off of your teeth, but they conduct a variety of other maintenance tasks too. What these do is make your mouth healthier and more resistant to gum disease, tooth decay, and many other diseases. This treatment could save you from more pain and monetary costs later on.

Early Identification of Issues

One of the best things a dentist can do for you is to identify an issue that is developing. Whether that is a cavity coming in, sensitive gums, or any other complication, catching it right away is crucial. The reason is that you can then change your habits to stop the issue from becoming severe. Painful, expensive, and time-consuming treatments are the last thing you want, and getting a regular checkup can help you avoid them.

Dental Care Goes Beyond the Teeth and Gums

One thing that patients often don’t know about oral health is that it is linked to systemic issues like heart and lung disease. While the causal link between these problems is not apparent, the correlation between them is. Developing health complications in the heart or lungs can be disastrous, so you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid that.

Preventative Versus Reactive Care

What we’ve explained in the sections above actually has a financial concept behind it. It is the cost analysis between preventative and reactive care. The former refers to treatment you receive while healthy, and the latter describes care you get after you develop an issue. The preventative strategy comes out on top in every financial analysis out there.  

Long Visits and Procedures

The irony of people avoiding the dentist due to anxiety and other issues is that in the end, they often spend more time getting dental work than if they had gone to regular appointments. The reason is that severe complications take many hours of work to resolve, while cleanings and checkups are much quicker.

No matter how severe your issues are with going to the dentist, finding a way to make it happen will almost certainly be better for you. Not only will you have a healthier mouth, but you will likely save money and frustration in the long run. One way that people make dental visits easier is with dental sedation. In short, this process allows patients to be partially conscious and resistant to pain during their treatment. If you’re interested in this option, don’t hesitate to give our office a call and set up an appointment. Call (314) 862-7844.

5 Dangers of Not Replacing a Missing Tooth

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Here are five dangers associated with not replacing a missing tooth.

When it comes to missing teeth, some people head to the dentist right away, while others choose to wait weeks, months, or years before resolving the issue. If you talk to a professional medical provider, you will learn that the former group has a better shot at retaining their oral health. Here are five dangers associated with not replacing a missing tooth.

beautiful smile

Shifting Teeth

One thing you might not know about your mouth is that your teeth do not operate individually. Instead, they rely on each other and work as a cohesive system. One way in which they do so is keeping the teeth next to them in place. This is why they tend to shift in unfavorable ways when you have a missing tooth. They could become crooked, not fit together anymore, and be especially prone to fractures. Getting a replacement protects you from these outcomes.

Gum Diseases

The primary cause of gum disease is food getting stuck in areas that you do not brush or floss, which then leads to harmful bacteria growth in your mouth. While a missing tooth does not put the gum directly above it on danger, the misalignment of the rest of your mouth will give food more books and crannies to hide in. The end result could be bacteria growth and subsequent gum disease, which will take a significant amount of treatment to fix.

Jaw Complications

As mentioned previously, the mouth is a cohesive system, not a collection of independent parts. The second consequence of this effect is TMJ complications, as your teeth extend all the way down to your jaw bone. Contracting this condition leads to significant pain, and in the worst cases, misaligns your jaw to a dangerous degree.

Bone Loss

Every bone in your body operates in the same way. When you use them, they get stronger. When you don’t, they weaken. This is why doctors recommend that the elderly do a bit of weightlifting, as doing so increases bone density. In the context of the mouth, a missing tooth will start to eat away at the jaw bone that it was once connected to. This condition can reach a point where it changes the shape of your face.

Eating Difficulties

Lastly, those with missing teeth will have issues with many foods. As you can imagine, eating anything that it hard, sticky, or crunchy will hurt your gums and teeth near the missing spot. Not only can this process cause damage, but you might have to give up many of your favorite foods.

The final issue to discuss is whether or not you should replace “baby” teeth, which dentists often refer to as “primary” teeth. While repairing a permanent tooth is definitely advisable, these impermanent are usually okay to leave out. The correct way forward will come down to the specifics surrounding the lost tooth and your priorities. Finding yourself in this situation warrants a trip to your local St. Louis dentist. Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844.

6 Tips for Whitening Your Teeth

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Having a good oral hygiene routine is the first step toward having a bright white smile!

Teeth Whitening St Louis

Your teeth may lose their luster or become stained for various reasons. It is a well-known fact that smoking is not good for health. Smoking also affects the appearance of a person’s teeth. Stains appear on the teeth due to smoking and nicotine. Usually, people who have stains on their teeth hesitate to smile. However, there are ways in which these stains can be removed and a person can smile confidently once again.

Use a Tooth Whitening Toothpaste

If you want your teeth to be white, stop using the normal toothpaste and get one which has whitening properties. You can ask your dentist to recommend a whitening toothpaste. This type of toothpaste removes the stains on the enamel. It has chemicals which break down the stains caused by smoking.

Veneers

This is the easiest way to remove smoking stains. Veneers are extremely thin shells which are made from porcelain. You can go to a dentist and ask for porcelain laminate veneers. He will remove the stained tooth enamel and put a layer of adhesive porcelain laminate veneer. This task has to be handled by an expert.

Bleaching the Teeth

This is the most common treatment used to remove smoking or nicotine stains. For this, you can go to a dentist. He will use a tooth whitening chemical or whitening agent to whiten your teeth. He may give you a mouth tray and a tooth whitening gel to take home. Or he may perform the bleaching procedure in the clinic itself.

Laser Whitening Treatment

This procedure takes 15 minutes – 1 hour and is absolutely painless. First chemical or peroxide solutions are painted on the teeth. Then laser light is used to activate the chemical applied on the teeth. The teeth definitely become white after the treatment.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can help to remove smoking stains. Dilute a small quantity of hydrogen peroxide and rinse your mouth with it several times in a day. It can work as a homemade mouthwash. You can also use a mouthwash recommended by your orthodontist.

Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene can keep your teeth sparkling white. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a dental floss recommended by your dentist at least once a day. Stay away from sticky foods. Chew sugar-free gum after meals.

General Dentistry St. Louis

It may take a while to get the results but consistent efforts will steadily improve the appearance of your teeth. Finally, you will be able to attain an attractive set of spotless white teeth. Your St. Louis sedation dentist can help you flash that confident smile once again.

To schedule an appointment call (314) 862-7844. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.