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Q.
Does your
office offer gas (nitrous oxide) to control nervousness or anxiety?
A. While it is not
unusual for some of us to be more or less uncomfortable visiting the
dentist, I believe that good communication between doctor and the patient is
key. One needs to know what is planned, why, and how procedures can be
accomplished. This can bolster the patient's knowledge and confidence. There
are many, less invasive procedures, some of which don't require local
anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is not as widely used or available for routine
procedures as in the past. For those requiring an anti-anxiety agent, an
appropriate oral prescription can be taken a short time prior to the
appointment. We prefer that a driver be available to the patient before and
after the procedure.
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Q. I only go
to the dentist when I'm in pain, but the treatments always seem to hurt. I
hate to be so afraid. What can I do?
A. The best
approach to optimal dental or medical care is to be preemptive or
preventative and not wait for a crisis to erupt. Certain chemicals like
prostaglandins; given off when there is marked pain, inflammation or
infection, sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of local anesthesia
(Novocain). In such a case, often an anti-inflammatory medication such as
Advil and, possibly, an antibiotic should be taken for a day or so before
solving the problem. From then on, things should be smooth sailing.
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Q. What is the
difference between a cleaning and scaling?
A. Many people come to the office knowing
the mouth needs to be cleaner. For new patients, we prefer to obtain
information through the medical history, examination and dental films on the
first visit. If time permits and oral conditions are conducive, a cleaning
can commence. The cleaning or prophylaxis is a procedure, usually performed
by the hygienist, whereby tartar, stains and debris are removed from the
tooth surfaces and the teeth are polished. Depending upon how conscientious
the patient has been will determine the time necessary to complete the
cleaning. If the deposits are unusually heavy or there exists gum disease,
whereby there are pockets or deepened gum/ bone detachments from root
surfaces, scaling is the ideal treatment. Accordingly, more involved
treatment planning, presentation, execution, and possibly several
appointments could be necessary. Thorough scaling (below the gum line)
should precede a prophylaxis.
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Q. Why should
I come in every 6 months?
A. Re-care
appointments are important for the prevention and early detection of dental
problems. This saves you time, money and discomfort in the long run. The
insurance companies encourage them because it saves them money as well.
There is a segment of the population that needs more monitoring and need to
visit us every 3 to 4 months.
Q. Why fill baby teeth? They're coming out
anyway.
A. The baby
teeth (deciduous teeth) serve as a most integral component in the growth and
development of the child. Properly maintained, these teeth remain free of
disease and discomfort. A large cavity, unrestored, can facilitate an
orthodontic (braces) problem by allowing faulty and premature movements of
other teeth. The permanent teeth erupt at different intervals and these baby
teeth need to be healthy throughout their stay. Cosmetically, emotionally,
and phonetically, properly cared for children also reflect most favorably
upon their parents.
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