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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Safe Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

Dr. Fredrick Shaw safely uses nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” to control patient pain and anxiety during a procedure. It is not intended to put you to sleep and you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Shaw may have. Your speech may be slightly slurred, and your responses may be slower than usual, but in general, you will be relaxed and cooperative.


For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear. To administer nitrous oxide Dr. Fredrick Shaw will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable.


If you have questions about sedation dentistry or nitrous oxide, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Dentures and Partial Dentures

Guide to Dentures and Partial Dentures
If you're missing some or all of your teeth - either due to gum disease or trauma - you may be considering dentures. Dentures and partial dentures help fill in the spaces where your teeth are missing. They allow you to eat, speak and smile with confidence. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is an Austin dentist who can determine if dentures or partial dentures are right for you.

What to Expect
It will take a few weeks and several appointments with your dentist to create dentures or partial dentures designed to fit your mouth. Your insurance company will likely pay for a large portion of your dentures. Dentures can be taken out and put back in your mouth as you please. Many people take them out at night - just be sure to place them in room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Dentures are not real teeth, and as such, are delicate. They should be gently brushed after eating, just like real teeth. However, avoid putting them under hot water, as this could ruin them.

Dentures may take some time to get used to. They often feel loose or bulky, and can make it difficult to eat or speak. Practice makes perfect. After a few weeks or so, your mouth will be trained to adjust to the dentures. They may never feel as comfortable as real teeth, but they are better than having no teeth at all.

Take the Next Step Toward a Better Smile
Dr. Fredrick Shaw can help improve your smile and self-confidence with dentures or partial dentures. Contact his Austin office for a consultation today at (512) 451-7491.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

When Does an Extraction Become Necessary?

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary. At the dental practice of Dr. Fredrick Shaw right here in Austin, TX, our doctor would like you to know that before he considers extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore your tooth.  You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but other reasons for the procedure may include:



  • Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.

  • Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.

  • Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

  • Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.


If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Dental Implants Defined

A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. There are three common parts to an implant – the implant device itself (which is inserted directly into the bone); the abutment – the piece that connects the implant device to the third part – the overlying crown or denture. When strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. If you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a dental bridge, talk with Dr. Fredrick Shaw at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group to see if you are a dental implant candidate.


Dental implants are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Additionally, they are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. However, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health.


If you wish to replace your missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.