Oral Conscious Sedation: Sit Back and Relax

Though Dr. Fredrick Shaw will decide which medications are appropriate for your dental treatment, being familiar with the type of sedation we offer at the practice might make you a little more comfortable during your next visit. Whether you suffer from dental anxiety or desire a little more relaxation in the dental chair, our staff at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is here to make you feel as comfortable and calm as possible through oral conscious sedation.

Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. This pill will make you drowsy, but you’ll still be awake and able to respond to Dr. Shaw’s questions and commands. Recovery may take a little longer with this type of sedation, and you’ll need an escort to drive you home for your safety.

If you suffer from dental fear, please inform us when scheduling your next appointment. To learn more about dentures as well as services we provide, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Denture Details

For people who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can restore their smile and help them with everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, Dr. Fredrick Shaw will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on how many teeth are going to be replaced.

Complete (full) dentures are used if you’re missing teeth in your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaws. Partial dentures are used on patients who only have some teeth missing on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Your dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them, however, you will decrease your risk of periodontal disease as well as ease the stress of your jaw while wearing them.

If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about dentures as well as services we provide, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Consequences of Missing Teeth

There are many reasons an individual might be missing teeth. The most common is tooth decay; however, in some cases, tooth loss is caused by injuries to either the tooth itself or to the surrounding tissues, including the gums and jaws. Like other common dental problems, missing teeth can cause serious complications over time if left untreated. Fortunately, at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, Dr. Fredrick Shaw has a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic treatment options for patients to choose from.

There are several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from the missing teeth, but the aesthetics of your face will change. If you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make eating and speaking more difficult. The way you look affects the way you feel, and the psychological consequences of tooth loss can be intense. If you desire to repair your toothless grin, allow us to create you a more beautiful smile.

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

What is a General Dentist?

General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall health. Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. When looking for exceptional and quality general dentistry services, look no further than the practice of Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX.   

Instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, general dentists, such as Dr. Fredrick Shaw provide plenty of different services for you and your family, such as: cosmetic procedures, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures, gum disease treatment, home care instruction, root canal therapy, teeth cleanings and many more. In addition to these general services, we also provide prosthodontics and full mouth reconstruction to patients who desire a brand new smile.

If you are searching for a general dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Battling Bad Breath

Bad breath is often embarrassing. It can ruin a moment or cause major frustration if it is a common occurrence. Here at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, we want to help optimize our patients’ dental hygiene. Keeping reading for some tips on battling bad breath!

While stinky foods like garlic and onions may be common causes of bad breath, bad breath is often caused by bacteria. Therefore, in order to clear up the bad breath and keep it away, the bacteria must be eliminated and avoided.

Plaque is the thin film that forms on our teeth throughout the day. In case you didn’t know, it is made up of bacteria. Make sure you are brushing your teeth two or three times per day and flossing once every day to keep the plaque away. In addition, brushing your tongue or investing in a tongue scraper will help get rid of a lot more bacteria!

Hydration is another part of keeping fresh breath. When the mouth dries out, especially overnight, bacteria are able to explode in numbers. This is why we often wake up with that “morning breath”. Make sure to get in your daily recommended amount of water and avoid drinks that dry out the mouth.

Extra bad breath fighters include mint leaves, lemon rinds, and green tea. Reach for these when you’re in a pinch!

If you are struggling with keeping bad breath away, schedule an appointment with us so we can discuss your dental hygiene. To schedule in our Austin, TX office, call Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at (512) 451-7491. More information can be found on our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com.