Easing Dental Phobia

As specialists in tooth restorations, Dr. Shaw and the staff of the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group see many patients who need extensive dental work. Although everything we do is meant to spare patients pain in the long-term, we understand that many people have a fear of the dentist and want to make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible.

We offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide to keep patients calm and free of pain while they undergo procedures. These forms of sedation don’t require needles and allow the patient to remain conscious but in a state of deep relaxation or euphoria. They are commonly used during extractions and implant placement. Patients may wish to arrange a signal with the staff prior to undergoing treatment to alert them if they are uncomfortable with a deep cleaning. We also strive to ensure that patients fully understand the treatments we are providing to them and that they are able to maintain their post-op instructions.

Besides fearing a procedure will be painful, patients may also be concerned about having missing teeth while undergoing extensive restorations. In fact, there are usually temporary crowns or immediate dentures available for patients to wear during the healing process. Lastly, for patients who suffer from general anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy from a psychologist has been proven to be effective at reducing dental phobia.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Sensitivity

At the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we see teeth that are damaged for all sorts of reasons. While most people understand the role of plaque in tooth decay, they may not know about how much gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux, contributes to enamel erosion.

Acid reflux is what happens when the sphincter that divides the stomach from the esophagus fails to prevent hydrochloric acid from backing up into the throat and mouth. The acid burns tissues it comes into contact with, including teeth, gums, and salivary glands. As enamel wears down, tooth nerves become exposed, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Damage to salivary glands also contributes to dry mouth, which increases the risk of infection.

Preventing acid reflux usually requires changes in posture and diet. Patients should avoid slouching as well as alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and acidic foods and drinks such as garlic, tomatoes, and citrus juices. It is also wise to not eat before bed. As for existing damage, there are remineralization therapies such as fluoride treatments to help strengthen enamel. Patients can also stimulate new saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Dry Sockets

We strive at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group to make sure our patients understand their post-op instructions. A dry socket is no fun. However, if it does occur, we want patients to know we can treat it.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot which covered the extraction site dissolves or falls away prematurely. This will leave the socket vulnerable to painfully drying out and becoming infected. If you can see the bone at the bottom of the socket, the blood clot failed to form or has fallen away. We’ll need to confirm that a dry socket is the source of your pain by examining it, at which point we can provide a painkiller and clean the socket with a vacuum. We’ll use a medicated wound dressing to cover the extraction site and replace the dressing every few days until it is healed. Patients are also typically provided with antibiotics to fight or prevent infection.

Dry sockets are more likely to form if the extraction was complicated, and we want our patients to be on the lookout for them so they can seek treatment right away. Smoking and taking birth control put patients at higher risk of disrupting their blood clots, and we always recommend patients avoid sucking through straws after getting extractions and that they rinse their mouths gently with saltwater.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

What to Do if You Lose a Permanent Tooth

The Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group specializes in replacing lost teeth, but in some cases, it is possible to save them. If a person’s tooth has been knocked out but is still intact, it is imperative that they see a dentist as quickly as possible and follow this guide.

Only hold the tooth by the crown (the part that’s not the root). The soft tissue surrounding the root is delicate and easily rubbed off. Rinse the tooth with saltwater or milk, and, if possible, put it back in its socket. Biting down on gauze or a cotton ball can help keep a tooth from the upper jaw in place. If the tooth cannot be reinserted or you are unsure which way it is supposed to face (this may not immediately be obvious with molars to a layperson), the tooth should be held in the patient’s cheek. Failing that, it should be held in a container filled with saltwater or milk.

This advice assumes a first-aid kit stocked for dental emergencies is not immediately available. The American Dental Association does recommend cleaning and transport items for lost teeth, which are best to use, if convenient. It also assumes that the tooth was a permanent, natural one. Baby teeth should not be replaced, as they may disrupt the growth of other teeth, but children will be given a spacer to keep the gap open for when the permanent tooth erupts. Implants cannot be replaced until the patient’s jaw bone has healed, at which point the patient will be given a different implant. Lastly, while a tooth’s odds of being saved are best if it is treated within an hour of being knocked out, patients should not prioritize it over injuries which need to be treated in an emergency room.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Crowns

Dental crowns are placed like a little cap on top of a tooth.  Crowns are used to protect teeth that are cracked, chipped, stained or so decayed that a filling wouldn’t restore the tooth up to strength.  Your dentist can tell you if a cap is the right solution for a decayed or damaged tooth.

When you need a crown, it can typically be completed within three appointments. First, your dentist will drill out any remaining decay and may need to perform minor contouring the existing tooth to ensure the crown will fit perfectly over it.  An impression is then taken of the tooth to use as a mold for the crown, and the crown is manufactured in a dental lab. Your dentist may have temporary crowns available to wear while you wait for your custom crown.

On your final visit, the crown is bonded over the top of the tooth and should blend in with the surrounding teeth. Once the crown is placed it should be cared for like your own tooth. If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental crown please contact us.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.