Dental Phobia

At Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS we advise our patients to inform us of fears they have of going to the dentist. Going to the dentist can be an overwhelming experience and prevent patients from going. A big part of maintaining good oral hygiene includes visiting us twice a year for cleaning.

Studies have shown that patients who suffer from dental phobia have a greater chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. An estimated 9% to 15% of people suffer from dental phobia. Some symptoms that are associated with dental phobia include tense or nervousness, sleepless nights before the dentist, and the thought of the dentist makes you feel sick.

To help cope with your dental phobia, we encourage our patients to express all of their fears so we can make your experience as relaxing as possible. Dental phobia is nothing to take lightly which is why our staff at Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS work to provide you with the best experience possible.

To learn more about Dental Phobia and all of the 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. 

Children's Dental Hygiene

At Fredrick Shaw, DDS we want children to practice good oral hygiene. Tooth decay is the most chronic disease for children which is preventable through practicing good oral health care. We encourage our patients to begin brushing their children’s teeth as soon as their teeth come in.

Our staff advises our patients to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to effectively clean children’s teeth without irritating your child’s sensitive gums. Parents should only use a dab of toothpaste to prevent them from swallowing the toothpaste.

The cause of tooth decay is when plaque and bacteria form on your teeth and ultimately forms cavities. When possible, we encourage all of our patients to eat a healthy diet and limiting your consumption of sugar and acidic that can damage your teeth.

Remember to bring your children to the dentist twice a year for cleaning with us. When good oral hygiene habits are practiced at a young age it sets them up for a lifetime of good oral care.

To learn more about Dental Phobia and all of the 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. 

Arestin to Treat Periodontitis

When the body develops a bacterial infection, we use an antibiotic to treat it. The same applies to infections in the mouth.  Doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group utilize arestin for patients with periodontitis who need a scaling and root planing procedure performed. Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection, caused by plaque, which has settled underneath the tooth’s surface below the gum line.

Arestin has the ability to reduce the severity of periodontal disease.  After a scaling and root planning procedure, the medicine in powder form is applied to the gums.  In a clinical study, when used in addition to scaling and root planing, arestin reduced harmful bacteria by nearly 2 times as much as scaling and root planing alone. This is because adding arestin to the mix disrupts the progression of periodontitis by specifically targeting the active infection.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn about the treatments we offer, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw,DDS in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Dangers of Tartar Accumulation

When we eat certain foods and beverages that contain sugars, these particles will remain in our mouths long after we’ve put them there. Bacteria thrive on these foods and produce acids that will attack tooth enamel. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that won’t be eliminated unless we adequately brush and floss our teeth. If plaque isn’t brushed away, it will turn into tartar, which only Dr. Fredrick Shaw will be able to remove during a professional cleaning.

Unlike plaque, tartar is a mineral buildup that is easy to see above the gum line. The most common sign of tartar accumulation is a yellow or brown deposit between the lower front teeth at the gum line. Proper brushing, especially with a tartar control toothpaste, and flossing, are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If tartar is left on the teeth, it may lead to periodontal disease which can cause the bone that supports the teeth to deteriorate.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care or dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS utilizes sedation dentistry to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free dental experience. If you struggle with anxiety or are too afraid to visit the dentist, we have sedation options that might ease you back into the dental chair. There are different types of sedation that will vary between mild to moderate and we can discuss which option is best for you during an initial consultation.  

Levels of sedation range from mild, to moderate, to deep, and are achieved through different types of sedatives. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, sedation is safe, but it’s important to discuss your questions and concerns with Dr. Shaw before your dental procedure. The most common form of sedation includes a sedative (nitrous oxide) that allows patients to drive themselves home after a procedure, but if you decide on oral conscious sedation, you may need to be accompanied to your appointment by a friend or a relative.

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

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition.  It is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see the doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!  Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about sleep apnea treatments we offer, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group has seen adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

To learn more about dental health and all the services available at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Dental Implants

The staff of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group replace teeth and restore patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown will be screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about dental implants and all the services we provide, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Oral Conscious Sedation

The staff of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group have seen many patients who experience some level of anxiety with each dental procedure or appointment. Some patients have had negative experiences with dental procedures that make them anxious, and others may have a sensitive gag reflex that has always made dental work dreadful.  We understand why a dental appointment could be intimidating, but do not want to see patients delaying treatment because of these fears.  Oral conscious sedation is an option we recommend for patients experiencing dental anxiety.  

Oral conscious sedation is administered by taking a pill orally (usually Valium) before a procedure.  The light sedative relaxes the patient but does not ‘knock out’ the patient, as they remain conscious.  They are brought to an extremely relaxed state, and when the dentist begins working, local anesthetic is still used at the site of the procedure.  The combination of oral conscious sedation and local anesthetic means the patient can stay relaxed and usually allows the dentist to complete more work in one session.  This makes a more pleasant experience for an anxious patient, and can even mean less dental appointments overall!

To learn more about oral conscious sedation and all the services we provide, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth extracted can seem like a scary process. You’re already aware that it involves cutting through the gum, removing the tooth with pliers, and sealing it up with sutures. Though this is true, Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is here to guide you through every step of the tooth extraction process, beginning with sedation options.

Once the patient and Dr. Shaw decide on a sedation option, the tooth extraction process will begin. There is little to no preparation for a tooth extraction, aside from the X-rays he will take before the day of surgery. Depending on whether the tooth is visible or impacted, the procedure will either be a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction requires a local anesthetic which numbs the area around the tooth, so the patient feels slight pressure, but no pain, while a surgical extraction requires the patient to remain unconscious during oral surgery.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

 

Fluoride

You may be familiar with fluoride if you received fluoride treatments as a child. Fluoride is known as nature’s cavity fighter because fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that protects tooth enamel. Every day, minerals are added to the teeth and lost, from the enamel layer due to the foods and beverages we consume, and the status of our oral care routine. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is more likely to recommend fluoride to cavity-prone children, but it can be recommended to cavity-prone adults as well.  

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride will be a routine part of an oral exam until a pediatric patient no longer requires them. In addition to topical fluoride that is found in the dental office, Fluoride can be found in the water we drink, the foods we eat, and in toothpaste and mouthwash. To discuss fluoride with Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental services or fluoride, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

 

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surfaces of teeth.  The doctors of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group remove gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  We see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration, like a crown, to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile! 

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services available at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Makeover Your Smile With Veneers

Patients are always asking the doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group about the latest cosmetic solutions for their teeth.  Some fixes are recommended just to repair damage or just to whiten, but veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth.  This gives you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

A patient can have a brand new smile using veneers in two to three visits!  First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Then an impression of your teeth is taken in order to custom fit the final product to the surfaces of your teeth.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be fabricated, which may take up to two weeks.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth for you to wear and enjoy!

To learn more about veneers and all the services available at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Oral Appliances For Sleep Apnea

If you are suffering from sleep apnea and have yet to find relief should visit Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group and see if a COAT device is the solution to your sleep woes.  The most common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine.  These work by forcefully pumping oxygen into the patient’s mask and up the nose.   CPAP machines are effective, but some patients find the mask uncomfortable or overwhelming.  Continuous open airway therapy (COAT) devices work by aligning the jaw stabilizing the mouth to preserve the openness of the airway.  This helps get maximum oxygen flow without a machine. 

We are happy to recommend oral appliances for patients who will benefit from this treatment.  These devices vary in size and design, but each style is meant to stabilize the jaw and control the tongue to keep the airway open.  A consultation is the only way to find out which type of device is the best fit for you.  If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about sleep apnea and treatment, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group can help patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.

Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw. 

Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  To learn more about TMD and the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Health Risks Associated with Snoring

Snoring is a nuisance to our sleeping partners (or us), but when does it become a cause for concern? Everyone jokes about snoring, and occasional snoring isn’t very serious, but when snoring grows loud and frequent, it can actually be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. To properly diagnose and treat this condition, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group.

If you or your partner is aware that you (or they) snore, don’t ignore treatment. Recent studies show that the intensity of snoring is associated with stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, and/or mental health issues such as depression. This is because snoring is usually linked to a sleep disorder, and sleep disorders host a variety of health problems. Depending on the severity of snoring, treatment may range from a night guard to surgery.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea or sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Intraoral Cameras

Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group takes pride in offering the best dental care and the latest dental technology to our patients.  The intraoral camera we use is an exciting tool that allows the mouth to be seen from previously impossible angles. This technology has proven very helpful in capturing images needed for procedure approval from insurance companies, but it will also change a typical dental office visit.

The tiny camera’s view is projected onto a monitor, making the same angle of the mouth visible to both doctor and patient at once. These views can help patients who don’t know a premolar from an incisor describe an area or a problem more accurately.  Providing more details can also help a patient better understand and follow their dentists’ plan of care for their mouth.  We hope this technology engages patients and helps you and your dentist better understand how to care for your mouth together.

To learn more about our intraoral camera and all the technology we use, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

The staff of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group sees many patients who are unhappy with their smile. The look of your smile includes your gums, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, while others have less gum tissue that gives a look of elongated teeth. 

We offer cosmetic periodontal surgery so that any patient can have their perfect smile.  Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a technical way of saying sculpting the gum line, and each procedure is different depending on the patient’s goal.  Soft tissue grafts can be placed to extend the gum line, or excess gum tissue can be removed to expose more tooth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of tooth to gums that creates an even smile! If you think your smile would benefit from cosmetic periodontal surgery, please contact us.

To learn more about cosmetic periodontal surgery and all the services we offer, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. Sleep is meant to be peaceful and consistent, to repair your sleeping habits, contact Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS to discuss treatment options.

There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive (OSA) is the more common of the two forms of apnea and is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.  People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep is being interrupted. Also, you don’t have to snore to have this condition so it’s important to seek treatment immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea or sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea, which is a physical obstruction of the airway that delays breathing during sleep. If you wake up feeling fatigued after a full night’s rest, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS to rule out sleep apnea.

In central sleep apnea, breathing is regularly disrupted during sleep because of the way the brain functions. The symptoms remain the same; therefore, if you experience morning headaches, restless sleep, or chronic fatigue, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and explore your treatment options.  When central sleep apnea occurs, you may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea or sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.