Can I Have Sedation Dentistry if I Have a Heart Condition?

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The availability of sedation dentistry in Medina is wonderful news for anyone who has anxiety about visiting the dentist. Lots of people feel a little bit uncomfortable about visiting the dentist, especially if there are cavities to fill or certain other dental procedures. But with sedation dentistry, all those fears can be set aside. However, if you have a heart condition, you may worry that sedation dentistry in Medina might not be an option.

Sedation Dentistry is Not the Same as Anesthesia

If you have ever had surgery, you may have had anesthesia. Anesthesia involves a specific kind of inhalant or injection formula that makes the patient fall asleep. This allows the doctor to perform the operation without worrying that the patient will move around, and it allows the patient to undergo the operation without being aware of what’s happening. Full anesthesia has several risk factors and side effects, including potential problems with the heart. But don’t worry, because sedation dentistry is not anesthesia.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is another term for what is commonly called laughing gas. It’s essentially nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. It’s most commonly inhaled, but some dentists offer an injectable form as well. Sedation dentistry in Medina is simply a way to relax you during your dentist visit. When you are sedated, you don’t necessarily fall asleep, unless you just happen to be very tired. But sedation dentistry will not put you to sleep. You’ll be completely aware of everything that’s going on. You can see, hear, smell, and talk. Since your dentist will numb the site of treatment, you won’t be able to feel pain, although you might feel some sensation that work is being done.

Heart Conditions and Sedation Dentistry

If you have a heart condition, sedation dentistry is actually better for you than no sedation. With sedation, you will be more relaxed and less excitable. But you should always let your dentist know of any health conditions before you undergo any treatment.

If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be right for you. Talk to your dentist in Medina about your concerns, as well as your heart condition situation.

 

How Cigarettes Affect Your Oral Health

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Your dentist in Medina does everything possible to ensure your good oral health. However, sometimes bad habits can make it more challenging to maintain that good health. For instance, smoking cigarettes is not only bad for you overall; it actually negatively impacts your oral health. Here’s how.

Smoking Causes Gum Disease

Did you know that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of gum disease? Most people equate gum disease and tooth decay with sugar, but smoking can lead to the same outcome. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and can be caused by the ingredients in cigarettes. In fact, smokers are two times more at risk for gum disease than non-smokers. The more and longer you smoke, the higher that risk becomes. Even worse, continuing to smoke makes it more likely that common treatments for gum disease won’t work for you.

Smoking Causes Yellow Teeth

Have you ever looked at the teeth of someone who has been smoking for a long time? You’ll notice that smokers’ teeth are discolored. That’s due to some of the ingredients in cigarettes, such as tar and nicotine. Those ingredients stain teeth and cause them to look yellow and in poor health. Teeth whitening may remove the discoloration temporarily but it will soon return with more smoking.

Smoking Impedes the Healing Process

Smoking lowers your immune system and impedes the healing process. Anytime you have a mouth sore, tooth extraction, oral surgery, or another treatment that requires a time of healing, it will take much longer due to smoking. And a longer healing time means a higher risk of infection.

Smoking Causes Bad Breath

Everyone appreciates fresh breath. It’s a sign of good oral health. But if you smoke, your breath will never smell fresh. In fact, smoking causes bad breath, which will likely keep other people from wanting to be too near to you.

Smoking Increases Risk of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a terrible disease that can lead to all kinds of negative outcomes. When you smoke, you expose the tender tissues inside your mouth to deadly carcinogens that can lead to oral cancer.

If you currently smoke, talk to your Medina dentist about ways to quit the habit. The sooner you stop, the sooner you can start enjoying optimal oral health.

 

Is Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy? Get the Facts

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You are well on your way to being a mother, and you will already do anything to protect the life that grows inside of you. It is only natural to be concerned about seeking dental care while expecting a child. A few things can bring about concern during pregnancy, but many treatments are perfectly safe for you and your growing child. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Inform Your Dentist of Your Pregnancy

When you find out you are pregnant and have appointments scheduled with your dentist, make sure you give them a call and let them know you are expecting before the appointments. The dentist is knowledgeable about what changes will have to be made to your care plan due to your pregnancy, so they can adjust treatment plans accordingly and go over anything that must change with you as their patient.

Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Important

Even though you may be tempted to avoid dental care during your pregnancy, it is best that you continue the levels of care that may be necessary. Pregnancy can change things like your blood pressure and hormone levels, both of which can have an effect on your oral health. For example, you may be more vulnerable to gum inflammation and gum disease during pregnancy, so this is something the dentist should monitor you for throughout the pregnancy.

Some Procedures May Need to Be Postponed

While a lot of types of care during pregnancy are perfectly safe and some are necessary, there may be some things that are best postponed. For example, if you need to have dental x-rays done, this will normally be postponed until you have delivered just to prevent unnecessary risks of exposing the baby to radiation. Likewise, procedures that involve anesthesia may also need to be postponed.

Talk to Your Medina Dentist About Pregnancy Concerns

Even though there are general rules to follow when it comes to dental care during pregnancy, every situation can be unique. If you have specific concerns about dental treatment plans while expecting, reach out to us at the Evanko Dental Group of Medina for more information.

Why Do My Teeth Have Ridges?

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The ridges are also known as mamelons. They are rounded bumps on the edge of a tooth. Like the other parts of the tooth’s outer covering, they are made of enamel. In French, the word mamelon means “nipple.” It refers to the way each bump protrudes from a tooth.

 

Ridges are Most Common on Kids

You may notice ridges on the permanent teeth of a child. However, adults can have them, as well. The ridges appear on a child’s teeth when their permanent teeth start growing. The mamelons vary from one person to another. Some of them are prominent, while others are subtle. If the edges are rough, ridges may make your child’s teeth look uneven. They are commonly found on the upper and lower permanent lateral and central incisors. Mamelons are only found on newly erupted incisor teeth. Usually, they are found on permanent incisors. In some cases, they can be seen on primary incisors too.

 

They Appear as Adult Teeth Start Growing

The ridges appear when permanent teeth start growing at a young age. Mamelons are formed from the enamel, which fuses together when a child’s teeth are developing underneath their gums. A child’s front teeth are formed as lobes that are fused before they break through the gum tissue. When adult teeth from underneath the gum tissue, three types of cells line the edge of the teeth, making it easier for the teeth to break through the gum tissue.

 

They are Not an Oral Health Problems Symptom

When the teeth erupt, some parents think that the teeth have been damaged. However, there’s no need to worry as this is just the teeth ridges helping the tooth to grow through the gums. Mamelons are rare in adults as they wear slowly. They are not considered major oral health issues as wear away early on in a person’s life. Finally, although the ridges are not threats to your oral health, they have no benefit either. However, you can talk to a professional dentist to offer a solution, depending on whether you want to fix mamelons only or you intend to take care of other issues as well.

A dentist will examine a patient’s ridges and determine the best way to respond. There are several ways of getting rid of teeth ridges if they are problematic. After examination, your dentist will recommend the best course of action.