Many people get nervous before a dental appointment for a multitude of reasons. This can be especially true if you are going to a new dentist for the first time. To compound your anxieties, if you’ve been putting off dental checkups for a long time, or you suspect a serious issue, you may be tempted to ignore your dental needs. Preparation can be a key to comfort, so here are a few tips to prepare for your next dental visit.
Dental Exam Preparation Tips
Transfer records: If you’re a new patient, it makes things easier if you have your old dentist send (more…)
There is a large percentage of people living to much riper old ages than ever before. Approximatley 40 million people are aged 65 and older. With the large Baby Boomer generation heading into their sixties and seventies, this number continues to grow. Age brings certain common medical conditions like osteoporosis which weakens bones and increases the risk for fractures. Osteoporosis affects more women over 80 than any other demographic category, but it can affect men and younger women as well. Doctors often treat osteoporosis with a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. As is common with many pharmaceuticals, bisphosphonates have (more…)
Cosmetic dental bonding has been around for years, yet it is one of the cosmetic dental procedures people seem to know the least about. Porcelain dental veneers are great for serious cosmetic dental issues, but they’re too extreme of a solution for some cases. Dental bonding may start with the same material used for dental fillings, but think about how strong fillings are. Recent advances have increased the strength, durability, and longevity of composite resin restorations. Whether you are (more…)
We have discussed the basics of dental implants and facial collapse in many of our past blogs. Were you paying attention? Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon, would like to challenge you to a quiz on dental implants.
Questions
Q1. True or false – Dental implants are only for people who are missing all of their teeth. (more…)
Many people rely on spices to add flavor to meals without additional fat and sodium. There are more benefits to spices than just adding a kick. Herbs and spices, either fresh or dry, have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Certain spices have even been shown to help with the inflammation and recession of gums that go along with gum disease. Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon, will highlight some of the spices that might help your dental and overall health. (more…)
Resorb means to absorb something again. In terms of dental health, resorption of roots means that the body begins a process which is quite dangerous to your dental health. Root absorption (or resorption) refers to changes which occur with respect to your dental roots, not exclusive to decay or fracture (though unhealthy teeth can cause the phenomenon). Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon will share more about root absorption. (more…)
Receding gum tissues pose a serious threat to your oral health and may affect your appearance. Periodontal disease is probably the widest known cause of receding gums, but gingival tissues recede naturally with age, as well. Luckily, maintaining proactivity with your preventive dental care will help you to avoid issues with gum recession. Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon, explain gum recession, and what you can do about it if the issue strikes your smile.
TMJ pain is usually a result of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The basic functions of eating, yawning, and talking in a comfortable and pain free manner are at risk when your TMJs are inflamed and unhealthy. TMD is often described as extremely uncomfortable. Inflammation and irritation of the joints and muscles in your jaw often come along with uncomfortable teeth grinding, jaw stress, and tooth damage. Aches, pains, clicking, and popping of the jaw are common complaints seen by Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon. Occasionally, ear pain is even related to TMD.
Dealing with TMJ Pain
TMD usually begins with classic symptoms such as orofacial, jaw, neck, mouth, and/or shoulder pain. Some patients describe the sensations they experience as more of a dull ache as opposed to full blown pain. A feeling that your bite is misaligned, dizzy spells, and jaw tension are also (more…)
The medical term for teeth grinding (which is a condition that effects millions of Americans) is bruxism. Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon diagnose bruxism by checking your teeth, bite, and jaw position for signs of chronic grinding at each dental six month dental checkup. If you have questions about bruxism, we have answers.
Can I Prevent Bruxism while I Sleep?
Although we can help you protect yourself from the effects of teeth grinding, bruxism is considered to be an “above the nose” issue. This means that there is usually something in your brain which (more…)
There’s no doubt about it that when one of your teeth becomes completely detached at the roots, the experience is shocking and upsetting. You might think there’s nothing your dentist can do to help you save your natural tooth. Fortunately, quick action and a little luck provide the possibility that your knocked out tooth can be reattached. If you educate yourself in advance, you’re more likely to remain in the best possible head space to deal with a dental crisis.
It’s a Hard Knock Life
Naturally, if you sustain an injury (or even if you are a witness to an accident) which is substantial or life-threatening, you should dial 911 or make your way to the closest emergency room as quickly as possible. If your only apparent sign of injury is that your tooth is knocked out, an emergency dentist’s attention should suffice. Hopefully, your tooth is displaced in one single piece. If so, retrieve it and hold on to it. Even fragmented teeth are sometimes possible to save. There is a 30 – 60 minute window if you are searching for your best chance of success. Gently and carefully rinse the tooth free of dirt or debris, only holding it by the crown. Don’t touch the roots or detach any tissues which are still connected.
Milk your Situation
Once your tooth is clean and in one piece, clean gauze is a great tool. Before you head to the emergency dentist, you can potentially reinsert the dislodged tooth into the correct socket temporarily. After you have gently placed the tooth back in place, gingerly bite down on the gauze to hold the tooth steady and make your way to your appointment. If the knocked out tooth is in multiple fragments, store them in whole milk, or between your cheek and gums to keep the tooth moist and “alive.”
Visit your Sheridan Dentist
To learn more about porcelain veneers, or to speak with your Sheridan dentist, schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.
Many people get nervous before a dental appointment for a multitude of reasons. This can be especially true if you are going to a new dentist for the first time. To compound your anxieties, if you’ve been putting off dental checkups for a long time, or you suspect a serious issue, you may be tempted to ignore your dental needs. Preparation can be a key to comfort, so here are a few tips to prepare for your next dental visit.
