Why Trips to the Dentist Should be Done Routinely

While an apple a day should keep doctors away, a regular trip to the dentist cannot be forgone (and anyway, all the saccharine goodness of daily apple snacking can even be harmful to your precious teeth, according to some studies).

Given that the many aspects of a person's day may include balancing one’s personal, social, and career life, it’s no surprise that dental health could be among the least of one’s concerns. The regular trip to the dentist is dismissed for more “important” activities. However, there are a lot of advantages in regularly seeing your dentist. Here are some of them:

You can maintain your pearly whites in their pearly state. Your family dentist or hygienist ensures that your teeth are expertly cleaned. Should there be any plaque or erosion, further damage can be prevented through prophylaxis and proper treatment.

Investing in checkups are cost-effective. Sure, dental experts are there for your emergency concerns, but regular checkups and maintenance will save you money in the long run.

Moreover, you never know when a special treatment is indicated. Sometimes, people don't realize or seek professional help for their actual or potential dental concerns. Remember, your dentist is an expert and they can easily identify problems, such as cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, etc., which can be detrimental to your overall health.

Oral health is a serious matter, and a professional dentist will comprehensively care for your teeth and keep you smiling.

How a Reputable Philadelphia Sedation Dentist Keeps Patients Safe

"Oxygenation refers to the supply of oxygen available in the body during sedation. As hypoxemia—or low oxygen in blood—is a potential side effect, dentists must have inhaling equipment at hand. Ventilation refers to the push-pull action that comes with regular breathing. Dentists are taught to look at chest excursions to determine if the respiratory system is working normally. Circulation refers to blood pressure and heart rate. Most sedation dentists possess ECG equipment to get readings on the patient's cardiovascular activity. A professional Philadelphia sedation dentist—like Thomas DeFinnis, DMD of Wynnewood Dental Arts—and his dental team emphasize patient monitoring and airway management during the procedure. An anesthesiologist will be responsible for concocting the right amount of sedative."
http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/12/how-a-reputable-philadelphia-sedation-dentist-keeps-patients-safe/

Your Philadelphia Dentist Discusses Treatments for Tooth Fractures

" An experienced Philadelphia dentist—like Dr. Thomas DeFinnis of Wynnewood Dental Arts in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania—can efficiently restore chipped teeth with porcelain veneers, dental fillings, or porcelain crowns. These restorative treatments can restore the contours, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of chipped teeth. It could have been worse for the singer: damage reaching as deep as the dentin can set anyone up for a serious dental emergency. Treatment usually involves root canal therapy to save the tooth from a worsening infection and the possibility of removal. For severe cases, in case you can't see your cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia immediately, you can apply a cold pack to the part of the mouth that hurts to alleviate the pain. You can also take pain relievers, but make sure to ask your doctor first in case of possible side effects. "
http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/11/your-philadelphia-dentist-discusses-treatments-for-tooth-fractures/

Helping Your Child Relax on the Dental Chair

If you have a child who needs dental treatment, you may be a bit frustrated at them defiantly refusing to go. In a strange sense, you were probably that kind of child when you were growing up, too. However, whether they like it or not, a visit to the dentist is essential to preserving their oral health. How, then, can you convince them to go without letting them see the procedures the dentist is performing on them?

One way to do that will be through sedation dentistry, or the use of non-invasive measures to temporarily relax the patient before a procedure is carried out. Sedation dentistry requires extensive training to gain full mastery of and avoid problems down the line. Several states also require licensing examinations for aspiring sedation dentistry practitioners, especially those on the pediatric circuit.

It is important that the child should not eat at least two hours before the appointment. During the initial consultation, the dentist will check if the child is on any medication or if he is having breathing problems. If the child has no difficulty breathing, the dentist will mostly use nitrous oxide to relax him; the gas has a sweet aroma and can help increase the child’s pain threshold. All the child needs to do is to follow the dentist’s instructions. 

Oral Bacteria as Bunker Busters

Between the pulp and the outside world, two layers stand in the way: the enamel and dentin. Think of the tooth as the strongest bunker in the human body.

The pulp is wired into the body by a series of blood vessels and nerves inside, which helps you taste hot and cold food and beverage. The only way inside the pulp or chamber is from the root of the tooth where a pair of small corridors run along it. This explains the usual pain and bleeding that often comes with tooth extraction, or when teeth is knocked off by accident.

Tooth decay-causing bacteria, however, like to force their way inside the pulp from the mouth. For this matter, they have to punch through the tough enamel, which turns out to be the toughest bone in the human body. So when something eats through the enamel, you know your other bones won't stand a chance. If ignored, the decay will continue to dig through the tooth and eventually reach the root.

This is a typical scenario for a decay that has gone on far too long. At its peak, much of the affected tooth has been overrun by an abscess, especially the pulp that houses the blood vessels and nerves. Protecting the inside of teeth, in this case, also means protecting the outside. Regular cleaning by a dentist, aside from daily oral hygiene, can do just that. 

Receiving Dental Care despite Dental Anxiety

Although dressing up as a dentist for Halloween isn't as scary as dressing up as a ghoul, many people do fear dentists in real life because of the pain associated with getting dental treatment. Generally, they fear the feeling of having the dentist scrape and drill their teeth, as well as hearing that dreadful whizzing sound of dental instruments.

If you are one of many Americans who suffer from dental phobia, you should understand that dentists are caring people who want to get you through the procedure with as little pain as possible. In fact, dental technology and techniques have gone a long way in terms of pain management. Sedation dentistry, for instance, aims to ease up your dental anxiety and make you more comfortable so you can receive proper dental care.

To help you feel more relaxed, you can have a friendly conversation with your dentist about the procedure and address your concerns. Before the procedure starts, the dentist will use the type of sedation required by your condition to help numb the area so you wouldn't feel any pain. If needed, sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia to let you doze off through the entire procedure.

These techniques have helped many people get comfortable around dentists and finally face their dental problems. With sedation and sleep dentistry, you get to take away all your anxious feelings about pain and receive the treatment needed for a healthy oral environment.

Dentistry While You Dream: Visiting a Sedation Dentist in Philadelphia

"Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is of course understandable. Having a stranger put their his hands in your mouth is odd enough, but he could also start using tools that look like they're going to hurt. However, Zamosky says that dentists now have various techniques and tools that can help reduce or even take the pain away, allowing those who fear dentists to become more comfortable and have their dental issues addressed once and for all. Pain management can be done in many ways including the application of anesthesia on areas the dentist needs to work. For patients with serious dental anxieties, sedation dentistry is the answer. A Philadelphia sedation dentist from established dental offices like Wynnewood Dental Arts can help ease your worries and work on your teeth while you're happily gliding through the world of dreams."

http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/10/dentistry-while-you-dream-visiting-a-sedation-dentist-in-philadelphia/

Dental Conditions Treated by Your Philadelphia Dentist: Gap Tooth

"Diastema is the condition wherein a plainly visible gap occurs between two teeth and while many animals have this as a normal feature, diastema in humans commonly refers to the existence of a space between the upper incisors or the front teeth. Many people are bothered by this condition not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it could affect their bite. Fortunately, your trusted Philadelphia dentist probably has a few treatments for it. Developmental Causes As children grow, their teeth and gums develop dramatically; therefore, diastema can be a frequent issue among the young population, as an article from eHow.com states: At around age 8, the unerupted lateral incisors begin to develop and push against the roots of the erupted incisors. When the central incisors are pushed, spaces can appear between them. These spaces exist until the upper eye teeth grow, and force the teeth together to close the diastema. "

http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/10/dental-conditions-treated-by-your-philadelphia-dentist-gap-tooth/

The Science of Dental Fear

Most people go through life without experiencing some extent of dental phobia. Unfortunately, there are many who have a severe case of this condition, so much so that it impedes efficient dental care. This condition isn't just an urban legend, nor is it just a figment of the imagination, but rather, a scientifically-acknowledged phobia.

Like most of the conditions classified as a 'phobia', dental fear triggers an anxiety attack whenever the sufferer knows or thinks that a trip to the dentist is imminent. While many sufferers tend to veer away from thoughts of their teeth and dental operations, some cannot help but think about it most of the time. Either way, this will affect the way they are living their daily lives.

Research suggests that this fear can stem from a mental disorder of some sort, or at least be aggravated by it. Rational dental fears may stem from first-hand experience, but some arise out of stories and perhaps media influence. Whichever might be the cause, one thing is for sure: the fight-or-flight response that it elicits is an inconvenience for both the patient and the dentist.

Thankfully, there are many options available today that can lessen the anxiety brought about by dental procedures, dental sedation being one of them. This technique allows the patient to relax throughout the operation, which is of great help both to the anxious person whose teeth need treatment and the cautious dentist trying to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly.

An Apple a Day Keeps The Dentist Away – Literally

Something that a lot of people aren't aware of is that there are foods that can actually help clean your teeth naturally. Dentists emphasize the fact that too much sugar can form acids in your mouth, which could lead to cavities and other dental problems; however, there are some foods that can neutralize these acids.

Fruits and vegetables that are referred to as “detergent foods” are among the best foods that effectively clean teeth. Apples and strawberries, for instance, are among these fiber-rich fruits that when combined with saliva become active agents that wash away food and bacteria inside the mouth. Snacking on raw celery, carrots, and cucumbers is also an effective way to clean the teeth's surface and remove plaque. Chewing on cheese, meanwhile, which is rich in calcium and phosphate, can help strengthen the teeth and enamel.

Dentists say that it is important to watch what we eat. A balanced diet is good for your oral health, hence your consumption of candies, sodas, alcohol, junk food, and artificial fruit juices, which are notoriously high in sugar and can cause a huge buildup of acids and bacteria in the mouth, must be kept at a minimum. Consuming them is not prohibited, though, and dentists just remind their clients to brush their teeth after eating to get rid of plaque-building bacteria, and also to add detergent foods to their daily diets to help clean the teeth naturally and maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day.

So You Need to Go to the Dentist?

It's finally that time of the year again – to visit the dentist, that is. Choosing a dentist may seem easy, but finding one who is experienced and reliable is really not as easy as it sounds. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right dentist to take care of your teeth.

Do your research.

Ask for recommendations or approach your local dental society for a directory of dentists or associations. If possible, find a dentist who is a member of the American Dental Association. With over 157,000 members, the ADA is the country's largest non-profit association that stands as a symbol of  dependability and effectiveness in the dental community. They are considered to be the best source of dental news and information for both dentists and patients.

Consider flexibility and accessibility.

Choose a dentist whose office is conveniently located near your home or workplace. Ask the dentist about how he schedules appointments and check if his office hours fit well with your schedule too. Also consider the fees, payment plans, and insurance policies offered by the dental office. Try to meet with the dentist for a consultation and see what his office is like. Does he answer your questions appropriately? A reliable dental practitioner would take the time to clarify any confusion or misconceptions you might have.

Choosing a dentist you can trust wouldn't be too difficult – if you only know how and where to look.

Visit a Sedation Dentist in Philadelphia and Get Rid of Your Fears

A sedation dentist in Philadelphia employs various methods. Sedatives can be administered orally as drugs and pills, or injected through IV. IV sedation causes the patient to remain awake and responsive, but in a state of deep relaxation with partial to full memory loss for the duration of the procedure. Sedatives can also come in the form of a gas, such as laughing gas or nitrous oxide. Dentists let their patients inhale the gas, making the latter feel giddy and relaxed during the dental procedure. Furthermore, some dentists also subject some patients to deep sedation or total anesthesia, if necessary; in other words, they are put to sleep.
http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/10/visit-a-sedation-dentist-in-philadelphia-and-get-rid-of-your-fears/

Dental Sedation: Making a Philadelphia Dentist Appointment More Relaxing

Dental sedation is widely administered by dentists in the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas DeFinnis, a trusted Philadelphia dentist at Wynnewood Dental Arts, for instance, is known for providing services in dental sedation through a number of methods. One of them is by letting the patient inhale nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which causes a pleasant sensation and distracts the patients from their pain, calming them down during dental procedures. Another method is oral conscious sedation, or the use of oral sedative drugs such as valium and vistaril. Intravenous sedation, meanwhile, is the administration of sedatives through the veins. Levels of sedation may vary depending on what is appropriate for the patient as deemed by the dentist; it could be minimal, where the patient is conscious but merely feels calm, or deep, where the patient is barely conscious.
http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/10/dental-sedation-making-a-philadelphia-dentist-appointment-more-relaxing/

Sedation Benefits You and the Dentist, Especially You

For dental practitioners, one of the hardest things to do is to keep a patient still during a procedure. Dentists having to deal with a patient's anxiety-fueled gag reflex often find themselves slowed down, resulting in more appointments and a patient finding his or her schedule delayed. From a patient's perspective, it is quite hard to stay still when the dental symphony of drills and grinding starts to fill your ears.

With this in mind, both parties can benefit from the use of sedatives in order to control these natural body reactions. The benefits of using dental sedatives include allowing patients to relax, thus increasing their comfort. Some patients also claim that the sedative leaves them with little or no memory of the treatment. Dentists also benefit due to their ability to control unwanted movement from the patient, allowing them to work at a much more efficient pace.

Before you run off to any dentist and ask them to use a sedative to treat you, it is important to know that sedation dentistry is a specialized field and requires special training on the part of the dentist. Make sure that your dentist has the necessary training and experience before asking for sedation.

New, Quieter Dental Drill Reduces Anxiety of Patients

Despite the general advisory of having to visit your dentist every 6 months, how many of us actually do that religiously? For most people, a visit to the dental office is only done when there is a dental issue that needs to be taken care of (cleaning, filling, etc.); if there is no dental work to be done, then some people simply don't go the dentist for years. While most people avoid going to the dentist unless absolutely necessary, there are still people that do not have their teeth checked simply because they are afraid of dentists.

The fear of visiting the dentist is not directly caused by the dentist himself. Most people are terrified by the sound of the drill as it cleans their teeth. That horrible noise is definitely enough to get anyone's heart racing. Luckily for those suffering from this fear, dental technology has come up with a drill that is substantially less noisy than the dental drills most people are familiar with. From the videos and pictures that can be found on the Internet, you can see that those drills are also slightly smaller than the usual dental drill. In a sense, this smaller size also reduces that feeling of being invaded.

With modern medical technology advancing, it's only fair that medical technology also make advances in making the trip to the dentist less terrifying. The use of these drills would definitely lessen the uneasiness of patients.