nitrous oxide Archives | Poplar Crossing Dental

Dental Bonding Ruined How My Teeth Look

Posted on August 21, 2024 by writeradmin.

Hi, I’m hoping you can help me. I had sensitive and exposed parts of my teeth near the gumline. My dentist suggested we put some dental bonding there. I was willing to try just about anything. While it did take care of the sensitivity, I have two problems. One is a vanity issue, but the other is functional. First, the vanity. The fillings do not match my teeth at all, and people keep telling me they think I have something stuck in my tooth. Is there any way to get these to match? Second, one of them popped out today? Is this going to be a recurring problem?

Allie

Dear Allie,

$Image of teeth with abfraction lesions$ I’m sorry this is happening to you. What you’re likely dealing with at your gumline are known as abfraction lesions, as pictured here. We used to think that this happened because people brushed their teeth too aggressively, however modern research has shown that it is caused by the clenching of teeth repeatedly. This is a habit many people have without even realizing it because it often happens at night while they are sleeping.

Clenching causes your teeth to flex right at the gumline. This will weaken your teeth in that area, which leads to the wearing away of the teeth. This is also likely why you had one pop out. If you have flexing of the teeth, then you will need a flexible filling. It sounds like your dentist used a stiffer filling.

You asked if this will be a regular problem, and the answer is yes, UNLESS your dentist replaces the dental bonding with something more flexible.

This should not be beyond his capabilities, but neither should have making sure the composite material matches your teeth and polishing it up to a nice shine. Because they are popping out, it gives you an excuse to ask for a refund if you want to go to someone else. They can remove the composite material which remains and replace it with materials that match and will not pop out.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.
Click here to learn about dental sedation.

My Gag Reflex is Keeping Me From the Dentist

Posted on June 15, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have a very strong gag reflex. In fact, I can’t even eat certain foods because the texture makes me gag. This has kept me from the dentist. Now I have a pimple on my gums that is causing massive pain. My doctor said it was a dental issue. How can I get treatment for this if I pretty much gag until I vomit every time I go?

Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,

I’m glad you wrote. First, your doctor is right. That pimple on your gums means that you have an abscessed tooth. It’s infected. If left untreated, not only will it become a dental emergency, but it could also turn life-threatening. When people ignore tooth infections they spread. Even in the twenty-first century, we still have people die because the did not get their tooth infection dealt with.

What you don’t want to do is try to treat this with an antibiotic. It will not “cure” a tooth infection. The most it will do is hold it at bay until the medicine runs out and then it will return with vengeance. There are two treatments for an infected tooth: a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.

The root canal treatment is the ideal because it saves not only your tooth, but the expense of having to get a tooth replacement, such as a dental implant.

Knowing that, of course, does not solve your problem. With a strong gag reflex, I suggest you see a sedation dentist. I do not think you need to see a dentist who wants to give you the type of sedation that will knock you out all day. Instead, I would use nitrous oxide. The is painlessly administered with a gas you’ll breath in with a nose piece (see the image above). Patients with gag reflexes have found this simple addition to their treatment to eliminate the problem. Then, when your procedure is over, your dentist can switch the nitrous back to oxygen and you are good to on with the remainder of your day as you please. You can even drive yourself home.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Low Pain Tolerance and Dental Care

Posted on April 26, 2024 by writeradmin.

I am worried that if I don’t find a way to get to the dentist regularly, I’m going to end up like my grandmother did with nothing but dentures for teeth. The problem I have is that I’m a complete wuss. I have zero pain tolerance. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that pain and the dentist go together. Is there something that can help me get to my appointments without feeling like I’m about to be put through the Spanish Inquisition?

Esteban

Dear Esteban,

You show a lot of bravery in your willingness to try to get to the dentist despite the painful experiences you’ve had. Just because you have a low pain tolerance, does not make you a wuss, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. In fact, there are studies that have shown the way we perceive pain, as well as our ability to tolerate it is genetic. Red heads are a prime example of that. Some time when you feel like surfing the net do a search on red heads and pain tolerance.

One thing I would do is see a dentist who offers some form of dental sedation. They are usually more compassionate dentists and better with people who suffer from dental anxiety. I would start with nitrous oxide. It will lower the effect of pain on you while still allowing you to communicate with your dentist as well as get on with your day immediately following your procedure.

It is great that you are trying to get the oral care you need. It is people who do not step up, the way you are, that end up with dental emergencies. When that happens, the appointment is often more stressful because there is not time to find a sedation dentist, plus, what could have been solved with a simple procedure had you gone in early, becomes something much more invasive which increases the risk of pain involved. They are also the ones who end up with a mouth full of dentures or expensive tooth replacements. Your courage to see a dentist will avoid all of that. Plus, as your oral health gets better you have less and less chance of any pain at the dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Is a Toothache Really Serious?

Posted on February 16, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have a tooth that has been hurting me on and off. My sister keeps telling me that it is a serious thing and I need to see a dentist. I don’t see a cavity and I’ve never had a good experience with a dentist and can never seem to get numb. Can I wait until I see a cavity?

Brenda

Dear Brenda,

I can tell that you’ve had some difficult experiences at the dentist. That makes it hard to go in without a very compelling reason. Before I give you any reason for going to the dentist, I want to put your mind at ease. There are ways to see a dentist without all the pain you have experienced in the past.

I’d like you to see a dentist who offers some type of dental sedation. For instance, Dr. Becker offers nitrous oxide. This is sometimes called laughing gas, not because it makes you giggle, but it does give you a relaxed floaty feeling. Once you’re relaxed the numbing medications you are given are significantly more effective. Often, when you have dental anxiety, it kicks up your metabolism in a way that inhibits the numbing medicine from working properly. This is likely why you’ve had trouble getting numb. Using the nitrous will change that chemical reaction in your body and allow you to have a pain free appointment.

You will also find that sedation dentists tend to be more compassionate toward anxious patients. They will not judge you or lecture you. Instead, they’ll work to make you as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

As to a toothache being serious, it can be. You don’t have to see a cavity for their to be a problem. You can have internal decay or even an infection. When a tooth infection is left untreated it can spread beyond your tooth and even beyond your jaw. Antibiotics do not solve a tooth infection because the pulp of the tooth eventually dies and then there is no blood flow for the medicine to reach the infected tissue. A dentist has to physically remove it.

The earlier you get treatment, the less invasive the solution will have to be. Find that sedation dentist and you will find it makes your dental appointments much easier to deal with.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Son Is Nervous About His Dental Filling

Posted on November 9, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have an eleven year old son who has his first cavity. We’re getting it filled next week. However, he is super nervous about this and I’m worried about how cooperative he will be when it comes time for the needle. Is there anything I can do to make him less nervous about this?

Katherine

Dear Katherine,

The first thing I would do is not talk about it too much. If you act like it is no big deal, that will help signal to him that it is no big deal. Children can tell when we are nervous, which in turn makes them nervous.

Second, it is often helpful to allow him to bring something comforting to the appointment. Some children like stuffed animals; others like to bring music with headphones.

The next thing would be to make sure your pediatric dentist offers some type of dental sedation. For a child, usually just nitrous oxide is enough. It is administered by a nosepiece so there is nothing to fear. Then the dentist will release the nitrous and it will help your son to relax. Most children end up sleeping through their appointment when nitrous is used. Then, when the procedure is over, the dentist will switch the nitrous over to oxygen and your son will be as good as new in just a few moments.

This is especially useful for anxious patients because those nerves can have a negative effect on the numbing medication. As a result of the anxiety, the metabolism speeds up and burns off the numbing medication faster than normal. Those with severe anxiety find it difficult to get numb at all. Taking the simple precaution of nitrous oxide relaxes the patient enough that the medication can do its job with complete efficacy.

If your son’s dentist does not offer nitrous oxide, then it might be better to find one who does. You want a child’s dental experiences to be as pleasant as possible. Otherwise, they can develop an anxiety that keeps them away from the dentist in their adult years when they don’t have a parent looking out for their best interest.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Dentist Cut My Tongue and Lip; Burned My Eye

Posted on August 14, 2023 by writeradmin.

I had a horrible dental experience this week. I had to have a crown and two fillings done. I opted to have the nitrous oxide, which did not really do anything to help me. When the appointment first started, the dentist nicked my lip with a piece of equipment. It bled on and off throughout the appointment because he was pressing on it. A few minutes later a chemical of some sort splashed into my eye and burned like mad. Instead of apologizing for these two things he just yelled at me to sit still. How was I not supposed to jump when my eye was burned? Then, when he was drilling he slipped and put a tiny slice in my tongue. His assistant gasped but he gave her a look that made her go quiet. I tried to talk to him about it after the procedure, but he said I probably just bit my tongue because a lot of patients do that when they use nitrous. I did NOT bite my tongue. All I really wanted was an apology but because of the way he is trying to blame me, I sort of want part of my money back now. Is that possible?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

I am terribly sorry that you experienced such a horrible dental appointment. Appointments like that can affect people’s dental experiences for years. I’ll talk about how to ensure you have a pleasant dental experience next time in a moment. First, let’s answer your questions. Because it sounds your dentist is taking up a defensive posture it doesn’t sound like you will get an apology even though you certainly deserve one. As for getting a refund, if he’s not willing to offer an apology, I sincerely doubt that you will get any money out of him, but you are certainly within your rights to ask. I don’t think there’s enough in damages to recommend you take him to court, so unless he’s willing to own up to his mistakes then your only options are to switch dentists and write a review about the type of care you received in order to warn other patients about him.

You mentioned that the nitrous oxide didn’t really do much for you. This is often a signal of a strong dental anxiety. With that issue as a base and the negative experience you just had, I am going to recommend you see a sedation dentist the next time you have any substantial dental work that you need to be done, specifically one that offers oral conscious sedation. This is stronger than nitrous. In fact, some patients call it sleep dentistry because they nap through the entire appointment.

Again, I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m hopeful your next dentist will have much more empathy. Dentists who offer sedation are often more compassionate because they are used to dealing with anxious patients.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Adopted Daughter Terrified of the Dentist

Posted on July 4, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have an eleven-year-old girl we recently adopted from overseas. We tried taking her to the dentist last week and the minute anyone came near her with a dental tool, she began screaming. At some point, she ran out of the room and hid under the receptionist’s desk. I was mortified, but also very worried about our new daughter. I don’t know if she’s been through some trauma at the dentist before or elsewhere. They gave us very little information on her background. Is there anything you can recommend that would help us get her teeth looked at? I’m sure she has not had very good dental care where she came from.

Mirianna

Dear Mirianna,

Let me first say that I really admire what you are doing. Adopting any child is a big moment. Getting one from overseas comes with additional complications, especially if they don’t give you much information on the child’s background.

I don’t know if her trauma comes from a difficult dental appointment or something else, however, I do have some suggestions. What your new daughter needs is a good experience with a dentist. I would start by setting up a tour of the dental office. Assure her that they are not going to treat her. Instead, they are just going to show her around and introduce her to the staff. Make sure it is a practice that is used to dealing with children. Please also tell them about what you do know regarding her background and your fears of trauma. It does not necessarily have to be a pediatric dentist. There are general dentists who love treating children.

After she meets them, she will not be as afraid to walk in the door, which she probably will be right now after the last appointment. That is why I am recommending the tour with no treatment. Shortly after that is when you can work on getting her evaluated. It will probably require seeing a dentist who offers dental sedation. Given the severity of her anxiety, I suggest something strong such as oral conscious sedation. Eventually, you may be able to lower that to nitrous oxide. Right now, however, the important thing is that you get her teeth evaluated so you know what you are dealing with. The LAST thing she needs is to end up with a dental emergency.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Can’t Go to Dentist Because of Gagging Reflex

Posted on February 10, 2023 by writeradmin.

I cannot go to the dentist because of a crazy gag reflex. This has really thrown my oral health for a loop and I do not know what to do about it. I have not been able to go to the dentist in over two years. The last dentist I went to threw me out. I was having a hard time with my gag reflex, even with the mirror and had my fists balled to try to will myself to be okay, but they interpreted that as aggression.
Do you know anything that can help me with this? I am absolutely miserable and want to be able to take care of my teeth.

Marie

Dear Marie,

Dental professionals should understand about your gag reflex. You are certainly aren’t the first patient to struggle. Research shows that one in five patients suffer from a gag reflex at the dentist. Granted, yours seems quite severe. Regardless, I am going to suggest that you find a different dentist. The ones you have seen, especially this last one, have neither been compassionate nor professional.

There are some steps you can take that may help or at least limit the gagging you will do.

Use a topical numbing agent, like hurricane spray. This will need to be dispensed in the mouth. It will numb the tissues and help suppress gagging.
A dash of table salt placed in your mouth and swallowed helps to prevent gagging.
A rubber dam used during restorative dental treatment helps water and debris from reaching the back of your throat.
Dental Sedation. We’ll go into this in more detail in a moment.

How Dental Sedation Can Help?

You have a lot going on and your dental anxiety must be through the roof due to this. Combine that with the fact that you likely have a lot of work that you need to catch up on, then I am going to recommend that you use dental sedation at least for a little while. One type of dental sedation is nitrous oxide. This you breathe in through a nosepiece. It has been dubbed laughing gas because it gives you a relaxed floaty feeling. This can help ease your anxiety and make your appointments much more relaxing.

You can look for a dentist who offers this online by doing a search for a sedation dentist or even a cater to cowards dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Sensitivity to Epinephrine

Posted on January 7, 2022 by writeradmin.

I want to have porcelain veneers done, but I understand the local anesthetic for that is usually Novacaine or Lidocaine. Both of those have Epinephrine, which a friend told me caused her to shake throughout her entire appointment and for about an hour afterward. I am worried I’ll have the same reaction. Is there another option to those which does not contain any Epinephrine? What about dental sedation? Would that work?

Lainey

Dear Lainey,

The Epinephrine that you find in those numbing medications is not enough to cause the reaction your friend had. It is more likely the Epinephrine that her body produced because of procedural anxiety she felt. As far as dental sedation goes, nitrous oxide would be okay because you would be lucid. However, I would not recommend you use anything like oral conscious sedation (OCS).

Oral Conscious Sedation is WAY too strong for a procedure such as porcelain veneers. You want to be able to get a good look at your veneers with a temporary try-in paste so you can give your approval or suggest what changes you want to be made. With Oral Conscious Sedation you will not be lucid enough to do that. In fact, it is so strong that dentists require you to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. It will be several hours after your appointment before you will be in any condition to be on your own or make decisions.

Unless you have a history of dental anxiety, you probably won’t need anything, but if you have even slight concerns, nitrous oxide will be a good precaution. It will relax you enough where the Epinephrine in your body will not kick in.

One word of caution before settling on a dentist to do your porcelain veneers. Smile makeovers are not taught in dental school. Because of that, you will want to make sure they have advanced post-doctoral training in cosmetic work before letting them work on you. Cosmetic Dentistry is not a recognized specialty so just calling themselves a cosmetic dentist will not be enough. Any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. Look on their website bio for that post-doctoral training I mentioned.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

My Daughter is Terrified of the Dentist

Posted on December 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

My twelve year old has suddenly developed a fear of the dentist. She has a panic attack every time it is time to go. I have always been in her dental appointments with her and she’s never had anything bad happen to her. In all honesty, she’s been developing more and more anxiety as she gets older. I know I need to find a solution, but one thing I need to deal with practically right now is to get her teeth dealt with. I know she has at least one cavity.

Penny

Dear Penny,

That is a hard age. Everything about their life is changing. They have a foot in the teenage world and a foot still in their child world. Their hormones are going nuts. They are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. It is a confusing time. You are right that you do need to get her teeth taken care of. You do not want her developing a dental emergency, which will give her a traumatic appointment.

My suggestion is you find a pediatric dentist who also offers dental sedation. At this point, given her anxiety, she will need oral conscious sedation. This is administered by a pill that she will take before her appointment. The medication will completely relax her. In fact, she will likely completely sleep through her appointment. This will allow her to get her cavity taken care of without any trauma. Then, as she grows out of her anxiety she may be fine with just nitrous oxide.

These are tough years, but you can get through them.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.