Category Archives: General dentistry

Are All Dentists Sadists?

I am just going to be blunt. I have never had a pleasant dental experience. Here is the pattern. I go in. I get tortured and even have blood all over my dental bib. Not even numbing medication helps. I am too disgusted to go back again for a while and put it off. Then, I start feeling guilty for missing appointments and go in, this time to a different dentist. I get tortured… ad nauseum.

Here is my question. I need a bunch of work but don’t want to go to more appointments than is necessary. How much work can I get in during just one appointment? I figure I can just bring a flask of whiskey with me or something to steady my nerves and just grin and bear it.

Louis

Dear Louis,

Gilbert dental anxiety
Dental work can be intimidating…but there is a solution.

I’m sorry you have spent a lifetime having this trouble with dentists. Believe it or not, most dentists went into their field because they wanted to help people, not because they enjoy causing pain. My guess is there is a three-fold problem that is causing this cycle. We can go into that in a moment. First, I want you to know that there is a solution, so as I am going through this cycle, know there is hope.

First, early trauma. There is likely some point in your childhood where you had a frightening or painful dental appointment.

Second, anxiety. That early trauma set up a pattern of dental anxiety. This is a big deal because when a patient is anxious, it is actually harder for the numbing medication to work. The higher the anxiety, the faster the medication burns off.

Third, avoidance. The trauma and anxiety you’ve experienced keep you away from the dentist, which in turn allows for more buildup and problems with your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which is painful to deal with and will bleed during your appointments, as well as large deposits that are harder to remove.

The solution is to get you relaxed enough for the numbing medication to effectively do its job. My recommendation, because of the severity of the experiences you’ve had, is to look for a dentist who offers dental sedation. You can do an internet search for one of the following terms to locate them:

In your case, I am going to recommend you find someone who specifically uses oral conscious sedation (OCS). Oral Conscious Sedation is administered by a pill. Don’t let that fool you, though. This pill is so strong that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as well as, stay with you for a few hours while you get lucid and steady on your feet again. Because you are so comfortable and relaxed, you are most likely to sleep through your entire appointment. This works in your favor when you need a lot of work done because it allows you to get more work done in each appointment than you would normally be able to. This will help you catch up faster with oral health care.

I think you’ll find this simple step will completely change your experience with dentists.
This blog is brought to you by Gilbert, AZ Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Will Dental Implants Trigger My Allergies?

Hello there,

I am interested in dental implants to restore my smile. The years have not been easy on my teeth. While a dental implant is a little outside my price range at the moment, I have a more pressing concern. I have a severe allergy to metal. I cannot even wear metallic accessories or fashion items. I know I am allergic to nickel and have sensitivities to others metals commonly used in dentistry.

Is it possible to restore my smile without using metal?

Hotaru, from Austin, TX

 

Hi Hotaru,

Your metal allergies sound serious, however, most dental implants contain titanium. Being allergic to one metal does not mean you will be allergic to all. Titanium is a highly biocompatible metal, but prior to getting any implants, you can opt for an allergy test to put your concerns to rest.

Another option you have is to find a dentist that creates metal-free all-porcelain implants using zirconia or another strong ceramic. It may be difficult to find someone to place an all-porcelain implant, but if a titanium one is out of the question, it can be done.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert dentist, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

My Child’s Orthodontist and General Dentist are Giving Conflicting Advice

Hi,

My daughter is missing one of her upper teeth. The orthodontist left a space for an implant when she’s older. In the meantime, our options were a retainer made by the orthodontist or a Maryland Bridge made by our general dentist. However, the Maryland Bridge keeps falling out. He offered to remake it with metal clasps instead of cement, but I’m worried it’ll fall out again. The orthodontist suggested a flipper, and isn’t sure why the family dentist made the Maryland Bridge in the first place. Should we get the flipper from the orthodontist, or try the bridge again? Did our dentist make a mistake? Should we switch dentists entirely?

Thanks,

Yuko from Pennsylvania

 

Hi Yuko,

Maryland Bridges have a false tooth attached metal wings that attach to the backs of the teeth surrounding the empty space. To stay properly, the back of the teeth and metal both need to be etched to bond securely. The etches may not have been made deep enough, which is why the bridge keeps falling out. However, if the surrounding teeth are healthy, roughening them may not be the best option. This process permanently alters the tooth’s structure.

Your dentist didn’t make a mistake, just chose a less obvious solution to the problem of a missing tooth. A flipper would be a better choice going forward, so opt for one from your orthodontist. If you no longer trust your general dentist, you can ask your orthodontist who they would recommend.

This blog is brought to you by the office of Gilbert dentist, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

 

 

Can anything help my husband’s bad breath?

My husband has bad breath. I don’t know what it is, but I’m embarrassed for him. It wasn’t so bad when we were first married, but it has kind of gotten worse. He doesn’t have terrible oral hygiene so I don’t know what changed. I’m wondering what the best kind of mints or gum are for him, or if there is anything he can do so he has fresh breath when he’s at work or around other people in closer proximity.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

It’s hard to tell someone you care about that they have bad breath, but it can be even more difficult to cure because there are so many different causes.  Let’s start with bacteria. Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. There are over 700 different bacteria species that have been found in the mouth.  They are working to break down the food that enters and are necessary for digestion and the natural, healthy functions of the mouth. When the bacteria break down protein, in particular, it creates a sulfur gas, which doesn’t smell good and can linger in the mouth.

Sometimes it is the food itself that can cause bad breath, or halitosis. Garlic, onion, tuna, and some dairy are often culprits for a bad smell left behind after being eaten.

Even sickness can lead to bad breath. If you have a cold or the flu, the drainage can emit an odor. If this were the cause of your husband’s bad breath, when the virus was gone, the bad breath should be, too.  Some longer-lasting illnesses, such as acid reflux, may contribute to longer-lasting halitosis. Fortunately, there are medications for these kinds of health issues that may help alleviate the symptoms and, in turn, the bad breath.

How can you help the halitosis?

The list goes on, but there are things that may help with the halitosis. The first line of defense is good oral hygiene. This includes brushing after each meal, refraining from snacking too much between meals without cleaning,  flossing daily, and regularly visiting the dentist. Using a mouthwash designed specifically for bad breath may help. Carefully cleaning the tongue and roof of the mouth are also suggested. These will help ward off halitosis from gum disease.

As for breath mints or gum for your husband’s breath, use caution. Many breath mints have sugar and bacteria feeds on sugar. What you use to help the bad breath may actually make it worse. Make sure you only choose sugar-free  gum or mints.

This post is sponsored by Vista Dorada Dental in Gilbert, AZ.