Baton Rouge Dentist

Am I immune to anesthesia or do I need a new dentist?

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I don’t know what is wrong with me, but every time I have to get a cavity filled at the dentist, they can never get me numb. I really don’t like going to the dentist anyway, so when I have to get a filling, it is terrible. They do one shot and wait. They do another shot and wait. It’s not fun. Is it me? Am I just immune to the anesthesia? Is it my dentist? Does he not know what he’s doing?

Cal

Dear Cal,

You didn’t mention much about your past experience at the dentist, except that you don’t like to go. If your past includes some kind of traumatic experience at the dentist, that experience could be playing a part in why you have a hard time getting numb when you have dental procedures.

There are cases when anxiety and stress prevent novocain from working correctly. Why still isn’t completely understood. It may be muscle tensity, the body’s chemistry, or some other factor, but the numbing action of the novocain doesn’t complete or it wears off very quickly.

Sedation dentistry to the rescue

If you feel that anxiety and stress describes you, sedation dentistry may be a good avenue for you. Sometimes starting with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can help you relax enough for the novocain to work properly. Nitrous oxide alone is enough for some patients to be able to get their dental work done comfortably. If you still aren’t comfortable, you can try conscious sedation dentistry. You would take some medicine to help you relax before your appointment, but you don’t sleep. You are just very comfortable, so much so that you may not even remember the appointment.

If you haven’t had a bad experience in the past that would lead you to feel anxiety and struggle for novocain to work, it may not be a bad idea to try a different dentist. There are dentists who are especially good at gentle dentistry.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry in Baton Rouge, LA.

A dentist for chickens–not the animal?

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Is there a dentist for people who are afraid of the dentist?

Margie H. – Little Rock, AR

Margie,

You’re not alone in your fear of the dentist. A large number of Americans have some form of dental anxiety.

There are dentists who work with fearful patients. Most of them do some form of sedation dentistry, which will give you a pain free experience.

Don’t just look for a dentist who does sedation, though. You want to be sure that they enjoy working with fearful patients. They’re more compassionate. Which means you’ll not only have a pain free experience, but also a judgment and lecture free appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

 

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Dental Health

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I was recently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and was told by my medical doctor that I should inform my dentist of my condition because it can pose dental problems. Can you tell me what dental concerns I need to be aware about?

Thanks, Terri

Dear Terri,

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a disorder that affects the fibrous protein collagen in our bodies. This protein offers strength and elasticity to the connective tissues like the skin, bone, ligaments, cartilage and so on. Connective tissues must have collagen to help in their function and purpose within the body.

This disorder can threaten our dental health in several ways.

  • Periodontal disease is the most major oral manifestation of this syndrome which can lead to early loss of teeth. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease and EDS usually have attachment loss, mobility of the teeth, and resorption of the roots which enhance the probability of tooth loss. The gingival tissues are very fragile and bleeding can be difficult to control during dental surgeries.
  • Hypoplasia of the enamel is often noted. This is a condition where the enamel does not form properly and is weak in nature. The teeth can also be present with deep groves, pulp stones, and the roots shortened.
  • The lining of our mouths known as the mucosa is very fragile and can tear easily especially when touched by instruments, having orthodontic treatment, eating hard foods, and even brushing aggressively. If stitches are ever needed after a dental surgery they usually don’t hold up because the mucosa is so delicate.
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) may be present due to the fact that the collagen did not form properly causing movement of the discs and looseness of the ligaments within the jaw joint. This can cause clicking, popping, and pain.

Here is some advice in helping you maintain your oral health

  • Let your dentist and dental hygienist know of your condition. We recommend you get your teeth cleaned every three months, however make sure they limit the use of the ultrasonic scaler and tell them to be gentle.
  • If going through braces, it’s important to go through orthodontics at a slow pace and with caution because movement of the teeth can cause more root resorption and the periodontal ligaments and oral mucosa are very fragile
  • Make sure you are meticulous with your dental hygiene however use an ultra-soft toothbrush and be gentle. Brush your teeth a few times a day and floss daily.
  • Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen synthesis and increases wound healing. This can be found in a supplement form, fruits, or vegetables.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.