The Glen Ellyn Illinois Dentist

Is Painless Anesthesia (Painless Dentist) the Work of the Devil?

I'm sitting is a 3 day meeting on complications in sedation and compromised patients while I ran into this wild quote from the first president of the American Dental Association back in 1860. This clearly shows how the concept of pain control and anesthesia has progressed!
William Henry Atkinson, originally a physician,felt that to eliminate pain is "to do the work of the devil!"

“I think anesthesia is of the DEVIL, and I cannot give my sanction to any Santanic influence which deprives man of the capacity form recognizing the LAW. I wish there were no such thing as anesthesia. I do not think man should be prevented from passing through what God intended them to endure.” Sacred Pain

Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfortable dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. He sees patients from Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at SmileGlenEllyn.com Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures He also publishes a separate informational websie on dental implants at chicagoimplantdentistry.com

Drink Green Tea for Healthy & Gums

A recent article in ScienceDaily (Mar. 2009) summarizes health benefits of drinking green tea with weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. A study in the Journal of Periodontology uncovered another benefit of drinking green tea—healthy gums and teeth. The study by Dr. Shimazaki at Kyushu University in Japan analyzed the periodontal [gum] health of 940 men, and found that those dinking green tea had superior dental health

We have more information dental health on our website at SmileGlenEllyn.com Also visit us for information on dental implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, West Chicago, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at FearLessDentalCare.com.

The Value of a Smile

How much of an influence is an attractive smile? More than you may suspect considering a poll by the Caravan Opinion Research International of over 100 randomly selected adults. Among the findings:

1) 90% of the respondents believed that an attractive smile was an asset for a person’s career
2) About 90% said that they are more romantically attracted to someone with an attractive smile
3) 80% of the polled group relate both age and economic status to how the person’s smile.

For more information see our cosmetic dentistry site at SmileGlenEllyn.com, and visit other blog articles in this site. Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at LivewithoutDentures.com. Also visit us for information on implants at chicagoimplantdentistry.com and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures We also a a new dedicated blog

Researchers Test Dental Health &Gum Disease Link to Heart Attacks

   The connection between oral health, periodontal disease, and gum disease to heart disease, heart disease, and stroke is well known.  Now studies have emerged demonstrating a direct bacterial connection. in term of the total number of bacteria.  Researcher Dr. Andrianaja at the University of Buffalo  stated “that even though some specific periodontal [gum] pathogens have been found to be associated with an increased of coronary disease, the total bacterial pathogenic burden is more important than the type of bacteria.  In other words, the total number of ‘bugs’ is more important than one single organism.”  The study consisted of 386 men and women between ages 35 and 69, contrasted to a control group of 840 heart disease free people. 
  Total bacterial load presented to the body and heart would be correlated to the extent of dental disease, gum irritation, and degree of oral hygiene, as well as the total time that “less than great” dental health was present.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

We have more information on dental on our website at SmileGlenEllyn.com Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures   Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, West Chicago, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at FearLessDentalCare.com.

Can Sports Drinks (citric acid) Damage Your Teeth

    A recent study at the Department of Cariology & Comprehensive Care at New York University College of Dentistry studied the effect of several top selling sport drinks on teeth.  What they discovered was that the tooth surface “softened” after being exposed to the sport drinks.  Many sport drinks not only contain sugar, but equally damaging is the level of citric acid they may contain and the subsequent erosion of the tooth enamel.  
    Although this is not decay, the softened tooth surface can lead to erosion possibly leading to exposure to the sensitive inner dentin or root surface of the teeth.  This could eventually lead to an increase in future decay and sensitivity.
    Research Dr. Wolf also stated  “To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow softened enamel to re-harden."  Limiting the number of sport drinks and rinsing with water afterwards is also prudent.

  Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfortable dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area.  He sees patients from Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago,  Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove.  Contact us at SmileGlenEllyn.com  Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures  He also publishes a separate informational website on dental implants at chicagoimplantdentistry.com

Dental Sedation Safety--IV Sedation, Oral sedation, Patient Safety

The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation just completed its first annual Sedation Dentistry Safety Week!  This is important as patient safety should always be first priority in patient care.  Topics included "The Sedation Dentist Safety Checklist."  There are many things that all competent sedation dentists should do (and you should make certain that your dentist is doing). 
1)   Upmost is training.  The doctor should be trained minimally in oral conscious sedation by a competent organization.   To be more certain about sedation effectiveness, the doctor should be trained in IV sedation and properly certified to perform these services.  We HIGHLY recommend that the patient verify the training of the provider.
2)  Equally important is continuing education.  Medicine, pharmacology, and dentistry are constantly evolving and the education must be updated!
3)  The staff should also be trained not only in life support, but in emergency procedures.  Monthly training should continue to assure that skills are “kept sharp.”  We have our staff trained with IMEP—the Institute of Medical Emergency Preparedness, which also send out monthly office "drills" to keep skills up-to-date.
4)  The doctor should also maintain his skills in emergency medicine.  I would recommend for most to have their ACLS certification (advanced cardiac life support certification) .  Group such as American Dental Society of Anesthesiology also have advanced traing and even "human simulation" training for sedation dentistry doctors.
5)  Second the office should have the proper medications to use as needed—and they need to be up to date (not expired).
6)  The patient’s medications may need to researched to verify that no drug interactions exist that may preclude a safe and effective visit.
7)  Certain equipment is essential to monitor the patient’s condition during the entire procedure and during recovery.  Most essential is the pulse-oximeter which monitors the pulse, blood oxygen, and blood pressure.  Many of the worse “accidents” have occurred when these simple vital signs are not carefully monitored.
8)  Keeping the patient’s medical history completely updated so that the proper protocols are maintained at all times.
9)  Working with the patient’s physician as needed to verify and clarify the patient’s needs and condition.
10)  Should the patient’s physical or mental condition not be suitable for in-office sedation, the proper referrals to hospital or physician assisted procedures must be performed.

Patient’s have the right to speak freely to their health care providers about their concerns and safety.

  Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfortable dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area.  He sees patients from Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago,  Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove.  Contact us at SmileGlenEllyn.com  Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures  He also publishes a separate informational websie on dental implants at chicagoimplantdentistry.com

Gene Therapy for Periodontal Gum Disease--Improving Quality of Life & Health!

   Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully shown that genetic therapy can be used to defray the development of gum disease.  Using gene transfer to treat life threatening conditions is not new, but the U-M group is the first known to use the gene delivery approach to show potential in treating chronic conditions such as periodontal disease.  "This is so important because the next wave of improving medical therapeutics goes beyond saving life, and moves forward to improving the quality of life,” said researcher Dr. Giannobile. 
    The pre-clinical study was done in collaboration with Targeted Genetics.   Human trial results that showed the same gene therapy approach used to stop periodontal disease had positive affects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, another chronic disabling condition. The company tested 127 human subjects and showed a 30 percent improvement in pain relief, and gain of function, among other enhancements using the gene treatment.

Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures  See our dental implant site at SmileGlenEllyn.com, and visit other blog articles in this site. Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, West Chicago, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at LivewithoutDentures.com.

Oral Sedation and IV Sedation--Two Cases rom Elmhurst & Naperville

    In a recent post I related about a patient from Naperville wanted oral sedation, but ended requiring IV sedation.  Does it ever go the other way?  Fortunately yes!  The point is everyone responds differently to medication, and even differently each appointment depending on a variety of factors.  Some people will take "Just on little pill" and be "flat out."  Other take four pills (the maximun allowed by protocols) and feel "almost normal." 
    We often "pre-medicate" the very apprehensive patients wanting IV sedation with oral medication.  Today we had a patient form Elmhurst wantingIV sedation, but she was sufficently comfortable to complete treamtnet after just the oral dose.  Point is, we have to be prepared with all the means for their comfort at all times, and we do not know when the "just a little" will work! 

 For more information see our dental implant site at SmileGlenEllyn.com, and visit other blog articles in this site. Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at LivewithoutDentures.com. Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures

Oral Sedation the IV Sedation “Back-up” for Fearful Patients—Report Naperville Patient

     The staff & I just finished our review of the meetings we attended at the 2009 Chicago Midwinter Dental Society meeting.  One topic I heard discussed was the relative effectiveness between oral and IV sedation for fearful dental patients.  The lecturer discussed to length different oral sedation protocols he recommended and uses for each.  His conclusion though was that although many of these protocols work well, they al still somewhat unpredictable.  For example, this last week I had a fearful patient from Naperville in who wanted oral sedation—he had heard it worked wonderfully.  In many case oral sedation does work very adequately, but this women had the recommended maximum dose, and not feeling hardly sedated at all!  We quickly started an IV for IV sedation, and quickly had her comfortable.
    Although we treat many patients successfully with oral sedation, this woman was another example of someone who thought she could be treated adequately with oral sedation, but not comfortable without the IV sedation route.  The lecturers also recounted several similar examples of this situation.

    For more information see our dental implant site at SmileGlenEllyn.com, and visit other blog articles in this site. Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at LivewithoutDentures.com. Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube LiveWithoutDentures  We also a a new dedicated sblog iste for dental implants to visit!

Are mouthwaashes safe?

I recently ran into an article on a dental website that I thought many of my patient's might find interesting!  The article Are alcohol-based mouthwashes safe? can be found at Dr. Bicuspid with the address:
http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=hyg&pag=dis&ItemID=301398&wf=195

My personal recommendation is to use an alcohol free mouthwash at home that has flouride in it like ACT.  For patients with periodontal or gum disease we often recommend a prescription product like Peridex.  High alsohol like Listerine we do recommend for home use, but as a curiosity use it at the office.  Why do we use at the office?  First it is a very short term use and it it is an excellent for some of the bad tasting adhesives used in dental offices!  For more information see our webite at SmileGlenEllyn.com in the dental health area.

Also visit us for information on implants and relaxed sedation dentistry at YouTube.com LiveWithoutDentures  See our dental implant site at SmileGlenEllyn.com, and visit other blog articles in this site. Dr. Gibbs provides sedation dentistry, comfort based dentistry, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Chicago area. This includes Wheaton, West Chicago, Naperville, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Schaumburg, Roselle, Elmhurst, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Warrenville, and Downers Grove. Contact us at LivewithoutDentures.com.