The Glen Ellyn Illinois Dentist

Dental implants and pain--Man from Wheaton reports

So what is it like to have a dental implant placed? This short video shows a man from Wheaton describing how it was to have the dental implant surgically placed, ant the subsequent crown placed. His dental implants were placed using the more modern “flapless” approach, vs. the older method where the gums had to be “pulled back” to place the dental implants. Most patients report that they “just took a couple of asprin that night,” or “their dental implants were painless.” Better methods of pain control and surgical technique have greatly diminished pain and discomfort in dental implant surgery. This case was for a single dental implant crown to avoid having a dental bridge. More involved cases now utilize complex CT scans and imaging software to use this “flapless” approach.

Moderate Dental Sedation--New State Regulations-Pt. 2

The next pertinent definition changed in the new State of Illinois regulations (April 2010) on dental sedation is:

"Moderate Sedation" or "Conscious Sedation" means a pharmacologically
induced depressed state of consciousness …under which an individual retains
the ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond
appropriately to light tactile physical stimulation and oral verbal commands….
Moderate sedation (conscious sedation) must be administered by an individual
qualified under this Section…. The drugs and/or techniques used must carry a
margin of safety wide enough to render unintended loss of consciousness
unlikely.”

The educational requirements, staffing, equipment, and safety requirement are much more stringent. The dentist must have his Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) designation, and maintain a log of his training updates. Currently about 1 to 2% of Illinois restorative dentist have this extra sedation Certificate (Sedation Permit A).
The majority of the cases are performed using IV, or intravenous, dental sedation methods. Pills, IM intramuscular medications, or gas is sometimes also used as an adjunct (often for anxiety control prior to starting the IV).

The primary advantages of this over the minimal dental sedation is:
1) Fast adjusting of the level of sedation for the patient’s comfort
is possible(30 sec, vs. 30-60 min. with pills)
2) Higher educational requirements
3) Higher safety requirement with monitoring, equipment, and training
4) Greater levels of comfort and amnesia
5) Pain medication in addition to sedative can be administer via the IV in place
6) If needed antiemetics (anti-nausea) medication can be administered via the
IV if needed.

Minimal Dental Sedation--New State Regulations-Pt. 1

The State of Illinois has just adapted new guidelines on dental sedation. For the most part, they mirror the guidelines on dental sedation set forth by the American Dental Society about a year ago and change the educational requirements and even definitions e used describing dental office sedation.
Let’s look at the first pertinent definition-minimal sedation. According to the state’s new published guidelines:

“Minimal Sedation “or "Anxiolysis or Mood Altering Sedation" means a
Pharmacologically induced, altered state of consciousness (altered mood; reduced
anxiety) where an individual is awake but has decreased anxiety to facilitate
coping skills, retaining interaction ability.”

A general dentist may do minimal dental sedation, but only with extra education, staff training, and monitoring equipment.
Let’s look at the elements of the definition. First “minimal sedation” means that the effect is minimal. Gas nitrous oxide or sedative pills are used. Onset of these agents is 30 to 60 with pills, although incremental dosing is now permitted (April 2010). (Please be aware that if a person requires more sedation it will take this 30-60 min. time for effect!). “Anxiolysis” from Latin literally means the “dissolving of anxiety.”
The definition of minimal sedation also states that the “an individual is awake but has decreased anxiety.” This means that the person is aware at all times, but usually has less anxiety.
If a patient goes to a dentist who promises “pill sedation” it is minimal sedation. They may have decreased of no memory of the procedure, but by legal definition of their limitations, will be aware during the procedure. Nowhere is the definitions is “painless dental visit” or “painless dentistry” mentioned.
The next level of dental sedation is moderate sedation—see next blog or our website for information on dental sedation options, methods, and associated technology for dental comfort.

Dental Cleaning--Glen Ellyn Dentist, Wheaton Dentist

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o’clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
2. It Wards off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.
3. It’s about More than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems.
4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.
5. It’s Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife?
6. You Want to Know You’re Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren’t keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.
7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.
8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you’re already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.
9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!
10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you’re given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.
11. For those patients lucky enough to be in out "White Forever" tooth whitening program, you get a FREE touch-up tube of whitening gel. Fantastic!--you can keep your smile white and bright! (We also have a great White Forever program for
).