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September 2nd, 2010
Queastion: I have a full upper denture and no teeth on the bottom. What is a ball park figure to have a lower and upper implant done? Would I need to have upper implants or can the current denture be used with a bottom implant.
Answer: Wow – lots of good questions here, Gloria. It is more complicated than it seems, but there are usually many different ways to use implants to stabilize dentures. Much of it depends on how much bone you have left. After the teeth are removed, the bone begins to shrink, and it can shrink dramatically, sometimes so much that dental implants are not a good choice.
There are times when the existing lower denture is in good shape and there is plenty of bone that only 2 denture mplants can make a huge difference. If the denture is in good shape, it can sometimes be modified to fit implants and have a simple solution.
More commonly, there is a lot of bone that has been lost, and the existing denture is not really usable for a new project. In these cases, a more complicated routine works well, but as you can see, it requires more dental implants and more elaborate denture prosthetics. This is often the best way to strengthen a difficult lower denture situation.
Tags: dental implants, Denture Implants, Dentures, houston dentist
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
August 20th, 2010
There are certain medical conditions that would require the patient to take a dose of antibiotics, known as dental premedication, prior to a dental appointment. This is done to help prevent any bacteria from being introduced from the dental procedure. This can avoid the procedure from causing an infection in another part of the body, such as the heart lining, called bacterial endocarditis.
Because of conflicting evidence, there is a lot of discussion as to whether antibiotic dental premedication is needed at all. The conflict comes in with the debate that over prescription of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
CONDITIONS WHICH MAY REQUIRE PREMEDICATION:
This list is not all inclusive, so check with your provider if you have any concerns.
- Artificial Heart Valves
- History of Rheumatic Fever
- History of Infective Endocarditis
- Kidney Dialysis
- Mitral Valve Prolapse with Valvular Regurgitation
- Certain Congenital Heart Conditions
- Cardiac Transplants
DENTAL PROCEDURES WHICH REQUIRE PREMEDICATION:
This list is not all inclusive, so check with your provider if you have any concerns.
YES, ANTIBIOTICS ARE NEEDED:
If significant bleeding is not going to occur, it is not necessary to take antibiotics prophylactically before your dental appointment.
NO, ANTIBIOTICS ARE NOT NEEDED:
If you have any questions as to whether or not you may need dental premedication, please share your concerns with us, and be sure to disclose all of your medical conditions and history, as that’s the only way you and your Houston, Texas dentist can decide the best course of treatment for you.
Tags: dental antibiotics, dental premedication, houston dentist, Prophylaxis
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
The most commonly employed technique used in conscious sedation dentistry is inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen (N2O2 and O2) or “laughing gas”. It is estimated that approximately 35% of U.S. dentists use nitrous oxide gas to relieve pain and dental anxiety.
The goal sought when laughing gas is used is to eliminate dental anxiety, making the patient more comfortable while the sedation dentist is able to more effectively complete the planned dental care procedure while the patient is sedated.
Some patients at their first laughing gas visit will feel that they are not getting enough “air.” The patient should tell the sedation dentist and he or she will provide them with even more oxygen to breathe. Once the patient is comfortable breathing oxygen, the dentist gradually will introduce nitrous oxide. Over the next three to five minutes, the patient will be asked, “What are you feeling?” as the amount of nitrous oxide is slowly increased.
The signs and symptoms that most patients experience when receiving laughing gas include an initial feeling of lightheadedness, which gradually leads to an all-over feeling of warmth. Many persons mention a comfortable “vibrating” or “humming” sensation. It is common to feel one’s fingertips and hands become “numb.” This same sensation may develop in the mouth. Some patients will mention that their arms and legs feel “very light.” Interestingly, other patients will say that their arms and legs feel “so heavy I can’t even move them.” If either of these occurs to the patient, it is perfectly normal. The individual might notice that they are perspiring a little, too. This is a normal effect of nitrous oxide and oxygen dentistry.
The dentist will talk with the patient throughout the dental care procedure and the individual will be able to respond without any problem. This is a major advantage, and a safety feature, of conscious sedation using laughing gas. If, at any time during the procedure, the patient feels that they are getting too much nitrous oxide or if they begin to feel uncomfortable, they should tell the dentist immediately and within seconds the dentist can adjust the flow of gases, and the patient will feel more comfortable again. Another advantage is that the use of nitrous oxide during a procedure will not affect the patient’s ability to safely drive home after the appointment.
Laughing gas inhalation sedation is highly effective in the management of mild to moderate levels of dental anxiety. It also is an excellent technique in persons who are extreme gaggers; laughing gas usually eliminates or minimizes gagging in most patients. Finally, laughing gas is highly recommended for apprehensive patients who have medical problems such as angina pectoris, persons who have had a heart attack, or persons with high blood pressure, asthma or epilepsy.
Tags: conscious sedation, gag reflex, laughing gas, nitrous oxide, sedation dentist, sedation dentistry
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
August 16th, 2010
Oral sedation dentistry is not a new practice but it is becoming more common. It is especially beneficial to patients who have mild or severe dental anxiety, people who have issues being numbed with a local anesthesia, patients with a severe gag reflex, patients who have very sensitive teeth and for those who want to have a lot of dental work done during one single appointment. Because it is becoming so common many people have questions about the process of oral conscious sedation.
You will be prescribed a pill to take one hour prior to your scheduled dental visit. It is imperative that you have someone drive you to, and from your dental appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you will be awake and feeling very drowsy and relaxed. Upon your arrival for your dental appointment, you will be immediately escorted to the dental treatment area and seated in the dental chair. You will be placed on a monitor to carefully watch your vital signs during the entire appointment.
There is no analgesic or pain relieving qualities provided by oral sedatives. Local anesthetics will be used to prevent pain. Because you are so relaxed, and because of the use of painless injection techniques, you will probably not remember when you teeth were actually being “numbed”. When your treatment is completed, your friend or relative will drive you home, where you can climb into bed for a soothing, relaxing nap. When you are fully awake, you will feel comfortable, relaxed and free from stress. You will probably remember very little about your wonderful, relaxing, dental experience.
Tags: dental phobia, dental treatment, houston dentist, oral conscious sedation
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
August 12th, 2010
An oral cancer examination and screening is best done regularly by your dentist. Patients can also perform this self-examination between dental visits to check for any early signs of oral cancer. If you are concerned about any of your findings, immediately see your dentist for an evaluation.
- Press along the sides and front of the neck and feel for any tenderness or lumps. Do the same on your face. Normally, your face and neck are symmetrical so notice any bumps or swelling.
- Pull your upper lip up and look for any sores and color changes on your lips and gums. Repeat this on your lower lip.
- Use your fingers to pull out your cheeks and look for any color changes such as red, white, or dark patches. Put your index finger on the inside and your thumb on the outside of your cheeks to feel for any lumps. Repeat on other cheek.
- Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide to see if there are any lumps or color changes.
- Grab your tongue with a piece of cotton gauze and examine for any swellings or color changes. Look at the top, back and each side of your tongue
- Touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue and look at the underside of your tongue and the floor of your mouth. See if there are any color changes or lumps. Use one finger inside your mouth and one finger on the outside corresponding to the same place and feel for any unusual bumps, swelling, or tenderness.
Tags: oral cancer
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
August 11th, 2010
Question: My son is 17 and has decalified teeth. The areas aren’t very soft but my dentist suggested teeth whitening with zoom. I need another opinion as I’m pretty concern before I spend this money.
Answer: When we have a young patient, like your son, we recommend tray bleaching alone or in combination with chair side bleaching. In our opinion there are several advantages to this. First, you can continue to bleach at home with the trays and touch up the bleaching from time to time. Older teen’s teeth bleach better than someone in their 40’s as a general rule and tray bleaching works the best.
I hope that this helps you out. We would be more than happy to see your son to discuss this subject further.
Thanks,
Dale J. Brant, DDS
Charles Campbell, DDS
713.795.5905
888.790.0309
Tags: fluoride treatment, preventative dentistry, professional dental cleaning, teeth bleaching, teeth cleaning
Posted in Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
August 4th, 2010
We have established stringent infection control procedures to minimize the possibility of germ transmission, in order to protect the health of all of our patients from the four most common methods of pathogen transmission:
- Direct contact of skin with any blood, oral fluids and other potentially infectious material;
- Indirect contact with contaminated instruments or any environmental surfaces;
- Contact with mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth with pathogen-contaminated droplets or spatter that can be generated and propelled a short distance, whether by coughing, sneezing, or talking from an infected person;
- Inhalation of any airborne micro-organisms that may be suspended in air.
Hands are the most common method of pathogen (germ) transmission, so hand-washing, including the use of hand sanitizers, is the cornerstone of our infection control procedures. We each scrub our hands both before and after each appointment with sanitizing soap.
Because germs can also be spread indirectly through instruments, environmental surfaces and water lines, we also follow these infection control procedures:
- Regular sterilization of our dental instruments
- The use disposable supplies, such as paper bibs, paper cups, cotton rolls, and gauze pads
- Routine cleaning of our water lines
- Use of protective barriers on all exposed surfaces, like the handles on light fixtures, and other equipment, as well as disinfecting all other surfaces, including switches, dental radiograph equipment, dental chair-side computers, etc.
- Disposal of all bio-dental waste and sharp instruments in appropriately labeled, safe containers by a biomedical disposal company, to ensure proper disposal.
Our equipment is also designed to minimize the risks for you and our staff. Our entire staff has been vaccinated to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B, and we regularly review and update our office infection control procedures to ensure the best possible standards, meeting or exceeding government standards. We make infection control our priority so our patients never have to worry about it.
Tags: germ, hand-washing, infection control procedures, pathogen
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
July 29th, 2010
Question: Why do dentists often recommend nitrous oxide?
Answer: Nitrous oxide, N2O2, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas that is often used by dentists to help relax patients who are moderately nervous or worried about having dental work done. It can also lessen strong gag reflexes that some patients have, which can complicate having dental work done. Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation method which is inhaled, and is the most common frequently used sedation in dentistry today followed by oral conscious sedation taken by mouth.
Question: I’ve never used nitrous oxide. How is it administered?
Answer: A small fitted mask is placed over the nose. The patient simply breathes in normally, absorbing the nitrous oxide through the lungs. The effects can be felt in just a few short minutes.
Question: How does it make you feel?
Answer: Most patients first notice a faint, sweet aroma followed by a sense of well being and relaxation, unconcern, happiness, or the experience of slight numbness in the arms or feet. By raising the pain threshold and relaxing patients, nitrous oxide makes what is sometimes a stress-filled experience go more smoothly. Patients remain conscious, retaining their natural reflexes and the ability to communicate.
Question: Will I be able to drive home safely after using nitrous oxide?
Answer: After the procedure is finished, the N2O2 is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen and has no lingering effects. The use of nitrous oxide alone will not impair your ability to drive yourself home safely.
Question: Do I need to fast before having laughing gas?
Answer: Yes. It’s a good idea not to eat within two hours of a dental visit in which nitrous oxide will be used. You should also make sure your dentist knows of any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult. You should also make them aware of any medication taken the day of the appointment, as this might limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide.
Your dentist will review your medical history, dental procedure needs, as well as ascertain your anxiety level and discuss with you whether or not nitrous oxide is the right course of action for you. Dental fear bordering on a phobia might require oral or intravenous sedation instead. Nitrous oxide is a great sedative in the dentist’s arsenal to help you maintain the best possible dental health and that beautiful smile as easily as possible.
Nitrous oxide takes the fear out of going to dentist for many people. If you’d like to make an appointment now, please give us a call or use our online Contact Us Form.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
(713) 795-5905
Tags: nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation
Posted in Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
July 29th, 2010
Dental insurance plans vary greatly from company to company as well as from dental plan to dental plan within a single company, and use specialized terms that are difficult for most of us to understand. As such, it is extremely important for you to understand exactly what is covered and how your plan pays for your dental treatment.
Question: How do insurance plans determine payment?
Answer: Most dental insurance plans utilize either a Table of Allowances or the UCR method. A Table of Allowances lists the treatments the insurance provider will pay and the amount it pays for each treatment or service. With the UCR method, the insurance provider calculates the maximum payments that it considers usual, customary, and reasonable for allowable treatments, and then pays, depending on the plan, 50 to 80% of that amount. The insured individual is then responsible for paying the remaining 20 to 50% of the UCR fees PLUS the difference between the actual cost of the treatment and the plan’s allowable UCR fees.
Question: Payment methods are based on statistics, aren’t they?
Answer: It is certainly a reasonable assumption to make; however, though statistics may be gathered, insurance companies are not required to use them to set their UCR fees. In fact, most insurance plans’ fees are not ordinarily representative of what your area dentists actually charge.
Additionally, different dental plans within a single company often base their fees on a different set of UCR fees for the very same group of dentists in your geographical area. A dental insurance company often pays different UCR fees to the same dental office, depending on which of that company’s insurance plans the individual has enrolled in.
Dental insurance plans have not kept abreast of technological advances or of inflation since the 1960’s. All of these factors combine to make many patients choose a treatment plan that is not fully covered by their dental insurance.
Even though most dental insurance plans only cover basic services, it is important to choose the best dental treatment plan that is most appropriate for you and your loved ones. Our office also has several financial options available to help you afford the best possible treatment. If you have any questions, please call your insurance provider to learn exactly what they cover. If we can be of help, please give us a call or use our Contact Us Form.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
(713) 795-5905
Tags: dental insurance
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
July 29th, 2010
We have established stringent infection control procedures to minimize the possibility of germ transmission, in order to protect the health of all of our patients from the four most common methods of pathogen transmission:
- Direct contact of skin with any blood, oral fluids and other potentially infectious material;
- Indirect contact with contaminated instruments or any environmental surfaces;
- Contact with mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth with pathogen-contaminated droplets or spatter that can be generated and propelled a short distance, whether by coughing, sneezing, or talking from an infected person;
- Inhalation of any airborne micro-organisms that may be suspended in air.
Hands are the most common method of pathogen (germ) transmission, so hand-washing, including the use of hand sanitizers, is the cornerstone of our infection control procedures. We each scrub our hands both before and after each appointment with sanitizing soap.
Because germs can also be spread indirectly through instruments, environmental surfaces and water lines, we also follow these infection control procedures:
- Regular sterilization of our dental instruments
- The use disposable supplies, such as paper bibs, paper cups, cotton rolls, and gauze pads
- Routine cleaning of our water lines
- Use of protective barriers on all exposed surfaces, like the handles on light fixtures, and other equipment, as well as disinfecting all other surfaces, including switches, dental radiograph equipment, dental chair-side computers, etc.
- Disposal of all bio-dental waste and sharp instruments in appropriately labeled, safe containers by a biomedical disposal company, to ensure proper disposal.
Our equipment is also designed to minimize the risks for you and our staff. Our entire staff has been vaccinated to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B, and we regularly review and update our office infection control procedures to ensure the best possible standards, meeting or exceeding government standards. We make infection control our priority so our patients never have to worry about it.
Tags: infection control procedures
Posted in Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston Dentist Answers FAQ"S | No Comments »
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