FAQ

If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation with us to find out if composites are right for you.

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

Composite fillings are cured with light at the Dental Artistry office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.

Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent both believe in the importance of composite fillings and have pushed themselves to go above and beyond the required training in this aspect of dentistry to give their patients the most advanced care.

You may need a dental crown if you have teeth that have become damaged, decayed, chipped, or discolored. Dental crowns allow you to keep the tooth while removing and repairing the damage. You may need a dental bridge if you have a missing tooth or teeth and you are looking to regain function and appearance. To find out if a dental crown or bridge is the best option for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent of Dental Artistry today!

• Digital impressions taken in office, no temporary crown is necessary
• Impressions and crown are completed in a single appointment
• Crown is milled right in our office for quick turnaround time
• Natural look and feel to your crown

• Zirconia has years of clinical success
• Zirconia can be used effectively with both conventional cementation and adhesive bonding
• Zirconia requires less tooth preparation and preserves the natural tooth structure
• Zirconia will not oxidize like metal, nor will it cause discoloration around the gums
• Zirconia is less abrasive to opposing teeth when compared to metal-ceramic crowns
• Zirconia crowns can be placed in a single dental visit

When having your zirconia crown or bridge placed, you can expect a single visit to Dental Artistry. During this visit, your tooth or teeth will be prepared for your crown or bridge. Preparing your tooth or teeth for a dental crown or bridge consists of removing some enamel and shaping them accordingly. Then a dental impression or scan of your mouth will be taken and used to fabricate your custom dental crown or bridge while you wait. Finally, your permanent crown or bridge will be cemented or adhered to your teeth, then shaped and polished accordingly.

After having your zirconia dental crown or bridge placed, you may notice some temperature sensitivity for a few days after. You may also notice that your gums feel sore. Both the temperature sensitivity and the gum soreness will fade within a week once your teeth have adjusted to the dental crown or bridge.

Due to their durability, zirconia crowns require no additional care outside of your usual dental routine. Your dental routine should consist of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting Dental Artistry at least twice a year for your dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning. Although zirconia crowns are highly durable, you will still want to avoid damaging behaviors such as nail biting, teeth grinding, using your teeth as an opener, and chewing ice.

Zirconia crowns are resistant to stains as long as the porcelain remains intact. However, if the porcelain gets damaged, then the crown may stain. Things that can damage the porcelain include highly abrasive toothpastes and brushing technique, tar and other substances found in cigarettes, acidic foods and beverages, eating extremely hard or crunchy foods, using your teeth as an opener, and alcoholic beverages. In most cases if stains do develop, they can usually be removed with porcelain polish during your professional teeth cleaning.

Zirconia crowns are the longest-lasting ceramic dental crowns and generally last between 10 and 15 years. They have a similar lifespan to metal crowns, however they offer a much nicer and more natural appearance.

In some cases, zirconia crowns may fall off due to improper fit, lack of adhesive, or from being dislodged while chewing. If this happens, call our office immediately and we will give you instructions on what to do next.

You may need root canal if tooth decay or a broken tooth has allowed the pulp to become infected and inflamed. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include temperature sensitivity, swelling, drainage, odor, pain, and discoloration of the tooth. It is important to treat infections quickly, as delaying treatment can result in severe tooth pain and abscess.

Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic and administer analgesia if needed. Once the tooth is numb, an opening will be made in the top of your tooth to access the canals. Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent will then use tiny instruments to remove pulp from your tooth and prepare it to be filled. You will return at a later date to have your root canal capped with a crown or other type of restoration that will give it the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

You will be allowed to drive yourself home from your root canal visit and may even wish to return to work the same day. However, it is normal for your tooth to be sensitive in the days following your procedure. You’ll need to avoid biting anything with your filled tooth, as this can cause it to break or fracture. So long as the tooth heals normally and you experience no complications, you can return to Dental Artistry within a month to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth.

If you have any decayed or damaged teeth that need to be removed, they will be extracted before Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent take a mold of your remaining gum structure, as well as the roof of your mouth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab for denture fabrication. When the dentures are completed, you will return to Dental Artistry for a final fitting.

You may be a candidate for dentures if you are missing one or more teeth and are in need of an affordable prosthetic solution. Most denture wearers find that partial and full dentures can restore much of their original tooth function – not to mention create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dental Artistry today!

Yes. Dentures are a removable prosthesis that will need to be cleaned and brushed daily. You should also brush your gums daily to prevent infections caused by bacteria. Your dentures should be kept in water when they aren’t in use to prevent them from warping. Keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to dentures as you learn how to use the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to keep them in place. But over time, you should begin to feel more comfortable with your new prosthesis.

You may be a candidate for partial dentures if you have one or more missing teeth, and the space they once filled is surrounded by other teeth or permanent restorations. To find out more about whether partial dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent today!

If you decide to get a partial denture, you’ll need to visit Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent to have metal clasps attached to your surrounding teeth and an impression made of the area your partial will fill. The impression will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will fabricate a custom denture that includes a gum-colored base that will fit securely over your gums. A metal framework will be used to attach your new partial to the clasps on your natural teeth to ensure a secure fit.

Yes. Good oral health is still important – even if you have a few missing teeth. In addition to caring for your new dental prosthetic, you’ll also need to brush your gums and tongue twice daily to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria that could cause gum disease. Continue seeing Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent twice yearly for exams and cleanings, and be sure to bring your partial dentures along to each visit. After a few years, you may find that your partial needs to be rebased to better fit the changes to the bone structure in your mouth.

Because a full mouth restoration is quite invasive, it’s important that whomever is considering the procedure be in good health. Being healthy will make healing and recovering easier, and will also help you get the best results possible.

The length of your full mouth restoration will depend on how many procedures are required to accomplish your goals. Generally, you can expect multiple visits over several months. This is because each procedure will require recovery time and healing. The benefit is that each procedure will help improve your quality of life and confidence. So each procedure is a step toward a better future.

Because the restoration occurs over several months, recovery usually occurs in steps. This allows your body to heal best, so it doesn’t go into shock and reject things like implants. Procedures like fillings require far less healing than something like a dental implant, which requires your bone to heal.

You may need scaling and root planing if you are suffering from mild to moderate periodontal disease. Visit Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent for an exam if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, such as inflamed or receding gums, chronic halitosis, or loose teeth.

If you require a scaling and root planing, you’ll first be made comfortable utilizing our office’s several luxury amenities such as aromatherapy facial towels, paraffin hand wax, hand massages, chenille throws, and custom selected music with over ear headphones. You should feel little or no discomfort other than the sensation of the cleaning tools removing hardened plaque. Procedure lengths vary according to the extent of the disease and the areas it is located within the mouth. If your periodontal disease is widespread, you may need to spread out your treatment into multiple visits.

Yes. You’ll need to follow all instructions for antibiotic usage following your treatment. You’ll also be advised to avoid certain habits that can cause recurrences of periodontal disease in the future, such as smoking. Most patients experience little or no discomfort after scaling and root planning, although your mouth may continue to be numb for several hours following the procedure.

Arestin is highly effective for destroying the bacteria that causes gum disease. However, it is possible that you will require additional treatments.

In the initial week to 10 days following Arestin treatment, you will need to avoid consuming hard, crunchy, and sticky foods such as candy and gum. You should also temporarily eliminate flossing from your dental routine. At the end of the treatment period, you may resume flossing and are encouraged to stop smoking (if applicable), as this can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease again in the future. So long as you adhere to a careful and hygienic dental routine, you should be able to prevent future incidences of gum disease.

Monkey See, Money Do: Children will follow the examples they see from their parents. Show your children that brushing is fun and that it is very good for you!

Reward Their Behavior: Give your children a sticker each time they brush and have them work towards a specific prize/outing. Sticker charts are excellent for this!

Tooth Accessories: Take your children shopping for fun, colorful toothbrushes and flavored toothpastes. Colored floss can also make dental health something fun for everyone.

Pediatric dentistry ensures that your child’s primary, or baby, teeth will be well taken care of. Although these teeth are eventually lost to make room for permanent teeth, they are still necessary during childhood for chewing, speaking, jaw development, and appearance. Furthermore, primary teeth also act as placeholders for permanent teeth and their presence increases the chances of permanent teeth erupting properly.

Your child should be seen by a dentist for pediatric care by their first birthday. Early pediatric dental care establishes good oral habits and a relationship with your child’s pediatric dentist early on, which will be beneficial as your child continues to grow.

At your child’s first dental appointment, Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent will evaluate your baby’s mouth and any erupted teeth. They will also discuss proper dental hygiene habits, diet, fluoride, tooth eruption, and finger or pacifier habits with you to help keep your child in good oral health.

Pediatric dental care should begin as early as birth. Before your baby has teeth, you can gently rub down their gums with a cloth and warm water. Once their teeth start to erupt, you will then want to use a soft infant toothbrush and a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste to brush these teeth twice a day. As your child grows and more teeth begin to erupt, you can gradually increase the amount of toothpaste.

Baby bottle tooth decay is a common pediatric dental risk caused by the sugars in breast milk, however it can also be caused by formula, fruit juice, and any other sweetened drinks. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when an infant falls asleep while drinking or nursing, causing the liquid to pool around their teeth. Since saliva production is reduced during sleep, the mouth is unable to protect itself properly, and plaque bacteria can form and produce acids that are detrimental to the tooth enamel. Eventually this plaque bacteria will result in tooth decay.

 

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, it is important to keep your baby’s teeth clean and to only put water in their nighttime bottle. You will also want to wean them of the bottle around 12-14 months and only provide juice occasionally with water between meals.

 

Thumb sucking or excessive pacifier use can also create dental problems if they continue past the age of three. Continued sucking can cause your child’s teeth and jaw to develop improperly, leading to malocclusion or crooked teeth.

You will want to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has been approved by the American Dental Association. Other toothpastes may be too harsh on your child’s developing enamel and can cause dental problems in the future. You will also need to make sure they are spitting the toothpaste out after use to avoid consuming too much fluoride.

The best toothbrush for your child is one that they will use. However, you should also pick a toothbrush that fits comfortably in their mouth, is easy to hold and move, has soft bristles made of round-ended or polished material, and that is suited to their individual liking. As your child continues to age, their toothbrush needs will also continue to change.

Dental x-rays are essential for Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent to monitor the normal growth and development of your child’s teeth and the surrounding bones. They can also be used to locate cavities that are between the teeth and are not directly visible during an oral exam.

 

At Dental Artistry, we utilize lead aprons and high-speed film to minimize radiation exposure. However, with modern technology, dental x-rays use a very tiny amount of radiation that is not considered to be harmful to children.

Generally speaking, most infants will start getting their lower front incisors anywhere from 6-12 months of age. Usually this begins with the two lower front incisors, followed by the upper incisors, and then pair by pair heading toward the back of the mouth. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 2 or 3. If this is not the case, our dentists can find out if something is preventing your child’s teeth from erupting.

Most likely, your child will lose their first baby tooth around the age of 6-7 years. Teeth are generally lost in the same order they erupted in, meaning the lower incisors usually go first, followed by the upper incisors, so on and so forth. The final second molars are lost at about age 10-12.

Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue, most patients quickly adapt to their presence.

The process of getting sealants is fast and painless. The tooth is cleaned before Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent paint the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will immediately harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to Dental Artistry will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.

While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.

If you are looking for a way to permanently improve the color, contour, or alignment of your smile, then you may want to consider getting veneers. However, veneers are permanent and cannot be reversed once applied. To find out what veneers can do for your smile and if they are the right option for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent of Dental Artistry today!

To apply veneers, Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent will first need to remove approximately one milli-meter of your existing tooth enamel. Removing a small amount of tooth enamel establishes a base for the veneer and helps it to blend with your existing teeth. Without removing this layer, your teeth may look “bulky” or unnatural. Once this layer is removed, a light-sensitive resin is applied between your tooth and the veneer and then hardened in place with a curing light. This effectively bonds the veneer shell to your tooth.

There are also “no-prep” veneers that can be applied to your teeth without the need for removing any enamel. However, this option may or may not be an ideal choice depending on your individual case. No-prep veneers can be placed quicker and more comfortably since they do not require removing tooth enamel.

Placing dental veneers usually takes at least two dental visits. The first dental visit will focus on preparing your teeth for veneer placement by removing the enamel and taking dental impressions of the modified teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab and used to fabricate custom veneer shells. The second dental visit will focus on adhering these veneer shells to your teeth.

Although veneers require that a tiny amount of your enamel is removed prior to their placement, they do not ruin your teeth. They will, however, permanently alter the shape of your teeth because enamel cannot be replaced once it is removed. This is one of the cons to veneers, however there are many pros. After your enamel is removed, you may experience some tooth sensitivity for a few days while your teeth adjust. This sensitivity usually fades once your teeth have adjusted.

No. As long as you are taking care of your veneers like you would your natural teeth, the risk of developing cavities or tooth decay should not increase when getting veneers. Problems with cavities or tooth decay occur when people assume that they don’t need to take care of their veneers like natural teeth because they are not natural teeth. However, veneers function just as natural teeth would, so it is essential to brush them twice a day and floss them once a day.

Yes. Veneers are intended to look natural and part of looking natural is blending in with your existing teeth. To accomplish this, your veneers will be matched to your natural teeth with a color chart. However, many people choose to have their teeth whitened before having veneers applied. If this is the case, you will not be color matched until after your teeth have been whitened.

How long your veneers last depends on the material they are made from and the way you take care of them. Porcelain veneers usually last for about 10-15 years, however it is also possible for them to last about 20 years. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan and generally last about 5-7 years.

To maintain your veneers, treat them as you would your natural teeth. You will want to be sure to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit our office semiannually for your dental checkup and cleaning. To help keep the bright color of your veneers, we will apply a specialized paste during your professional teeth cleaning. Besides practicing good dental hygiene, you will also want to avoid damaging your veneers by not biting or chewing on hard materials such as ice or nails, or using your teeth to tear packages.

You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.

Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Your dentist will then protect your gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.

It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.

If you have discolored or stained teeth – particularly stains that have not responded to other whitening treatments – you may benefit from KöR Whitening.

Your whitening treatment will begin with a simple in-office visit and treatment with Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent. At this visit, you will receive a custom-made tray and whitening gel for you to continue additional treatments at home over the next two weeks. You’ll sleep in the trays each night and return to Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent for a follow-up at the conclusion of your treatment.

Unlike other professional teeth whitening systems, KöR Whitening is permanent. You will not experience any tooth sensitivity and best of all, you do not have to give up highly pigmented foods and beverages, such as coffee and wine. The only post-treatment care you will need is occasional maintenance treatments, which can be performed from the comfort of your own home!

In-office Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed brightens teeth by an average of 6 to 8 shades in a single sub-hour session, depending on the baseline shade and type of staining.

No. The latest Philips Zoom! gel formula incorporates Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) and potassium nitrate, which actively reduce sensitivity at the nerve level and protect enamel during the whitening process.

We craft custom at-home trays precisely fitted to the shape of your teeth, paired with professional-strength touch-up gel. Using these trays periodically allows you to maintain your bright shade and reverse new everyday surface stains over time.

You may be a candidate for dental bonding if you wish to correct minor imperfections in your smile such as: improperly spaced teeth, chipped teeth, oddly shaped teeth, or discolored teeth. To find out for sure if you are a candidate for dental bonding, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent of Dental Artistry today!

The most commonly used material for dental bonding is composite resin, which is an extremely durable plastic that replicates the natural look of your tooth’s enamel.

The entire dental bonding procedure usually lasts from about 30-60 minutes per tooth, depending on the type of alteration being made. To begin, your dentist will first select the correct shade of composite resin using a shade guide. Then, your tooth will be prepared by roughing up the bonding surface and applying a special conditioning liquid to allow for better adherence.

After your tooth has been properly prepared, a putty-like bonding material will be applied, shaped, and hardened into place using a special curing light. Once the composite resin material has hardened, your dentist will trim and shape the surface as necessary to blend with the surrounding teeth. Finally, the entire tooth will be polished to match your teeth’s natural sheen.

Dental bonding simply adds a composite resin material to your teeth’s surface and should not cause any pain. However, it may cause some discomfort if you are filling an area of deep decay or an area that has already been causing pain. If this is the case, this pain should dissipate within a few days of treatment.

Like other restoration methods, dental bonding will not last forever. Depending on your dental habits, dental bonding has the potential to last anywhere from 3-10 years. This number can also vary based on the location of the dental bonding material. For example, dental bonding on the edge of a tooth will wear faster than dental bonding sitting between teeth. However, dental bonding can easily be replaced or touched up. In addition, it can also be altered to allow for other restoration methods.

You will take care of your bonded teeth the same way you would take care of your natural teeth. This means practicing good oral hygiene consisting of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting Dental Artistry at least once every six months for your dental checkup and professional cleaning.

You will, however, want to avoid chipping the bonding material by avoid behaviors that could damage your teeth. These include: biting your fingernails, using your teeth to open packages, or chewing on hard items such as pens, ice, or hard foods. You will also want to avoid drinking beverages that can stain your teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wine, or be sure to brush after consuming these beverages.

You may be a candidate for Juvederm if you are a physically healthy adult who wants to rejuvenate your face to appear more youthful. You may not be eligible for injections if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the near future, or currently breastfeeding.

Prior to your treatment, Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent may advise you to avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin to avoid bruising or bleeding at your injection site. You’ll receive your injections from the comfort of the Dental Artistry office. A combination of topical anesthetic and lidocaine within the filler itself make it possible to deliver Juvederm injections with as little discomfort as possible. Each Juvederm session lasts about 20 minutes per area of treatment, with visible results immediately after your injection.

Your Juvederm injection may leave your lips swollen and tender though this should subside within a few days. For the most part, you can return to normal activities the same day as your injections. However, you may be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, alcohol and exercise in the hours immediately following your Juvederm injection. Our team at Dental Artistry will send you home with written instructions to ensure you get the best results from your treatment!

If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, consult Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent to find out if Botox is right for you. The best candidates for cosmetic Botox treatments are usually men and women bothered by facial lines and wrinkles – particularly those along the forehead and between the eyes. You should not get Botox injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from any type of neurological disease.

Botox injections are in-office procedures performed in just a few minutes. In fact, you can schedule a Botox injection for your lunch hour or on your way home from work. Injections use a very fine needle, which is inserted into the facial muscles. There is very little discomfort during the injection, and topical anesthetic can be utilized to further assist with patient comfort.

There is a minimal recovery period of approximately 48 hours after getting Botox. During this time, you may experience bruising or headaches. Avoid rubbing your face in areas treated with Botox, and do not lie down for the first few hours after the injections. Our team at Dental Artistry will send you home with written instructions to ensure you get the best results from your treatment!

 

Keep in mind that results from Botox – though significant – usually begin to fade within 4 to 6 months. You’ll need to return for retreatment periodically.

You will begin to notice the effects of your Botox injection within just a few days. The results will continue to improve over the course of approximately 4 weeks and may remain for up to 6 months.

If you are experiencing pain in the jaw joint, earaches, pain when you chew or yawn, pain in your face or neck, stiff muscles in your jaw, or notice a change in your teeth’s alignment, then you may have TMD. While clicking and popping can also be possible symptoms if accompanied by other symptoms, they themselves are not considered symptoms of TMD. Other possible indicators include: headaches, neck aches, pain in the upper shoulders, dizziness, and ear problems such as earaches, ringing, or hearing problems.

If you are experience constant jaw pain, have a swollen jaw or face, cannot open or close your jaw completely, notice your teeth not fitting together normally, or have a headache or neck ache, then you should visit our office immediately. Other possible signs that you may need to visit Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent include: jaw pain that has not subsided in two weeks, chronic jaw pain, notice clicking or cracking sounds with your pain, or if you have been experiencing high levels or stress or anxiety caused by your jaw pain. If you believe you may have TMD, schedule a consultation with Dental Artistry today!

To accurately diagnose TMD, our dentists will perform a physical examination focused on feeling your jaw while opening and closing, evaluating your range of motion, and locating any areas of pain around the jaw joint. Imaging techniques such as x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI may also be used to look further into the joint.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can exacerbate TMD symptoms and place extra strain on the jaw joint. Many people grind their teeth at night and are unaware they do this. To combat this issue, our dentists can fit you for a mouth guard to wear at night that will prevent teeth grinding.

 

Bruxism is not the only habit that can worsen TMD symptoms though. Habits such as nail biting, chewing on pens, cuticle biting, or teeth clenching due to stress can also place strain on your jaw joint and increase your TMD symptoms.

Yes. Although TMD is localized in the jaw, it can also affect the surrounding structures and cause symptoms to affect more than just the jaw.

 

Tooth pain: Your teeth can become sensitive if they are misaligned and are withstanding uneven pressure or if they are withstanding constant pressure as a result of clenching or grinding.

 

Sinus problems: Your sinuses and your TMJ are closely related and can cause each other problems when either one has issues. In the case of TMD, the pain felt in your jaw can radiate into your sinuses, causing you to feel sinus pressure and pain.

 

Vertigo/dizziness: Inner ear structures responsible for balance reside within the temporal bone where your TMJ attaches to your skull. TMD can cause inflammation that can disrupt these structures, causing feelings of dizziness and affecting your balance.

 

Tinnitus: TMD can also affect the structures of the inner ear by causing ear ringing, or the perception of sound when no external sound waves are actually present.

Generally, TMD will flare up for a period of time and then go away for a period of time. For most people, TMD will not progress and will simply need to be managed during periods when it is active. For others, however, symptoms may continue to worsen and constant intervention is needed. Some common things that can trigger TMD symptoms include: stress, tough foods, weather changes, teeth grinding, or other habits.

There are a few different options that can be used to treat and manage TMD. These options include:

• Ice packs or warm compresses
• Over the counter pain medications
• Mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding
• Topical creams with menthol or arnica
• Eating softer foods and avoid tough, chewy, or hard foods
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles

TMD pain can either stem from the joint itself or from the muscles surrounding the joint. Our dentists can help you locate the source of the pain and direct treatments to that area. If most of your pain is muscular, then muscle relaxants or Botox injections can be used to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. If your pain is stemming from the joint itself, then inject-able anesthetics or steroids may be used.

If you are experiencing TMD symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent of Dental Artistry today and we can help you address the cause of your pain.

Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or other restoration is not a possibility for treatment.

If you and Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether your teeth are impacted, you may also be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure.

Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’

Although not useful today, our wisdom teeth are part of our evolutionary history. Since our early ancestors foraged for leaves, roots, nuts, and meat, our jaws evolved to chew these tough foods. The presence of a third set of molars increases chewing power and makes it easier to eat tough foods. However, wisdom teeth are now considered a vestigial organ, or functionless body part, since our diet has changed to softer foods and we use tools like silverware to eat instead of depending on our teeth to shred food.

There are a few reasons why your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. Most of these reasons revolve around preventing damage to your teeth, jaws, sinuses, gums, and to prevent cavities. Erupted wisdom teeth can also cause alignment problems and overcrowding. When we needed wisdom teeth, our skulls used to be much larger and could accommodate the extra set of molars. However, in modern times our skulls have gotten smaller and cannot properly accommodate these extra teeth, meaning that our mouths can become overcrowded when wisdom teeth erupt.

Most people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed as soon as they start to come in. Some signs that your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted include: overcrowding in the mouth, pain or irritation of the teeth and gums, difficulty eating, cysts forming around the tooth, sudden sinus issues, cavities, and wisdom teeth that come in crooked or impartially. Generally speaking, it is better to have your wisdom teeth extracted at a young age because they have not completely fused to the jaw bone yet.

In some rare cases, you may be actually able to keep your wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth erupt correctly and do not cause overcrowding, then you will most likely be able to keep them without dental problems.

When wisdom teeth start to erupt, the back of your mouth will feel tender and swollen. Your gums will be inflamed and you may be able to see or feel the tooth starting to erupt. During the eruption process, you will want to keep your mouth clean to prevent infection and pay attention to any warning signs of infection. Signs your wisdom teeth could be causing an infection are bad breath, foul taste, the presence of pus, throbbing, swelling, and a dull pressure in the back of your mouth.

During your wisdom teeth extraction, you will be sedated to maintain your comfort and keep you relaxed. This sedation may put you to sleep or you may be partially awake. Despite this, many patients do not remember the procedure. Your our dentists will use special tools to extract your teeth and then suture up your gums. During the extraction, some patients report feeling pressure, but never pain. The entire procedures takes only about 45 minutes. After the procedure, you will wake up with gauze in your mouth and will need someone to drive you home because of your sedation.

After you have your wisdom teeth removed, your mouth will be sore for a few days following the extraction and you may experience some mild bleeding. Over the counter pain medication and cold compresses can be used to reduce pain and swelling, however any discomfort should fade within a few days. In the first week following surgery, you will also want to eat softer foods that do not irritate your gums and will not damage your sutures. Finally, you will want to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection and brush carefully around the extraction site.

If a few days have passed and you are experiencing intense pain or pain that gradually increases, then you may have a dry socket. After your teeth is pulled, a blood clot will form in the remaining socket to protect the jaw bone and underlying nerves. Dry sockets occur when this blood clot gets dislodged and exposes the bone and nerves to air, food, and fluid. Dry sockets are extremely rare and only a very small fraction of people experience dry sockets after wisdom teeth removal. If you smoke, have poor oral hygiene, experience great trauma during the extraction, use birth control pills, or have a previous history of dry sockets, then you may have an increased risk of developing a dry socket. Drinking through a straw after your extraction or violent rinsing and spitting can also cause a dry socket to occur. If a dry socket were to occur, our dentists will clean out the socket and then fill it with special medicine to prevent infection, reduce pain, and promote healing. Depending on your individual case, you may have to come back to our office every few days so we can monitor your progress and change the medication as needed.

If you have an irrational fear about visiting the dentist, then you may have dental anxiety. Most individuals with dental anxiety practice avoidance methods and simply do not visit the dentist. As a result, these individuals will usually only visit the dentist as a result of being in extreme pain. Other signs of possible dental anxiety include: sleeping difficulties the night before a dental appointment, crying or becoming physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist, feeling uneasy when dental instruments are placed in your mouth, having difficulty breathing when being evaluated, or feeling extremely nervous, terrified, or panicked while in the waiting or examining room.

Dental anxiety is usually caused by the following factors:

• Fear of pain
• Fear of injections
• Fear of anesthetic side effects
• Feelings of helplessness or loss of control
• Embarrassment due to lack of personal space

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you can help manage this anxiety by addressing the above factors. Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent are both committed to providing you the with most comforting level of care and will take the time to discuss any anxieties you may be having. Sharing your fears and feelings with your dentist will help to relieve your anxiety and help our dentists give you a more positive experience. Distractions and being mindful of pleasant sensations have also been proven to help relieve anxiety. At Dental Artistry, we offer various techniques to help you manage your dental anxiety, such as sedation dentistry, distractions, and pleasant sensations to focus on.

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using specialized medications to block pain and promote feelings of calmness during dental treatment. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, however most sedation methods allow you to be awake, but calm during the procedure. There are different levels of sedation depending on the severity of the treatment and your anxiety levels. Our dentists will discuss your sedation options to find the best option for you.

At Dental Artistry, we offer all our patients complimentary nitrous oxide sedation. We also offer oral sedation for a deeper level of sedation, as well as IV sedation.

Nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “laughing gas” because it can make patients feel euphoric. It is inhaled through a special nose mask and becomes effective almost instantly. This gas will make you relax during your procedure, however the effects will wear off once the mask is removed. With nitrous oxide sedation, there is generally no residual effects and you may be able to drive yourself home from the appointment.

Oral sedation is a stronger sedation method and is offered through a Halcion pill taken one hour prior to treatment. It can be given in different levels ranging from minimal to moderate. Depending on the dose, you may be either groggy or you may actually fall into a light sleep.

IV sedation is received through the vein and is the fastest acting sedation method. Because it is so direct, this also allows your dentist to control the amount of sedation and adjust it as necessary.

Although any type of sedation has its risks, sedation dentistry is considered safe by the American Dental Association and the FDA. To minimize the possibility of risks, you will want to be sure to discuss your medical history with our dentists, as well as any concerns you may have.

Your expectations for dental sedation depend on the level of sedation you opt for. Nitrous oxide will generally make you feel slightly euphoric, calm, and possibly a little dizzy. Excessive dizziness can usually be managed by reducing the amount of gas. Deeper levels of sedation will make you feel groggy, sleepy, and calm. With moderate sedation, such as oral or IV sedation, you may fall into a light sleep, but should be easily awakened. With the exception of nitrous oxide, you may continue to feel groggy for a few hours after treatment and may need someone to drive you home.

Dental Artistry offers our patients nitrous oxide (laughing gas), chenille throws, garden-window views, and over ear headphones with custom-selected music. By offering distractions through the form of pleasant sensations, we hope to help you be mindful of relaxing sensations, thus reducing your anxiety.