No Pain? Doesn’t mean you don’t have Cavities

Some people will never go to the dentist’s office unless they feel pain or sensitivity.

After all, people will think the pain will go away or take medication to decrease the pain. Why should they go through the effort if there’s nothing wrong with their teeth?

This is a very unhealthy mindset to have and is a concern for many dentists because this mindset, of many people, puts them at serious risk of debilitating dental problems.

Prevention is Key

The fact is that, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re most likely not going to feel any pain until your cavity has penetrated all the way to the soft pulp at the center of the tooth. Once this occurs, you’re past the point where you can benefit from a simple filling and will need a full root canal, which a bit more of a procedure, may cost more, etc.

Indeed, if you need a filling, the only way to know for sure is to have a dental x-ray. This is why it is so important to go in for a dental checkup every six months. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your teeth are healthy just because you don’t feel pain, and always keep your routine appointments with our dentist in Issaquah.

Acid Reflux and Dental Care

Effects of Acid Reflux on Oral Health

Some patients have the common condition called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, where stomach contents go up the esophagus from time to time usually caused by relaxation of the sphincter muscle of the stomach that prevents the escape. Doctors call it GERD or more informally as acid reflux. Some patients experience it several times a day while others, less often.

Stomach fluids are highly acidic and their passage up and down the esophagus causes some degree of burning sensation felt at the middle of the chest or the heart area. Hence, it is commonly called heartburn. Sometimes contents reach the top of the esophagus and into the mouth, referred to as a regurgitation. On the other hand, some patients don’t notice because they are symptom-free.

People who suffer from acid reflux also have tooth erosion and periodontal issues. Stomach acid, with a pH of 2 or 1, dissolves tooth enamel (pH of 5.5) on a day-to-day contact leading to thinning and weakening of the protective coating of teeth. It will soon expose the inner dentin and that is when a person with GERD will feel tooth sensitivity. If it goes on untreated, other symptoms can manifest, like bloating, burping, nausea, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and weight loss. It merits medical attention. Even brushing, flossing or mouthrinses may be unable to protect teeth.

Patients will feel tooth sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet drinks, gum and mouth irritation, sharp tooth edges, shortened or darkened teeth, especially the back molars. And even if you don’t notice the symptoms, and hence not go to your doctor-specialist, your dentist certainly will notice.

Regular Dental Visits Matter in Issaquah

That is why regular dental visitations can do you a lot of good. Over at Meadow Creek Dental, your regular visits can tell you not just the state of your oral health but your overall well-being as well. This comes from fresh oral examination every time you see us. Our experienced Issaquah dentist can tell you more about systemic conditions seen in your mouth.

What Are The Benefits of Bringing My Child to A Pediatric Dentist?

Leaving It To The Dental Experts

Many parents think that for their dental health, if their family dentist is good enough for them, it’s good enough for their children. While that works in many cases, there will be children with special needs who may benefit more under the care of a specialized dental professional – the pediatric dentist. Find out the unique advantages of working with a pediatric dentist.

There are children with behavioral problems and other special needs. Pediatric dentists are skilled in the guidelines for establishing trust between the child and provider. A comfortable, pleasant, and non-threatening environment is crucial in building confidence in the first visit and future visits. The dental staff is also trained to keep the patient at ease and focus on preventive care.

A great pediatric dentist is good with children, is calm and accessible, and able to deal with a child’s anxiety or expressed tantrums. Children with medical conditions require treatment modalities that suit the patient situation. Ethical values also influence the decisions in the treatment, as in the use of general anesthesia.

A child’s first dental visit carries some significance. Usually, a child should be first seen by the dentist no later than his or her first 12 months of age. Cavities may already be detected and its progression checked before it becomes a potential problem. The pediatric dentist can advise the parents on early detection of caries and other oral diseases on the first visit.

So it becomes very beneficial for parents to choose a good pediatric dental practice for their children’s welfare. Firstly, you leave your child’s oral health in the hands of professionals who know what they’re doing as that is what they are trained to do. Pediatric dentists are skilled in the knowledge of your child’s unique developmental stage. Finally, you are able to initiate your child to a happier dental experience so as for him or her to have positive memories where their oral health is concerned.

A good dental practice that caters to children should at least offer the following services:

Regular checkups and cleanings
Fluoride treatment
Tooth-colored fillings
Sealants
IV Sedation
Orthodontia
Emergency dental care

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Best Dental Experience in Issaquah

Do you want your kids to look forward to a welcoming and relaxing experience when they visit their dentist? Then look no further than your pediatric dentist at Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah.

Quick Questions You’d Like To Ask About Invisalign

Straight Forward Invisalign Q&A

Let’s say you know a few things about Invisalign but you want ready answers at your fingertips when an Invisalign question pops up in your head. Keep this list handy to help you decide if Invisalign is for you.

How safe is Invisalign?

It is a very safe treatment option for aligning crooked teeth. Your treatment plan is personally and regularly supervised by your dentist-orthodontist. If you adhere to your care team’s advice and instructions, you should be able to reach treatment goals as per plan, safely and successfully.

How long does treatment take?

Most treatment plans last between six and twelve months. That depends on how complex is your state of initial teeth alignment. It can last longer if your situation is more extensive.

How long should Invisalign be worn daily?

Ideally, the wear time is 24/7 because consistent pressure is highly desirable. However, 20 to 22 hours will do as well and the only times they should be off are: when you eat, brush and floss, and when you clean your trays. The longer it is off, the more prolonged the treatment will be.

What alignment issues can Invisalign correct?

Depending on your choice of specialist, Invisalign can correct crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, crowding, gaps between teeth, and misaligned and malpositioned jaws.

How much does it cost?

The average national cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. That depends on how minimal or aggressive the suggested treatment plan needs to be.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Yes, if your dental insurance plan includes orthodontic coverage. If it doesn’t it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to cover some of the costs of Invisalign with insurance.

How often are dental visits during treatment?

After you get your first set of Invisalign trays, you should visit every one or two weeks (or when your dentist-orthodontist tells you) for check-up of progress, for degrees of movement, and when you can move on to the next set of trays.

How soon can positive results be noticed?

Most patients start noticing results within a matter of weeks.

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Answering More of Your Questions on Invisalign

If you have more questions than these, come see your Invisalign dentist in Issaquah today.

The Condition called ‘Halitosis’

Causes of Bad Breath

The causes may be any or a combination of these factors:

Poor dental hygiene
Decaying cavities, infected gums, food debris stuck between teeth or under the gums.
Tobacco products
Dry mouth, producing less saliva flow
Mouth infections as gingivitis, periodontitis, impaction, tooth abscess
Disease conditions, like diabetes, sore throat, bronchitis, liver failure
Certain foods like garlic, onions and spices
Certain medications can cause bad breath (ex. insulin)
Ill-fitting and unclean dentures and braces
Large doses of vitamins, like the Vitamin B group
Chronic alcoholism

What to do to help Bad Breath?

Visit Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah

Firstly, a visit to Meadow Creek Dental, the Issaquah dental clinic, could do you a lot of good. This state of affairs can be cured with proper oral hygiene. Simple, everyday hygienic practices like brushing, flossing and mouth gargles are teeth and gum-saving. Here at the Meadow Creek Dental, corrective and restorative measures will be employed on presenting oral situations like cavities, infected gums, and other mouth infections.

This bad breath is not life-threatening and you will be on your way to renewed oral health with some life-style adjustments. Your good Issaquah dentist should see to that. However, if your halitosis is a symptom of a medical condition, your dentist will certainly encourage a medical consultation.

Dental Care for the Pregnant Patient

Modifying Dental Treatment for the Mom-to-be

During a patient’s first trimester, the dentist resorts to a preventive care program. This means plaque control and oral hygiene instruction. Only cleaning can be done at this time, elective procedures are better postponed, though emergency needs can be considered. If it is absolutely necessary to have radiographs, the lowest dose possible exposure is allowed with no harm to the developing fetus. At this time its organs are forming and are most sensitive to radiation and chemicals.

From the second trimester through the first half of the third is the safest time for dental treatment. If the patient is under periodontal maintenance and preventive care, those can be continued. Simple restorative procedures may be done. No complex or elective dental care at this time.

To minimize hormonal gingival changes, scaling and prophylaxis may be repeated in the third trimester. Caution must be taken when seating the patient in the dental chair. Supine position can lead to loss of consciousness, not elevating the right hip will cause blood pooling in the legs. She must position herself on her side if feeling faint. Emergency dental treatment should be provided.

As far as medications go, lidocaine with epinephrine is safe, penicillin, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are safe antibiotics, acetaminophen is alright for most patients for pain, oxycodone is considered safe for severe pain. For analgesia, nitrous oxide is controversial but probably safe as long as there is oxygen administered as well.

Expectant Mom and Baby in Issaquah

Over at Meadow Creek Dental, we show concern for our pregnant patient’s well-being as well as her baby’s. It matters that the mother feels relaxed and have confidence in the treatment. It is best to avoid any dental emergency, but efficient, compassionate care reduces stress, says our Issaquah dentist.

Regular Maintenance at Issaquah Dental Clinic

Why Go for Regular Maintenance?

Most people’s first dental visit may have been prodded by an emergency or perhaps a long-standing dental issue that has been put-off for some time. Where medical doctor check-ups are viewed with more seriousness, regular dental maintenance is treated with some laxity.

Let’s look at a few reasons why people should come for those regular visits.

One is for cosmetic reasons and not for vanity alone. Discolorations, tooth breakages, tooth spaces, gingivitis, even bad breath from dental caries affect your self-esteem. Putting them aside is detrimental to normal function and aesthetics in the long run. Optimal oral health doesn’t just happen and needs professional care.

Also, with regular maintenance, one receives education. Regular cleaning is part of proper care and your dentist educates you on the pros and cons of your dental habits. Young children started off on early dental visits receive training about oral hygiene and which also eases their anxieties about dentists.

Another reason is for general health. A regularly visited dentist is usually the first to spot a medical situation inside the mouth. Health hazards such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV are seen early on and can hence be immediately and medically addressed.

Regular is Healthy

Even those in the pink of dental health require regular maintenance. With age, your eating habits, hygiene practices, lifestyle, and medical status do change and require some professional looking-in. Our dentist in Issaquah, Dr. Dipti, reminds that keeping up with your regular oral maintenance is a beneficial and healthy practice.

Dental Emergency? We’re here for You

To many of us regular people, our little to no understanding of dental emergencies can cause us to panic and for a while be disoriented. Sometimes a little show of blood, a sharp pain in the mouth, or a beloved tooth about to fall off , will do just that.

Actually, if you’re a regular at this Issaquah dental clinic, the Meadow Creek Dental, you’ll have none of the panic. Dr. Dipti Srivastava, the Emergency Dentist in Issaquah, stresses more on prevention. She would have given you pointers to handle unexpected situations without fear. But when emergencies do arise, Dr. Dipti, is an expert, someone to rely on.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Srivastava has seen them all. She advises calls to the clinic to let her know , or you can drop by in any of the 23 to 24 days she is open for same day treatments. Otherwise, a call even after clinic hours would assuage your situation.

Severe toothaches that won’t go away are most common. This may be due to pulp involvement, presence of abscess in or around the tooth, or swollen gums. Pericoronitis is a painful gum swelling that needs immediate attention. Other emergencies are tooth fracture and tooth luxation, a condition of loosening tooth that has to be addressed right away.

What you Eat Affects Your Teeth

Are there good foods and bad foods for teeth?

It will be beneficial for us to mind certain foods that are helpful to our dentition. Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus supply the mineral content of teeth that are lost over time to acid.

Calcium sources as dairy products – low-fat milk, hard cheese and yogurt – are good for teeth and bones. Leafy green vegetables, fruits and seafood also supply the lost calcium in teeth. A calcium-poor diet has been associated with risk of developing periodontal disease.

On the other hand, calcium needs phosphorus to potentiate its bone-strengthening capabilities. Cereals, sardines, salmon, and skim yogurt are phosphorus-rich. Also, get those foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables that keep the mouth hydrated and counteract the effects of sugar and acid, and increase saliva flow.

On the bad side, foods and drinks with high sugar content are poor choices for dentition. They attach to tooth surfaces and get into crevices which later attract bacteria. Acidic foods and fruits, and carbonated drinks, including diet sodas, are harmful to tooth enamel, causing a slow erosion of its protective layer.

Advice from Dentist

Dr. Dipti Srivastava is not saying not to enjoy your favorite food and drink, but if you must, then be mindful to keep your mouth cleaned up and washed off of those potential dangers.

Keep your basic oral hygiene practices – brushing, flossing, mouth washes – every time you have to indulge. Our Issaquah dentist says that eating healthy affects oral health and general well-being. Stay with mouth-healthy foods instead and keep the smile.

Going for Tooth-Colored Fillings in Issaquah

Natural-looking and Other Benefits

Composite resins are those fillings that are identical to the natural color of teeth. The tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture is used to restore decayed teeth, change the color of the teeth or reshape disfigured teeth. Composites are incredibly strong and durable and are able to withstand daily stresses. Dentists using them find that they are easy to manipulate. Best of all, they mimic the color of your teeth and no one will guess that you’ve had a restoration.

These tooth-colored fillings have been compared to silver-mercury amalgam, still being used though sparingly, but whose strength and durability are well-established. As far as aesthetics go, the stark contrast between the silver coloring and the rest of the teeth are often noticed. Composites are far superior to amalgam, coming in various shade models to match existing teeth color.

Dental preparation on composites, unlike amalgam, spares the tooth from further drilling and removal of normal tooth structure. Composites bond excellently with tooth material, helping to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. On top of all these, composites do not contain mercury at all, an added safety value.

How durable are tooth-colored fillings? Do they last as long as amalgam fillings? Composite restoration’s longevity is comparable to amalgam’s depending on dentist’s skills and techniques, type and location of tooth concerned and certain patient characteristics. Composites may be costlier than silver fillings, though, because of the time requirement and technique in preparation and application.

Improving Smiles Naturally in Issaquah

Issaquah dentistry goes for natural, same-colored tooth fillings, as more and more patients opt for that natural look. While we offer a range of options for restoring damaged teeth, If you prefer that seamless look in your front or back teeth, composites are the way to go.