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.

When Should I Pull Out a Loose Tooth?

When is it safe to pull out a loose tooth?

Having a loose tooth can often be uncomfortable and inconvenient for a child. It makes it difficult to eat, and some people become worried that the child might swallow it in the middle of the night. However, it is generally best to allow the tooth to come out on its own, rather than yank it out prematurely.

Firstly, it’s important to be mindful of how delicate a child’s mouth is. When you reach in to remove a tooth, it’s difficult to avoid damaging his or her gum tissues. Only the child can know for sure how painful it is to force the tooth out, so it’s important to allow him or her to judge the situation.

Though it’s possible that your child may end up swallowing a loose tooth, this is really nothing to worry about. Teeth are small enough to usually pass harmlessly from your system.

The only time you should consider helping a loose tooth along is when the permanent tooth begins to emerge underneath it. There is some risk that the new tooth will come in crooked if its way isn’t clear. Should this become a concern for you, talk to our Issaquah dentist to make sure that it is extracted properly.

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.

What’s Causing Tooth Sensitivity?

Understanding Why Teeth Become Sensitive

Are your teeth sensitive? There are a variety of reasons that are causing you to wince from tooth sensitivity. Some of the biggest causes are everyday activities you take for granted, while others aren’t so simple. All must be looked into and treated by your dentist or you may end up losing teeth.

The way you brush is one reason.

You might be brushing too hard, using too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, hard brushing can erode the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow tubes that lead to dental nerves. When exposed to cold or hot temperatures, such as drinking cold water or sipping coffee, the teeth become sensitive. Sometimes acidic or sweetened foods can cause the same. Your dentist will tell you to use gentler motions while brushing. Also, cut down on acidic intake, like tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles, for acid wears down enamel.

Are you using whitening toothpaste?

Some brands use hard chemical formulas as whiteners. Ask your dentist about it and he may switch you to another less caustic formula. In like manner, some mouth rinses bought over-the-counter can make teeth sensitive due to their alcohol content. Rinses can be real irritants especially if your dentin is already exposed. Gargle with water instead and don’t forget the brushing and flossing. You might have a cracked or chipped tooth that exposes dentin or pulp, or you might have open spaces at the edges of tooth fillings, openings that expose the tooth to bacterial attack and decay.

Are you a tooth grinder?

Called bruxism, you unknowingly clench or grind your teeth while you sleep. Over time you can erode enamel layer and expose sensitive dentin. Your dentist can prescribe a nightguard for you. Another cause of sensitivity is an excessive buildup of plaque that can cause tooth enamel to wear away. And do you notice receding gums? Receding gums are looking like your teeth are elongating as gums pull away from hugging your crowns. You might even have pockets, spaces created between your teeth and gum tissue. It’s a sign of late gum disease. It also causes sensitive teeth. A dental visit is long overdue.

Saving Sensitive Teeth in Issaquah

Where sensitive teeth are concerned, come to Meadow Creek Dental. We can point out to you where your problems lie and give you tips to prevent further sensitivity. Treatment procedures are in order to prevent tooth loss.

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.

Dental Allergies: Awareness is Key

Allergies Encountered in Dentistry

If you have allergies to specific items used in dental treatment, there are ways your dentist can provide alternative methods of care. To be certain you have true allergies to specific things, it is best you are tested by a medical doctor. Let us look at some allergies seen in dental practise. It is also good to know what it will mean to your dental management should you have true allergies.

Allergies to penicillin affect a small percentage of the population. With allergies to this drug, it means you cannot be given penicillin or any in the family of this class. Your dentist may give you an antibiotic that is stronger for you, in which case both of you will have to be watchful for side effects. A much lesser strength alternative might be too slow, weak in battling your infection which might lead to a lengthier dose regimen.

Allergic Reactions to Metal

You might be allergic to certain metals which are commonly used in implants, bridges and dentures. Your dentist may have to fabricate crowns for you that are entirely devoid of metals which can make your appliance more expensive, weaker and prone to stresses. You will have to be more cautious in using your crowns. Allergies to methacrylates or resins used in many dental materials, from restorative composites to fissure sealants, bonding agents and orthodontic and crown and bridge resins, have low occurrence but can nevertheless induce a Type IV (delayed) allergic hypersensitivity reaction.

Other dental materials that warrant particular awareness include nickel, eugenol and polyether impression materials. Although rare, allergy to other metal alloys such as mercury, gold, platinum, palladium, silver and cobalt are also possible.

Allergic Reactions to Latex

Allergic reaction towards latex gloves used by dentists and hygienists can manifest in patients. Though it affects only 1-5% of the population, it is as high as 17% among healthcare workers. Glove protection is generally used against blood-borne pathogens. Though most reactions are immediate, it can be handled safely in the dental office. As a result, latex-free gloves are now available.

Yet another is anaphylaxis which may result from dental anesthesia, such as lidocaine, though rare, or a drug-to-drug interaction with a medication the patient is currently taking.

Watching Out for Allergies in Issaquah

Our team practices safe dentistry. It is standard procedure to take all patients’ thorough medical and dental history. For your safety and well-being, our staff are highly trained and equipped in all manner of dental emergencies, including allergies.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Issaquah Dental

End Snoring and be Safe

When snoring during sleep occurs too frequently or last longer than it used to, it’s one of the signs of sleep apnea. It is a condition where the upper muscles of the throat relax or collapse and block the passage of air through the esophagus. Sometimes it can be obstructive where totally no air gets through and causes the sleeper to gasp, waking him with a start. The more episodes you have during a sleeping hour, the more severe is the condition.

Remember that this can lead to low oxygen levels in the blood, and can be harmful to the heart and the brain. It needs to be professionally examined.

The use of mouth guards is a dental sleep solution for mild to moderate sleep apnea. They come in many brands and styles as fits-all types or multiple sizes. The customized oral appliance, that fits a patient’s oral measurements, is another type and is designed to enlarge the airway and prevent those upper muscles and tissues from collapsing. On the other hand, for the severer types of apnea, a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP), is intended to deliver continuous supply of compressed air via a mask.

Seek the Experts Only

Since any misdiagnosis of sleep apnea and of the patient’s suitability for the appliance can lead to potential problems, only personnel who are trained and qualified and have extensive knowledge of sleep disorders should employ and fit such devices. When you visit Meadow Creek Dental, you will consult only with the best qualified practitioners in this regard.

Our Issaquah dentist will determine the cause of your sleep apnea, such as an anatomical condition like large tongue, excess throat tissues, or enlarged uvula and tonsils. Dr. Dipti may encourage some lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation, stricter alcohol intake and dieting that can aggravate your condition. Our clinic makes available to you these choices and a simple consultation can determine your suitability.

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.

Protecting your Child with Sealants in Issaquah

Benefits of Sealants

Are your kids fond of snacks, juices and shakes? Did you know that frequent exposure to starchy and sugary foods make kids prone to early cavity formations and tooth decay? Sealants applied to their teeth give needed protection. School-age children who do not have sealants applied to their teeth have three times more cavities than children with sealants? That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which said in 2016 that only 43% of children 6 to 11 years of age have sealants.

Brushing and flossing are still the best ways to prevent cavities, but often their benefits do not reach the back teeth as often and as properly as they should. Your child’s molars and premolars are not always easy to clean. These teeth’s uneven top surfaces provide attractive places for food debris to lodge and get colonized by bacteria. You might even be applying fluoridated toothpaste and have your child drink fluoridated water; both ways give added protection. But are they accomplished regularly and faithfully?

A convenient and consistent safety net can be provided by sealants. They are painted as liquid on the surfaces of molars. the thin and translucent coating made from plastic sticks to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and then quickly hardens via light curing. In effect, you have provided a physical barrier against food debris and bacterial attack.

Sealants are long-lasting and save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth. Children from ages 6 to 12 and adults can benefit from sealants. Both primary and permanent molars benefit. Adult teeth can have sealants too, provided their back teeth are still carries-free and without fillings
Are sealants safe for children? Yes, of course. Unless your child has an allergic reaction to it, sealants have no known other ill-effects.

Starting Early with Sealants in Issaquah

Where dental health is concerned, it is better to start early. Have your child’s teeth protected from tooth decay by way of sealants. It’s safe, painless and affordable, a preventive measure in oral care by your Issaquah dentist.