How a Sleep Dentist Helps People With Sensitive Teeth

As a local sleep dentist, we treat people with sensitive teeth on a regular basis. Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons, and when they do, it is difficult for patients to receive treatment because they are already in pain.  We can ensure that our patients are comfortable, and sleeping, during their procedures so that the issue causing the sensitivity can be addressed while keeping patients comfortable.

One of the common reasons for sensitivity is a lack of enamel.  The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth.  It is strong and durable but can wear away over time due to a lack of oral health care, brushing too rigorously or eating and drinking certain foods.  As it wears away, dentin is exposed, and since dentin is porous, this can lead to pain. The tiny holes in the dentin contain nerve endings.  As sensations are transmitted through the holes to your roots and to your brain, you can start to feel pain.  This can be addressed with a bonding procedure to seal in the dentin or by having dental crowns placed.

As a sleep dentist, we regularly treat people that are suffering from gum disease.  This condition can become very uncomfortable, lead to infection, and even tooth loss.  Gum disease occurs when bacteria gathers on and under the gums.  Once it is underneath the gums, it needs to be removed through a deep cleaning.  We can do this while patients are sleeping so that there is no discomfort.  After a deep cleaning is performed, the gums will typically heal themselves.

If gum disease spreads to a more advanced stage, the gums will start to recede.  As they do, pockets are created in the gum tissue where bacteria tend to gather.  Since more of the tooth and roots are exposed, the bacteria can start to attack the lower part of the tooth, roots, and the infection can lead to bone loss.  This is a serious condition that can eventually lead to a person losing their teeth.  In order to heal the gums in this stage, we perform a gum graft surgery to close the pockets and protect the tooth.  This can also be done while patients are sleeping to ensure that they are entirely comfortable.

When the enamel is strong, and there is no sign of gum disease, the sensitivity is likely caused by a standard cavity.  The larger a cavity becomes, the more painful it will be and the higher the chance of an infection settling into your jawbone.  This can be incredibly uncomfortable, so we recommend scheduling a dental exam at the first sign of pain.  If a cavity is treated right away, it will be a fast and easy procedure.  If an infection spreads and gets into the jawbone, oral surgery is often required in order to drain the infection so that the mouth can start to heal.  As a sleep dentist, we can assist with this procedure and help our patients to feel better quickly. 

If you have sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment to find out why.

Recovery Tips for After Your Implant Dentistry Procedure

If you are planning an implant dentistry procedure – that’s excellent news. You will love the results because implants give you the ability to enjoy all of your favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, sing, and laugh uproariously without worrying about your new tooth becoming loose or falling out.  This is much better than wearing dentures as they can limit your daily activities.

The reason implants are so strong and durable is that a metal post is implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone.  This post will eventually fuse with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once the two elements have fused together, you will have a new root system that is just as strong as a natural one.  A synthetic tooth is then created in a dental lab and attached to a metal post.  The entire process can take several months as it takes time for osseointegration to be completed.  The wait is well worth it because in the end you will be able to play sports and eat your favorite foods without concern that your tooth will come out or become loose.

Since the metal post is inserted under the gums there is a surgical element to any implant dentistry procedure.  This means that certain steps must be taken in order to have a quick and speedy recovery.  Here is what we recommend.

Take some time off of work.

This is not a simple teeth cleaning.  Permanently replacing a tooth is a complicated procedure that requires you resting afterwards.  Take some time off of work, grab a good book, some new movies and hit the couch.  This is an excellent time to unwind and focus on getting well.  By resting, your body can focus on the healing process.  Additionally, you should avoid playing sports, running, or any aggressive activity that could bump, push, or pull on the implants.  They need to be left in place to heal so take it easy for a few days.

Watch your diet.

Make sure to eat soft foods only.  Things like yogurt, soup, and apple sauce are excellent options for the first week because they don’t pose any risk to the implants.  Stock up before your procedure so that there is food ready to go in the fridge, and you won’t be tempted to pull out easier snacks that could be hard for your gums.  Anything that can leave crumbs should be avoided.  You must also stay away from alcohol and tobacco products since they are bad for the health of your mouth and will slow down the healing process.

Take care of your gums.

It is normal for your gums to feel sore, swollen, and even bleed after the dental implants procedure.  You can use gauze or a moist tea bag to control the bleeding, ice to stop the swelling, and pain medication to help you feel comfortable.

After a week, your gums will start to feel better, and we will inspect them during a follow-up examination.  We will keep you informed about what activities are okay to do and what foods you can eat.  Before you know it, you will have a beautiful new tooth that is durable and strong.