Foods to Avoid with Veneers

foods to avoid with veneers - green dental care

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

foods to avoid with veneers - green dental care

You may need dental veneers if your natural teeth have gaps, have become discolored, are chipped, worn down, or have an awkward shape. Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, has ample experience in providing veneers to patients. So, visit Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, if you would like to improve the appearance of your smile or protect mildly damaged teeth from further deterioration. As a way of preparing you to transform your smile using dental veneers, we have compiled the following information about the dietary choices that you are advised to keep in mind so that your veneers can last for as long as possible.

Temporary Veneers

In most cases, permanent veneers are made at an external dental lab. Since this process takes approximately 2-3 weeks, Dr. Green cannot allow you to leave without giving you protection while you wait for the permanent veneers to be made. In the interim, you will leave the Green Dental Care office in Parker, CO, with temporary veneers.

Foods to Avoid If You Have Temporary Veneers

Temporary veneers are made to last for only a short while until you can get your permanent veneers. For this reason, Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, will attach these temporaries to your teeth using temporary cement. When this temporary cement is exposed to high levels of stress, it can give way, and the veneers may drop off. So, we recommend that you refrain from eating the following foods during the time when these temporary veneers are in place:

  • Tough meats
  • Toasted or crusty bread
  • Hard foods, such as raw vegetables, candy, popcorn, ice, etc.
  • Pigmented drinks, such as coffee, ketchup, berries, red wine, colas, tomatoes, tea, etc.
  • Sticky foods, such as caramels and taffy

Foods You Can Eat If You Have Temporary Veneers

You don’t have to be on tenterhooks each time you are eating or drinking with temporary veneers on your teeth because there are foods that are perfectly safe to eat with temporary veneers. The Parker CO dentist recommends foods that are soft and won’t stain the veneers. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Eggs
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Pasta
  • Soft bread
  • Bananas
  • Chicken
  • Soft canned food

Permanent Veneers

While temporary veneers aren’t built to last, permanent veneers are made from carefully selected materials that will last for long. For example, high-grade porcelain can last for up to two decades, and it resists staining quite well. Permanent veneers aren’t easily damaged, so your dietary options will widen once the temporaries are removed and replaced with the permanent veneers. However, permanent veneers aren’t indestructible, so care needs to be taken to avoid the foods that could damage these veneers. Those foods and habits include:

  • Dark liquids, such as red wine and coffee, should only be taken in moderation since they have the potential to stain your permanent veneers eventually.
  • Extremely hard foods, such as popcorn kernels and hard nuts
  • Alcoholic beverages can gradually damage the cement used to attach the veneers onto your teeth, so Parker CO’s best dentist recommends that you limit your alcohol intake.
  • Tobacco products can deliver a double whammy to your teeth and dental veneers. For example, tobacco has chemicals that can react with and loosen the bonding material used to affix your veneers. Secondly, tobacco (whether in cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, or any other related product) will cause your veneers to become discolored. Staying away from tobacco products is, therefore, your best bet to long-lasting and esthetically appealing veneers.

Taking Care of Your Dental Veneers

It goes without saying that the above are only recommendations, and the degree to which each patient implements them will vary — for example, many people like drinking pigmented drinks, such as coffee or red wine. To limit the detrimental effects of these drinks, our friend Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg, Fl, recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after consuming dark liquids or berries. You can then wait for half an hour and brush your teeth. The point in taking these steps is that you will reduce the amount of time that those pigmented substances remain in contact with your teeth, so the likelihood of staining will reduce. Taking these drinks with a straw can also reduce how much contact happens between the drink and your teeth or veneers.

It is also a good habit to cut all your food into small pieces and chew it slowly. This will reduce the amount of stress to which your teeth and veneers are exposed. If you can’t resist eating particularly hard food, such as tough meat, cut it into small pieces as recommended earlier. You can chew it using your back teeth since these are designed for that task, and most veneers are placed on the front teeth (for aesthetic purposes).

If you are careful, your dental veneers will last a long time. Contact us at Green Dental Care if you have any questions about getting dental veneers. Our experienced team will give you all the answers that you need to make an informed decision.

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Treats

tooth-friendly holiday treats - Green Dental Care

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Treats

tooth-friendly holiday treats - Green Dental Care

The amount of sugar that you and your family consume plays a key role in dental health problems. The amount of sugar consumed on a daily basis often shoots up dramatically over the holiday season, and that in turn triggers a range of dental problems, such as cavities and gum infections. This year, Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, would like you and your family to enjoy the holidays, but we strongly encourage you to eat healthy snacks and meals. Here are some tooth-friendly holiday treats that you can be on the lookout this holiday season.

Gingerbread

Most sugar cookies have a huge load of added sugar, but you can opt for gingerbread. Typically, gingerbread requires less than half a cup of sugar. Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker, CO, explains that gingerbread cookies have a lot of fiber, which is good for your overall health.

Almond Cookies

The dental care experts at Green Dental Care point out that almonds are great for your health. For this reason, you should consider trying out cookie recipes that contain almonds. Almond-based cookies are great for your health and contain a lot less sugar than other cookies.

Pumpkin Pies

Pumpkin pies, a common treat during the holidays, can be one of the healthiest snacks that your family can enjoy! Only as long as you set aside the whipped cream. Pumpkin pies contain lots of fiber. To make sure you’re sticking to tooth-friendly holiday treats, the dental health professionals at Green Dental Care recommend that you make your own pumpkin pies at home. That way, you can decide how much sugar you add. 

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Our friend, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in Fair Oaks, CA, recommends chocolate-covered holidays because what would the holidays be without the color red? Hard to imagine! Well, your family can get all the red they need in strawberries. These berries have a huge load of nutrients, especially vitamins. Strawberries are the perfect healthy snack for the whole family! If you want something sweeter, try dipping your strawberries in dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants.

Tweak the Holiday Meals Too

Let’s not forget that choosing healthy meals are just as important. It’s difficult during the holidays because so many of our favorite dishes contain high sodium and sugar. For example, Dr. Christopher Green singles out sweet potato recipes as typically containing marshmallows and caramelized brown sugar. To make such recipes more tooth-friendly, avoid adding the marshmallows or the caramelized brown sugar to keep the meal tasty but having less sugar.

Cranberry sauce can also be a good ingredient to use in your holiday meals, especially if you use it in a low-sugar recipe. Cranberries are good for the teeth because they kill oral bacteria, thereby keeping cavities and periodontal disease at bay.

Moderation is Key

Dr. Christopher Green, a Parker CO dentist, wants you to keep one more thing in mind during the holidays. Moderation is necessary. Since the consumption of large amounts of low-sugar treats can also have a detrimental effect on your dental and overall health. Once the holidays are over, visit Green Dental Care. Dr. Christopher Green will assess your dental health and fix any dental problems that developed during the holidays.

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask About

oral sedation for kids - green dental care

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask About

oral sedation for kids - green dental care

Going to the dentist can be an overwhelming prospect for children. Being told that they need to work on their teeth can be enough to cause a significant amount of anxiety. Kids are sure to have plenty of questions to ask you about the treatment that they are facing. At Green Dental Care, we are always happy to help our patients in any way we can. 

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask Prior

These questions will help you to best know what to expect during your consultation with your child’s dentist in Parker, CO. These questions are similar to the questions that you should ask about your own treatment, including the dental implants Parker dentists can offer.

  • What information about my child’s medical history do you need to know? If your child has a history of complications, it’s important for your dentist to have this information at hand.
  • Will the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications they are taking impact them during the procedure? Some medications can thin the blood and cause complications during procedures. Your child’s dentist will need to be aware of what your child might be taking, even prescribed antibiotics.
  • Does my child need to abstain from food and drink before the procedure? Some procedures will require your child to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours prior to undergoing a procedure that uses oral sedation or anesthesia.

Oral Sedation for Kids: What Should I Expect?

Asking these questions will help you and your child to know what should be expected during the procedure itself. Your Parker CO dentist and team members will provide you with all of the information that you need to know.

  • How long will my child be under oral sedation or anesthesia? Your Parker CO dentist will take a conservative approach, ensuring that your child receives only the amount of medication needed to complete the procedure pain-free.
  • What are the risks to this procedure and the sedation method being used? You’ll find that even the best dentist in Parker cannot guarantee that there’ll be zero potential for risks during the procedure. Your dentist will place the health and safety of your child above all else.
  • What are the steps you’ll take in the event of an emergency? Your dentist and assisting staff will know the right steps to take in the event of an emergency situation.
  • What type of sedation will be used on my child? Oral conscious sedation is commonly requested at Green Dental Care.  

Oral Sedation for Kids: Post-Care Questions

Knowing what to expect when your child is home and resting can help you to best understand the type of care your child needs during the recovery phase. We asked our friend, Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about which post-care questions parents should ask. Dr. Smith recommends the following:

  • What are some potential sedation dentistry complications to be aware of? Knowing what to look for can help you to ensure your child is safe at all times.
  • What should I do if my child has a fever? Fever could be an indication of infection. Calling your dentist should be your first step so that infection can be ruled out.
  • When should I reach out for urgent treatment? Fever or other signs of infection, bleeding or pain that cannot be readily managed are all signs that you need to call the office for further guidance.
  • Should I call the dental office or go to the emergency room? If the concern is dental related, you should call an emergency dentist in Parker, CO to get further guidance from your dentist. If it is after hours or the fever is very high, you should seek out emergency treatment in the emergency room.

You and your child no longer have to be scared of going to the dentist thanks to oral-conscious sedation. Being reassuring and honest will help heir comfort levels. This can also help make every dental procedure less of an overwhelming process.

To learn more about the types of oral sedation and anesthesia that works well for children, call Green Dental Care and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that we offer solutions that work for adults, too. 

Temporary Crown Falls Out

temporary crown falls out - Green Dental Care

Temporary Crown Falls Out

temporary crown falls out - Green Dental Care

Your local dentist in Parker, CO, will place a temporary crown over your teeth if you’ve undergone restorative treatment. The temporary crown is designed to protect your tooth after treatment like root canals. Your temporary crown can also preserve aesthetics until you are fitted with your permanent restoration.

Parker CO dentists emphasize that temporary crowns are not as durable as the permanent dental crowns that will replace it. If your temporary crown becomes damaged, cracked, or falls out entirely before your permanent dental crown is placed, you’ll need to fix this problem ASAP. It can be worrisome when this happens, but there’s no need to panic just yet. Keep reading to find out what steps you should take if your temporary crown does happen to fall out.

Understanding the Temporary Crown

The temporary crown is a tooth restoration solution that is custom-made to cover and protect a tooth that has been reshaped for placement of the permanent crown. It helps to protect the vulnerable tooth from damage. It could also protect you from feeling any sensitivity that may otherwise send you cringing when you eat or drink something cold.

The temporary crown can be made from a number of materials, including a type of acrylic-based material that is molded to the shape of your tooth and bite. The interim crown is set in place using a temporary adhesive that’ll make it easy to remove the temporary at your return visit to your dentist in Parker CO. If all goes smoothly, the temporary crown should stay in place until your next visit. 

If Your Temporary Crown Falls Out 

There is a possibility that your crown can falls out or breaks before your next scheduled appointment. This is often seen with molars and premolars as they incur much more force when you are chewing. Even if you do keep your meals to soft-to-chew food, it’s still possible for the crown to break free.

If you have some time to wait before your next appointment, take these steps to avoid pain and also keep your mouth and teeth safe:

  • Remove the crown or any broken pieces from your mouth
  • Rinse out your mouth with warm water so that you can remove any sharp pieces remaining in your mouth
  • Examine the now-exposed tooth and see if there are any jagged edges that you may inadvertently cut your tongue or inside of your cheek
  • Call the best dentist in Parker and explain the situation to us in full detail. We may offer some instructions to get you through to the next available appointment.
  • Return to the office when possible, to have another replacement crown placed, or have the temporary crown bonded back if it is not damaged. 

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about his suggestions when your temporary crown falls out. Dr. Kacos says, “Be very careful with the new temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. Avoid directly chewing on the interim restoration, and do not floss between the crown and your other teeth. This could accidentally tug on the temporary crown and lead to it coming out all over again.”

It’s not a huge deal if the temporary does break loose before your permanent crown is ready. It can just expose you to the potential for some sensitivity and discomfort until the restored tooth has been covered once again. Follow these helpful tips and get in touch with our dental office in Parker, CO. We are here to keep you smiling. Whether you’re looking for dental implants in Parker, CO, or looking for other smile restoration solutions, we have options to help you meet your dental goals.

What You Need to Know About a Tooth Abscess

What You Need to Know about a tooth Abscess Green Dental Care

What You Need to Know About a Tooth Abscess

What You Need to Know about a tooth Abscess Green Dental Care

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in different sections of a tooth due to a bacterial infection. This condition often comes with moderate or severe pain that can radiate or spread to your neck or ears. Experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, share what you need to know about a tooth abscess and what they can do for you when you are diagnosed with an abscessed tooth.

Types of Dental Abscesses

Dr. Christopher Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, explains that tooth abscesses are distinguished from each other depending on where they are located. The first type is the periapical tooth abscess. This type of abscess is found at the tip of the root of one’s tooth.

The second type is referred to as a periodontal abscess. The professionals at Green Dental Care explain that this kind of tooth abscess is located on the gum near the root of your tooth. This abscess often spreads to the nearby bone and tissue.

The third type of dental abscess is a gingival abscess. This abscess is found in the gum, but not close to the root of the tooth.

Causes of an Abscessed Tooth

Dental abscesses can usually be traced to dead dental pulp resulting from trauma or tooth decay. That dead pulpal tissue gives bacteria a chance to thrive and spread right through to the root of the tooth. Parker, CO dentists, explain that once the infection reaches the root, a pocket of pus develops.

A dental abscess can also result from the growth of bacteria in the gingival pockets (the gaps between your teeth and the gums). This bacteria will trigger an infection that can spread and affect your jawbone. When this happens, you may feel some relief because the deterioration of the bone tissue creates room for the pus that was exerting pressure on the nearby tissue. The deterioration of the jawbone eventually causes your tooth to become loose, and you could lose that tooth if you don’t see an emergency dentist immediately.

The Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

It is important for you to recognize when you have a dental abscess so that you can see a professional. Here are some of the symptoms that could indicate that you have an abscessed tooth:

  • Intense tooth pain that persists.
  • Feeling that there is unexplained pressure in the vicinity of an affected tooth.
  • Swollen or red gums.
  • Swelling around your jaw or face.
  • Fever.
  • An unpleasant or salty taste in your mouth.
  • Generalized lethargy (you feel generally unwell).

Treatment Options for an Abscessed Tooth

Depending on the severity and type of your dental abscess, Dr. Christopher Green will pick one of the following treatment options:

  • Draining the Abscess. The emergency dentist in Parker, CO, may decide to make a small incision in the abscess and drain out the pus therein. Dr. Christopher Green will then clean the area thoroughly using a saline solution.
  • A Root Canal. If the abscess is inside the tooth, the Parker, CO dentist may drill a hole into the tooth and drain the abscess. He will then clean out the root canal by removing all the infected pulp. You may need to have your tooth capped, or a dental crown placed.
  • Tooth Extraction. As mentioned earlier, dental abscesses can be linked to tooth damage, such as trauma, which allows bacteria to enter the root and cause an infection. In such a situation, the expert at Green Dental Care could examine you and conclude that the tooth has suffered such extensive damage that it is beyond saving. In that case, Dr. Christopher Green may extract the tooth and then drain the pus from the abscess.
  • Use of Antibiotics. If the tooth infection hasn’t spread inside of the tooth, then it can be managed using antibiotics. Let your emergency dentist in Parker, CO know you’re experiencing a tooth abscess, and they can prescribe antibiotics.
  • Extraction of the Foreign Object. Some dental abscesses can be caused by the presence of a foreign object in the gum. This foreign object can get lodged in the gum during an accident or some other kind of trauma. For such situations, the Parker, CO dentist, will remove the foreign object, drain the abscess, and send you home to recover.

Abscessed Tooth Pain Relief

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that when draining the tooth abscess, you will often experience immediate relief. However, some pain may still remain, and over-the-counter pain medication may be prescribed to deal with that pain. You could also apply an ice pack to your cheek to relieve the pain and discomfort.

There is no reason for you to suffer with the pain resulting from an infected or abscessed tooth. Dr. Christopher Green and his team can help you to get relief from the infected or abscessed tooth. Call today and make an appointment if you live in or near Parker, Colorado.

Post Root Canal Instructions

Post Root Canal Instructions - Green Dental Care

Post Root Canal Instructions

41,000 root canals are being performed daily in the U.S, which sums up to around 15 million procedures per year. For those patients whose teeth cannot be saved by a simple filling, a root canal is a perfect option for them. So, what exactly is a root canal? A root canal is a dental procedure that focuses on removing damage to the interior pulp so that the natural tooth is reinforced and protected from any possible future damages to the teeth.

Those patients who follow their dentist’s instructions on how to take care of their teeth after the root canal are the ones most likely to not face problems later on.

Post Root Canal Instructions

If you are going to undergo a root canal, it is in your best interest to follow these aftercare instructions.

Following these instructions will help speed up the recovery time after the procedure.

 DO’s                                         DON’Ts

Keep up with hygiene Brush overly aggressively
Take non-prescription pain relievers as neededAvoid signs of complications; call your dentist 
Avoid stress on the tooth Chew hard/crunchy foods 
Get the crown placed as soon as possibleAvoid or skip follow -up appointments 

Reduce Stress on the Tooth

The tooth is unprotected until the crown is placed so, it is best to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth so that the amount of stress placed on that tooth is minimized.

Brush Teeth Gently 

After the procedure, the tooth needs proper care. Hence, you have to be careful while brushing and flossing in the treated area. When trying to floss this particular area, you may face some difficulty so, take your time and be patient. You can also consult your dentist when you are having difficulty in dealing with your tooth that was operated on.

Choose Soft Foods

We asked our friends Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about post root canal instructions. Dr. Smith says eating soft foods is a must. After having a root canal, you may be curious about what to eat. Patients can eat normal foods whenever they think they’re ready but, it is advised to stick to soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy foods.

Get the Crown Placed 

The structure of your tooth is weakened by the root canal because during the procedure the interior portion of your tooth is removed.

Treat Discomfort as Needed

Due to advancements in techniques and pain management, the patients in today’s day should not be worried before undergoing the root canal therapy. At Green Dental Care, we help patients preserve their natural teeth with our modern restorative procedures after the treatment is complete. The most advanced pain relief techniques, such as sedation, are used by our team of specialists, Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Andrei Ionescu, to ensure that the whole process is pain-free for the patient as patient satisfaction is our top priority.

To take care of any discomfort you may take pain relievers. Non-prescription, anti-inflammatory medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen will help in removing the pain you’ll feel the first few days after the procedure

Why Root Canal Aftercare is Important

Root canal procedures, in general, are rather routine procedures that offer promising outcomes. The fact that it affects the structure of the root, is the reason why it’s aftercare should not be overlooked. There are certain rules that the patient needs to follow to guarantee a successful recovery.

Sadly, some patients lose teeth after a root canal because the tooth splits or gets fractured. If a tooth gets fractured, there is no way to save it and it will need extraction. In most cases, the teeth require a protective dental crown. Patients who do not visit the dentist for dental crown placement over time, risk fracturing their teeth. 

What to Expect After a Root Canal?

As mentioned above, there is little to no pain during the root canal procedure. The mild discomfort that the patients feel is mostly related to bruised tissue around the operated tooth. This pain usually goes away in about two to three days after the procedure, but if this is not true in your case and the pain is increasing, then it can be a sign of a problem and you should contact Green Dental Care about this issue immediately.

After the root canal is complete, the purpose of your next visit will be just to make sure things are running smoothly and there aren’t any complications. Skipping these visits can lead to possible tooth infection.                                                        

Post Root Canal Instructions - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

A dental crown can be described as a cap, that is used to cover, and customized according to, a patient’s tooth. The crown is placed on the tooth for its protection, and its advantages include strengthening the tooth and getting it back into its original shape. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns

There are many different types of dental crowns available at Green Dental Care, but all of them can be divided into two categories – temporary and permanent. The different types of crowns available are:

Temporary Dental Crowns

These are made in the dental clinic, unlike the permanent crowns. Most often, the materials used to make temporary crowns are stainless steel or acrylic material. 

Stainless Steel Dental Crowns

These are a temporary fix, put into place till the time the permanent crown is made. They are often used to prevent the decay of deciduous teeth of children and come out automatically when the permanent tooth appears. 

Base Metal Alloys Dental Crowns 

These crowns are incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant. One of their advantages is that they are gentle against the neighboring teeth. Another reason to opt for this crown is that out of all other types of crowns, this type enables you to remove the least amount of your healthy tooth to fit this crown. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

These crowns can blend in with the natural teeth as the color of these crowns can be matched with the teeth beside them. A drawback is that a moderate amount of tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place this type of crown.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

Typically used to restore the front teeth due to their ability to provide the best natural teeth color match, Dr. Brian Leeson, a St. Pete dentist, says that these are arguably the best choice in dental crowns when it comes to aesthetics. These crowns are not suitable for molars as the ceramic material is not as strong as metal, and can become brittle when exposed to heavy biting forces.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

These are the cheapest option of the lot, but they do have a tendency to wear down over time, and if compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal, the all-resin crown is the one more likely to break. 

When Should You Get a Dental Crown?

You should think about contacting Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, to discuss the right time for getting a dental crown. The following are some common reasons to get a dental crown:

  • You require a root canal: If the decay or infection in your affected tooth has become irreparable, it is time for you to get a root canal. And the logical step after a root canal is to use a crown in order to restore the strength of your tooth. 
  • Improve your dental aesthetics: A dental crown can cover all your dental aesthetic problems – an ugly filling, a discolored tooth, or a damaged tooth.
  • Prevent a tooth from breaking: If you have a cracked tooth, it is high time to get a crown in order to protect the structure of the tooth, increase its strength, and most importantly give you relief from pain. 
  • After you get dental implants: The crown aids you in chewing your food properly after a dental implant.

What is the Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is placed in two appointments with your Parker dentist. 

Initial Appointment

Most of the work is completed in the initial appointment. Your Parker dentist assesses what needs to be done, the tooth structure is trimmed to get it in the proper shape for crown placement, bite impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed, and a color match is made.

Follow-up Appointment

This appointment has the primary purpose of removing the temporary crown, placing the permanent crown, and add the finishing touches. 

How to Care for Your Dental Crown?

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental crown care. Dr. Kacos says the best way to care for your dental crown is to take care of it just as you should ideally take care of your natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing. The extra precaution you need to take is to avoid hard foods like ice. In case you grind and clench your teeth at night, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard to provide protection to your crown and teeth in general. 

6 Signs You Need a Root Canal

signs you need a root canal - green dental care

6 Signs You Need a Root Canal

signs you need a root canal - green dental care

Do you suspect that you could be having an infection deep inside your tooth? The best way to be certain about your need for a root canal is by visiting Green Dental Care in Parker CO. Dr. Chris Green will examine you and put together a treatment plan if needed. In the meantime, there are some of those warning signs that a root canal is in order.

Darkened or Discolored Enamel

Teeth normally darken at approximately the same rate. However, one tooth may darken at a faster rate than the teeth near it. This scenario could be an indicator that tooth decay is occurring at a high rate or the internal structures of that particular tooth are degrading very fast. Regardless of the cause, visit Green Dental Care so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly.

Dr. Chris Green explains that tooth discoloration often sounds the alarm for infected or decayed teeth that aren’t causing other easily noticeable signs, such as sensitivity and pain.

Pain

Do you feel pain when you bite crunchy food or when you apply pressure on a particular tooth? Do your teeth hurt if you jump or lay down? This pain may be alerting you that you have an infection inside the affected tooth or teeth. See a Parker dentist immediately so that the root cause of the pain can be addressed before it costs you your tooth. If a root canal is deemed to be necessary, then it will be done so that further damage to your tooth is avoided.

Lingering Sensitivity

It is common and normal to experience some tooth sensitivity when you sip a hot drink or bite into ice cream. This sensitivity normally ends a few seconds after the incident that has triggered it. However, we asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about root canals. Dr. Kacos cautions that you should be concerned if the sensitivity you feel lingers even when you haven’t eaten or bitten into anything to trigger it. The prolonged tooth sensitivity can indicate that some nerve damage may have occurred and a root canal can prevent the damage from spreading.

Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation often shows that a patient is suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. However, gum inflammation could also point to an infection inside the root of your tooth. See a dentist in Parker CO promptly if you notice swelling, a raised bump close to the affected site and pain accompanying the inflammation. A root canal could fix the problem and put an end to your suffering.

Headaches and Jaw Pain

You may need to visit Green Dental Care for a root canal if the pain you feel in your tooth is spreading to your jaw and even causing you a headache. If you feel some pain in your ear, then the tooth problem is originating from one of the molars on that side of your mouth. A root canal is in order if you are experiencing these symptoms since the problem is more than just a cavity.

Chipped and Cracked Teeth

You may also be a candidate for a root canal in Parker CO if one or more of your teeth are chipped or cracked. Such damage can expose the nerves inside your tooth to infection. Dr. Chris Green cautions patients against immediately thinking of undergoing a root canal once they chip or crack their tooth because not all situations of this nature warrant a root canal. The Parker CO dentist will therefore examine you and only recommend a root canal if that is the best option in the circumstances.

Steps to Take When You Suspect You Need a Root Canal

If you are experiencing any of the warning signs described above, it is imperative that you make contact with Green Dental Care immediately so that an appointment can be scheduled for you. If your symptoms, such as pain, are severe, seek emergency dental care from Dr. Chris Green.

The second thing that you should remember if you suspect that you may need a root canal is to avoid doing anything that could potentially worsen the condition of the affected tooth. For example, avoid using that side of your mouth to chew hard food substances since they can make a crack or chip worse.

Thirdly, take an over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms. Talk to a Parker dentist about the right OTC medication to take and how to use it. For example, Dr. Chris Green warns patients not to place an aspirin on a painful tooth since this mode of administration isn’t helpful in this situation. Aspirin is systemic, meaning that it can only work after being ingested orally and absorbed into the bloodstream. Worse still, aspirin will trigger a chemical burn on any gum tissue that it comes in contact with. Talking to a dentist before you use any medication to ease your symptoms is therefore warranted.

Don’t make any assumptions about your condition. For example, don’t put off going to the dentist because an online search you have done has shown you that the treatment you need could be expensive or invasive. Instead, visit Green Dental Care sooner rather than later so that a correct professional assessment can be done. You will receive the appropriate treatment in a timely manner so that avoidable complications can be averted.

7 Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

signs you need your wisdom teeth removed - Green Dental Care

7 Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

signs you need your wisdom teeth removed - Green Dental Care

While most people dread having to undergo wisdom tooth removal, this dental procedure can become unavoidable. You must educate yourself about the conditions that can necessitate wisdom tooth removal so that you visit your local dentist in Parker, CO. In this article, Dr. Chris Green from Green Dental Care discusses some of the common signs you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Jaw Stiffness

As your wisdom teeth emerge, they can push against the existing teeth in your mouth. This pressure can cause your other teeth to shift from their positions, and this could trigger discomfort in your mouth and jaw. If you don’t see a Parker dentist about this discomfort, the situation can deteriorate, and you will start feeling pain. When the pain develops, Dr. Chris Green may be compelled to extract the wisdom tooth, which is the instigator of your pain and discomfort.

Gum Sensitivity

For many people, the development of wisdom teeth causes teeth crowding. The crowding is due to the lack of space available to accommodate the emerging and the existing teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth will cause pain in your mouth and jaw. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY about gum sensitivity and wisdom teeth. Dr. Neda says the gums can also become extremely sensitive to cold, heat, and pressure. The swelling, tenderness, and soreness make it harder for you to brush or eat, and an infection will set in before long. It is therefore wise to have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as you suspect that it could be responsible for the gum sensitivity that you are experiencing.

Unrelenting Wisdom Tooth Pain

If you experience pain around a wisdom tooth while eating or drinking something, or randomly throughout the day, consider seeing a dentist in Parker, CO about removing the wisdom tooth triggering this pain. Tell your Parker dentist the level of pain as well as how long you’ve experienced the pain. Dr. Chris Green will complete an oral exam and determine whether wisdom tooth removal will put an end to the pain.

Tooth Damage and Decay

You may also need to visit Green Dental Care to have your wisdom teeth removed if your tooth is causing nearby teeth to decay or become damaged. For example, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause nearby teeth to move out of position and become hard to clean. The resultant decay may then easily spread to the other teeth unless appropriate treatment is provided. In this case, a lasting solution would be for your Parker dentist to extract the wisdom tooth.

Frequent Tooth Infections

Problematic wisdom teeth can cause recurring tooth infections in their vicinity. Several factors could explain this recurrence, but the most likely reason is that your wisdom tooth in the affected area didn’t grow properly, and it is creating room for bacterial infections to develop.

A visit with Dr. Chris Green at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, could shed light on the reasons behind the recurrent tooth infections. If these frequent infections can be attributed to problems caused by the wisdom tooth, then a decision will be made to extract that wisdom tooth before it causes more serious oral health problems.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth is one which erupts when it is crooked. Because its angle of growth differs from that of the teeth which are already grown, the impacted wisdom tooth can cause tenderness, pain, swelling as well as damage to the nearby teeth. In such a situation, your dentist in Parker, CO, will remove the wisdom tooth so that your remaining teeth don’t continue to be affected by this problematic wisdom tooth.

Elective Wisdom Tooth Removal

Many times, people choose to remove their wisdom teeth when they have not yet developed deeply-embedded roots. This elective extraction is better than waiting for teeth that have shown signs that they will be problematic to start causing problems. Parker dentists say that if the problem wisdom teeth will be removed sooner or later, it is far better to remove them sooner when they aren’t embedded in your jaw so firmly as yet.

Not everyone must have their wisdom pulled, and not everyone needs to have all the wisdom teeth in their mouth pulled. However, some situations warrant the removal of your wisdom teeth that develop in the mouth. Contact Dr. Chris Green as soon as you develop any of the signs indicating that one or more wisdom teeth could be threatening your dental health. Your Parker dentist will assess the wisdom teeth and schedule the tooth extraction procedure so that you don’t suffer needlessly because of these wisdom teeth.

Sedation Dentistry

sedation dentistry faq

Sedation Dentistry

sedation dentistry faq

Each year, millions of people in the U.S. keep away from making a needed visit to the dentist because of dental anxiety. If you get the jitters each time you think of a dentist, you are not alone. The Green Dental Care team in Parker, CO, understands your concerns, which is why they provide conscious sedation to ease any fear or pain that you may have. This article gives you an overview of what you need to know about conscious sedation dentistry in Parker, CO.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

Dr. Chris Green explains that conscious sedation refers to the ways through which a dental patient who panics or becomes anxious during a needed procedure can be helped to relax and go through that procedure comfortably.

The technique is called conscious sedation because you remain responsive throughout the procedure. The medication simply helps you to relax. This is different from general anesthesia that makes you unconscious until the medication wears off, or its effects are reversed by your Parker, CO dentist at the end of the procedure.

What Dental Procedures Can Conscious Sedation Be Used For?

Green Dental Care can offer conscious sedation dentistry for patients who feel anxious or have a low pain threshold yet they need to undergo procedures like dental cleanings, cavity treatment, root canals and many other procedures. Discuss your dental fears with Dr. Chris Green, and he will determine your suitability for conscious sedation dentistry.

How Are the Sedatives Administered?

The drugs used during conscious sedation dentistry can be administered in a variety of ways depending on the specific circumstances of a patient. For example, you may simply inhale the sedative through a mask placed on your face. Alternatively, the dentist in Parker, CO, may give you a pill that you take before your appointment. Some sedatives can be administered by giving you a shot in your arm or butt. If the situation warrants, Dr. Chris Green can also administer the sedative intravenously (using an IV).

How Long Do the Drugs Take to Kick In?

The mode of administration used has a bearing on how long you will have to wait before you start feeling the effects of the conscious sedation drugs that you have been given.

For example, sedatives administered orally could take anywhere between 30-60 minutes after ingestion while those given through an IV line kick in almost immediately. Dr. Chris Green will explain to you how long the sedative you receive will take to kick in before your procedure. Be assured that the professionals at Green Dental Care will not start the dental procedure until they are certain that the sedation is working as expected.

How Quickly Does Conscious Sedation Wear Off?

One key advantage of conscious sedation over general anesthesia is that conscious sedation wears off quickly. So, most people are able to go back home on their own. However, dentists in Parker, CO usually take the precaution of asking patients who undergo sedation dentistry to have a designated driver. The sedation usually wears off in an hour or so, but some side effects, such as feeling sluggish, could last the rest of the day.

What Are the Stages of Conscious Sedation?

Your Parker, CO dentist determine the degree to which you will be sedated after talking to you about your dental anxiety and other related factors. Three distinct stages of sedation exist.

The first is mild conscious sedation. This minimal sedation is also called anxiolysis. When you are minimally sedated, you become relaxed but remain fully aware of your surroundings and are responsive.

The second degree of sedation is moderate sedation. In this stage, you will be sleepy and may lose consciousness, but are still responsive to some extent.

Deep conscious sedation is a stage of sedation in which you fall asleep once the medication kicks in, and you will be unresponsive most of the time. This stage of conscious sedation is suitable for people with intense dental phobias.

Can I Develop Complications?

Like any other medicine, conscious sedation also carries some risks, even if it is considered safe. To minimize these risks, Dr. Chris Green will conduct a detailed evaluation of your overall health before deciding to administer conscious sedation.

It is therefore helpful for you to give the Parker, CO dentist your medical history as well as information about any medication and supplements that you are taking. This information will help Dr. Chris Green to design an appropriate plan for the sedation dentistry procedure. He may postpone the treatment if he discovers any circumstance, such as pregnancy, which elevates the risks of undergoing sedation.

If you are afraid, apprehensive or anxious, let Dr. Chris Green know. Your Green Dental Care team will use conscious sedation to help you keep your attention focused on your dental health rather than on the discomfort that you experience each time you undergo a dental procedure.