Blog – Dentist Parker CO | Green Dental Care

Aug 26 0

Causes of Teeth Grinding

Posted by Sydney

Causes of Teeth Grinding

Has your significant other accused you of grinding your teeth in your sleep? Bruxism, the name for teeth grinding, is a behavior that takes place when we’re sleeping. This means that many of us could be grinding our teeth in our sleep and not have any idea that we do.

Bruxism may sound harmless, but outside it irritating the person sleeping next to you. The truth is that bruxism can lead to significant damage to your teeth and result in a number of painful conditions beyond tooth pain. It may even lead to a tooth infection that requires being seen by an emergency dentist in Parker CO.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

There are a number of factors that may be contributing to your bruxism. These could include anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, and even dehydration says Georgetown, KY dentist, Dr. Jordan Smith.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that can place patients at an increased risk for a number of serious and life-threatening conditions.

We all struggle with anxiety and stress at some point in our life. It is often recommended that you take steps to reduce your stress, or to engage in some activities that can promote stress reduction. Some types of medications may be suggested by your primary care physician, including those to help you get better rest or to address the anxiety that you are feeling.

If you tend to skip the water more often than not, this is a simple fix. Drinking more water could be one of the easiest solutions to making bruxism a thing of your past.

What Are Some Signs of Bruxism?

Grinding your teeth will result in wear to the enamel of your teeth. When this enamel has worn off, it will expose the softer dentin inside of the tooth. This can lead to the introduction of bacteria, tooth decay, and the need for tooth repair.

Some of the symptoms of bruxism could include the following:

Tenderness in the muscles of your face
Headaches and earaches, ranging in severity.
Temporomandibular joint damage (TMJ)
Cracks and fractures in back teeth teeth
Sensitivity in teeth

Treating Bruxism

When you visit Green Dental Care, to meet with the best dentist in Parker CO, you’ll be able to get the right types of treatment to meet your needs. You may need to have some white fillings done, to repair tooth damage. Some cosmetic dentistry solutions may also be recommended.

There are a number of options for treating bruxism. The treatment that is best for you will depend on just how severe your case is. In addition to sleeping aids and other medications to help ease your anxiety and stress, it might be suggested that you skip caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Additionally, a custom mouthguard can also be a good solution, as it will protect your teeth from the damage of grinding and the pressure of grinding.

So, the sooner that you reach out for help with your teeth grinding concerns, the sooner you will be able to get a solution to protect your teeth. Teeth grinding can lead to a number of concerns that are entirely preventable, including migraines and the potential loss of teeth as a result of decay.

Aug 05 0

What is Dental Deep Cleaning?

Posted by Sydney

What is Dental Deep Cleaning?

The cleaning that you receive in our office, with the dental hygienist and best dentist in Parker CO, may not be sufficient if you have concerns with the early stages of gum disease. Deep cleaning in Parker, CO can address gum disease in its early stages, and restore your gums to good health. Just what can you expect during your deep cleaning? Will you experience any tooth pain during the treatment?

Understanding the Deep Cleaning

Also referred to as periodontal scaling and root planing, the deep dental cleaning is quite similar to the procedure that your hygienist will use to clean your teeth. The key difference here is that the deep cleaning will focus more on the area beneath your gum line, and on the outer surface of your roots.

This cleaning is typically necessary when the teeth and gums have a severe tartar buildup that has resulted in infection around the gums.

The infection results in the gum line widening, forming pockets that can quickly abscess. The gum will continue to pull away from the tooth. This connective tissue loss can result in a loss of bone, and can also lead to a tooth infection and the complete loss of the tooth.

The deep cleaning will help to eliminate much of the infection, to promote healing. It’s important to address inflammation and infection, no matter where it might be in your body, as these two concerns can impact the health of your heart if neglected.

What to Expect During Your Deep Cleaning

During the scaling part of the procedure, your dental professional will use a hand-held device known as a dental scaler. It will be used to scrape the accumulated plaque on the surface of your teeth and beneath the gum line. An ultrasonic tool, that has a vibrating metal tip, may also be used to remove and rinse tartar away.

Root planing smooths out any rough areas on the roots of your teeth. These areas may be much more likely to trap bacteria. Planning can also help your now clean and healthy gums to reattach to each of your teeth.

You may need to be numbed prior to your procedure, as you may have quite a bit of sensitivity in those areas where there is a lot of inflammation. Your Parker, CO dentist may also take the time to perform any needed minor tooth repair procedures.

Do You Need a Deep Cleaning?

How do you know whether you should get a deep cleaning done? If you have signs of infection in your gums, including redness and swelling, you may have the start of gum disease says Dr. O’Grady, a Denver Highlands Dentist. You may experience tenderness and bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth. Your dentist will also be able to diagnose any issues during your checkup. X-rays may also be taken, to see if there is any bone loss.

It’s important to address any concerns with gum disease prior to getting white fillings, or any type of restorative work. The same holds true for any cosmetic dentistry solutions that you may have an interest in. Healthy gums and healthy teeth make you a much more likely candidate for successful restorative and cosmetic treatments.

The better you are at working with your dentist to resolve concerns in their early stages, the less likely you will need to seek out an emergency dentist in Parker CO. Call Green Dental Care, your answer to “who is the best dentist near me?” We will schedule your checkup and determine whether you can benefit from a deep dental cleaning.

Jul 22 0

Routine Tooth Extraction

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Routine Tooth Extractions

The specific steps of a tooth extraction procedure will depend on whether the type of procedure. A simple tooth extraction is done when the entire tooth is visible and can be removed in one piece. A surgical extraction is performed when part or all of the tooth is beneath the gum line and has to be extracted as several pieces. To ease your anxiety about routine tooth extractions, here is a brief overview of the main stages/steps that you should expect before, during, and after the appointment.

Preparation

The first step of the tooth extraction process starts with a consultation with Dr. Chris Green. During that consultation, the best dentist in Parker, CO will take your full dental and medical history.

Your dentist will also ask you about any medications that you are currently taking. You may be asked to stop taking some of those medications, or you may be advised to start taking additional medications in preparation for the upcoming tooth extraction procedure.

Stopping Blood Thinners

If you are currently taking blood thinners, those medications could make you bleed excessively at the tooth extraction site since they prevent a blood clot from forming. However, it isn’t a given that your Parker, CO dentist will advise you to stop taking this medication since Dr. Chris Green has several options to promote the formation of a clot. They include topical blood clotting medications, stitching the tooth extraction site, and packing dissolvable gauze into the empty socket after the tooth has been removed. Nevertheless, you need to let the team at Green Dental Care know if you take blood thinners so that appropriate planning can be undertaken for the tooth extraction.

Taking Antibiotics

In some cases, your dentist will recommend that patients take antibiotics prior to a tooth extraction procedure. For instance, some dentists recommend that you take antibiotics if you have a dental infection that had triggered generalized symptoms (fever and malaise, for example). Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, such as those with a prosthetic heart valve, may also take antibiotics before undergoing any dental surgery. This is why your medical history is so important during your consultation at Green Dental Care before your tooth is extracted.

Administering An Anesthetic

Usually, a local anesthetic is sufficient for patients who are scheduled for tooth extractions. However, you may request additional anesthetics, such as nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia if you suffer from dental anxiety or have another condition that makes you prefer sedation dentistry. At Green Dental Care, we offer sedation dentistry and can accommodate the needs of patients who need this service.

The Extraction Procedure

If you need surgical tooth extraction, Dr. Chris Green will take a dental X-ray to see the angle and curvature of the root of that tooth. Once the anesthetic kicks in, the extraction will begin. He may cut through gum or bone tissue in order to remove the tooth. You shouldn’t feel any pain, and it is vital that you inform your dentist or oral surgeon if you do.

Stitches or other methods may be used to stop bleeding once the tooth is out. When a gauze pad is placed at the extraction site, the aftercare phase begins.

The Tooth Extraction Aftercare Phase

You can do several things to promote healing and reduce your discomfort after having a tooth extracted. Here are some tips our friend, and the best dentist in Georgetown, KY, Dr. Kristina Neda recommends:

1. Controlling Pain

The anesthetic should wear off a few hours after the extraction. Inform Dr. Chris Green if it persists long after you have reached home. You may also feel some discomfort and soreness in the days after the procedure. However, over-the-counter pain medication can address that, or talk to your dentist for a pain medication prescription if Ibuprofen and other OTC medications are unable to relieve your discomfort.

2. Controlling Swelling

It is normal to have some swelling on the side of your face after a tooth extraction, and an ice pack is helpful in relieving that swelling.

3. Protecting The Extraction Site

It is important that you protect the tooth extraction site from disturbance in the first 24 hours after the extraction. Any disturbance could jeopardize the clot-formation process or dislodge the clot formed. The protective measures include refraining from smoking or using a straw. Don’t suck on the extraction site, and don’t move your tongue over the site. Dr. Chris Green will give you a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts to protect the extraction site once your tooth is removed.

It is also important for you to discuss any possible complications with your dentist. Complications can include dry socket, which may arise, and what you can do to prevent or address them when they arise.

Green Dental Care & Tooth Extractions

At Green Dental Care, we give our patients detailed information about any dental procedure that we recommend so that the patients can make informed decisions and do their part to improve the outcomes of the procedure. If you have a nagging tooth, contact Dr. Chris Green and he will assess its condition before discussing the options available to you. Tooth extraction is a measure of last resort. Let us do what we can to save your tooth before we recommend extraction.

Jul 15 0

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options

If you experience tightness, pain, or clicking in your jaw, you aren’t alone. Those symptoms are characteristic of a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and this affects lots of Americans.

However, the fact that you aren’t alone doesn’t mean you should live the rest of your life with this condition that can make it hard for you to go about your life as you would wish. At Green Dental Care in Parker CO, we have a number of treatment options that we can recommend so that you can improve the quality of your life. The following are some of those options.

Custom Night Guards

Temporomandibular joint disorder can result when you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep at night. It is virtually impossible for you to stop bruxism on your own. That is where Dr. Chris Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, comes in.

New providence, NJ dentist, Dr. Beth Herko will make a custom night guard that will protect your teeth at night while you sleep. Consequently, you will suffer limited or no TMJ pain since your teeth will grind against the customized nightguard rather than with each other. Generic night guards don’t offer the same degree of protection since they are unlikely to fit you properly.

Botox Injections

We also offer Botox as a treatment for TMD at Green Dental Care. Most people only know Botox as a treatment for tightening and smoothening skin, yet it is also great for conditions affecting muscles and joints.

When Dr. Andrei Ionescu injects this substance into your jaw muscles, they will be temporarily paralyzed and this will have the desired effect of partially or completely stopping teeth grinding and clenching.

A lot of the patients who visit our dental office for Botox as a remedy for TMJ disorders report that they begin to notice the positive effects just days after receiving the treatment.

If yours is a severe form of TMJ disorder, Dr. Chris Green may refer you to a specialist for more advanced care.

Corrective Dental Procedures

Sometimes, temporomandibular disorders are linked to existing dental defects in the patient. For example, your Parker CO dentist may discover that the TMJ pain you are suffering from can be traced to your improperly positioned teeth.

In such a case, Dr. Andrei Ionescu may recommend that you undergo orthodontic treatment using braces, for example, so that your teeth can be moved to better positions in order to allow the even distribution of bite forces.

Similarly, the uneven wear of your teeth caused by having crooked teeth can result in TMD, and getting a dental crown can restore balance to the bite surfaces of the affected teeth. Dental bridges and other replacements for missing teeth may also address TMD, so don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Chris Green at Green Dental Care in Parker CO for an appropriate solution to your challenge.

Medications For TMJ/TMD Treatment

For some patients, medications may suffice to treat their TMJ disorders. For example, a family dentist Parker CO may prescribe stronger doses of anti-inflammatory medication to manage the swelling and pain you experience as a result of TMD. Alternatively, the dentists at Green Dental Care may recommend muscle relaxers so that your jaw muscles can relax and limit how much you clench or grind your teeth.

In some other cases, it may be necessary to prescribe anti-anxiety medication, especially when your medical and dental history reveals that your temporomandibular disorder is triggered by anxiety.

Other At-Home Recommendations to Manage TMD

It is important for you to avoid doing anything that could aggravate your TMJ disorder. At Green Dental Care, we strongly advise patients with TMD to take note of the following measures that are geared at minimizing extreme jaw movements;

Be conscious when chewing or yawning so that you don’t strain your jaw muscles
Avoid yelling or singing with your mouth wide open
Talk to your Parker CO dentist about massage or physical therapy to relieve muscle tension
Always maintain a good posture (for example, don’t hold the phone on your shoulder and keep it there using your ear as this can result in neck pain and TMD)
Keep teeth slightly apart as often as you can. This reduces the pressure exerted upon your jaw.

When all the conservative treatments and suggestions above don’t bring any relief, your dentist in Parker CO may recommend surgery. However, we at Green Dental Care don’t recommend surgery unless all other options have failed. We therefore think carefully about your condition and do everything that we can to resolve it without resorting to surgery. If your dentist has recommended surgery before trying anything else or exploring all available options, schedule an appointment at Green Dental Care. We will give you a second opinion and suggest how best to address the issue. Don’t let a member of your family suffer with TMD. Dr. Chris Green and Dr. Andrei Ionescu are here to lead a team of committed professionals who have the singular aim of finding a lasting remedy for you. Get in touch today!

Jul 08 0

Pregnancy and Dental Work

Posted by Lauren Edvalson

Pregnancy and Dental Work

Most pregnant women wonder if they can go to the dentist while being pregnant. Like any other checkup, it is completely safe to go to the dentist while being pregnant. Just be sure to inform your dentist about your pregnancy. In fact, you must see a dentist while pregnant because the changes in your hormones are likely to cause your gums to swell and bleed. Your dentist can help you take preventative measures to ensure that it doesn’t lead to any serious gum problems.

Can You Get Regular Dental Work Done While Pregnant?

Pregnancy should not prevent you from getting dental work done. It is, however, ideal that you try to get dental work such as fillings and crowns done before your third trimester. The reason for that is because you will find it hard to lay on your back for a long period of time during the procedure. Otherwise, there is no other risk involved with getting dental work done.

So don’t panic if you have a dental emergency during pregnancy. The dentists at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO can help you get the treatment you need. But Dr. Green does recommend you try and avoid getting elective cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening done during pregnancy. While there are no direct links to it being a risk, such procedures introduce different agents to the body which may have an impact on the pregnancy. It is better to just avoid it.

Can You Take Dental Medications While Pregnant?

It is important to inform your dentist about your pregnancy especially if you are getting a procedure done. More and more people are opting for anesthesia to avoid pain. When pregnant, you want to expose yourself to as little anesthesia as possible. Your dentist will take the right measure to ensure you don’t get exposed to too much of it, which can impact the baby.

At the same time, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to help with the pain after major procedures. Knowing that you are pregnant will help the dentist rule out medicines that would be a risk and prescribe the basics such as penicillin and clindamycin which are not harmful to babies.

Can You Get An X-ray While Pregnant?

Unless it is an emergency, it is generally recommended that you avoid x-rays while pregnant says Dr. Cody Boals, an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. While the x-ray machine used for dental checkups don’t have enough radiation to be a major threat to the unborn baby, it is still recommended that you try and avoid it. In case of emergency, your dentist will take the measures to shield the womb from the x-rays. For non-emergency cases, they will likely suggest you wait until after the birth.

How To Go About Maintaining Oral Health When Pregnant?

The experts at Green Dental Care share what pregnant women should do when it comes to oral health during pregnancy:

Visit your dentist for a checkup and tell your dentist you are pregnant
Maintain good oral regimen, brush twice a day and floss
Postpone any dental work that is not urgent
Try to avoid cosmetic procedures altogether while pregnant
Make sure you take a pillow or something to comfort you while you visit the dentist

For questions regarding oral health and pregnancy or if you’re in need of dental services in Parker, CO, be sure to contact Green Dental Care today!

Jul 01 0

Treatments for Gum Disease

Posted by Sydney

Treatments For Gum Disease

Gum disease refers to gum inflammation that gradually progresses to a level where the bone and other support tissues around your teeth become affected. Gum disease is identified by three distinct stages (gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis). Research done by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that nearly half of all Americans aged 30 and above suffer from periodontitis. While the disease may be common, the doctors at Green Dental Care assert that the progression of this disease can be arrested at any stage. The following are some of the available treatments for gum disease.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Gum Disease

The first way to treat periodontitis involves a nonsurgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). A hygienist can do this conservative treatment at Green Dental Care or by either Dr. Christopher Green or Dr. Andrei Ionescu.

The process entails scraping the surface of the teeth and the roots to remove any calculus (tartar) and plaque that has accumulated there. After scaling, the treated surfaces are smoothened so that there are no rough spots where bacteria can thrive.

Dr. Christopher Green, an experienced dentist in Parker CO, explains that more than one visit is normally needed to complete the SRP treatment. Have no worries about pain; a local anesthetic will ensure that you will hardly feel any discomfort while you are being treated.

After a few weeks, the Parker CO dentist will examine you to see how well you are healing. If everything is okay, no further treatment will be recommended. If you aren’t healing as expected, then additional SRP may be done, or another treatment option may be tried.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

After scaling and root planing, if deep gingival pockets (the gaps between the gums and the teeth) remain, another step that may be taken is to schedule pocket reduction surgery. Dr. Andrei Ionescu, a dentist in Parker CO, explains this process. The gum tissue is folded back so that the bacteria hidden behind the flap is removed. The sections of the bone damaged by bacteria are also smoothed so that your gums can reattach to your teeth again.

Gum Graft Surgery

When periodontal disease advances, it can cause gum recession that makes the roots of your teeth to be exposed. Sensitivity and other problems result from this exposure. To fix this situation, the team at Green Dental Care may perform gum graft surgery.

Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, explains that the gum tissue will be taken from elsewhere, such as from your palate, and placed on the most affected roots of your teeth. Your teeth will no longer be sensitive, and decay will be gone.

If you have severe gum disease, talk to your dentist in Parker, CO about different treatment options. We are always accepting new patients and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more!

Jun 26 0

Celebrating Oral Health Month

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Oral Health Month with Parker, CO Dentist

In honor of Oral Health Month this June, we wanted to take the time to highlight some of Dr. Green’s oral health habits. We understand that the dental office isn’t for everyone, but we hope this interview with your favorite Parker, CO dentist motivates you to take better care of your oral health.

Dr. Christopher Green’s Journey

Dr. Green developed a robust ethical foundation at a young age by following in the footsteps of two well-respected dentists in the Chicago area, his father, and grandfather.

Dr. Green obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Temple University School of Dentistry. There, he earned the graduating status of Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Green has always enjoyed working with his team and helping patients to regain confidence in their smile.

His Medicine Cabinet

When opening Dr. Green’s medicine cabinet, you may be surprised to find not one, but two toothbrushes. Here’s a look at Dr. Green’s medicine cabinet:

Sonicare Toothbrush
Soft Bristle Manual Toothbrush
Glide Floss
Alcohol-Free Listerine

Dr. Green is very particular about maintaining good oral health. His friend Dr. Beth Herko, a general dentist in New Providence, NJ, also loves her Sonicare toothbrush. Out of all these products and tools, what do you think is his absolute favorite? Yep, you guessed it – floss! Like many dental professionals, Dr. Green believes that flossing is an essential part of any oral health care regimen.

Oral Health Advice to Patients

Did you know that gum disease and cavities are 100% preventable? When we asked Dr. Green his number one advice he could give a patient about their oral health, he said that you could follow these simple steps to avoid cavities:

Watch sugar intake
Brush immediately after surgery, meal, or beverage
Brush & Floss Daily

Common Myths About Oral Health

At Green Dental Care, Dr. Green and Dr. Andrei Ionescu sometimes get questions and concerns about oral health myths. One common myth patients believe is that WaterPiks replace flossing. This is not true! WaterPiks should be used in addition to flossing. Don’t forget this essential part of your oral health routine!

In need of dental services or have questions about your oral health? Contact Green Dental Care today! Our professionals are here to help.

Jun 24 0

Jaw Pain Causes You Need to Know

Posted by edvalsonmktg

6 Jaw Pain Causes You Need to Know

One of the most alarming experiences that you can have is to develop sudden, throbbing, or excruciating pain in your jaw. Sometimes, this pain starts off as a mild ache that gradually escalates in intensity until it is unbearable. Identifying the root cause of the pain you are experiencing is the first step towards fixing the problem, and the experienced dental care professionals at Green Dental Care in Parker CO have pointed out the following as the most common reasons why you could develop jaw pain.

Teeth Grinding

Dr. Chris Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, explains people grind their teeth for different reasons. For example, you may unconsciously grind your teeth each time you are stressed. On the other hand, you could suffer from bruxism which is characterized by grinding teeth while they sleep.

If this condition isn’t treated, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, warns that it could result in other dental health issues, such as premature or uneven wearing of the teeth. If you suspect that teeth grinding may be the underlying cause of the jaw pain you are experiencing, contact your Parker, CO dentist.

TMJ Disorder

TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints. This condition can cause jaw pain, clicking sounds each time you open your jaw or even cause the jaw to become stuck in the closed or open position. The pain caused by this condition can be severe.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis refers to an infection that moves through the bloodstream and eventually affects the bones as well as any tissues surrounding the infected bones. When this infection reaches the jaw, the TMJ joint will be affected. Pain, facial swelling, and fever will be a result of osteomyelitis of the jaw. The good news, says Dr. Andrei Ionescu, is that osteomyelitis can be treated easily using antibiotics. Alternatively, surgery may be recommended to remove the bone tissue affected.

An Abscessed Tooth

Another common cause of jaw pain is an abscessed tooth. Abscesses usually develop when dental cavities aren’t treated promptly. As the bacteria in the cavity spreads, the nearby bone mass can be affected, triggering jaw pain. This is another reason why Parker, CO dentists recommend that you undergo periodic dental exams so that any infection or other anomaly can be treated before it causes jaw pain or other problems.

Trauma

Like any other bone, the jaw can be knocked out of place or even broken. When you sustain a blow to the jaw, you could experience pain, swelling, bruising, or even loose or knocked-out teeth. Dr. Chris Green suggests that OTC pain medication may suffice to deal with the pain if the blow to your jaw didn’t trigger more serious effects. The best way to know is to visit Green Dental Care so that you can be examined and given the most appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our dental office ASAP.

Other Dental Conditions

Jaw pain may also be caused by other dental conditions, such as gum disease and cavities. Dr. Chris Green, the best Parker, CO dentist, also points out that when teeth are severely damaged, the unequal distribution of bite forces may cause jaw pain.

Practicing proper oral hygiene at home and visiting Green Dental Care every six months for a general dentistry appointment will go a long way towards preventing dental conditions.

As you can see, jaw pain can be due to a wide variety of causes, so it is best that you see a professional at Green Dental Care. Don’t live with this pain, make that call today!

Jun 17 0

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child?

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Do You Need a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child?

The process of choosing a primary dentist for a child can be daunting, especially for first-time parents. However, this selection process needs to be done in order to start receiving proper dental care for your child. The experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO point out some of those unique benefits.

Pediatric Dentists Create Fun Environments

No amount of reasoning on your part will get a young child to willingly visit a dentist if they don’t like the dental office. Pediatric dentists know this and go to great lengths and create a fun dental office environment for kids. This makes taking your child to the dentist much easier.

Special Training to Address Kids’ Dental Needs

Dr. Chris Green, the best pediatric dentist in Parker CO, explains that pediatric dentists undergo an additional 2-3 years of training after dental school in order to learn the necessary skills. For this reason, you trust Green Dental Care as your family dentist. You and your child will be in the care of experienced professionals who have a thorough grasp of pediatric dentistry.

Sensitivity to the Special Healthcare Needs of Kids

At Green Dental Care in Parker CO, we understand that everyone is unique in their own way. Our experienced professionals will always accommodate your child’s needs. For example, if your child has a fear of needles after a bad experience at their doctor’s office, our Parker CO dentists can offer sedation dentistry to help relax them.

Stress-Free First Visits

Dr. Chris Green is aware that kids are wary of new environments and strangers. For this reason, we can arrange for you and your child to visit our friendly staff at Green Dental Care. Dr. Kristina Neda, a pediatric dentist in Georgetown, KY, knows that this is a tried and tested way to make a kid feel more welcome since there is no dental treatment or examination done during this first visit.

Caring for Toddlers and Teens

At Green Dental Care, we have decades of combined experience in providing the best dental services in Parker, CO. We’ve seen patients from the time they are toddlers to the time they become teens.

If you would like to learn more about our pediatric dental care services, contact Green Dental Care, and schedule a visit. Dr. Chris Green or Dr. Andrei Ionescu will be more than happy to discuss your needs and how our team can be of help.

Jun 10 0

Everything About Sleep Apnea

Posted by edvalsonmktg

Everything You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

You may be suffering from sleep apnea if you snore heavily, feel groggy during the day, wake up frequently at night. In this article, Dr. Green from Green Dental Care explains everything that you need to know about sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea refers to a medical condition characterized by repeated pausing in breathing for at least 10 seconds while you sleep. These pauses in breathing can happen several dozen times or even hundreds of times throughout the night.

Dr. Chris Green, the best family dentist in Parker CO, explains that there are two types of sleep apnea. The first, and the most common type, is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type of sleep apnea is linked to blockages or constrictions in the airway that make it difficult for the affected individual to breathe. The constriction may be due to the collapsing/relaxation of the muscles in the throat while you sleep, or it may be due to having a large tongue and other such factors that make it hard for air to flow through while you sleep.

The second type of sleep apnea is rare and it is called central sleep apnea (CSA. The experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO explain that CSA results when an anomaly causes the brain to be unable to send signals to the muscles which control breathing. As a result of the lack of this neurological information, a patient will periodically pause breathing and then wake up gasping for air as the body is deprived of oxygen. CSA isn’t as common as OSA.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Loud, persistent snoring – When your airways are obstructed, you are likely to snore loudly while you sleep. The sound you make is a result of the vibrations of the soft tissues in your throat as air forces its way through. Dr. Chris Green cautions that not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea, but there’s a good chance that they do.

Gasping for Breath – This sleeping disorder causes you to pause for several seconds without breathing. During such a pause, the concentration of oxygen in your blood will drop considerably. As a result, your brain will send signals to different muscles in your body in order to compel you to wake up so you can breathe. Dr. Andrei Ionescu, a Parker, CO dentist, says this is why you wake up gasping for breath so that enough oxygen can be carried in your blood before the detrimental effects of oxygen deprivation set in.

Excessive Daytime Fatigue – The repeated cycle of sleeping and then waking up gasping for breath means that you will not have ample rest at night. Consequently, you will always feel fatigued during the day because your body is crying out for rest.

Waking Up Frequently at Night – Because of the intermittent pauses in breathing, those with this sleeping disorder may wake up frequently to go and use the bathroom or take a drink of water. You may also have a headache when you wake up at night and your throat may be sore.

Is There a Link With Obesity?

Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, points out that researchers have found that there is a close link between being obese and being likely to suffer from OSA. However, additional research unearthed an unexpected finding that OSA increases one’s risk of becoming obese. This may be due to the way sleep apnea throws the body’s hormonal system out of whack, thereby leading to obesity and diabetes.

Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

For a long time, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices were the go-to interventions for people who suffered from OSA. These machines mechanically kept the airway open so that a patient could sleep. However, the machines are dreaded by sufferers of OSA because the machine is loud, bulky, and uncomfortable. For many patients, this cure is worse than the disease!

Fortunately, there are dental sleep appliances that can be custom-made for you if you are confirmed to have OSA For example, your dentist in Parker CO may make for you a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or a tongue retaining device. These keep the airway open so that you can have a good night’s sleep free from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea predisposes you to several health issues and complications that include the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, stroke, and so many other complications. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, visit Green Dental Care in Parker, CO so that Dr. Chris Green and his entire team can assess the patient. Appropriate remedies, such as getting a dental sleep appliance, will then be recommended.