Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

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Tips and Techniques for a More Relaxed Visit

For some people, the thought of visiting the dentist can be anxiety-inducing. However, at Green Dental Care, we prioritize patient comfort and aim to make every visit as stress-free as possible. Our team has compiled a list of tips and techniques to help bring relaxation and ease to your dental visits.

Communicate with Our Dentists

Open communication with our dentists can help ease your stress. Voice your concerns and fears, and ask any questions you may have. During the appointment, if you need a break or feel uncomfortable, let your dentist at Green Dental Care know. We can adjust the pace of the visit to make you feel more relaxed.

Practice Breathing Techniques

Taking deep, slow breaths can help reduce stressful thoughts and calm the body. During your dental visit, focus on breathing through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Simple breathing techniques can be utilized by patients to feel calm even during complicated procedures.

Listen to Soothing Music

Music can have a significant impact on your mood. Before your dental visit, create a calming playlist of your favorite songs or utilize a relaxing app, such as Headspace. Our patients at Green Dental Care enjoy the ambient sounds we play in the office as well.

Schedule Early Morning Appointments

If you’re someone who becomes anxious leading up to your appointment, try scheduling early morning visits. This way, you won’t have an entire day to worry about your appointment and can cross it off your to-do list early.

Consider Sedation Options

At Green Dental Care, we offer sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, to our patients for a more comfortable experience. If you know that you’re extremely anxious about your appointment, talk to one of our dentists before your visit to see if sedation could be an option.

Contact Us

A dental visit doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With these tips and techniques, you can make your appointments a more relaxed experience. Our team at Green Dental Care is dedicated to ensuring our patients feel comfortable and at ease during every visit. We hope you find these tips helpful!

Can My Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Can My Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Can My Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Can My Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Everything You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The pauses can last 10 seconds or more, and they may occur 30 times or more an hour. This can cause snoring, but it can also cause you to wake up to breathe. Waking up 30 times an hour can leave you feeling tired all day, even after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea is caused by a variety of factors, sleep position, the use of alcohol or sedatives, and weight gain. 

 

Therefore, sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or sleeping on your side, and with medical devices or surgery. If this is untreated for a while this can lead to hypertension, stroke, heart failure, and other health problems if left untreated. One question that is asked is Can My Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea? Keep reading to find out more.

Sleep Apnea Treatments 

The traditional treatment for sleep apnea has been the use of a CPAP machine. Which uses air pressure to help widen the airway and prevent it from becoming blocked. This machine consists of a pump that pushes fresh air through a mask or nasal tube, directly into the lungs and throat. Overall, this treatment option is effective in treating sleep apnea and helping patients to sleep more soundly and restfully. However, many people still struggle with using CPAP machines due to discomfort or issues with compliance. Our friends at New Providence Dentistry have hope that this ongoing research will lead to improved treatment options for those with sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance 

Dr. Green is a qualified dentist who can help patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Similar in shape to a retainer or mouthguard, an oral appliance is built by a qualified dentist. What this does is shifts the jaw muscles and tissue to prevent airway obstruction. The “oral appliance” is becoming popular for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea because it is less invasive than other treatments, such as CPAP machines. Dr. Green will work with you to find the best treatment for your sleep apnea.

Contact Green Dental Care!

Contact Green Dental Care today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green. With years of experience in the dental field, he is dedicated to providing his patients with the best possible care. From routine cleanings and checkups to more complex procedures, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with Dr. Green. He takes the time to listen to his patients and answer any questions they may have, so you can make informed decisions about your oral health. Contact Green Dental Care today to see how Dr. Green can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Regular Visits Can Save You Money

regular visits can save you money

Regular Visits Can Save You Money

A lot goes on during a regular dental visit beyond poking around inside your mouth and delivering the bad news that your brushing and flossing techniques don’t cut it. The truth is, regular visits to your dentist in Parker CO can not only save you money, but they can also literally save your life! Here are some of the key ways in which regular visits to Green Dental Care can save you money.

Catching Problems Early

Routine dental visits to your Parker CO dentist normally have two main parts. First is the dental cleaning usually performed by a dental hygienist. Second, is a dental exam by the best dentist in Parker CO.

During each of those activities, there is more than ample opportunity to spot any anomaly, such as a cavity or crack. This gives our doctors a chance to spot if before it becomes a major problem. When these defects are treated promptly, the cost you incur is much less than what you would have incurred if you had skipped the routine visit. The contrary would be waiting to visit Green Dental Care when you have a dental health problem that is keeping you awake, which could cost more as an emergency service.

In this regard, regular visits to can save you money in the long run. It could eliminate the need to undergo complicated and costly procedures if every emerging problem is consistently nipped in the bud.

Receiving Customized Dental Health Advice

Regular dental visits also make it possible for you to get dental health advice that is tailored to meet your specific needs. For example, if the hygienist notices a particular arch has a lot more plaque and tartar than other parts of your mouth, he or she will recommend the best way to tweak your flossing and brushing technique in order to address the problem area.

Similarly, the best dentist in Parker CO may also recommend dietary changes. This would be to suit the new threats that your dental health faces in the light of any medication you are currently taking. For example, you may be on medication that causes dry mouth. 

As you may know, dry mouth increases your risk for gum disease and other dental health problems. Our dentists could recommend that you chew sugar-free gum or chewy vegetables to boost saliva production. Such advice can save you money because you will be in a position to prevent dental health challenges.

Professional Cleanings Safeguard You from Gum Infections

As already mentioned, dental cleanings are an integral part of your routine visit. Plaque (a bacterial film) is constantly building up on the teeth. Despite your best efforts at oral hygiene, some of this plaque eventually hardens into calculus (tartar).

Tartar results in the destruction of your teeth and bone beneath the gum line. By having your teeth cleaned by a professional, all that tartar and plaque is removed before it can cause harm. Needless to say, this early intervention stops major problems in their tracks. You will save the money that would have been spent to treat those problems down the road.

Dispelling Potentially Harmful Misinformation and Myths

Dr. Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills CA, points out that the advent of the internet has been a blessing and a curse at the same time. A blessing in the sense that you can get great information on almost any topic under the sun. It is a curse in the sense that some of the information online is false and potentially dangerous.

For example, many people have been taking up DIY toothpastes. These can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as charcoal, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar. However, our dentists will tell you that ACV (apple cider vinegar), charcoal and baking soda pose a huge risk to your enamel. The prolonged use of those substances could result in teeth sensitivity due to eroded enamel.

Without those regular visits, you can easily fall for all the hype. Years later, you’ll learn that all your costly dental problems could have been avoided. When you see your Parker CO dentist regularly, you are likely to bring up anything you have heard or read. Then, he will give you a considered opinion on the usefulness of that information you got online. This can save you lots of money that would have gone to fixing the damage caused by implementing some of the advice picked from non-professionals. For instance, the cost of a routine dental visit pales in comparison to the cost of dental implants needed to replace teeth lost to overly abrasive DIY toothpastes.

As you can see, one of the best decisions that you can make for your dental health is to make regular visits to Green Dental Care. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you will also maintain your pearly whites for a lifetime. Give us a call today!

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you have done all you can to get those perfect white shiny teeth but still you are not quite getting the result you desire, then it is probably time to let a professional, like your local Parker dentist, take over and do the job they are trained to do. The perfect bright smile is easier to achieve than you think. Professional teeth whitening has become much easier and cheaper due to advances in technology resulting in a reduction of costs. 

The benefits of shiny white teeth are not limited to aesthetics only. A nice bright smile can give a boost to your self-esteem and confidence, and many people believe that a good smile can be a factor in your professional success too. Dr. Christopher Green, from Green Dental Care, recommends professional teeth whitening because of the following reasons:

It Gets You the Fastest Results

In just one pain-free hour at Green Dental Care, you can see the results of the teeth whitening, and this can be especially beneficial if you need teeth whitening before an important event like a professional meeting/presentation or a wedding. The do-it-yourself alternatives are not as efficient and require more time and multiple treatments.

Results Last Longer

The whitening agents used at the dentist are professional-grade, unlike those used in use at-home kits, therefore the results are comparatively more long term. Where the whitening from home-kits lasts around two weeks, you can expect the whitening from a professional to last up to three years!

It is a Safer Option

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a cosmetic dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky about the benefits of professional teeth whitening. Dr. Nda agrees that professional teeth whitening treatments are a safer option. Since the do-it-at-home kits provide you with slower results, you tend to apply them regularly and for a longer time. Due to this consistent application of whiteners, you run the risk of demineralizing your tooth enamel at a faster rate than the rate it mineralizes itself, as after the application of whitener the enamel needs a certain period to mineralize itself naturally. However in the case of professional whitening, only one session is required to achieve the optimal results and that eliminates the risk of demineralization of the enamel, which can lead to bigger dental complications. 

It Gives You a Confidence Boost

Confidence plays a major role in your success in life – whether it is your career or relationships. One of the big factors that increase your confidence is a smile that you are comfortable with. Therefore when you take the decision to whiten your teeth from a professional, it will have a greater impact than just the visual value, it can actually be a good investment for your future success and that too at good value for money. 

The above-mentioned reasons should be enough to convince you that professional teeth whitening is a much better option than the do-it-yourself option. The do-it-yourself kits get you results over time, but they are much less effective and efficient than the professional teeth whitening option. If you are still unsure about which route you should take, book an appointment with Dr. Chris Green so that he can advise you on the best option for you.

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

does a root canal hurt - Green Dental Care

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

Does a root canal hurt? This is one of the most common questions Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker CO, is asked by his patients. To answer this question, we first need to understand what a root canal is, when is it needed, and how is it performed. 

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is a dental treatment that is done in order to treat infection in the pulp (inner center) of the tooth. Root canal treatment is performed to save a tooth that otherwise might be removed completely. The correct dental term to describe this procedure is “endodontic therapy.” It removes the contents in the tooth and its roots, which are infection-prone. It enables a tooth to perform its function in the mouth despite having lost the ability to feel pain, pressure, or temperature. 

When and Why is it Needed?

A root canal is performed in order to treat infection in the pulp of a tooth, which otherwise might have to be removed. This infection is usually caused after deep tooth decay, leaky fillings, or damage to the tooth due to other forms of trauma, like a fall. It involves a deep cleaning inside the inner chamber of the root of the infected tooth, which can be the cause of the irritation of the surrounding nerves and gum. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist who performs root canals in Georgetown, KY, about the risks associated with opting out of root canals. Dr. Neda explains that if you don’t get a root canal done, the infection can spread to your jaw and other surrounding tissue. 

How is it Performed?

The treatment begins with the application of general anesthesia in the affected area. An access hole is then drilled into the tooth which enables the dentist to access the pulp chamber and the root canals. After clearing the pulp contents, a thorough cleansing is carried out throughout the tooth. When the cleansing is finished, the tooth is properly sealed with appropriate filling materials. At last, a crown is placed on the tooth. 

Is it Painful?

Due to advances in modern technology and the use of anesthetics, the process of root canal treatment is generally safe, quick, and pain-free. In fact, the pain that you might feel is actually caused by the infection in the tooth, and this treatment is performed in order to get rid of that pain. Your Parker, CO dentists are experts in pain management and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably. After the anesthesia wears off, there might be mild discomfort which resolves in a few days and can be managed by over the counter medications. 

does a root canal hurt - Green Dental Care

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.

What You Need to Know Before Dental Implants

What You Need to Know Before Dental Implants

You may be undecided on whether you should get dental implants or not because of some unanswered questions lingering in your mind. In this article, you’ll find the answers you’ll need to know before getting dental implants in Parker, CO. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a dental implant consultation, contact Green Dental Care. 

Can the Entire Dental Implant Procedure Be Completed at the Office?

Some people worry that they will be shuffled from one dental practice to another in order to have different aspects of the dental implant procedure completed. If you decide to have your dental implants placed at Green Dental Care by Dr. Chris Green, you will not have to go anywhere else during your treatment. We complete every step of the process at the office until you get your final restorations for the smile you have always dreamt about.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

As you may already know, dental implants are titanium screws placed in the jawbone to act as artificial roots for restoration teeth. As any dentist in Parker, CO will tell you, dentistry has advanced so much that the surgery to place dental implants no longer takes a long time. Dr. Chris Green relies on 3D technology to develop a detailed plan of how the surgery will go, and this information helps him to place the implants in about 30 minutes. People who need more than one implant should expect the surgery to last longer.

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

The advancements in the field of dentistry also mean that you don’t have to worry about discomfort or pain during dental procedures, including implant surgery. The Parker, CO dentist will use either a local anesthetic or IV sedation to remove any discomfort or pain that you may feel during the procedure. So, you can be sure that the entire procedure will be painless.

How Soon Can I Return to Work?

Since the implant placement procedure requires the use of an anesthetic, Dr. Chris Green recommends that you take the rest of the day off after your surgery so that the sedative can wear off. Most patients typically return to work the next day, unless the dentist in Parker, CO recommends otherwise based on the specific circumstances pertaining to a patient.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

While insurance policies vary, most of them cover at least a portion of dental implant treatment. Talk to a Parker, CO dentist at Green Dental Care if you are concerned about the cost of implants. A way will be found for you to get your smile back.

When Can I Receive My New Teeth?

Dr. Chris Green explains that the time needed before you get your restoration teeth varies from one patient to another depending on how quickly one can heal after the surgery. It is best to visit Green Dental Care in Parker, CO so that you can learn what the treatment duration will be for you.

Can I Have Metal-Free Implants?

Nearly all materials used to make restoration teeth have some metal in them in order to increase the strength and durability of those restorations. If you are concerned about the likely effects of having metals in your mouth, worry no more. Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a metal which has a long track record of being biocompatible (the body easily accepts and integrates it). Additionally, the metal is so chemically stable that it can last for your entire lifetime without undergoing any change. Dentists in Parker, CO assert that to date, no material has been found to perform to the same exceptional level as titanium.

Are Implants Removable?

Dental implants aren’t removable like removable dentures. As already mentioned, the implant is surgically placed in your jaw and osseointegration (bonding between the jaw and the implant) takes place to give a very strong anchor for the restoration teeth you receive. The upper portion of the restoration called the crown can be removed or changed, but the implant remains.

How Many Teeth Can I Replace With Dental Implants?

It is possible to replace one or more teeth with implants. For example, if you are missing one tooth, then it can be replaced using one implant. However, as few as four implants may suffice to replace an entire set of teeth in either your lower or upper jaw. Dr. Chris Green will examine you during the initial consultation and recommend the number of implants that you need to replace your missing teeth cost-effectively.

Still Have Questions?

Come to Green Dental Care in Parker, CO and get answers to all your concerns about dental implants. Dr. Chris Green will examine you and discuss a written treatment plan with you so that you make an informed decision regarding how soon implants can play a part in restoring your beautiful smile. 

Sedation Pre Op & Post Op Instructions

Sedation Pre and Post Op Instructions - Sedation Dentistry in Parker CO

Sedation Pre Op & Post Op Instructions

Sedation Pre and Post Op Instructions - Sedation Dentistry in Parker CO

Sedation Pre Op and Post Op Instructions

Once you decide to undergo oral conscious sedation at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, we will give you oral medication before your appointment, and this medication will put you in a dream-like state in which you will be very relaxed throughout your dental procedure. You will have no recollection of the procedure, and the oral sedation medication is very safe. Read on and learn what Dr. Chris Green will explain to you as the sedation pre-op and post-op instructions.

Sedation Pre-Op Instructions

Smoking. The bodies of people who smoke cigarettes are more resistant to the sedative, so you should stop smoking until after your dental procedure.

Alcohol and Other Drugs. It is also advisable for you to refrain from taking any alcohol or other street drugs, such as marijuana, within 24 hours before your dental procedure. Alcohol and drugs slow down the effectiveness of the sedative you will be given, so it is best to avoid these substances.

Caffeine, Food, and Drinks. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything, especially caffeinated drinks, 8 hours before your dental procedure under a sedative. Anything in the stomach delays how soon the sedative can kick in. Dentists in Parker, CO also explain that there is an increased risk that you will throw up during the dental procedure if you eat or drink anything within 8 hours of the procedure.

Medications. Dr. Chris Green urges patients to reveal what medication they are currently taking so that he can review that medication and assess how it will interact with the oral sedative. The sedation dentistry procedure may be put on hold if you are taking any medication other than that for diabetes or hypertension. If you take sleeping aids or any medication that induces sleep or makes you drowsy, then you will need to stop taking such medication the night before the sedation dentistry procedure. Any medication that you have been cleared to take on the morning of the dental procedure should be taken with a little water so that your stomach is empty at the time of the procedure.

Pregnancy. If you are pregnant, then Dr. Chris Green will not sedate you because it may not be safe for you and your unborn baby.

Dressing. Green Dental Care recommends that you wear comfortable clothing on the day you are coming in for your sedation dentistry procedure. Avoid wearing jewelry or any other accessory that could get in the way during the procedure.

Contact Lenses. People who wear contact lenses should use their glasses instead of on the day of the procedure. You will be sleepy, so it isn’t advisable for that to happen while your contact lenses are in place.

Driving. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you to your dental appointment, and then drive you back home. The sedative may take a few hours to wear off, so it isn’t safe for you to drive or be alone during this time.

Sedation Post-Op Instructions

Driving. As already mentioned, it isn’t safe for you to drive in the first 24 hours after your sedation dentistry procedure, so avoid sitting behind the wheel during this time.

Operating Equipment and Machinery. Parker, CO dentists also recommend that you don’t operate any machinery or hazardous devices until a minimum of 24 hours has elapsed after the sedation dentistry procedure.

No Heavy Lifting. In the same vein, it isn’t advisable to engage in any heavy lifting in the first 24 hours after you have undergone a dental procedure in which sedatives were used. 

No Important Decisions. Put off making any important decisions in the first 24 hours from the time of your dental procedure. You may not be in the best state of mind to think clearly and make the right decisions within this time window.

No Stairs. Do not climb any stairs in the first 24 hours after the sedation dentistry procedure at Green Dental Care. You risk falling and hurting yourself if you attempt such an exercise. Stay in a room downstairs if you live in a storied house.

No Staying Alone During the First 24 Hours. As already mentioned, it is unsafe for you to be alone during the first 24 hours because you may still be groggy after your dental procedure. Ask the companion who drove you to Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, to stay and monitor you during this time. The staff at the dental practice will also give your companion a printed copy of these instructions so that he or she knows what is or isn’t permitted before and after your procedure.

Your safety is our number one concern, so get in touch with Dr. Chris Green if you have any questions. Also, get a printed copy of these instructions and follow them so that your procedure goes without a hitch!

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

benefits of fluoride treatments

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been discovered to have protective effects on teeth. This substance can be put on your teeth as a gel, mouth rinse or varnish. Once on the surface of your teeth, it soaks into the tubules (tiny holes) in order to kill any bacteria there and strengthen the enamel of your teeth. In this article, you’ll discover why you need to get fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care at least twice each year.

Why Fluoride Treatments are Good for You

Remineralization. Fluoride treatments help to restore minerals to tooth surfaces that have had these minerals eroded by acidic food and drinks. Bacterial activity also erodes tooth surfaces, and regular fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care can help to restore those minerals so that the teeth retain or regain their strength.

Prevents cavities. Fluoride also helps to combat tooth decay in both children and adults. We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about the benefits of fluoride. Dr. Kacos explains that fluoride goes in and kills any bacteria which is lodged in the tubules of your teeth. The fluoride also fills the tiny microscopic holes formed in the initial stages of tooth decay. This prevents the decay from progressing into the deeper layers of the teeth.

Reducing the cost of dental care. The modest fee that you pay for a fluoride treatment at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO pays off massively in the savings you make on dental care costs. The protective effects of the fluoride on your teeth mean that you will have fewer caries or tooth decay, and that means that the money you would have spent on treatment for these conditions is saved.

Preserves your perfect smile. As already mentioned, fluoride protects your teeth from various problems, such as gum recession due to gingivitis and teeth discoloration since the fluoride fills the tubules and makes it harder for stains to form. Regular fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care, therefore, increase the odds of having your beautiful smile for your entire life.

Preventing teeth sensitivity. As enamel is eroded due to bacterial activity and acidic eats and drinks, the soft dentine is exposed and your teeth can become sensitive each time you consume hot or cold substances. Fluoride gets into the tiny pits formed in your teeth and prevents the softer dentine from being exposed, hence averting sensitivity.

How Often Should I Get a Fluoride Treatment?

For most patients, Dr. Chris Green recommends that they get a fluoride treatment once every six months. However, the frequency of treatments can vary depending on a variety of factors. For instance, Parker, CO dentists recommend that people who face a higher risk of caries, such as those with poor oral hygiene habits and those with limited or no saliva production, get fluoride treatments once every three months. For some people, even a single fluoride treatment in 12 months may suffice.

The exact frequency of fluoride treatments that you need will, therefore, be determined after Dr. Chris Green examines your teeth and recommends the best frequency of treatments for you.

How Are the Fluoride Treatments Done?

The most common way through which a fluoride treatment is administered at Green Dental Care is by “painting” it on the surface of your teeth. This layer of fluoride stays on your teeth for 4-6 hours before you can brush your teeth to remove the excess fluoride.

Fluoride treatments can also be administered by the use of a tray which is fitted onto your teeth for the required duration. Your dentist in Parker, CO will then remove the tray and ask you to brush your teeth.

Alternatively, the Parker, CO dentist may give you a fluoride mouthwash and ask you to rinse your teeth with it for a few seconds after which you spit out the liquid. After a set interval, you can brush your teeth once the fluoride has penetrated the surface of your teeth.

How Soon Can I Eat After a Fluoride Treatment?

Dr. Chris Green may ask you to wait for about 30 minutes before you eat anything. This precaution is intended to prevent what you eat from washing away the recently applied fluoride on your teeth.

However, it is also possible to eat right away after you have had a fluoride treatment as long as you don’t consume anything very hot or sticky. The hot food or drinks may melt the fluoride from your teeth, while the sticky eats can adhere to the fluoride and remove it from the surface of your teeth.

As you can see, fluoride treatments are simple, yet packed with benefits for your oral health. Contact Green Dental Care today if you haven’t had a fluoride treatment in more than six months. Our friendly staff will clean your teeth and administer this protective treatment so that you can enjoy a lifetime of good dental health.