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Sleep Apnea Treatment
Detect and treat mild to moderate symptoms of sleep apnea to an Enamel Dentistry studio in Texas.
Don't Lose Sleep Over Your Mouth
Almost 10% of American adults are affected by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It occurs when the tissues of the throat and palate relax during sleep. The tissue can “sag," which obstructs the airway and blocks the proper flow of air and oxygen to the lungs. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and lead to weight gain. If you suffer from OSA, come in and see us right away.
Get A Better Night's Sleep By Treating Your Sleep Apnea
Signs and Symptoms
Snoring is the most obvious sign. Others: Headaches, dry mouth, waking abruptly, short of breath, insomnia and irritability.
Health Effects
Sleep Apnea is serious. It can be debilitating and, if left undiagnosed, increases your risk of stroke by 96%.
Oral Treatment
Oral appliances will shift your jaw. For mild to moderate cases. They are a convenient way to prevent airway sagging.
See An Expert
Get a proper diagnosis. We can treat minor to moderate OAS, more severe cases should be treated by a specialist.
Come In And See Us
We'll Have You Grinning From The Chin Up
We're changing the way patients experience the dentist. Our primary concern is your oral health and making sure you feel comfortable coming to see us. We know it can be scary visiting the dentist. But our philosophy of providing an easy and fun experience combined with our use of advanced AI tools, we know you'll feel different about coming to see us.
We offer:
AI Technology That Doesn't Miss A Thing
We've invested in top-of-the-line tools and the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care. No more goopy impressions! From AI and 3D printers to iTero for digital and diagnostic impressions, we're equipped with proven equipment to ensure that every procedure is comfortable, convenient and ensures an accurate fit. Combining technology and innovations with our highly professional and knowledgeable dental team enables us to deliver the best treatment outcomes consistently.
Don't Let Finances Come Between You And A Beautiful Healthy Smile
We understand the frustration of needing dental care while feeling it may not be affordable. You shouldn't have to worry about paying for your oral health. That's why we have several options to help you easily finance your dental treatment.
Enamel Dentistry Patients Are The Best
The More You Know,
The Better Your Oral Health Will Be
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A Comprehensive Guide to Root Canals (Endodontic Therapy)
Despite the myths, endodontic therapy are key treatments that remove the pulp, save teeth and relieve pain. You will learn about root canal therapy and how to care for your tooth after, so you can confidently handle your dental health.
Endodontic Therapy Step-By-Step
Understanding Endodontic Therapy
What Does a Root Canal Look Like?
The endodontic procedure to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect it, and fill it to avoid further issues. Root canal pictures often show the before and after of the tooth’s interior, highlighting the clean, filled, and sealed canals.
Root Canal on front teeth - Root Canal Xray:
Root Canal Before and After:
The Lifespan of a Endodontic Therapy
How long does a endodontic therapy last? With proper dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. A dental crown after endodontic therapy treatment adds protection and longevity.
Tooth with root canal hurts with pressure? Sometimes, it takes time for the surrounding soft tissues to fully heal after a endodontic therapy. In rare cases, some bacteria may remain in the affected tooth or the surrounding tissues, causing continued discomfort. Pressure on a cracked tooth may cause pain as well if left untreated.
If you're in pain or feeling sensitive after dental treatment, it's a good idea to see your dentist or endodontist for a check-up. They can determine the cause of the discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment to address it.
How long does a root canal last without a crown? The absence of a dental crown can greatly shorten a tooth's life. The crown is essential for protecting the weakened tooth from fractures post-treatment. Without a crown, the tooth is more likely to fail, particularly molars and premolars that handle most of the chewing.
Post-Endodontic Therapy Care
Immediate Aftercare
Can I drive after a root canal? After endodontic therapy, driving is safe as long as you feel well and have no lingering effects from sedation.
What can I eat after a root canal? What to eat after a endodontic therapy is crucial. Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid discomfort and protect the treated area.
Managing Discomfort
How to stop throbbing pain after root canal? Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can alleviate pain. If you have pressure pain on root canal tooth or any other persistent discomfort, contact your dentist.
Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
- Without a crown for protection, the tooth that underwent endodontic therapy may weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. This happens because the procedure removes the tooth's pulp, which can make the tooth less strong.
- Rarely, but a few folks might get an allergic reaction to the things used in the procedure, such as the filling or anesthesia.
- Bacteria can cause another infection if it gets back into the tooth filling material. Signs of a re-infection include pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
- Root Canal Cracked Tooth: Without a crown, the tooth could crack, potentially causing infection and pain.
Common Questions and Concerns
Endodontic Therapy vs. Dental Implants
When considering root canal vs implant, remember that preserving your natural teeth is always preferable. Endodontic therapy can save the natural tooth structure, while implants replace the entire tooth.
Smoking and Oral Health
Can you smoke after a root canal? We advise against smoking because it can delay healing and raise the risk of complications.
Enhancing Your Dental Health
Preventing Root Canals
How to avoid root canal? The key lies in preventing tooth decay and gum disease through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Addressing issues early with treatments like dental fillings can prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
Emergency Care
What about emergency root canal? When faced with severe pain or a cracked tooth root canal, immediate dental attention can prevent further damage and save your tooth.
Myths vs. Reality
The Truth About Pain
How bad does a root canal hurt 1-10? With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Are Root Canals Bad for You?
Endodontic Therapy is a safe and effective way to treat infected teeth. The procedure removes bacteria, protecting your tooth and overall health.
Advanced Care and Alternatives
The Role of Dental Crowns
Getting a crown after root canal can help your tooth look, feel, and function normal again. A crown will ensure its strength and durability as well for the long term. The dentist will remove the temporary filling after the endodontic therapy, and complete your dental crown.
Exploring Alternatives
While there is alternative to root canal to consider, most of the time it's better to save your natural tooth.
Conclusion
Endodontic Therapy play a crucial role in dental health, addressing tooth infections and decay to save natural teeth. Knowing about root canals, caring for your tooth after, and preventing more dental issues can keep your smile healthy and free from pain. Remember, the key to a successful dental pulp therapy is early detection, proper aftercare, and regular dental visits. So, embrace your dental health journey with confidence and let root canals be a positive step towards a brighter smile.
Can An Emergency Dentist Do A Root Canal?
If you have a persistent or severe toothache, this may indicate that you have an infected tooth. If this is the case, it’s critical to come in for an emergency appointment to get a root canal and restore your tooth.
Enamel Dentistry offers emergency care and expert root canal therapy, and we want to make sure that our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of infected teeth. Here are a few things to keep in mind about emergency dental care and root canal therapy in Austin:
Emergency Dentists Are Fully Qualified To Perform Root Canals
If you’re wondering whether an emergency dentist can do a root canal, the answer is “yes!” All dentists are trained to provide root canal therapy during their time at dental school. Any qualified emergency dentist at Enamel Dentistry is fully capable of performing a root canal.
In fact, an emergency dentist is often the best choice for a root canal. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a specialized endodontist, you can get help immediately. The sooner you get a root canal, the more likely it is that you will be able to save your tooth.
The Signs And Symptoms Of An Infected Tooth
Here are a few of the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection:
- A prolonged toothache that lasts several days and won’t go away
- Pain that radiates from the tooth to your jaw bone, neck or ear
- Discoloration of the affected tooth or nearby gums
- Swelling of the gums near the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to heat, cold and the pressure of biting or chewing
- Swelling in your cheek or face
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, your tooth may be infected. When you come in for emergency care, we will assess your smile and offer a diagnosis. If your tooth is infected, we will remove the source of your infection and save your tooth. During treatment, one of our dentists will open up the tooth, remove the decayed material from the inside, disinfect it, then fill and restore it to ensure that your tooth is protected from further decay and damage.
An Infected Tooth Is A Dental Emergency – Get Same-Day Care From Enamel Dentistry
A tooth infection certainly qualifies as a dental emergency, and it’s important to get help as soon as you can to make sure you can save your damaged tooth. At Enamel Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dentistry in our offices throughout Austin.
With same-day care, you can reduce your risk of further complications and get relief from the pain and discomfort of your infected tooth. If you need an emergency root canal, take a look at our locations and contact the Enamel Dentistry office nearest to you for a same-day emergency appointment.
Toddlers & Swollen Gums – What You Need To Know
If you’re a new parent and your toddler has swollen gums, you may be concerned. Is this normal? Do you need to call a dentist? How can you help them with the pain and discomfort of gum swelling? In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll answer all of your questions about toddlers and swollen gums.
Should I Be Worried About My Toddler’s Swollen Gums?
In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process.
As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so.
However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area.
Throughout the teething process, make sure to follow proper pediatric oral care precautions to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Brush their teeth with a blob of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice (until the age of 3), and make sure you see your dentist at Enamel Dentistry every six months for a consultation.
Tips To Mitigate Teething Pain At Home
Teething can cause your child a lot of discomfort, but there are a few easy ways you can mitigate teething pain at home.
- Rub your child’s gums with wet gauze or a clean finger. The pressure helps reduce discomfort.
- Use a cold spoon or teething ring to soothe your child’s gums. Cooling down the gums can help with pain.
- Try over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Motrin for kids. The analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties of these NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will provide your child with relief from teething discomfort.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
While this is rare in toddlers who are receiving proper oral care, it’s possible for toddlers to be affected by gingivitis or gum infections. If your toddler’s gums are very swollen, discolored, and bleed easily, they may have gingivitis.
Other potential signs of an issue include a high fever, pus draining from any area of their gums, or red streaks leading from a particular area of their gums. If you notice any of these issues, you should call your pediatric dentist for an emergency consultation immediately.
Get The Dental Care You Need For Your Toddler At Enamel Dentistry
At Enamel Dentistry, we serve all of Austin with expert preventive and pediatric dental care. If your child is teething and you want to make sure their mouth is healthy, don’t wait. Contact us online to visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, or Saltillo location, and get your little one the care they need.
How Dentists Can Help You Sleep Better!
Sedation FAQs
Why is Sedation Dentistry necessary for some patients?
It is common and perfectly normal to have some degree of apprehension or anxiety prior to receiving dental treatment. Some people, however, have stronger feelings in this regard than others. These feelings may be the result of less than pleasant past experiences, stories told by family and friends, or by the nature of the dental procedure itself (wisdom teeth removal). Dental treatment may be especially frightening to young children and patients with developmental disabilities. Whatever the cause, apprehension or anxiety can produce many unpleasant effects including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, upset stomach and trouble sleeping the night before the appointment. Many highly apprehensive patients avoid dental care for many years until their problems become so severe that they are forced to seek emergency care.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation can make practically all dental and oral surgical procedures more pleasant and safer for the apprehensive patients. During the procedure, the anxiety that many people have can be controlled by administering sedative medication. A sedated patient will not only be more relaxed but can also have potentially limited memory of the procedure performed. In either case local anesthesia (lidocaine) is also administered to block the pain sensations during the procedure and to keep the mouth numb during recovery.
How is the medication administered?
Sedative medication can be administered by breathing (nitrous oxide/laughing gas), orally (pill form) or intravenously (IV).
- Nitrous oxide is the most common agent used to treat apprehensive patients and can be used either by itself or in combination with Oral Sedation.
- Non- IV conscious sedation involves Nitrous Oxide in combination with an oral medication. Patients become very relaxed and potentially slightly sleepy but are still able to speak and answer questions. Some patients may experience an amnesic effect and don’t remember much of the visit the next day. Oral medication takes time to work (approximately 30-45 minutes) and has limits on how sedated you can safely become.
- IV sedation: Medication given intravenously (IV) has its effect rapidly so your dentist can give the precise amount needed for your level of anxiety. In addition, if more medication is needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications. Patients are generally very sleepy and may experience more amnestic effects from IV sedation than through the other previously mentioned methods.
Which type of sedation is right for me?
The route selected by you and your dentist will depend on your current health status and your particular needs.
How am I monitored during the procedure?
Depending on the depth of sedation or anesthesia being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors will be used during your procedure to ensure your safety. These monitors vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs to the use of pulse oximeters which, through a light sensor, measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. For our conscious and IV sedation patients, an EKG monitor is also used to monitor your heart rhythm in addition to capnography (measuring carbon dioxide levels from the breath). In addition to the monitoring devices, your doctor along with trained staff will always be with you and will be observing you closely during your treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
The use of sedation in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and her commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit. In Texas, a special permit is required to administer sedation and anesthesia.Dr. Dillon Patel is trained in Level 2 (Nitrous and Oral conscious sedation) and Level 3 (IVModerate sedation) and can administer IV sedation. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is a mandatory part of the permitting process. Additionally, Dr. Dillon Patel is certified in Basic Life Support, AdvancedCardiac Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Source: the American Dental society of Anesthesiology