IV Sedation

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Post-Operative Dental Surgery Instructions

1. Things to expect following surgery:
2. >Bleeding: Bleeding or oozing for the first 12-24 hours is common. Mild to moderate bruising/discoloration can also be present.
3. >Swelling: Swelling may begin within the first 24 hours but should reach its maximum by 48-72hours. Swelling should diminish by the 5th day.
4. >Discomfort: Discomfort may begin as early as when the anesthetic wears off. Typically discomfort will increase as swelling increases, with peak levels occurring within the first 48hours and gradually tapering thereafter.
5. Things to do following surgery:
6. >Refrain from: Smoking, vaping, vigorous swishing, and drinking through a straw for a minimum of the first 72 hours. Ideally to prevent infections and delays in the healing process, this should be avoided until the tissue completely heals up or your dentist advises you otherwise. Please also refrain from disturbing any stitches that were placed.
7. >Bleeding:
8. >>Bite on gauze for 30 min - 1 hour with constant, firm pressure over the surgical site. If bleeding continues, replace gauze and continue to apply pressure until bleeding stops.Some oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal, so place an old towel on your pillow before going to sleep the first night. Keep head elevated.
9. >Swelling:
10. >>Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face over the surgical area--20 minutes on, 20minutes off. Repeat for the first 24 hours following surgery as needed.
11. >>After first day use warm, moist heat on face for swelling.
12. >Discomfort:
13. >>Take medications as directed for pain. See provided Pain Management sheet.
14. >Diet:
15. >>Avoid crunchy, crumbly, hot, or spicy foods for at least the first 72 hours following surgery or as directed by your dentist. Soup (room temperature or cold), oatmeal, milkshakes (without seeds), and mashed potatoes are all examples of acceptable soft foods. Do not skip meals as adequate nutrition is important for the healing process.
16. >>Diet can be supplemented with high protein or meal replacement shakes such asEnsure or Boost. Protein is an essential nutrient in the recovery process.
17. >Physical Activity:
18. >>Avoid heavy lifting, sports, or strenuous exercises for the first 5-7 days or as directed by your dentist. Walking is a great way to maintain physical activity while healing.
19. >Hygiene:
20. >>Do not brush teeth in area of surgery for the first 48 hours. Other areas of the mouth may be brushed paying special attention to avoid area of surgery.
21. >>Use warm salt water rinses (¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) 3-5 times daily after meals for the first 2 days following surgery (very gentle swishing).
22. >>If periodontal surgery was completed, including crown lengthening, do not brush the site for the first week. Use Peridex mouth rinse twice daily, swishing for 30 seconds and spitting.
23. >Medication:
24. >>Take all medications as instructed. If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to take ALLas directed.
25. Contact the office at (512) 717-5315 or seek emergency care if:
26. >Bleeding is excessive, swelling continues to enlarge after 72 hours, difficulty swallowing or breathing, temperature rises over 100°F.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten teeth without metal braces. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that fit over your teeth and gently move them into the proper position over time. They’re barely noticeable, and they can be removed, which is one reason why many patients choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces. Since they aren’t attached to the teeth, oral hygiene is much easier and they don’t require uncomfortable adjustment appointments. 

What Else is Invisalign Used For?

While Invisalign is primarily used for a straighter smile, it can also prevent chipping, wear, and TMJ. Beyond straightening the teeth, Invisalign can be used for:

• Gaps between the teeth
• Mild to moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
• Overcrowded teeth

Why Is Proper Teeth Positioning Important?

If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when biting or chewing, it can cause painful muscles and joints, headaches, worn teeth, and, in some cases, fractures. Over time, misaligned teeth can also become crooked or crowded. 

Although a straight smile has cosmetic benefits, it’s even more important for the way your mouth functions and overall oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth can affect your speech and ability to chew. Even worse, they can make it very difficult to brush and floss thoroughly, putting those teeth at a higher risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Believe it or not, jaw alignment can even affect the way you breathe.

Find Out if Invisalign is Right for You

Having a straight smile is great—but it’s even better when you have fewer dental issues to worry about! And fewer dental issues equal a happier, healthier smile overall. For more information on Invisalign or to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, contact an Enamel Dentistry near you!

The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit a dental office at the age of 1 year, or whenever they get their first tooth. If you’re a new parent or are preparing to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you may not be sure what to expect. 

In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll discuss what will happen at your child’s first dental appointment, and how to prepare them for their first visit to our office.

Your Infant’s First Appointment At The Dentist

Very young children (1-2 years old) will get a lap exam at Enamel Dentistry. You will sit on the dentist’s chair and hold your child in your lap, and your dentist will examine their mouth, clean their gums and teeth gently, and answer any questions you may have about their oral health and development. This is a great time to ask your dentist questions about teething, oral hygiene for infants and toddlers, and other such topics. 

First Appointments For Older Children – What To Expect 

Kids who are between 2-3 years old and have most or all of their baby teeth will get a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, just like an adult. A dental hygienist at Enamel Dentistry will clean plaque away from their teeth, buff and polish their teeth, and floss to remove any remaining food particles. 

Then, your child’s dentist will examine their mouth and look for any signs of tooth decay, developmental issues, and more. X-rays may be recommended if we deem them to be necessary and you approve them. 

Tips For Preparing Kids For Dental Appointments

Not sure how to get your child ready for their first dental appointment? Here are a few suggestions and tips from Enamel Dentistry

• Get an early morning appointment – A well-rested child is more likely to behave and won’t be as cranky or fussy, so we highly recommend early morning appointments for first-time visitors to Enamel Dentistry.
  
• Maintain a good attitude – Your children can sense your emotions, even at a very young age. If you’re tense, nervous, or anxious about their appointment, they’ll notice. And they’ll be more likely to feel the same way. Do your best to remain positive.
  
• Use positive language – Don’t use negative terms like “shot” “hurt” “needle” or other threatening words that may make your child feel nervous. Use positive language to describe your child’s visit so that they don’t get nervous or anxious.
  
• Teach your kids more about dentistry – Teaching kids about dentistry can help them learn more about why it’s important, and can help with anxiety. Check out a few children’s books on dentistry, or watch some YouTube videos together so that they can learn about the basics.
  
• Explore sedation options – We offer sedation options such as nitrous sedation, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, and can be very useful for kids who are nervous about a procedure like a filling or a dental crown.

Come To Enamel Dentistry – Child-Friendly Dentistry For Kids Of All Ages! ‍

If you need to find a family dentist in Austin for your kids, Enamel Dentistry is the best choice. With our team of experienced dentists and staff, we serve children of all ages with professional, caring, and patient-focused dental treatment. Contact us online to learn more and get started.