Partial Dentures

If you need emergency dental care in Austin, you may be wondering if it’s safe to see the dentist, and to come to Enamel Dentistry to get the treatment you need. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the precautions we’re taking to provide you with the treatment you need while protecting your health and well-being. Let’s get started.

We’re Taking COVID-19 Seriously & Protecting Our Patients And Staff

We have always adhered to the safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards required by the ADA, CDC, and OSHA, including cleaning and sanitizing all dental tools, replacing plastic covers, sanitizing surfaces touched by patients and staff, and more.

However, we’re making even more efforts to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as wiping down counters, doorknobs, chairs, and other commonly-touched surfaces more regularly. Doing so will help protect you and protect our staff.

In addition, we’re taking extra steps to adhere to social distancing regulations within our office, such as seeing fewer patients each day and spacing out appointments to avoid crowds. We’ve also reconfigured our sitting areas to provide more space between each person.

Going To The Dentist For An Emergency Is Safer Than Going To The Emergency Room

If you need emergency dental care, you may think that you should go to the emergency room. But most ERs are not equipped to deal with dental emergencies. You should only go to an ER if you believe you have a life-threatening issue, such as a broken jaw. Otherwise, it’s usually best to see an emergency dentist at an office like Enamel Dentistry. 

In fact, it’s much safer to come to Enamel Dentistry than it is to visit the ER for treatment. As you may expect, most ERs and hospitals are treating multiple COVID-19 coronavirus patients, so being in the same area as these individuals could increase your risk of infection, even with the best possible precautions.

In contrast, Enamel Dentistry is doing its best to avoid exposing patients to COVID-19. We ask all patients about whether or not they’ve traveled, been around someone who developed COVID-19, and any symptoms they may have that could indicate COVID-19 infection. We’re taking every precaution we can to avoid exposing you and our staff members.

You Need Immediate Care For Dental Emergencies – Don’t Wait To Get Treatment 

Dental emergencies always demand immediate attention, and if you don’t get help right away, your condition could get worse. For example, a pulled-out filling or crown that’s not replaced could lead to a tooth infection.

If you think your condition counts as a dental emergency, the best thing you can do is contact Enamel Dentistry for an appointment right away. We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and our doctors will provide you with the dental care you need to resolve your emergency and restore your dental health.

So don’t wait. Contact us now to schedule an appointment at our offices in Parmer Park, South Lamar, or Lantana Place, and get the emergency care you need right away.

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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

Any questions or concerns? Call to schedule an appointment at your nearest Enamel Dentistry Location.

National Wine Day falls on Saturday, May 25th this year and is a great time to celebrate with a glass of wine (or two, we won’t tell)! But wine is also one of the most common causes of tooth staining, along with tea and coffee.

How to Keep Your Smile Bright When Drinking Wine

Drinking wine won’t hurt your teeth, but it can stain them and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Here are a few tips to keep your smile bright and avoid purple tinted teeth:

See your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings

Seeing a dentist for six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings will ensure that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar. Your teeth will be buffed and polished, which can help remove minor stains and discoloration.

Consider a white wine

White wine is free of the tannins and pigments that can stain your teeth, so think about switching to Riesling or pinot grigio

Brush before you drink wine

Since wine is acidic, it’s actually not a great idea to brush right after drinking it. Brushing immediately after drinking wine can cause premature wear to the teeth. Instead, brush your teeth before you drink. This will help remove plaque and prevent stains.

Rinse your mouth after drinking wine

Drinking a glass of water or gargling with a bit of mouthwash can help prevent wine from lingering on your teeth.

Have a salad with your wine

High-fiber foods help your mouth produce more saliva and “scrub” wine away from your teeth. Pair your wine with a salad and minimize your risk of a stained smile!
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Treating Stains – Teeth Whitening And Veneers

If your teeth have become stained due to a wine habit, don’t despair! You have options. Teeth whitening from Enamel Dentistry is an ideal way to reverse and remove wine stains. We offer both in-office and take-home kits. When the powerful peroxide is applied to your teeth, it breaks up the chemical bonds that hold the stains onto your enamel and bleaches them away.

If you have very dark or severe wine stains, or your teeth are stained due to tobacco use, veneers may be a better option. Porcelain veneers can be used to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth and replace them with a bright, white, completely non-stainable surface that permanently restores your smile!

Contact Us to Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin!

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Austin, Enamel Dentistry is where you want to be. Our dentists have years of experience treating teeth stains with whitening and veneers. Come in for a consultation today and see what treatment may be right for you. We hope to see you soon!