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Will I Be Loopy With Sedation Dentistry?

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If I get sedation dentistry, will I be loopy? I’m really afraid of the dentist and I heard sedation is a great solution. What I’m worried about is if it will make me loopy. I need to go back to work.

Julianne R. – Oregon

Julianne,

Depending on what type of sedation dentistry you use, then yes, it will make you “loopy”.  The exception is nitrous oxide, but that is not a strong form of sedation. It just relaxes you and helps the local anesthetic to work more effectively.

If you have any real dental anxiety, you’ll want something like oral conscious sedation. That will relax you so much that you likely won’t even remember the appointment. But, you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

You’ll find that it completely changes the way you view the dentist. You’ll have no more anxiety.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Looking for solutions for my gapped teeth

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I have front teeth with a gap between them. My dentist wants me to do braces, but I’m way too old for that. When I told him I wasn’t crazy  about braces, he suggested porcelain veneers. I just want to make sure that’s my best options. I also read about these bands that can straighten your teeth without braces. They’re essentially just rubber bands, but they have good reviews and I wouldn’t have to wear metal on my teeth. I could just do the ortho-bands at night.

Lucy M. – South Carolina

Lucy,

First, before we get into solutions, I want to warn you about those so called “orthodpedic bands”. These may appear to close the gap on your teeth, but in reality they’re shifting and tipping your teeth without the support needed to sustain them.  You can lose your front teeth.

You have lots of options, so I’m sure you’ll find one that works with what you have in mind.

Let’s start with the second alternative he gave you, porcelain veneers. These are wonderful if you want a smile makeover. For instance, they can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. They’re also great at closing gaps, depending on the size of the gap, but they’re a high end treatment and you didn’t mention your budget.

Another options is Invisalign. This will straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. No metal. No wires. No cuts and pains from metal and wires. You wear aligners, for two weeks at a time. They’re clear, so no one can tell you’re wearing them.  They also work in about half the time as traditional braces.

A third option is to have dental bonding done to close the gap. This done with a composite resin. Again, it depends on the size of the gap as to weather or not this is a good solution.

Your dentist should be giving you all your options. I’m sorry he hasn’t.  Feel free to ask any follow up questions.

This blog is brought to you Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Could bad dental work cause TMJ problems?

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I’m in the middle of a battle with my ex-dentist. I needed two crowns done, but he did a terrible job. In fact, the crowns are “higher” than all my other teeth and hit the opposite arch before any other teeth. At first it was just annoying and mildly painful, but now I’m having pretty serious jaw and head pain. Could his incompetent work be causing me to develop TMJ?

Tatiana R. – LIttle Rock, AR

Tatiana,

Without examing you, I couldn’t give a definitive answer. However, poorly fitting crowns can be an impetus to TMJ. Your teeth need to come together properly.

I’m assuming you’ve gotten a second opinion from another dentist. Sometimes pressure from one’s peers works wonders in getting an errant dentist to cooperate.

Don’t put off getting this taken care of. Your second dentist can always replace the crowns while working with you to get your dentist to refund your money from the original procedure.

Often, the sooner you treat the cause of TMJ, the simpler the solution (and lower the cost).

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can pregnancy cause TMJ?

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I’ve never had any problems with TMJ, until I became pregnant. Now all of a sudden my dentist says I’m afflicted with TMJ and wants me to wear some kind of mouth piece that looks hideous. Can pregnancy cause TMJ?

Meagan H. – Boston

Meagan,

There have been no studies linking pregnancy as a cause. However, pregnancy can be stressful. Between the changes occuring in your body, worrying about preparation for baby’s arrival, the expense of OB’s and hospitals, etc… it is possible that you have been grinding or clenching your teeth without realizing it.  This could lead to TMJ.

If your dentist is recommending a mouthguard, then it is likely he has seen evidence of this in your bite.  You may have noticed having more headaches than usual as a result as well.

I would get the mouthguard.  You’ll likely find improvement in how you feel in a short amount of time.

Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy.  There is nothing as wonderful as a new baby in a home.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Novacain works until the dentist starts

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The dentist gave me a shot of novacain. My dentist checked it and it was working. It really was. But, for some reaon, when my dentist started his work, I could feel the pain as what he was doing.  My dentist got frustrated with me and thought I was overreacting. Aside from being painful, it was humiliating to accused of being a drama queen. In front of the staff too. Do you know what happened? I’m really not a drama queen. I assure you.

DeAnna L. – Alabama

DeAnna,

What you’re experiencing is quite common  and it frustrates me that your dentist tried to make you feel bad about something you have little control over.

I suspect you have some form of dental anxiety. When you are anxious, your metabolism increases. The increased metabolism causes the novacain to burn off more quickly. That is why you were feeling pain. There just wasn’t enough anesthetic in your system.

With enough dental anxiety to burn off your local anesthetic, then I woul suggest you try a deeper level of sedation dentistry–one that won’t burn off as a result of your fears.

I’d look into oral conscious sedation. This sedation is so strong,  that you will need  someone to drive you to and from the appointment.

You’ll find this will solve your dental issues. (Except for the problem of finding a more sensitive dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

I think I ruined my veneers

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I noticed my veneers were turning darker. I think they’re getting stained from all the coffee I drink.  I bought some whitestrips to give them a little touch up, but I think I accidentally ruined them.  They’re now even darker.  What can I do to fix them? I’m embarassed to call my dentist because I am the one who messed them up.  I’ve only had them for about a year.

Cynthia – Louisiana

Cynthia,

You didn’t make your veneers worse.  What’smost likely happened is that your natural teeth are whiter now, making the porecelain veneers even worse than they had.

If you’ve only had your porcelain veneers for a year it’s unlikely your coffee is the problem, unless you have the absolute worst oral hygiene on the planet, which I doubt.

It is more likely if they’re picking up stains after this short a time then something damaged them. I’m guessing, based on what you said, that maybe you went for a dental cleaning and the hygienest used some kind of  power polishing equipment, such as a prophy jet.  I can’t be certain of course, but it is a possibility.

I would go back and ask your dentist what your hygienist  used during your cleaning.  If she did use power polishing equipment, which is an amateur move, they need to either replace your veneers or send you to (and pay for) an expert cosmetic dentist to have the glaze re-polished.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Do I really need a full mouth reconstruction?

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I went to the dentist because of jaw pain and headaches, thinking they might be connected. He said they were and it was a good thing I came in, because it is TMJ and I need a full mouth reconstruction.  Really?  That is thousands of dollars.  Should I get a second opinion or is this the standard treatment?

Melissa A. – Utah

Melissa,

This is not the standard TMJ treatment. In fact, it is only used in extreme cases. It certainly wouldn’t be the first treatment jumped to without their being extenuating circumstances. Take a look at Dr. Hadgis’ TMJ Treatment page to get an idea of what you should expect.   In your case, I would definitely get a second opinion.

Make sure whomever you go to for the second opinion has a lot of training in neuromuscular dentistry.  For instance, Dr. Hadgis has done extensive studies with the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, including courses on full-mouth reconstruction.

It is an extremely advanced procedure and if not done well, then you’ll end up in a much worse situation than you’re currently in.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Worried I’ll do something weird under sedation

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I’m not too keen on dentists, but have been hearing great things about sedation dentistry.  My only hesitation is I’m worried I’ll do something really embarrassing  while I’m under its influence.

Stephanie – Georgia

Stephanie,

Sedation Dentistry has helped many people, especially those with extreme dental anxiety.  I don’t think you need to worry about doing anything weird or embarrassing under sedation.  You may not have as many inhibitions, but it’s unlikely you’d do something you wouldn’t normally do.

However, I wouldn’t stress too much. Even if you did something slightly out of character, believe me, the office staff have seen it all and wiould not hold any of it against you.  Nor, will they film you on their phone or anything.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

My daughter wants to be an actress. What’s the best porcelain veneers?

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My daughter is about to graduate and wants to be an actress. I’m not too thrilled, but she has to live her own life.  We’ve made a deal.  She gets four years to try and make it work.  If there is no significant chance at success by then, she’ll go to college.  I want to give her the best chance at success, because it is her dream and I want to help her achieve it.  I think she’s going to need porcelain veneers.  Her teeth are below average, which won’t cut it in Hollywood.  I think I’ll get her a complete set as a graduation present. What would be the best brand?

Amanda P. – New Mexico

Amanda,

You are very supportive of your children’s dreams, which is too be commended. I like that you’re working with her and not against her as she embarks on such a difficult passion to make a living with.

You’ve got the right idea that she’ll want the best porcelain veneers, but you want to go about finding those a different way.  Most brands of porcelain veneers are great.  What makes them spectacular is the skill and artistry of the dentist.

So the better question to ask is how do you find the best dentist to do her porcelain veneers.  What many people don’t know is  that there is not a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, even though it takes specialized training to do well.   Any general dentist that does any form of cosmetic dentistry can call themselves a cosmetic dentist.

There is one surefire way to make sure you’ve got an artistic and skilled dentist. I would look for someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Be sure they’re accredited and not just a memeber.  Any dentist can become a member, but accreditation takes serious qualifications and ability.

It’s worth it to drive to a nearby town or even a neighboring state to find one.  They’re in the top 1-3% of cosmetic dentists.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr.  Theodore Hadgis.

Treatment for TMJ

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I suspect I have TMJ. I heard the treatment for that is surgery.  Are there any other options?

Alicia H. – Penn.

Alicia,

There is a whole range of treatments for TMJ that do not involve surgery. One of the most common is an orthotic; a mouthpiece worn on the upper or lower teeth, This not only relieves pressure on the joints, but also places the jaw in its proper position.

There are also medications that can be prescribed to relax muscles, reduce pain and inflammation. Another option is “trigger point” injections; injections used to alleviate muscle and tendon inflammation and soreness. Sometimes, it is a combination of these treatments.

Surgery should only be considered when all  other treatment options were unsuccessful. Generally, it is used to treat patients with limited jaw opening (closed lock), where conservative therapy has failed, or if there is clear joint damage.

TMJ disorders can be successfully treated, but make sure you go to a qualified TMJ dentist.  They should have had extensive post-graduate training in neuromuscular dentistry.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.