Relaxation Dentistry Reduces Anxiety

Relaxation Dentistry

"a simple one pill process to reduce anxiety"

Dentistry has long been associated with pain.  Toothaches are well know to be one of the most debilitating types of pain in the body.  Because of this pain, dentist have been leaders in the development of pain management.  Some people believe it is necessary to feel oral pain during dental treatment.  This incorrect belief has motivated many potential dental patients to avoid seeking proper dental care.

Relaxation dentistry is the answer for dental phobics.  Now patients can have their dental care accomplished while they are totally relaxed and comfortable.  After an overall health assessment is completed, approved patients can be dispensed medication in the office prior to treatment.  Once the medication has taken effect, the patient is in a very relaxed state of mind.  This level of sedation is not to be confused with general anesthesia.  It is extremely safe, the patient is alert and breathing on his own.  Should a patient over-react to the medication, it is 100% reversible.  Patients have been thrilled with this treatment option.  Now patients are able to receive necessary care and some do not even remember the appointment.  Different medications are available in varying strengths for safe and effective use in children and adults.

Caroline Wallace DDS

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Va. 24153

540-387-3844

Your Dog can't tell you when he's in pain........

He can't tell you when he's in pain, but there are subtle clues that your pet is having dental trouble and needs attention:

 

*  He become shy.  If he ducks when someone pets his head or neck, he's likely feeling sensitive.

*  He picks kibble out of his bowl and drops it on the floor.  That's the pet equivalent of pushing food around--and a sign that eating hurts.

*  His gums are more red than pink.  As in humans, red, inflamed tissue means an infection is lurking.

*  He suddenly ignores his chew toys.  Gnawing on a toy is no fun when his gums ache.

*  He makes himself scarce.  This is especially true of cats, who get quieter if they're not feeling well.

*  His breath smells vile.  Pets should have sweet breath with no overwhelming scent.  A stinky mouth is a sign of decay.

An ounce of prevention . .

3-5 number of years added to a pet's life when its teeth are properly cared for!

Caroline Wallace DDS

Complete Dental Care

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Va. 24153

540-387-3844

Why Should Kids See the Dentist?

Why Should Kids See the Dentist?

 

We send warm wishes to you and your child from our dental practice.  As most of our staff members are mothers, we believe we have a way with children and want to make dentistry a pleasant experience for every child.

 

Many parents wonder how to prepare their child for a dental visit.  We suggest that you be very positive, stressing that a  visit to the dentist will help your child keep a bright, healthy smile.  We enjoy having young patients in our office and welcome any children and their parents who do not have a regular dentist.

 

It is essential to establish good dental habits in our young children.  These habits will help maintain good dental health for a lifetime.  It is important that children have regular check-ups twice a year.  Early dental care can prevent future dental problems and patient anxiety.  Our office takes great pride in catering to children and making dentistry fun.  We routinely do toothprints, an easy dental identification.  When necessary, custom sport mouthguards are recommended to help protect your children's smile and to help reduce the chances of a concussion.  We also place sealants on the developing permanent molars to help reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

 

Our children are our future and we want to protect them in every way possible.

Smoking and Your Dental Health

Tobacco is a significant health problem, estimated to kill more than 5 million people per year and accounts for 1 in 10 deaths worldwide.  Smoking is a risk factor for cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease.  Smokers are 2 - 7 times more likely to have periodontal disease than non-smokers.

Smoking cessation has been proven to improve gum health and should be part of periodontal therapy.

Caroline Wallace DDS

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Va. 24153

540-387-3844

"Are You as Cool as You Are Healthy?"

There are many factors affecting the oral health of young Americans.  It is essential to maintain dental health and protect the mouth from injuries.  The health of your mouth is directly related to your overall health.   Your diet can wreak havoc on your body and teeth.  For example, snacking throughout the day can increase tooth decay.  Sipping soda increases the rate of harmful acid attacks on teeth.  Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are particularly destructive to teeth.  Your digestive system contains strong acids.  When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack and erode tooth enamel.  Your mouth, throat and salivary glands may become swollen and tender.  Bad breath can result.   Oral piercing is not as safe as you might think.  Due to the huge amount of bacteria in the mouth, it is an ideal place for infection.  A mouth piercing can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing.  Piercings can also cause chipped or cracked teeth, gum injuries and nerve damage.   Think before using tobacco products!  Regular use of tobacco at any age leads to addiction.  There are numerous health related reasons to avoid tobacco.  The most obvious negative consequences are bad breath, dirty, stained teeth, receding gums, decayed and/or sensitive teeth and cancer.  Over 30,000 cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed yearly.  Only half of those diagnosed will live more than 5 years.   Sports injuries are a common cause of oral injuries.  It is reported that mouthguards are one of the most effective pieces of protective equipment and dramatically reduce the number of dental injuries.  Different types of mouthguards are available depending on the age and dental development of the patient.  Custom fitted mouthguards are recommended because they stay rigid and don't split, crack or become soft.  More than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented with mouthguards every year. Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS 103 South Colorado Street Salem. Va. 24153 540-387-3844

Watch out for Swimming Pools with your Dental Health

 

Tens of thousands of people enjoy swimming pools, yet these pools could be putting their dental health at risk for permanent damage to their teeth.

"Improperly maintained pool chlorination in swimming pools can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel," said Dr. Leila Jahangiri at the New York University College of Dentistry.  "It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly.  If the chemicals levels are not properly maintained, pool water contact with teeth can cause serious enamel erosion."  Case studies show that the effect occurs when the pH of the water ranges between 2.7 and 7.

 

from July 2011 Dentistry Today

 

Caroline Wallace DDS

103 South Colorado Street

Salem, Va. 24153

540-387-3844

Otzi the Ice Man had tooth decay.....

Otzi the Iceman-a 5,300 year old mummy found in the Italian Alpsin the early 1990's-had tooth decay.  A research team used CT scan analysis and examination of mummified facial bones to piece together the Iceman's face.  The analysis provided evidence of decay, occlusal wear and periodontitis-presumably the result of a high-carbohydrate diet.  The team reported that "although the Iceman had not lost a single tooth when he died at age 40, he had advanced abrasion of his teeth, profound caries and moderate to severe periodontitis."  More studies are underway to determine the cause of the Iceman's oral health problems, including DNA testing of the mummy's oral cavity to investigate whether the presence of bacteria was a contributing factor....
Caroline Wallace DDS
103 South Colorado Street
Salem , Va. 24153
540-387-3844

New device restores single-sided deafness from the ADA News August 15,2011.

 

The FDA in Jan. approved the SoundBite hearing system, a device that restores single-sided deafness. 

Although the product was designed for use by ENT specialists and audiologists, there is a dental aspect to it because it works by being fitted around 2 top teeth.  The device is then aided by a small microphone in the ear canal that conducts sound through bones and teeth.

In order to be considered for SoundBite, patients must have good dental health.  The device is designed to work on mouths with permanent restorations, including implants, root canals, bridges and crowns, since it relies on the teeth to hold it in place.

SoundBite is currently doing a small commercial pilot program with select ENT's around the country, with broader availability for early next year. 

For more information, visit www.sonitusmedical.com/product/technology/cfm.

Caroline Wallace DDS

103 South Colorado Street

Salem. Va.

540-387-3844