Walters story Afraid of the Dentist

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November 20, 2011

Smile Makeover-Crystal Lake Dentist

Filed under: smile maeover,Uncategorized — Tags: anxious, appliance, braces, bridge, bridges, cavities, cavity, checkup, cleaning, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, decay, dentist, exam, extractions, gum disease, hopeless, implants, mouth, orthodontic, orthodontic brackets, root canal, root canal treatment, root canals, smile, smiled, Snap-on-smile, space, spaces, splint, splinted, splints, teeth, tooth, under-bite, YouTube — phil @ 3:26 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Tammy’s story… She wants to smile.

Last month we received a call from a new patient who wanted to see if she could have a Snap-On-Smile. We scheduled a consultation. Tammy sat down and began her story. She had not smiled in 10 years, nor had she gone to the dentist for a long time. Her story was very interesting because she lives in Oregon, and we are in Illinois. It turns our Tammy had seen the Snap-On-Smile video one of our patients had made that has gone viral on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Szj4KL04c. After a quick glance in her mouth, I noted the following:

1 She has an open-bite

2 She has a low lip line (her upper teeth do not show)

3 She has a space between her lower front teeth

I told Tammy that she was a candidate for a Snap-On-Smile, But, the space between her front teeth may cause the appliance to be a bit thicker in order to have the new teeth look properly proportioned. Also I would not be able to eliminate the open-bite. At this point Tammy asked how long the procedure took and how long the appliance would last. I showed her a sample appliance and said with proper care and precautions, It could last 2 years. Snap-On-Smile gives a 100% 90 day replacement guarantee.

Now Tammy wants a transitional smile solution

Now it gets very interesting. Tammy suddenly starts asking if I can fix her remaining teeth under the Snap-On-Smile while she continues to wear it. I said that depends on what she wants me to do. Tammy starts talking about implants, bridges and eventually having a complete new permanent set of teeth. . I explain how the Snap-On-Smile appliance works. The Snap-On-Smile is designed to fit over the teeth as they are and does not allow for much change to the existing teeth.

We start looking at a long term smile solution

Since Tammy was also interested in a long term smile solution, I said I have a problem trying to offer long term solutions for someone who lives far away. She says her sister lives nearby and she can visit as needed. I mention that I need a full set of records. I reminded Tammy that she MUST maintain a regular schedule of cleaning/checkup appointments.

We schedule a complete exam for Tammy.

I examine Tammy’s teeth and gums. The x-rays and gum readings point to advanced gum disease. also has a few teeth that need to come out. I tell Tammy that I will need study models of her teeth and the records and have a treatment plan in 24 hours

Tammy’s smile diagnosis

Tammy’s main concern was that she wanted to be able to smile. Her main problems were:

1 Her upper teeth do not show

2 She had an open-bite

3 She has a 5 mm space between her 2 front lower teeth

4 She has cavities and may need root canals

5 She has advanced gum disease

6 Three teeth are hopeless

She is very anxious to get that new smile as soon as possible, though she did not have any events coming up. I mentioned that the plan was “all or nothing” and she could not pick and choose what parts she liked as every part was critical.

Tammy meets with Shauna to discuss her smile treatment plan

Tammy meets with Shauna to go over The findings, treatment plan, and cost. She agrees to the treatment plan. Tammy is very anxious to start right away and I schedule her. At the first visit, I splint her lower teeth with orthodontic wire and composite, following that I place orthodontic brackets on her lower teeth with a closing spring to eliminate the space. I remove t hopeless teeth and remove decay from the remaining cavities.

Next steps

I am sending off Tammy’s models to have a wax-up done for the splinted crowns/bridges. As soon as The space closes up on The upper teeth, we will have Tammy in to prepare The remaining teeth and place the splints.

This story is true. Only the names of individuals and a few events are changed.

Dr Neal answers all of your questions about abscessed teeth at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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November 12, 2011

Abscessed Teeth – Crystal Lake Dentist

Filed under: abscessed teeth — Tags: abscess, abscessed teeth, abscessed tooth, anesthetic, bone, broken teeth, cavity, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dental, dentin, dentine, dentist, enamel, extraction, extractions, Hondurans, Honduras, mouth, nerve, pain, pulpful, root, root canal, root canal treatment, stitches, teeth, tooth — phil @ 7:31 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Mia’s story- Abscessed Teeth.

Recently I traveled to Honduras to provide dental care for children in an orphanage in the mountains. The plan was to travel to the mission house first, pack up supplies and then travel to the orphanage. Upon arrival at the mission house, I was confronted by a surprise. One of the staff came running up and asked me to help them figure out how to hook up an oxygen tank to a mask. I was given 3 different sets of tubes, a tank, and a mask and began sorting things out. In the background I heard some howling and screaming. I asked what was going on and a staffer said Dr. Maria was going to take out 2 teeth on a woman. I entered the dental area and saw several people huddled around a woman in a portable dental chair. Mia, a middle-aged autistic woman was screaming and thrashing about. Another staffer said that a Honduran physician was going to sedate Mia and wanted the oxygen ready.

The physician sedated Mia and they began.

I observed Dr. Maria deliver some local anesthetic near 2 abscessed broken teeth. The sedation seemed to have no effect on Mia. She was violently kicking swinging her arms, and whipping her head from side to side. Dr. Maria began trying to loosen the teeth and kept looking back at me. Mia bit down and refused to open her mouth. I told the physician to hand me a few toothbrushes and I was able to help pry Mia’s mouth open with the brush handle enough to place a bite block. Mia was still thrashing about so much that I offered to help hold her hands and feet down. Maria was having no luck removing these teeth and kept glancing back at me. Mia seemed to be in pain every Maria tried to loosen the teeth. Mia was also bleeding now and it became hard to see the teeth.

I asked Dr. Maria if she wanted me to take over and she nodded yes.

I switched places with her and tested the teeth. Mia was feeling pain when I touched the teeth, so I administered more anesthetic to the area. Immediately the bleeding stopped. I asked my wife Shauna to get some of the special tools that I had brought for difficult extractions. In a moment she returned with the right instrument and I removed the 2 teeth. I placed a few stitches and Mia’s nightmare was over.

Aftermath.

We had a communication breakdown. I began getting the whole story while we continued to pack for the trip to the orphanage. I was not aware of it but the plan had been for me to remove those 2 teeth earlier in the day. Our flight was delayed a few hours and our driver had not informed me that a patient was waiting for us at the mission house. He had figured that Dr. Maria would take the teeth out and be done by the time we arrived. All of us were shaking from the experience, and several were exhausted from restraining Mia. She is the sister of one of World Gospel Outreach’s interpreters. She is severely autistic and very strong.

About Honduras.

View Map

Honduras is a 3^rd world country, and one of the poorest in the western hemisphere. There is a high rate of adult alcoholism, unemployment and single parent households. Most people live on 1 dollar day and only 10% own a car. Most people travel on foot, bus, or cab. Costs for basic needs are the same as in the US. Honduras has virtually no mail system and often runs out of basic goods and supplies. It is very mountainous and the transportation system is sub standard in many areas where roads are unpaved.

Dental Health in Honduras.

Pain is considered a way of life for Hondurans. Most of the people we see live in constant dental pain. Due to diet, and lack of hygiene, the decay rate of Hondurans is extremely high. Our brigades spend the majority of time in the dental area removing teeth. Often we must ask the patient “Which tooth hurts the most?” then treat that one. We are not yet able to get ahead of the curve and work on prevention. I estimate that in a given brigade, we treat about 2o% of the problems that we see on any day.

About Dr Maria and World Gospel Outreach.

Dr. Maria, a dentist, oversees the dental portion of World Gospel Outreach‘s medical brigades. I love Dr. Maria’s heart and dedication to the people of Honduras. I have worked with her for several years and look forward to seeing her each time. World Gospel Outreach depends on donations of supplies and money to fund their operations. As such the supplies and equipment may not best match the situation. Flexibility and ingenuity are key to getting things done. I bring down a few specialized instruments and share little tricks with the Honduran dentists whenever possible. I have helped the Honduran dentists when they encounter a difficult extraction. After one particularly challenging one, I received the nickname “Iron Man”

I love the people of Honduras.

I have gone to Honduras for several years and love helping these people. World gospel Outreach is a non denominational Christian organization dedicated to helping the poor and pointing them to a Christian life. One of the methods is called a Medical brigade which is sent into a neighborhood of Tegucigalpa to partner with a church. The people are seen and treated for and medical/dental/optical problems and invited to hear the gospel. Children receive a hair washing (lice treatment if needed)and sing songs. Many of the children have no male figure in their life and love to be touched and held by the North Americans.

Join a brigade, or start one.

The need is great. Brigades consist of dentists, hygienists, doctors, nurses, optometrists, and lay people with no medical background. In addition to health care, teams will often pour cement floors for a few people. The brigades go out weekly almost year-round. Churches from across the US take teams down. Individuals can contact World Gospel Outreach and arrange to independently join a team going the same time they are available.

About abscessed teeth.

The most common cause of a tooth abscessed tooth in children and young people is tooth decay. In older adults, gum disease plays a greater factor in abscessed teeth. Bacteria form lactic acid which dissolves away the hard enamel layer and eventually reveals a softer inner layer called dentine. This dentine layer is porous and allows the bacteria to advance into the pulp (nerve). Once in the nerve the bacteria can quickly advance into the root of the tooth and into the surrounding bone. At this point the tooth is abscessed and can only be saved with root canal treatment. An abscessed tooth can be very painful as the inflammation is confined to a hard object (the tooth) imbedded in a hard object (the bone). The inflammation causes a buildup of pressure which leads to a throbbing pain.

This story happened last week and is true. Only the names of individuals are changed.

Dr Neal answers all of your questions about abscessed teeth at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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October 21, 2011

A sore, tooth Sensitive – Crystal Lake Dentist

Filed under: sore tooth — Tags: bite, biting, burxism, cavity, celnching, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentat associates, pain, root canal, Sensitive teeth, sensitivity, senstive, sore tooth, teeth, TMJ, tooth, tooth sensitivity, trauma — phil @ 11:54 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Sore tooth, Sensitive Teeth Causes

Sore teeth can have many causes including:
Inflamed nerves (neuritis)
Infection (abscessed nerve)
Cracked teeth
Habitual jiggling (bruxism, or other habits)
Trauma from biting
Exposed dentin or nerve from decay or wear
Gum disease
Sinus infection or other local infection
Braces
High dental restoration
Trauma from a blow to the jaw or tooth
A medical condition affecting nerves of the teeth face or head.

The most common cause of a sore tooth is a cavity, or gum recession (exposing dentine at the gum-line).

Mona’s sore tooth story

Mona had a full set of healthy teeth. She took good care of her teeth and had regular checkups with our office. Last year Mona became engaged. She was very excited as she had waited till the right guy came into her life. The was a lot of wedding planning. Since her parents had already passed away, Mona was making all of the wedding plans and continuing to work a full time job.. One day a few months back Mona called me saying her tooth was killing her and she feared it needed a root canal. I saw her right away and reviewed the history of her pain. The tooth was very sore to bite on and had gotten worse over the past week. The pain seemed worse in the morning. I asked her if the tooth was sensitive to hot, cold, sweets or just biting. Sweets did not bother it, but cold and hot were irritating. By far biting caused the most pain.

I look at the sore tooth

I looked at the tooth in question. This tooth had never been filled and the gums were pink and healthy. An x-ray revealed nothing. I tapped on all of the teeth in the area and only tooth #31 (the lower right bottom last tooth) was sensitive. I took my air/water syringe and blew a stream of air selectively on each tooth in the area and again# 31 was a bit more sensitive. After dimming the room and operating light, I used a fiber optic light to shine around the tooth in different directions looking for a crack in the tooth. I saw no cracks. Next I tested each tooth with articulating paper to see which spots touched the hardest when biting and sliding . A closer examination of tooth #31 revealed heavy marks on the paper, and shiny marks worn into the enamel.

The cause of the sore tooth

Mona had been under a lot of stress. She had a heavy bite and interferences on a few of her back teeth. Mona had been bruxing and clenching her teeth more due to the stress. This had irritated the ligament holding in tooth #31. the inflamed ligament swelled up causing pain and making #31 hit even harder.

The sore tooth solution.

I adjusted the bite on tooth #31 taking it completely out of occlusion. I also adjusted the contours of the tooth to prevent it from touching the other teeth in sliding motions. This allows the ligament to repair itself. Mona was advised to chew on the other side as much as possible, take Ibuprophen for a few days to reduce the inflammation. She was informed that the tooth should feel better in a few days. Mona was also instructed to return for a biteplane or NTI appliance to prevent damage to the teeth and TMJ joint from night bruxism. A week later Mona returned for the fitting of a biteplane and reported that her tooth had settled down completely.

Another sore tooth success story.

This is a true story of one of my patients with a few facts changed to protect the patient’s identity.

I love helping people overcome their problems.

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about sore and sensitive teeth at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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September 17, 2011

Mini Dental Implants for Dentures – Crystal Lake Dentist

Filed under: mini dental implants — Tags: Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dental implants denture, denture, dentures, dr neal, eat, implants, mini implants, smile, talk, teethde — phil @ 7:32 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Some dentures don’t stay in place

For hundreds of years, people have suffered with dentures that slip, hurt, and cause embarrassment. We have come a long way in our techniques for making more natural looking dentures that fit pretty well. Upper dentures work better for most patients. The anatomy of the upper jaw and its lack of movement when eating and speaking allow a suction seal to form. The lower denture relies on gravity, muscle pressure and adequate height of jaw bone to stabilize it. Lack of adequate jaw bone height leads to loose lower dentures.

What can be done for loose dentures?

Dental implants can be used to anchor loose dentures. Dental implants can snap to an existing denture for retention. Another option is to permanent anchor a denture to the implants ( affixed denture). For a snap in implant denture arrangement, the patient will need at least 2 conventional implants or 4 mini implants. There are many possible arrangements of implants and snaps available for regular implants. Mini implants use a ball and o-ring attachment for retention.

Mary’s story… loose lower denture.

Mary had recently lost her remaining lower teeth. though she had a new set of dentures which she liked, the lower would not stay in place. Her dentist offered to have 2 regular implants placed with a bar between them that the denture could snap to Regular implants need to rest (integrate)for about 6 months before they can be incorporated into the denture. The cost was high for Mary and she did not want to wait 6 months before she could use them. She looked online for an alternative and went to our website and read about mini implants. Mini implants cost less, and can be used immediately. Another advantage of mini implants is that they will fit in thinner bone that a regular implant.

Mary called for an appointment about mini implants.

Mary called me and we met for a free consultation. She wanted to now the entire cost and if she was a candidate. I checked her mouth and took a few x-rays to verify that she had adequate bone for the mini implants. After reviewing everything, I gave Mary a treatment plan for the mini implants. She wanted to go ahead right away, and we placed the implants. I put the o-ring housings in her denture and in about 1 hour she was smiling and eating with her new mini implant supported denture.

Mary's smile

Mary's implants 4 1/2 years later

Implants 4 1/2 years later

Are implants dangerous?

No, they help you to eat, talk, and smile with confidence. In addition the implant helps to preserve your jawbone. In my opinion, you will be healthier and happier with a dental implant supported denture than without one.

This is a true story of one of my patients with a few facts changed to protect the patient’s identity.

I love helping people overcome their problems.

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about implants and dentures at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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August 28, 2011

Gum Disease and Bad Breath-Crystal Lake dentist

Filed under: gum disease — Tags: bad, bad breath, bad breath and gum disease, bite adjustment, breath, brushing, calculus, cleanings, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dentist, dr neal, flossing, gum disease, gum recession, halitosis, laser gum treatment, loose teeth, mouth, mouthguard, mouthwash, plaque, receding gums, saliva, tarter, teeth, tooth — phil @ 10:03 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath or Halitosis.

The bacteria in your mouth combine with food and saliva to form a substance called plaque. This plaque gives off many by products including foul smelling sulfur containing compounds. Minerals in saliva can build up in this plaque to change it from soft to very hard. This hard plaque is called calculus or tarter. While you can remove plaque with normal brushing and flossing, calculus will continue to build up on teeth.

Calculus forming in gum disease and causing bad breath

George’s Bad Breath Story

George is in sales and is in front of people all day long. He has avoided the dentist for many years. George knows that his breath has gotten very bad. He has tried mouthwash and brushing, but it does not help his breath. When I met George, he did not need to tell me he had a breath problem as I could smell it when he walked into the room. He said he had avoided the dentist for years, but now was concerned. I was pretty sure he had gum disease by the smell, and told him that I needed to take a look. After a look at George’s mouth, I told him that he did have gum disease and a significant buildup of tarter. In addition, George had loose teeth and receding gums. I told George that I needed to do a complete exam to decide how I could help him.

George’s treatment for Gum Disease

After a full examination, and records, I was able to give George a treatment plan. It consisted of full mouth laser gum treatment, splinting of loose teeth, a bite adjustment and a mouth guard to wear at night. George agreed to the treatment and we went ahead. In just a few visits we had completed the treatment. George immediately noticed that his breath was normal. He recovered quickly and was quite happy with the result. I warned George that he needed to continue regular visits for cleanings and maintenance to prevent recurrence of the gum disease and bad breath.

This is a true story with a few personal facts changed to protect my patient’s identity.

I love helping people overcome their problems

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about tooth whitening at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

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August 8, 2011

Extreme tooth whitening Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Filed under: tooth whitening — Tags: bleaching, bonding, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dental implants, dentists, discolored teeth, porcelain veneers, smile, stained, teeth, teeth bleaching, teeth whitening, tetracycline, tetracycline stain, tetracycline stained teeth, tooth, tooth bleaching, tooth whitening, veneers, whiten — phil @ 1:05 am

Dr.Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Tooth whitening in extreme cases

In recent years, people with unattractive teeth are able to have attractive teeth through a variety of modern dentistry techniques such as porcelain veneers and dental implants. However, one of the easiest and least costly methods of altering how your teeth look is with the use of some type of tooth whitening for stained and discolored teeth.

What about tetracycline stained teeth?

In many cases these can be whitened also. The technique is the same, but the time frame for whitening is increased from two weeks to six months.

Ralph’s story

Ralph had tetracycline containing antibiotics quite often as a child for a bout of recurring illnesses. Tetracycline stains the teeth permanently from the inside. This stain can be purple,brown, or grey. Ralph has always been embarrassed by his teeth. He had consulted several dentists about his smile. They told him that tooth whitening would not work of tetracycline stains. These dentists offered veneers and bonding as a solution. He cannot afford the veneers and didn’t want to deal with bonding which must be patched periodically.

Ralph’s new job

Ralph got a new job in sales. He is now very concerned with his smile and calls me to discuss his options. After hearing his story and looking at the teeth, I tell Ralph that he is in luck. I can whiten his teeth, and in fact have done this several times for patients with tetracycline stained teeth. I tell Ralph that he will need to whiten with a slghtly stronger formulation and continue for six months.

Ralph is thrilled

We make impressions for custom trays, and give him the solution and instructions. Ralph is told to come in once a month to pick up more gel and check his progress. We measure His starting shade and note the improvement during the following six months. Below are the before and after pictures.

tetracycline stain before tooth whitening

If you or someone you know suffer with a discolored teeth, there are techniques that can help.

I love dentistry and I look forward to helping overcome their fears, improving their health and smile.

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about tooth whitening at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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July 23, 2011

Severe Gagging Tips for Dental Visits- Crystal Lake Dentist

Filed under: gag reflex,tooth sensitivity — Tags: acupressure, acupuncture, anxious, breathing, choking, gag, gag reflex, gagging, hypnosis, local anesthetic, mouth, oral sedatives, psychological, sensitivity, teeth, tongue, tooth, topical, topical anesthetic — phil @ 1:38 pm

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Patients with a severe gag reflex tend to avoid the dentist.

If you have a gag reflex, the last thing you want to do is have someone stick anything in your mouth. Of course the dentist had his/her team members are going to stick things in your mouth to make impressions, clean, fill teeth, take x-rays etc. Depending on the severity of the gag reflex, some patients gag even before anything is placed in the mouth.

Dentists have several ways overcome gagging including:

Gradual desensitization
Topical anesthetic
Local anesthetic
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
Hypnosis
Oral sedatives
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Distraction with salt
Breathing exercises

Gagging is a physical problem as well as a psychological one.

There is a strong psychological part with probable roots an early childhood incident involving near suffocation, choking, or some other traumatic event. The trigger is usually a sense of loss of control when another person is putting something in the patient’s mouth. The person can usually eat and brush their own teeth without a problem, but react when another person is controlling the event. There is a nerve trigger that comes into play also. Touching certain parts of the mouth trigger the gag reflex. Some patients even gag on their own toothbrush.

Shelly’s story

Shelly suffers with a gag reflex. It seems to be getting worse as she gets older. Shelly hates going to the dentist. She does not go every six months, and waits until something bothers her before scheduling.

I meet Shelly

I meet Shelly a few months ago after her husband had come in for an examination. He thought I could work with her. She explains that she has a severe gag reflex which is worse on the left side. I let Shelly know that I have successfully worked with many patients with a gag reflex. I have several techniques available and I will be patient with her. After talking with her, she allows me to check her mouth. True to form Shelly’s gag reflex is worse on the left side. We are able to get x-rays on the right side by spraying topical anesthetic on her tongue and the roof of her mouth. The left side is more sensitive and we can only get one x-ray. Shelly decides to have her teeth whitened and we are able to take impressions using topical again. Using topical anesthetic, we are also able to clean her teeth.

Shelly breaks her tooth and needs a crown

Shelly calls me a week later with a broken tooth. I have her stop in the office to check it out and sure enough, she had cracked her tooth which now needs a crown on the same side as her worst gag reflex. We scheduled the appointment. When she comes in to make the crown her gag reflex is much worse and her sinuses are draining so she cannot breathe through her nose. In addition Shelly has been delayed by traffic for her appointment and is very anxious.

Dealing with Shelly’s situation

I tell Shelly I cannot use the laughing gas since she cannot breath through her nose. In addition, since I was not aware of her anxious state until she arrived, I cannot give her an oral sedative (we were not scheduled for that type of appointment). I assured Shelly that I thought we could still overcome her gagging with topical and local anesthetic along with frequent breaks if needed. I slowly anesthetized her mouth with topical, and a special combination of local anesthetics. Since her reflex was quite severe, I anesthetized more of her mouth that I normally need to. The procedure went smoothly, and she was quite thankful that we accommodated her. Shelly now had a temporary crown

Shelly’s next visit

I told Shelly that I would prescribe oral sedative for her and make sure she used a decongestant in advance so she could have the gas (nitrous oxide) next time. Shelly will come back in tow weeks for the fit of her new crown. She is now confident that I can treat her successfully.

If you or someone you know suffer with a severe gag reflex, there are techniques that can help.

I love dentistry and I look forward to helping overcome their fears, improving their health and smile.

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about gag reflexes at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Please leave a comment.

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July 15, 2011

Conscious Sedation-Crystal Lake Dental Asociates

Filed under: conscious sedation — Tags: conscious sedation, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dental, dental offices, dentist, dentists, dr neal, fear, fearful, I v sedation, laughing gas, medication, nitrous oxide, oral medication, sedation — phil @ 10:42 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Many patients fear the dentist.

Fear is one of the leading causes keeping people away from dental offices. Along with cost, inconvenience and lack of concern, fear is a real problem for many people. For many people fear is based on a previous bad experience. Early childhood dental experiences can shape a lifetime of avoiding the dentist.

Fear increases over time.

As a person reviews a negative thought, it seems to become worse and worse making it even harder to overcome. Once a person faces the problem, it seems to become more manageable.

Conscious sedation makes it easier to face the dentist.

Modern medications in combination can relieve anxiety and fear as well as prevent remembering the event. Today dentists can use a combination of oral medication ( a pill), inhalation medication (laughing gas or nitrous oxide), or in severe cases I V sedation to make dentistry quite simple. This method also allows the dentist to carry out more in a visit due to the highly relaxed state of the person.

I V sedation to reduce fear*

Conscious sedation on the rise.

Lately I have been receiving many more calls about conscious sedation for new patients. I offer a variety of combinations of sedation techniques as well other methods to make visits more patient friendly.

laughing gas to reduce fear

oral sedation to reduce fear

We are more than happy to discuss dental treatment for fearful patients. I will go over various combinations of medication that we can use to best suit your needs. Once patients lose their fear of dental visits, they often will need less or no medication over time.

I love Dentistry

I love helping people overcome their fear. I also love helping people feel good about themselves and their smile. If you or someone you know is fearful of dental care, there is hope.

Thank you for visiting.

*Dr Neal does not administer himself IV sedation, but can arrange for it if desired.

Please leave a comment.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-T7oiA

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July 9, 2011

Safe removal of Mercury fillings-Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Filed under: mercury fillings — Tags: babies, child, children, contmination, Crystal Lake Dental Associates, crystal lake dentist, dr neal, filling, fillings, isolte, mercury, mercury/silver fillings, nerve tissue, pregnant women, rubber dam, silver, silver fillings, tooth — phil @ 4:10 am

Dr. Neal Crystal Lake Dental Associates

FDA says no mercury for children and pregnant women.

link to article

Mercury containing silver fillings are not recommended for small children or pregnant women according to the FDA. both the FDA and ADA are reviewing this recommendation and may further limit mercury containing silver fillings in the future. Several European countries already ban these fillings. Mercury contamination of our drinking water is a major problem.

Mercury kills nerve tissue and can lead to other conditions.

Mercury leaks from all silver fillings. Mercury is a heavy metal that binds to fat. Nerve tissue has the type of fat that attracts mercury. Since nerve tissue grows the fastest in developing babies and children, they are at the greatest risk. Some people are very sensitive to mercury and can become ill. Mercury is difficult to eliminate from the body.

Check out these links to see how mercury kills nerve tissue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU8nSn5Ezd8&feature=related

How are Mercury/silver fillings removed?

There are several variations in methods to remove mercury containing fillings For most patients, removal poses no problem, and the standard method of preparing the tooth with water spray and suction works just fine. For those who are concerned about contamination, we use a rubber dam, or Isolite™ device to isolate the tooth. In this case, high volume suction removes the debris, and the barrier protects the patient from mercury particles. In addition, a patient can be fitted with an oxygen mask over the nose and give pure oxygen to breath during the procedure.

To see one method for removal follow this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZtJpjssbCU&feature=related

Methods for mercury/silver filling removal

Isolite™ retraction system

rubber dam for removing mercury silver fillings

rubber dam for mercury removal

oxygen for mercury silver filling removal

suction for mercury silver filling removal

Julie’s story.

Julie changed dentists because she did not like swallowing the mercury/silver that was drilled out of her tooth. She said that her dentist did not care that big chunks of filling were floating in the back of her mouth. Julie asked how we took out silver fillings so that she would not have that problem. I told her that we could use a rubber dam or isolite™ to collect the filling material and remove it. I also mentioned that we could give her oxygen if she wished. I told Julie that I needed to see the tooth and an x-ray to decide what would be needed.

Julie's broken mercury/silver filling

Julie wants to remove the filling.

Julie said that she did not need the oxygen. I looked at the tooth and reviewed the x-ray. The tooth had a broken mercury/silver filling, and could be fixed with a tooth colored composite. We went over the fee and the procedure with Julie and began. I decided to place a rubber dam at first, but after reviewing the size of the cavity, I switched to the Isolite™. I numbed up her tooth and removed the mercury/silver filling. I placed a tooth colored composite filling and adjusted the bite.

July is thrilled.

She stated that she wished she had come to see me sooner and asked if we could remove the rest of her fillings and replace them. I told her if she wanted to that we could.

Another success story.

I love helping people and restoring their smiles.

Phillip C. Neal DDS answers all of your questions about removing mercury/silver fillings at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

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815 459 2202