Author Archives: Phuong Ngo

Halitosis or bad breath

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Halitosis, or bad breath, affects more than 80 million people in the United States. In most cases, people with bad breath aren’t even aware of the problem. Halitosis has a significant impact, both personally and socially, on those who suffer from it. If you think that you suffer from bad breath, Dr. Ngo can help determine the source of the odor.

If Dr. Ngo believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source, such as an infection, she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help treat the cause of the problem.

What causes bad breath?
Typically, bad breath originates in your gums and tongue. It is caused by waste from bacteria in the mouth (typically called periodontal disease), decayed food particles, other debris in your mouth, and bad oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a chemical compound that causes the unpleasant odor. Bad breath may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure, or a liver malfunction. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age, and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to the problem.

What is morning breath?
Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep odor under control because it helps wash away odor-causing food particles and bacteria. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow the production of saliva, allowing bacteria to grow inside the mouth, which causes the bad odor, or “morning breath.” To alleviate morning breath, brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning breath also is associated with hunger or fasting. If you skip breakfast, the odor may reoccur—even if you’ve brushed your teeth.

Do certain foods or drinks cause bad breath?
Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and drinks like coffee may be detected on a person’s breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. In addition, certain diets, especially ones that eliminate carbohydrates, increase the chances of halitosis.

How can I control bad breath?
Visit Dr. Ngo regularly because checkups will help detect any systemic causes. Checkups also help to get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles. To alleviate odors, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper (a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue).In addition, be sure to drink plenty of water. Try chewing sugar-free gum that contains xylitol—it also may help control odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouthrinses or deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with Dr. Ngo, because some of these products do little to eliminate bad breath. Instead, Dr. Ngo can recommend products that have proven successful.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Smoking and Your Oral Health

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Using tobacco can harm your mouth, including your teeth and gums, in a number of ways. There is no safe form of tobacco— using it produces many problems and risk factors, from tooth discoloration and gum disease to throat, lung, and oral cancer, and, ultimately, even death. It’s important to understand what happens to your mouth when you use any form of tobacco, and to discuss those effects—and how to quit—with Dr. Ngo and your physician.
What happens to my mouth when I smoke?
Smoking reduces blood flow and the supply of vital nutrients to your gums, including vitamin C. Without the proper nutrients, you can develop gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss. This is because smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. Smoking also reduces the amount of saliva that flows through your mouth. Saliva is important for cleaning your mouth and preventing tooth decay. In addition, when you smoke, the temperature in your mouth increases and the heat kills important cells in your mouth. You also can see the effects of tobacco use. Nicotine and tar, the major ingredients of cigarettes, discolor your teeth—yellow and brown stains will appear and the sticky tar deposits will adhere to crevices. The roof of your mouth will become inflamed and turn red. You also will lose a lot of your sense of taste, and the smell of your breath may become offensive.


Is smokeless tobacco safe?
No! Just because you don’t smoke the tobacco, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t harmful effects. Smokeless tobacco—which includes snuff, dip, or chewing tobacco—eats away at your gums, exponentially increasing the chances for gum disease. You also are four to six times more likely to develop oral cancer from chewing tobacco. In fact, the area of your mouth where you place the tobacco is 50 times more likely to be the site of an oral cancer.
What about cigars?
Cigars contain the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds that cigarettes do, and even though you might not inhale cigar smoke, cigars are not a safe alternative. Regular cigar smoking increases the risk for oral cancers, lung cancer, and larynx and esophageal cancers.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can develop at any time. It’s important to know what to look for and to tell Dr. Ngo and your physician right away if you have any concerns. If you experience any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning, or a sore that will not heal, tell Dr. Ngo or you physician. Also, tell Dr. Ngo or your physician if you have pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in your mouth or lips. The development of a lump or a wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth also can be a sign of oral cancer. In addition, if the tissues in your mouth change color to gray, red, or white, make an appointment to see Dr. Ngo or physician.
What can I do to stop the effects?
The most obvious way to stop the effects of smoking and tobacco use on your mouth—and body—is by quitting. Although it can be extremely difficult to quit because the toxins in tobacco products are addictive, there are ways to stop using tobacco. Talk with Dr. Ngo and your physician about treatment plans. Once you have made the steps toward quitting, it is important to improve your dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. It is advised for smokers to get a professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) for the removal of stains. But without quitting, the cleaning and stain removal will have only a temporary effect.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Woman's oral health

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What do hormones have to do with a woman’s oral health?
Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman’s life, and with these hormonal changes come changes in oral health. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause all can have an effect on a woman’s oral health. The use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can affect a woman’s oral health as well.

When might I notice changes in my oral health?
During puberty, fluctuations in hormones can make gums more susceptible to gingivitis. As a result, the gums may appear red and swollen, and they can bleed. During menstruation, women who have a tendency to develop canker sores and cold sores may develop a pattern in which these sores recur during every menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, gingivitis may develop. In fact, gingivitis is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. Sometimes, however, women will avoid dental checkups for fear that treatment might harm the developing baby. In truth, untreated gum infections and decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk. Dental infections may be responsible for as much as 5 percent of low-birth-weight pre-term babies. Pregnant women need routine checkups. Always tell Dr. Ngo and her staff if you are pregnant. Some women also experience dry mouth while pregnant. Taking frequent sips of water and chewing sugarless gum or candy can help alleviate this symptom. Women who experience morning sickness need to brush their teeth more frequently than twice a day. This will help to prevent stomach acids from contacting the teeth and causing permanent damage to tooth enamel. The use of oral contraceptives may cause gum tissue changes in some women. Women who use birth control pills may also be more prone to healing problems or dry socket after tooth extraction. During menopause, women may experience oral changes that include pain, a burning sensation in the oral tissue, changes in taste, and dry mouth. After menopause, there is an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which may increase the chance of tooth loss.

How can I maintain good oral health throughout my life?
Brush twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride and floss once daily. Have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by Dr. Ngo every six months (or more frequently if recommended by her). Eat a well-balanced diet, and always tell Dr. Ngo and her staff about any medications, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. Ask Dr. Ngo any questions that you have about your oral health. Together, you and Dr. Ngo can create a treatment and prevention plan that specifically meets your needs.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Preventing Tooth Erosion

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Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of the surrounding tooth structure. This loss occurs when the hard part of your teeth—which is called the enamel—is worn away by acid. Over time, this erosion can leave your teeth sensitive, cracked, and discolored.
What causes tooth erosion?
Acid is the main cause of tooth erosion. So, drinking carbonated beverages, energy and sports drinks, and pure fruit juice, which all contain high levels of acid, can cause tooth erosion, especially when consumed in large amounts. Certain medical conditions, including acid reflux and bulimia, also can cause tooth erosion because they cause increased levels of stomach acids in the mouth.
What are the signs and symptoms of tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion can present in a variety of ways. Below are some common signs and symptoms:
• Sensitivity—Since protective enamel is wearing away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As more enamel wears away, teeth can become increasingly sensitive.
• Discoloration—Teeth can become yellow as the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, is exposed.
• Rounded teeth—Your teeth may have a rounded or “sand-blasted” look.
• Transparency—Your front teeth may appear slightly transparent near the biting edges.
• Cracks—Small cracks and rough areas may appear at the edges of your teeth.
• Cupping—Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and fillings might appear to be rising up out of the teeth.
What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?

You can help prevent tooth erosion from occurring by taking these simple steps:
• Cut down on your consumption of carbonated beverages, sports and energy drinks, and pure fruit juice.
• Drink acidic drinks quickly and with a straw. This helps prevent acid from coming in contact with your teeth. Also, don’t swish these liquids around or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time.
• After consuming acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids and wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.
• Chew sugar-free gum, which helps your mouth produce more saliva to re-mineralize your teeth.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and be sure your toothpaste contains a high amount of fluoride.
• Don’t let your child consume highly acidic drinks or fruit juices in his or her sippy cup or bottle.

How can I deal with the sensitivity caused by tooth erosion?

You can reduce sensitivity by using specially formulated toothpaste or over-the- counter enamel-building products.
However, always be sure to check with Dr. Ngo before you try any new dental products.
Tooth erosion impacts everyone in different ways. Make sure you speak with Dr. Ngo about your oral hygiene and find out what else you can do to protect yourself from tooth erosion.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Dental Anxiety

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Patients become anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons. This may include fear of receiving local anesthetic or concerns about the effectiveness of the anesthesia. Negative past experiences also may play a large role in a patient’s anxiety, as well as financial concerns. However, sedation is not pain medication, so you may still require local anesthesia, depending upon the treatment. There are a variety of sedation dentistry methods. The most common types are inhaled sedation, which involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen, and oral sedatives, which are medications taken by mouth. Another type of dental sedation is intravenous (IV) sedation, which is provided by dentists with specialized training in IV sedation.
Sedation is safe when administered by dentists who are trained in its use. However, as with any medication, sedation involves a certain amount of risk. It is important to talk to Dr. Ngo about these risks.

What should I do if I am seeing a new patient?
If you are seeing Dr. Ngo for the first time, schedule an appointment for a visit—a visit that doesn’t require a cleaning or treatment. Take the opportunity to ask Dr. Ngo questions and address your concerns. You’ll find that Dr. Ngo takes the time to speak with you about your anxiety will be understanding when it comes to addressing your other concerns.

Are there medications that can help me relax?
Some dentists prescribe and administer medications to help patients relax during the appointment. Talk to Dr. Ngo about your concerns and ask her about the possibility of using dental sedation. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to allow you to relax and feel sleepy during a dental visit or procedure.

What can I do to relieve dental anxiety?
In general, avoid caffeine before a dental appointment to make you less anxious.
Eating high-protein foods also produces a calming effect, unlike sugary foods. During the procedure, focus on breathing regularly and slowly. When they are nervous, some people tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of anxiety. Knowledge is the greatest defense against anxiety. If you have specific fears, talk to your dentist about them. Dr. Ngo can go a long way to dispel any negative or frightening images you may have.

What do dentists do to relieve anxiety?
Dr. Ngo works to reduce your anxiety before you even set foot in the dental office. This process begins when you make your appointment. Dr. Ngo’s office staff has been trained to tell you what to expect and to answer any questions you have to ensure that you will be comfortable during your visit. An understanding of your dental services and treatment can help to relieve dental anxiety. Make sure you ask questions and request informational materials, if desired.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Xylitol

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Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, raspberries, mushrooms, and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40 percent fewer calories, making it a popular sugar free substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also cuts cavities!

How does xylitol prevent cavities?
Xylitol helps prevent Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacterium associated with dental caries, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria; as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically slowed. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque—the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation, and tooth staining—and promote better oral health.

How often must I use xylitol for it to be effective?
Xylitol is a natural and convenient way to supplement daily dental care. Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times daily (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately five minutes and mints should be allowed to dissolve. Dentists recommend using xylitol immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce plaque, inhibit adhesion of bacteria to the teeth, and reduce contact time of sugar on teeth.

Has xylitol been evaluated for safety?
Yes. Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety by a number of agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization’s Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, and the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Food. Pet owners should note, however, that xylitol is harmful to dogs. To prevent xylitol poisoning, dog owners should be aware of products that contain xylitol as a sweetener, and keep those products out of the reach of their dogs.

What products contain xylitol and how do I find them?
Products containing xylitol have been available in the United States for a number of years, but only recently have its use become mainstream. Today, xylitol can be readily found in chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol. To learn more about xylitol products, talk to Dr. Ngo.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.

Cosmetic Dentistry

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What is cosmetic dentistry and how can it improve my smile?

Dr. Ngo can perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to improve your smile—from subtle changes to major repairs. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing. Dr. Ngo can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn teeth, or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include teeth whitening, bonding, caps, crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring.

 What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a common and popular chemical process used to lighten teeth. Some people get their teeth whitened to make stains disappear, while others just want a brighter smile. Discoloration, which occurs in the enamel, can be caused by medication, coffee, tea, and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be due to your genetic makeup or simply from aging. Teeth whitening can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home.

What is bonding?

Bonding is the use of tooth-colored material to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Bonding lasts several years and often requires only a single office visit. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used to fill small cavities, to close spaces between teeth, or to cover the entire outside surface of a tooth.

What are veneers?

Veneers are placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces; on teeth that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced, or crooked; or on teeth that already have large fillings placed. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that is cemented over the front of your teeth. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems that bonding is used to treat. Veneers also are an alternative to crowns.

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

In order to make sure Dr. Ngo is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you ask your dentist for the following items before undergoing treatment:

Before and after photos.

These photos will allow you to examine the results of other patients being treated by the dentist to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

References.

References allow you to get a sense of the quality of care the dentist provides.

Proof of continuing education.

Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist can answer the questions you have about the techniques

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Acid Reflux

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More than 10 percent of Americans experience the burning and discomfort of heartburn every day. What many don’t know is that heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a common symptom of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesopheageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux occurs when muscles of the lower esophagus relax and allow stomach acids to flow upwards into the esophagus and even the mouth. These stomach acids can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus while negatively impacting your oral health. Acid reflux may progress further, developing into GERD. In patients who have GERD, the esophageal muscles are unable to keep stomach acids from flowing upwards, causing corrosion of the esophageal lining and the uncomfortable burning sensation associated with heartburn.

Signs and symptoms
Though often times difficult to detect, GERD can be associated with the following signs and symptoms:
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Burning sensation in mouth
• Sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, belching
• Chronic coughing
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Chipping, discoloration of teeth
• Bad breath

How does GERD affect your oral health?
In addition to damaging the esophagus and increasing your risk of esophageal cancer, over time GERD can erode tooth enamel. Research indicates tooth enamel begins to erode at a pH, or acid level, of 5.5. With a pH of less than 2.0, your stomach acid can easily damage tooth enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity, decay, discoloration, and chipping.

Treatments and lifestyle modifications
GERD can be diagnosed by your physician using a variety of tests, including Ph monitoring, X-rays, or endoscopy. Though GERD is a chronic condition, its symptoms can be treated using medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition to taking over-the-counter antacids and prescription H2 receptor blockers, you can reduce
GERD symptoms by:
• Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, including chocolate, spicy/greasy foods, tomato-based foods, alcohol, and coffee.
• Quitting smoking.
• Refraining from eating several hours before bed, or lying down two to three hours after eating.
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Avoiding tight clothing.

Protect your teeth against acid reflux
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent acid reflux or GERD from damaging your teeth and causing decay. In addition to brushing twice a day, you can take the following steps to ensure
GERD doesn’t impact your oral health:
• Visit Focus Dental regularly for tooth enamel evaluation.
• Use dentin-sensitive toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth with water following acid reflux episodes.
• Do not brush your teeth for 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
• Dissolve baking soda in water and swish around the mouth after acid reflux occurs.
• Receive fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth.
• Wear a dentist-prescribed mouth guard at night to prevent acid from damaging your teeth.
• Avoid over-the-counter antacids, especially at night, that have a high sugar content.
If you believe you may be at risk for acid reflux or GERD, speak with Dr. Ngo or physician. Though GERD can be incredibly damaging to your oral health, lifestyle modifications and treatment can help ensure your teeth remain safe and healthy.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Root Canal Therapy

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What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. While a tooth’s pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Each tooth’s nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small “root canals,” which join up with the tooth’s pulp chamber.

Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to a deep cavity or fracture, the blood supply to the tooth may be lost and the tooth pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and activity in the tooth’s cells. Pressure may build within a tooth that cannot be relieved, causing pain that is commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

Why might I need treatment?
Without treatment, the infection will spread and bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, possibly causing the tooth to fall out. Pain usually worsens until you are forced to seek dental attention.

What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the damaged or dead pulp. The canal is reshaped and filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed.

What is involved in root canal therapy?
If Dr. Ngo recommends a root canal, she will perform the treatment or refer you for treatment to an endodontist, which is a specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections of the tooth pulp. A space is created into the tooth’s pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination or the dentist may immediately fill the canals.
Temporary fillings are usually removed and the pulp chamber and canals are filled on the next visit. If the tooth is still weak, a post may be inserted above the canal filling to help rebuild the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance.

How will I feel after treatment?
There may be some inflammation around the gum tissues, which may cause discomfort for a few days. This can be controlled by an over-the-counter pain reliever. A follow-up visit with Dr. Ngo will help her review how the tissue is healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see Dr. Ngo on a regular basis for cleanings and examinations.

Are there options to root canal therapy?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may be perceived as less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.

Relaxed?

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Sedation allows dentists to create a state of relaxation and thus manage the fear and pain patients may experience during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation in dentistry.

  • Local anesthesia is administered by injecting medication into tissue or by applying a medication topically to an area to eliminate sensation.
  • Minimal sedation is used most frequently in dentistry and usually involves taking medications orally. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on his or her own. The patient may respond normally to verbal commands and may experience some degree of amnesia about what happened during their dental appointment. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” may be used to achieve minimal sedation and in combination with a recommended dosage of oral medication.
  • Moderate sedation is achieved by using medications that can be taken orally or intravenously (IV). Patients who undergo moderate sedation are awake and respond to touch and/or verbal commands. All bodily functions remain normal, and the patient does not need assistance breathing.
  • Deep sedation can be achieved by injecting medication, giving oral medications, and in combination with gases.

Patients who are deeply sedated are not easily awakened but may respond to some stimulation. Patients may need some breathing assistance at deeper levels.

How does it work?

Patients who are minimally sedated inhale nitrous oxide through a mask during their dental appointment and/or may take a recommended dosage of a single oral sedative medication. Moderately sedated patients generally have taken a medication or a combination of medications while in the dental office. The medication causes the patient to become sleepy and feel relaxed. The dentist will give the patient specific instructions and you will be asked to avoid driving while you are on the medications.

What kinds of medications are involved?

To reach a level of minimal sedation, a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (30-50 percent) may be used, possibly in combination with a minimal dose of an anti-anxiety (benzodiazepine) pill. In combination with nitrous gas, it is important that patients take only one type of drug under minimal sedation.

Moderately sedated patients also generally take benzodiazepines. The most common benzodiazepines prescribed by dentists include Valium®, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan. Patients who are deeply sedated may receive benzodiazepines combined with opioids.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sedation in dentistry?

Minimal and moderate sedation reduce anxiety that is typically associated with dentistry and allow the patient to relax.

The amnesia usually associated with these methods also is a plus for many patients.

However, sedation in dentistry does have disadvantages. Minimal sedation usually cannot be administered to patients with respiratory problems like emphysema or asthma or those who are sensitive to the class of drugs used for minimal sedation. With moderate sedation, the level of sedation cannot be adjusted without administering additional medications and sensitivity to certain medications can be a factor. Also, the patient should be prepared for supervision after the dental visit until the effects of the medications have passed. This applies to sedation administered both orally and intravenously. With intravenous deep sedation, a needle has to be put in the arm or hand, so it may not be the most relaxing method if you are afraid of needles. It is possible to experience complications, such as hematoma (a localized swelling filled with blood) at the site where the needle entered. In addition, recovery from IV-administered or oral medications may not be complete at the end of dental treatment, so the patient should be prepared to be escorted home by a responsible adult.

Is it safe?

Sedation is safe although you should talk to Dr. Ngo and gain a thorough understanding of how it works and what is expected of you before the procedure. Your medical history will be examined comprehensively to ensure safe sedation and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure to confirm that your blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood oxygen levels are normal.

For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in Garland TX, Richardson TX, Dallas TX, Plano TX, Murphy TX, Sachse TX, Wylie TX or surrounding areas we are here to help you with your family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs.