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Monday, June 23, 2014

Teeth Extractions

Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons, including decay, infection and impaction. If decay reaches too deeply into the tooth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, teeth may need to be removed. Teeth are also extracted if there is not enough room in the mouth. When teeth are impacted, it can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, so they are removed before damage is done. At our office, Dr. Chris Meyer can help you with tooth extractions in Fullerton, CA.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, the dentist may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, and a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Chris Meyer can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Sedation Dentistry

If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety, there are options available to make it easier for you. Between 5 percent and 8 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia, but you shouldn’t let your oral health suffer because of fear. At our office, we offer a safe environment, where we are able to comfort patients through various sedation methods.

We can sedate patients through oral Nitrous Oxide, intravenous sedation, anxiolysis and oral conscious sedation. None of these methods will put you in an unconscious state, just a deep state of relaxation during your treatment. Sedation is mainly used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia, not necessarily because of pain.

The most common sedation method utilized throughout the dental industry is Nitrous Oxide (N2O). N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. Dr. Eric Meyer will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. Within a few short minutes, you will begin to feel the effects. N2O wears off quickly and there is no “hangover” effect. IV administration is also becoming a popular tool for dentists. IV sedation is administered through the veins, which allows for quicker effects and less recovery time.

The final method utilized by our office is known as oral conscious sedation. It is as simple as taking an aspirin, you will not be “knocked out”, but you will feel more relaxed. Because some patients have trouble with needles and gas, Dr. Meyers provides them with an oral sedative, such as valium. This is utilized for patients with mild to moderate anxiety as it is not as powerful as other sedation methods.
To set up an appointment, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visitwww.FullertonDental.com.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two procedures that use the tooth structure as a base for restoration. Often called partial crowns, both inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth while restoring its shape and working to prevent further damage. At our office in Fullerton, CA, we use these procedures to repair teeth when decay is too extensive to support a filling but not extensive enough to use a crown.

When there is no damage to the cusps of a tooth, Dr. Eric Meyer uses an inlay for restoration, bonding it right on top of the tooth. Made of porcelain, inlays are both strong and natural-looking, providing an attractive solution to repairing your tooth. Onlays are used when damage is a little more extensive and are used to repair part of the cusp of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays can be created at a lab out of porcelain, gold or composite resin. Fabrication normally takes between two to three weeks, and during that time, you will be provided with temporary restorations while you wait. Once they are ready, they will be cemented in place.

To ensure that your teeth get the best dental care available, schedule an appointment with our office by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Panorex

At the office of Dr. Eric Meyer, we use panoramic digital radiography to provide high-quality care to our patients in Fullerton and the surrounding area.

Panorex is an X-ray machine that is capable of capturing more of the mouth structure than a traditional, dental X-ray and can, therefore, identify many issues. To take the X-ray, you will sit in a chair with your chin on a small ledge. Once positioned, the machine will rotate 360 degrees around your head, capturing X-rays of your teeth, head, sinuses and bone, which allows Dr. Meyer to see any potential problems and ensure that everything is functioning properly. The panorex can also view specific types of structural problems, including infections or asymmetry.

In addition to clearer and more comprehensive images, the panorex and other digital X-rays also produce up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional dental X-rays. This is because the digital sensor is much more sensitive to radiation than film, so less is needed to form an accurate image. While traditional X-rays are considered safe by professionals, those who receive X-rays frequently or who are concerned about radiation will feel more comfortable with digital radiography.

With Dr. Eric Meyer, you know that you will receive the best dental care available with state-of-the-art technology in Fullerton. Panoramic, digital X-rays are only one way that we act with our patients’ best interest in mind. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.