Sedation Dentistry Options

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Another option is nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas.” This is routinely used to make treatment more pleasant. The sedation is breathed through a mask that allows you to inhale the medication until you acquire a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will then be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to prevent pain in most cases. It wears off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD  
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230  
Las Vegas, NV 89145  
(702) 341-9160  
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Has a Toothache. Should I Call the Dentist?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Has a Toothache. Should I Call the Dentist?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

White Dental Fillings

No Mercury! No Metals! No Kidding!

The issue most people have with the average silver-mercury amalgam filling is the look. People don’t want an unsightly black plug in their teeth. While they’re an acceptable, budget-minded repair, still used by many practices, amalgam metals are not the best seal available for repairing your tooth. Sooner or later decay seeps around the metal and damages your tooth. We offer advanced restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and can actually make your teeth stronger. They bond very tightly with the healthy part of your tooth, so there will be much less risk of decay in the future.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD  
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230  
Las Vegas, NV 89145  
(702) 341-9160  
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Potential Causes of Toothaches: It's Not Always a Cavity

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Wendy J. Woudstra

No matter how conscientious you are about your oral care routine, at some point in your life you will probably experience the discomfort of a toothache. Though a cavity is the most likely culprit, it is only one of several possible causes of toothaches.

Tooth Sensitivity
If you are experiencing sharp pains when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it could mean you have a cavity. It may also be a sign that you may have sensitive teeth, either from receding gums or from a thinning of your tooth enamel. While you are waiting for a dental appointment to confirm the cause of your sensitive teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help ease the symptoms.

Some Toothaches Are More Severe
If the pain you are experiencing is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down on your food, the cause of your toothache could be a cavity or a cracked tooth. If it's a throbbing, incessant pain, on the other hand, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• It Might Not Even Be Your Teeth
• See Your Dentist to Be Sure

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Dealing With Dry Mouth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by the ADA

A healthy adult produces about three pints of saliva each day. It's not the kind of thing you would give thought to very often, but that saliva plays a very important role in maintaining your health.

Saliva serves many purposes. It contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Saliva makes it easier to talk, a fact recognized by those who experience stage fright and the associated dry mouth while giving a presentation. 

Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and debris from the teeth and gums. It neutralizes damaging acids, enhances the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow. Minerals found in saliva also help repair microscopic tooth decay. 

Everyone, at some time or another, experiences dry mouth, also called "xerostomia." It can happen when you are nervous, upset or under stress or as a result of medication you take or other medical therapies. If dry mouth happens all or most of the time, however, it can be uncomfortable - and it can have serious consequences for your oral health.

Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become much more common. 

Regular dental checkups are important. At each appointment, report any medications you are taking and other information about your health. An updated health history can help identify a cause for mouth dryness. 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'How Can I Help My Elderly Parent Brush Her Teeth?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'How Can I Help My Elderly Parent Brush Her Teeth?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Gum Disease linked to Heart Disease

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Recent medical research has led doctors to a disturbing conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are connected. Since heart disease is often deadly, it is readily apparent that gum disease is no laughing matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. This large percentage would indicate an epidemic if this were any other affliction. In fact, most dentists think it is just that! They also realize that because most professionals believe “no one ever dies from it” gum disease will likely never be labeled an “epidemic.” The extreme situation means you will lose your teeth. Not pleasant – but certainly not life threatening. But that thinking has all changed.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” In short, the bacteria that destroy your gums can also migrate and destroy your vital organs!

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

All About Cavities

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was Reviewed by the Faculty of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

What's in Your Mouth? 
To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it's helpful to know what's in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements: 

• Saliva - Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. We never give much thought to our spit, but this fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect our oral health. Saliva keeps teeth and other parts of your mouth moist and washes away bits of food. Saliva contains minerals that strengthen teeth. It includes buffering agents. They reduce the levels of acid that can decay teeth. Saliva also protects against some viruses and bacteria. 
• Plaque - Plaque is a soft, gooey substance that sticks to the teeth a bit like jam sticks to a spoon. Like the slime that clings to the bottom of a swimming pool, plaque is a type of biofilm. It contains large numbers of closely packed bacteria, components taken from saliva, and bits of food. Also in the mix are bacterial byproducts and white blood cells. Plaque grows when bacteria attach to the tooth and begin to multiply. Plaque starts forming right after a tooth is cleaned. Within an hour, there's enough to measure. As time goes on, the plaque thickens. Within two to six hours, the plaque teems with bacteria that can cause cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. 
• Calculus - If left alone long enough, plaque absorbs minerals from saliva. These minerals form crystals and harden into calculus. Then new plaque forms on top of existing calculus. This new layer can also become hard. 
• Bacteria - We have many types of bacteria in our mouths. Some bacteria are good; they help control destructive bacteria. When it comes to decay, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli are the bacteria that cause the most damage to teeth. 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• How Your Teeth Decay
• Types of Decay
• Preventing Cavities

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'How Can I Get My Child to Brush Her Teeth?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'How Can I Get My Child to Brush Her Teeth?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Summerlin Dental Solutions   
Rodney Gleave, DMD   
Brian Karn, DMD   
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230   
Las Vegas, NV 89145   
(702) 341-9160   
DentalSolutionsLV.com