Frequently Asked Questions
Can hypertension be related to sleep apnea?
Yes people with sleep apnea have a very high incidence of hypertension and other health problems that you would never believe have anything to do with sleep disorders. Children that snore often times will have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD as well as night bed wetting which is often times related to sleep disorders such as apnea. Dr. Chervin from the University of Michigan and Dr. Steven Sheldon from Northwestern University have many studies to support these statements.
There are so many toothbrushes on the market currently. When purchasing one, what should I look for? Also, is an electric toothbrush a smart investment?
The most important answer to this question is that the patients use a soft bristle brush not to traumatize the gums or give the root of the tooth excessive wear. This often results in recession of the gums making the tooth look longer. Electric brushes were thought of as gimmicks years ago, but we now know that they work very effectively by not over or under brushing. They also keep us honest by having a timer to be certain we spend the proper amount of time brushing.
On my last visit to the dentist, I was told that I should consider having my wisdom teeth extracted. Also can you explain signs & symptoms of a dry socket, because I was told this was a possible risk?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted, however; a majority of young adults do not have room for these teeth. Wisdom teeth or third molars maybe impacted which simply means they are not exposed to the oral cavity. The consequence of not having partially erupted teeth extracted is localized infection in the area resulting in swelling to the jaw bones. There is little evidence that crowding is induced by not having wisdom teeth extracted at an early age. A dry socket also known as condensing alveolar osteitis which means an inflammation of the jaw due to a blood clot not being held in the socket. You usually have very bad breath and a lot of pain. These can be treated easily by the surgeon and will eventually heal.
I have older silver fillings that are not as appealing today. What can be done to improve their appearance as well as comfort in my mouth?
Silver fillings are most easily replaced with composite or white filling material or with porcelain restorations. The composite restoration can be done in the office just as the old silver fillings were done, however; the porcelain restorations are fabricated at the dental laboratory and are cemented at a second appointment.