Here Is All About Orthodontic Treatment You Need to Know

Author: southfloresdental

Here Is All About Orthodontic Treatment You Need to Know

Posted on by southfloresdental

Are you planning to get orthodontic treatment soon?

Then, you must have these questions in your mind: 

What is included in orthodontic treatment?

What equipment is used in orthodontic treatment?

Where is the best clinic that provides orthodontic treatment?

Is orthodontic treatment painful?

So, let’s find out what is orthodontic treatment and why you need one.

Orthodontics in dentistry deals with malocclusion, which is a condition in which teeth are not correctly positioned when the mouth is closed, resulting in an improper bite. 

If the jaws and teeth do not develop properly, then it can lead to the improper arrangement of teeth. It further results in improper chewing and misalignment. Malocclusion is not a disease, but it may make the appearance of teeth and face ill- suited, which can lead to embarrassment and low self-esteem.

Orthodontic treatment in San Antonio - South Flores Dental

Orthodontic treatment also improves the look of your teeth and makes them healthy. Orthodontics covers many aspects of oral care such as:

  • Improper bite
  • Curing long time wear and tear of teeth
  • Taking care of your gums and teeth
  • Enhances your talking and how you chew your food
  • Improves your out of shape teeth
  • Gaps between the teeth are removed

Traditional braces are the most popular orthodontic treatment that are used for the correction of teeth. They consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. Traditional braces are the most cost-effective treatment to move teeth into alignment over a period of time.

You need to visit an orthodontist who deals specifically with the bite and straightness of teeth using traditional braces. You should check that your chosen professional is qualified to undertake orthodontic treatment before going ahead.

Dr. Martin Garcia at South Flores Dental is an experienced orthodontist and has years of experience in dental care, orthodontic treatment, sedation dentistry, and more. Dr. Garcia will assess the state of your teeth. The assessment will involve:

  • taking a full medical and dental health history
  • carrying out a clinical examination
  • taking X-rays of the teeth and jaw
  • making plaster models of the teeth

Next, Dr. Martin Garcia will decide on a treatment plan.

Getting orthodontic treatment at an early age helps to prevent dental problems. In children, bones and teeth keep growing and this makes the orthodontic process easier. However, it’s not too late! You can get this treatment done from a qualified orthodontist and improve your oral health and self-confidence.

Visit South Flores Dental in San Antonio. It provides orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults of all ages. To book an appointment, contact South Flores Dental at (210) 225-3333.

Address: 743 South Flores San Antonio, TX 78204

Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm

Dental Implant: The Complete Guide

Posted on by southfloresdental

The system of dentistry has changed a lot in the past few years. Today, with a dental implant, the missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth. This artificial tooth does not just look like a real tooth but also functions in the same way. There are other alternatives too to cover a missing tooth like bridges or a root canal. However, a tooth implant is considered the most efficient and safe method of placing a tooth.

What is Dental Implant?

A dental implant or an endosseous implant is a surgical method where an artificial tooth is implanted into the jaw to support the other tooth. Sometimes a tooth broke because of trauma, injury, or age. In that case, many individuals prefer dental implanting to live a healthier, confident, and worry-free life. A dental implant does not hamper your adjacent teeth and is considered an ideal option for your missing teeth.

Dental Implant Surgery San Antonio

How is a Dental Implant done?

For a dental implant, you have to undergo 3 big stages. They are:

  1. Preparation of the Jawbone- The first step required in a dental implant is to fit the implant. In this stage, a screw-like implant is placed inside the jawbone to prepare the jaw for the new teeth. The dentist drills a hole inside the jaw to make space for the implant, and when the jawbone gets habitual to the implant, the healing process begins. This phase is also known as osseointegration. If you have a weak bone or a weak tooth, in that case, you may require bone grafting to help strengthen your muscles.
  1. Placement of the Abutment- Once the healing is over, your dentist will shift to the next step, where a small piece known as Abutment will be placed. Your doctor will open your wound and fix the abutment so that the crown can be angled correctly in alignment with the other teeth. After this stage, you have to wait for the healing to get over.
  1. Fixation of the Crown- A dental implant’s last and final stage involves fixing a custom made crown that works similarly to your real tooth. This artificial tooth will sit precisely in the same manner as your other teeth because of the above two steps. Once the crown is fixed inside your mouth, you have to do post-implant care.

What instructions to follow for post-care?

After the dental implant procedure, your dentist will suggest you to take proper precautions such as:

  • Apply an ice pack if the swelling persists.
  • The new teeth require the same oral hygiene as your other teeth require. So brush your teeth twice a day and use mouthwash when necessary.
  • The patients should change their diet immediately after their implant surgery and start consuming soft foods like tofu, fish, fruits, soups, rice, yogurt, smoothies, ice-cream before healing gets over.
  • Avoid smoking or other harsh items that can be damaging for your artificial tooth.
  • Never indulge in any form of exercise after the implant, as it can cause bleeding.
  • Visit your dentist regularly after the dental implant to avoid any further complications.

Are you interested in getting a Dental Implant?

If you also want to live a confident life and laugh vigorously with your loved ones without feeling embarrassed, you can visit the South Flores Dental and schedule a consultation regarding the dental implant treatment. The experts here will first evaluate and determine if you are the right candidate for this procedure and will guide you accordingly.

So, book your appointment with South Flores Dental by visiting our website, and you will soon replace your embarrassment with a lovely smile!

 

Image Credit: macrovector / Freepik

Sedation Dentistry: Calm Your Dental Anxiety In An Easy Way

Posted on by southfloresdental

Do you have a phobia when it comes to visiting a dentist for a routine checkup? Or do you get anxious and uneasy as soon as you enter the dental clinic? Most people fear visiting their dentists and tend to avoid dental treatments because of their extreme discomforts. It can be due to their bad dental experience or because of the dental anxiety they have. To eliminate the fear of a dental appointment, many dentists use Sedation Dentistry to help relax a patient before or during the dental procedure.

Sedation Dentistry San Antonio - South Flores Dental

What does Sedation Dentistry Mean?

Sedation Dentistry is a medical technique used to treat patients with various sedatives to make them relax. In this method, the sedative targets the central nervous system, specifically areas associated with conscious awareness. It is sometimes called sleep dentistry. As some patients start to panic when visiting a dental clinic, dentists follow the Sedation Dentistry procedure to eliminate the dental anxiety.

What are the methods involved in Sedation Dentistry?

A dentist uses various sedation methods according to the level of discomfort you feel and the length of dental treatment you require. These are as follows:

Nitrous Oxide & Conscious Sedation:

Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective conscious sedation technique for both adults and children to help patients feel relaxed, relieve dental anxiety, and help make certain dental procedures easy and stress-free for patients. Nitrous oxide may also be used in combinations with other sedative agents. Safety & Effectiveness of Nitrous Oxide. The American Dental Association and other dentistry journals have conducted research and studies, and have found Nitrous Oxide safe for use on both children and adults. Nitrous Oxide is administered in combination with Oxygen (02), via a small mask that fits over the nose. Nitrous oxide is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry and is well tolerated by most patients. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. The patient remains fully conscious and maintains all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. The patient will be capable of responding to questions or requests during the procedure. Prior to administering Nitrous Oxide, the dentist will review information about this sedation option, and answer any questions you may have.

Oral sedative:

It is a kind of moderate sedation under which some prescribed pills are given to the patient before or during the treatment. The patient takes the pill according to the level of discomfort he is experiencing. The doctor monitors the patient and, the effects of oral sedatives can last between 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel drowsy or even sleep during your dental treatment depending upon the dose you take.

IV Sedation:

Intravenous or IV sedation is a type of sedative administered through the vein of your hand. Like the oral sedative, it can also make you fall asleep so you don’t have to experience anxiety or pain. The only difference between both terms is the route through which the sedative is entered inside the body. Before you take an IV Sedation, your dentist will suggest you not to consume alcohol or smoke. You must also bring someone with you who will drive you home as the sedation takes time to wear off.

Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia:

Another non-common method of Sedation Dentistry is General Anesthesia. This sedative is used when a patient has to undergo a complicated or lengthy dental treatment. The patient is unconscious and only comes back when the sedative completely wears off.

Is it safe to have a Sedation Dentistry Procedure?

Yes, absolutely. Sedation is the best possible solution when a person is anxious about visiting a dentist. Sometimes sedation is also offered to a child when he is terrified about his dental checkup. A Sedation Dentistry Procedure should be administered by a trained and qualified dentist only. Before you make up your mind about having a Sedation Dentistry, it is crucial to ask your dentist about the sedative he will use upon you.

At South Flores Dental, we ensure you do not experience any pain or discomfort during the dental procedure. Our mild sedatives can ease your anxiety during and after dental procedures.

Schedule an appointment with us today!