Five Signs You Have A Cavity (And What You Need To Do)

Cavities, or dental caries, are one of the most common health problems faced around the world, second only to the common cold. If not treated, cavities can cause infection, toothache and ultimately total tooth loss.  Wondering if you have one?  Here are five symptoms to watch out for:

1. Bad Breath
If tooth decay is ignored, bacteria will proliferate, causing bad breath.  If you are brushing and flossing regularly, yet still notice you have bad breath, you need a check up.

2. Bad Taste in your Mouth
If you notice a chronic bad taste in your mouth, get your teeth checked out as it may be a sign that a cavity needs to be cleaned and filled.

3. Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
A sensitive or painful tooth, even if it's only when exposed to hot or cold, can mean a cavity. Sensitivity and pain are usually evidence the cavity has progressed.  

4. Dark or White Spots
When cavities have progressed, they can become visible to the eye, appearing as a dark or white spot on the infected tooth.

5. Holes in Your Teeth
Sometimes you can see a hole on top of the tooth or feel it with your tongue.  This is not a good sign and you need to schedule an appointment right away for treatment.

6. Pus, Swelling or Extreme Pain
These symptoms may indicate an abscessed tooth. The pus is caused by a bacterial infection inside the tooth from untreated tooth decay. It can cause fever, pain and swollen glands and requires immediate medical attention as it will spread throughout your jaw.

The best time to catch a cavity is in the early stages, when there are few, if any, symptoms.  That's why a twice-yearly dental cleaning and exam is important. Unlike the common cold, your cavity will not get better on its own – it will only worsen, becoming more painful, time consuming and expensive to treat, and more likely to impact the integrity of your tooth. 

Good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste,  flossing once a day, and having regular dental cleaning and check ups, will keep you cavity free.   Is it time for your dental appointment? Call us at 919.755.3450 or schedule online.

Sedation Dentistry: What You Need to Know

If you shudder at the thought of a dental visit, or avoid it altogether, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is very real and it's estimated that up to 20% of people avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS, we want you to take excellent care of your oral health - which means coming in for regular cleaning and exams, and having dental problems addressed at the earliest possible stage. That's why we offer sedation dentistry to those who need extra help feeling calm and relaxed during a dental procedure.

We will administer a controlled amount of sedative medicine before or during your dental procedure, helping to reduce your anxiety and create a calm treatment experience.  Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth removed, a cavity filled, or simply a routine cleaning and exam, we will work with you to assure that you are comfortable, calm and relaxed.

Sedation dentistry is divided into different categories. Minimal sedation, which decreases anxiety while maintaining full consciousness, can be achieved through mild anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide. Moderate, or conscious, sedation is commonly achieved through a combination of sedative pills and an intravenous sedative. It creates a sleeplike state in which the patient's response to touch and sound is strong. Intravenous sedation allows you to sleep deeply in an unconscious state where you will not be awakened until the effects wear off or medication is used to reverse it.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, our patients’ comfort is our priority. We offer two types of minimal dental sedation to help you feel completely relaxed before, during, and after your visit to our office:

• Inhalation Sedation (or Laughing Gas) is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe in through a mask placed over your nose to help you relax. The amount you receive is controlled by Dr. Morrison. This form of sedation wears off quickly.

• Oral Conscious Sedation is in the form of a prescribed pill that is taken about an hour before your dental procedure. With this form of sedation, you remain conscious and completely aware of your surroundings in a very calm and relaxed state. A variety of medications are available for this type of sedation, and Dr. Morrison will carefully discuss your particular needs to determine which choice would work best for you. However, all are classified as anti-anxiety medications and achieve the same result: reducing and even eliminating the anxiety of dental treatment.

Inhalation sedation and oral conscious sedation can safely be used together for an even deeper feeling of relaxation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Here are a few things to discuss with Dr. Morrison when considering sedation dentistry: 

• Is the procedure lengthy or complex? Sedation dentistry may allow us to complete your treatment in fewer appointments and to finish complex procedures in less time.

• Do you have a psychological or physiological reason (such as a highly sensitive gag reflex) that makes dental procedures difficult? Sedation dentistry may successfully address these reasons by allowing you to relax deeply through the procedure. 

• Do you have any serious health conditions, or are you pregnant? Using sedatives during a dental procedure may not be a good idea for people who are pregnant, or who have certain cardiac or respirator conditions. 

While your dental treatment is performed, your vital signs will be carefully monitored to ensure that your experience is as safe as possible. If you've only received nitrous oxide, the effects will wear off almost immediately and you will be able to drive home, or return to work or school. The effects of oral sedation last longer than with nitrous oxide alone, so you'll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Unexpected reactions to inhalation or oral sedation are exceedingly rare, but as with any medical procedure, Dr. Morrison will review your health history, discuss the risks and benefits, and carefully monitor you throughout the procedure for any changes in blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

"It’s normal to experience some apprehension about going to the dentist, especially if you've had a negative experience at the dentist as a child, or if you’re heading into an extensive procedure" says Dr. Morrison. "Before I offer the option of sedation - I try to find out the source of the patients' anxiety and their level of anxiety, and then we talk about ways to manage it," he said. "I can oftentimes get an anxious patient comfortably through a procedure just by talking with them, distracting them, taking breaks, and explaining what we are doing at each stage of treatment." 

"However, some patients simply won't get the care they need unless they have some kind of sedation and in these cases the risks of not receiving dental care is greater," said Dr. Morrison. "For these patients, using sedation dentistry to help them face their fears and get the treatment they need is essential."

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, we do what we can so all patients feel completely comfortable in our office— no matter how big or how small their treatment may be. Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Give our office a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online. We look forward to seeing you.

Seven Benefits of a Dental Cleaning and Exam

Professional dental cleanings aren’t just for keeping your smile bright; they can have a significant impact on your oral health and your overall health, as well. Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but to ensure teeth and mouth are healthy and thoroughly clean, you should schedule regular check-ups and dental cleanings at least twice a year (more often if you have periodontal disease).

Here are seven reasons professional cleanings are so important: 

Prevent plaque, which leads to cavities

The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and it is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings.

Stop tooth loss

Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.

Brighten your smile

Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. The result? A whiter, brighter smile!

Freshen your breath

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.  Also, some medical and dental conditions, such as dry mouth, periodontal disease and diabetes, can cause bad breath.   Dr. Morrison will discuss this during the exam if you have concerns about bad breath. 

Boost your overall health

Studies have shown a strong connection between your oral and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease, which is linked to cardiovascular disease, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease and many other problems. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. 

Save money

Get the most value from your dental benefits. Most dental plans have low or no co-payments/coinsurance for dental cleanings and oral exams. If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures. If you are a member of our St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan, you receive two discounted cleanings each year, as well as discounted treatment, should that become necessary. 

Catch problems early

At your cleaning we can usually catch minor problems, such as broken fillings and fractures, at the earliest possible stage - before they come time consuming, expensive and sometimes painful. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening (such as oral cancer), can be detected in their early stages during a routine oral exam. Often problems can go unnoticed because patients are unaware of symptoms, or a patient does not have noticeable symptoms until the advanced stages.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, we take every opportunity to educate our patients and keep them up-to-date with the best ways to care for their oral health. Our goal is to prevent problems from occurring - and if they do, to address them at the earliest possible stage. If you have any questions about your dental health please make an appointment with us today. You can schedule online or call us at 919 755 3450.