Redmond Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dental care that has grown rapidly in the past few years. People care about the aesthetic appeal of their mouth for various reasons. When you smile or speak, the last thing you want people to notice is your bad teeth. In fact, some people are so embarrassed by their teeth, they cover their mouth when they smile. That is terribly sad; no one should suffer because of his or her teeth. Seattle dentists in your area can help.
Although cosmetic dentistry can be costly, it is well worth the expense for those with mild to severely bad teeth. Poor teeth can be the result of an array of contributions. Many people cannot afford dental care, or could not afford it at some point in their lives. Neglecting cavities, decay, rot, cracks, and other problems can quickly lead to more serious problems. The longer you ignore your dental problems, the more extensive the treatment necessary to correct and fix them. Fortunately, the advances of modern dentistry can repair and fix any damage or dental problems.
People with dental problems need not suffer the pain of bad teeth any longer. Cosmetic dentistry is a perfect solution for anyone. A consultation with a dentist will explain what procedures or treatments would best achieve the teeth you desire.
Minor problems can be fixed with laser tooth whitening. More serious problems, where the internal or external portions of the teeth are damaged, will require more extensive and serious treatments. Crowns, caps, porcelain veneers, and tooth bonding, are examples of other, more serious dental procedures. It may become a major expense, but as you will see, fixing your teeth with a seattle dentist is well worth it. Cosmetic dental work will give you the perfect teeth that you deserve.
Hypertension and Medications Impact Dental Care
It is an unfortunate trade off in life that as we age and acquire more wisdom and experience, we also increase the likelihood of having health problems.
Senior citizens are more likely to have high blood pressure and be taking multiple medications than when they were young. Seniors should be prepared and informed when they go to their dentist for treatment.
It is estimated that nearly 75 million Americans, many who are seniors, suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is defined by repeatedly having a blood pressure reading greater than 140/90. Hypertension is dangerous because it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney, and eye damage. A person can have hypertension for years and not know about it because there are little or no symptoms. People with hypertension are generally advised to reduce salt intake, lose weight, and increase aerobic exercise. If these measures are not sufficient, a number of drugs are needed to reduce the blood pressure. The main drugs given to hypertensive patients are diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs reduce blood pressure by decreasing blood volume, decreasing the force of heart contractions, and relaxing blood vessel walls, respectively. As seattle dentists, we are concerned with how well controlled the hypertension is. Patients with poorly controlled hypertension will often bleed more after routine dental surgery. Patients who take hypertensive drugs may be more sensitive to the small amounts of epinephrine in dental anesthetics as well as need a greater level of assistance when being elevated in a dental chair from a supine (lying on the back) position.
Many medications used by seniors, and some diseases, can cause the mouth to become dry. Saliva protects the mouth because it helps wash away food, neutralize bacterial acids, and lubricates the mouth. A lack of saliva in the mouth increases the chance of developing cavities, gum disease, irritations in the mouth, as well as making it more difficult to wear dentures, speak, and swallow food. Some of the types of medications that can cause dry mouth are antihistimines, antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics (water pills), and decongestants, to name a few. Disease conditions such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and radiation treatment in the head and neck region can also cause dry mouth. Your dentist can recommend certain methods to restore moisture. Consider sugar-free lozenges or gum, and artificial saliva can be used in some cases. Brushing and flossing are extremely important, as is the use of a fluoride containing mouth rinse. In some cases, the use of a custom-made mouth tray worn before bed is needed to deliver a higher dose of fluoride to protect the teeth and gums.
Today’s seattle dentist needs to work closely with the senior’s medical doctor and specialists to insure safe and effective dental care. It is import to inform your dentist about any health conditions you have, and the medications you are taking. Your dentist should be aware of the special needs, and potential problems that seniors face.