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IS IT SAFE TO GO TO DENTIST?

Is it safe to go to dental office? Dentistry during the pandemic; this is the question these days. Undoubtedly, dentistry is an integral part of overall health and well-being. A large body of research has demonstrated a significant correlation between gum disease, tooth infection and other systemic diseases.  

According to American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), periodontal disease (gum disease) is linked to several serious diseases including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, adverse pregnancy complications and possibly osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and certain cancers. So treating your gum disease may not only help saving your teeth but may also help with the management of your sugar level or other chronic inflammatory conditions.   

Regular dental check-up is crucial in detecting early signs of cavities (tooth decay), gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), tooth wear, oral cancer, and other issues. Putting off some dental treatments can be detrimental to your health. Origins Dentistry as the family dental office at Northwest Side of San Antonio offers high-quality dental care by different dental experts.

Are cavities or tooth infection always painful? How do I know if I have cavities in my mouth? What would happen if I don’t get my teeth fixed? 

Although toothache is notorious, it is common that many tooth cavities may not be painful. It can be confusing or misleading to public. Not having any pain or discomfort in your mouth does not mean everything is okay. Many infections in our mouth is chronic. In other words, they do not necessarily cause any discomfort as a warning sign. So do not wait for sensitivity, toothache, or bleeding to come and see your dentist. As Dr Kheirieh, Prosthodontist at Origins Specialty Dentistry always say pain may start at later stages when it is too late or it may not develop at all. The tooth or gum/bone issue may progress quietly over time and lead to irreversible damages. When tooth decay progresses over time, it gets bigger and bigger and eventually, reaches to the nerve of the tooth. This is the stage which can get really painful at times, but not always! At this point, filling or crown may not be enough and root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) may be needed. If not being addressed promptly, the tooth infection and all its microbes may develop a tooth abscess which can be dangerous. Tooth abscess may be presented with swelling of your gums or mouth, pus coming out of your gums or teeth, limitation in opening of your mouth, and/or pain at times. Pain may be felt around your ears, jaws or as a headache. Abscess may spread out to other parts of your head and neck or even farther organs. Tooth abscess getting close to your eyes, brain, and throat may get extremely dangerous and time-sensitive. It should be noted that taking antibiotics is just a temporary fix for tooth or gum infection and would not resolve the main reason most of the times. The infection will stay deep inside the area and show itself very soon again. It is always important to treat the source of infection; not only for the sake of your teeth, but also protecting your whole body from the invisible damages of that!

Should I treat my gum disease? Can I have periodontal (gum) disease without bleeding from my gums? Is gum disease painful?

Periodontal (gum) disease is a leading (and silent) cause of tooth loss. Gum disease does not develop any particular symptoms. Bleeding gums can be one of the symptoms but is only present in around 30% of the times. As a periodontist, Dr Najafi sees many patients with advanced form of gum disease who have not noticed their gum disease at all. As he always explains to his patients, if you see any infected wound on your arm, you will definitely take care of it. You would not wait for pain or any other symptoms. You know that the infection needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, this is not the case with our teeth and gums. Most of the time we do not see what is going on inside our mouth until our routine check-up and x-rays. Regular dental radiographs would show the underlying problems and the sooner you notice any oral issues, the easier, better, faster, and less expensive it will be to fix it. Prevention is always the key. It is always less painful, more reasonable, and way more successful to treat any tooth or gum problems at early stages.   

What will happen if I don’t get my teeth cleaning?  

Did you know that maintaining your gum (periodontal) health is one of the ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, especially in men. Now we know the association between gum disease and other disease such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, adverse pregnancy complications and possibly osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and certain cancers. 

Did you know that prostate health may be associated with periodontal health. It is noteworthy to add that researchers have seen a link between prolonged chronic inflammation such as gum disease and impotence. Besides, research has demonstrated that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer. These are all alarming findings highlighting the importance of oral hygiene and dental care for all of us.

What should I do if I grind my teeth? 

Waking up in the mornings with a sore jaw may be related to clenching or grinding your teeth during your sleep (bruxism). “Sometimes you may not be aware of that,” Dr Kheirieh, the dentist at Shavano Park Dental Office said. “Unfortunately, stress and anxiety are more common these days and may show as night-time bruxism or other issues.” Routine dental exams would reveal these matters before them leading to worn-down or cracked teeth.

 

But is it safe to visit the dentist now? 

Maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, washing your hands are life-saving measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). After the initial lockdown in most parts of the world including San Antonio, dental offices have implemented strict safety policies to protect dental patients and their staff. Initially, the recommendation was to limit the dental procedures to dental emergencies only. However, the offices resumed their normal operation as per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations following their latest guidelines. 

What is your COVID-19 policies at office? 

Please read our detailed policies on our COVID-19 update page. Our strict patient screening, airborne-infection isolation rooms (AIIRs), daily screening of our team members, regular temperature checks, social distancing, use of hand sanitizer, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, isolation gowns, and gloves as well as rigorous infection control protocol ensures a safe environment for you & your loved ones as much as possible. 

In addition to enhanced sanitation, our modern office is equipped with Negative Pressure Room, constantly removing the viruses & bacteria from our office air.  Origins Specialty Dentistry has been featured on news because of their top technology to protect their patients during the pandemic at office.

We have gone above & beyond the CDC, OSHA, and ADA guidelines by implementing ONE PATIENT AT A TIME POLICY to ensure social distancing. Here at Origins, you are always our VIP patient! 

Routine visits with a dentist and periodontist are vital to maintaining the health of teeth, gums and oral cavity. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, do not forget brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, healthy lifestyle and visiting your dentist for regular check-up and cleaning. 

 

So if you are looking for a dentist on De Zavala or in Shavano Park, Origins Specialty Dentistry can be the best option for you. Our experienced dentists and specialists are committed to providing high-class dental care for you & your family. Seeing only one patient at a time, our dedicated and compassionate team ensures a safe environment for you & your family. If you live in Boerne, Fair Oaks, Dominion, Leon Springs or Shavano Park, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, Leon Valley, or Medical Drive, we are here for your dental needs. Our experienced dentists & friendly team are here to answer your questions. Our modern office is conveniently located just north of De Zavala on I-10. 

CALL (210) 460 0749 or book your appointment online.

  

Origins Specialty Dentistry

5718 University Heights Blvd, Suite 201
San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: (210) 460-0749
Fax: (210) 560-2333
Email: info@originsspecialtydentistry.com
www.OriginsSpecialtyDentistry.com

 

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