LAUGH YOUR FEARS AWAY: DENTAL LAUGHING GAS

WHAT IS LAUGHING GAS?

Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide gas and is commonly denoted as N₂O. It is a colourless, virtually odourless gas and has a very faint sweet smell.

In dentistry, it can be administered along with oxygen to reduce pain and anxiety. Nitrous oxide is effective as a sedative because it relaxes the patients with the pleasurable feelings it emits. Nitrous oxide's usefulness also stems from how quickly it works and that its effects are reversible

WILL I BE UNCONCSIOUS IF NITROUS OXIDE IS USED?

No. Nitrous oxide does not cause loss of consciousness. It is a popular method of conscious sedation.

WHAT WILL I FEEL WHEN NITROUS OXIDE IS ADMINISTERED?

Your dentist will place a mask covering your nose and ask you to breathe normally. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

IS NITROUS OXIDE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Nitrous oxide is not only safe , it is in fact the preferred method used especially for anxious children. It allows the child to undergo the treatment in a better manner, ensures more co-operation and may also be associated with procedural amnesia, all allowing for a positive dental attitude to be inculcated in the child.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Only a minority of patients experience any negative side effects. They can occur if the nitrous level is too high or if the amount being inhaled quickly changes. Potential side effects are as follows:

Headaches

Shivering

Excessive sweating

Nausea and/or vomiting

Fatigue

Once the nitrous oxide has been turned off, a patient needs to receive oxygen for at least five minutes to avoid a headache or vomiting. The oxygen purges any remaining gas from the lungs while aiding the patient in becoming alert and awake.

Meals are another focus point when receiving nitrous oxide. It's a good idea to eat lightly prior to your procedure and avoid a big meal afterwards

ARE THERE ANY SITUATIONS WHERE NITROUS OXIDE SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED?

Yes, please inform your dentist in the following scenarios:

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency

Cobalamin deficiency

If you are receiving treatment using bleomycin sulfate

Have a history of emotional issues or drug addiction

Pregnancy

The Department of Pedodontics at ITS Dental Hospital, Greater Noida has a well setup conscious sedation facility and doctors trained specifically in the technique to treat your tiny tots in the best possible, anxiety free manner.

Ortho-Brace Yourself!

Ortho-Brace Yourself!

Only a few people are lucky to be born with perfect teeth, however that perfect, functional smile can be all yours, with a good orthodontist. Braces are devices used in Orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help position them with regard to a person’s bite, while also aiming to improve dental health.

Here is a quick look at the different types of braces that are available for different cases and age groups.

Metal Braces

These are also called ‘traditional’ braces. They have two basic components, the metal bracket that is applied to the teeth and the bendable steel wire that is put through the brackets in order to apply pressure to the teeth and ultimately move them in the bone.  Today’s metal braces are far smaller and less noticeable than they were in the past. New technology has also created wires that move teeth faster and with less pain than in years past. 

They are the least expensive version and are often the fastest way of moving teeth into their ideal locations. Many teenagers also like the ability to choose the color of the rubber bands around each bracket, as this gives each person an opportunity to personalize their braces.

Ceramic Braces

These are a  popular alternative to metal braces. The brackets are made out of a ceramic material and thus has the same color as teeth. Tooth coloured wires may also be used to make it less conspicuous. This virtually invisible system is a popular choice amongst adults. Ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces  are similar to traditional braces in that they are made out of metal, but they are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the obvious advantage of not being visible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve desired tooth alignment. They may also be uncomfortable for the patient as they come into direct contact with the tongue. They also tend to be more difficult to clean.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are very similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the wire of the brace in place. As a result, there is less friction on the braces and it is usually easier for the individual to keep the braces and teeth clean.

        

Invisalign

Invisalign is the most distinct type of braces because they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth and r. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period.

This type of braces is preferable for many patients because they are almost invisible and allow greater freedom in eating and drinking. However, they are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.

Sources: https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/types-of-braces

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/adult-orthodontics/what-are-  the-different-types-of-braces-and-which-is-right-for-me-0414

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Dental-Braces.aspx

CBCT: Imaging Beyond Dental X-Rays

CBCT: Imaging Beyond Dental X-Rays

Radiographic examination is essential in diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. The interpretation of an image can be altered by the anatomy of both the teeth and surrounding

structures. The amount of information gained from conventional x rays is limited.

Thus came into play, the dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is  a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.  With cone beam CT, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images. CBCT produces high-quality images.

Patient Preparation

A cone beam CT examination requires no special preparation. Prior to the examination, the patient may be asked to remove metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins and hearing aids. Although removable dental work may need to be removed, it is advisable to bring these along, as the dentist may need to examine them.

Women should always inform their dentist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. 

Uses of CBCT:
​1. Implantology

CBCT can give a clear picture about the quality of bone in which the implant is to be placed, the placement in relation to the surrounding structures and in cases where bone reconstruction may be required.

2. Surgery

This imaging modality allows for better diagnosis of tumors or cysts, the relationship of teeth to structures such as nerves, the presence and extent of impaction of teeth, extra teeth, foreign bodies, etc. With the correct knowledge about the presence, extent and relation of these structures, the oral surgeons are better equipped to deal with these anomalies.

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3. Trauma

CBCT is able to show a larger number of fracture lines and fractures when compared with conventional images, depicting precisely the position and orientation of displaced fragments in a reasonably short time interval.

These could be tooth and socket fractures, fractures of the orbit, fractures of the jaws or any other structure of the face and oral cavity.

4. Orthodontics

While planning orthognathic surgeries, to evaluate the amount of airspace, to evaluate clefts in the palate, for analysis of facial structures, teeth and jaws, to place braces, to assess facial growth, age or disturbances in the eruption of teeth.

5. Endodontics

To evaluate the presence of superimposed or extra root canals, the presence of infection or pathologies around the tooth root.

6. Periodontology

 CBCT allows for highly accurate analysis of bone loss as well as bone healing after periodontal treatment or regenerative therapy. 

7. Forensic Dentistry

CBCT was established as a non-invasive method to estimate the age of a person based on the pulp–tooth ratio.

The team at ITS Dental College Greater Noida is highly trained and equipped in the techniques of CBCT imaging, analyzing these images and providing the best possible treatment for our patients accordingly!

Sources:

Alamri HM, Sadrameli M, Alshalhoob MA, Sadrameli M, Alshehri MA. Applications of CBCT in dental practice: a review of the literature . 2012;60(5):390-400.

Shanmugasundaram Karpagavalli. Application Of CBCT In Dentistry 2011. J Indian Acad Oral Med Radiol. 23. 163-167

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Dental Specialties - The 9 Realms

Everyone has to visit a dentist at some point in time. But do you know that dentistry has nine different specialties? 

Each specialty deals with a wide array of dental problems.

Oral Medicine, Diagnosis & Radiology

This branch deals with diseases of oral and surrounding structures, oral manifestation of systemic diseases and oral and dental treatment of medically compromised patients. Emphasis is laid patient’s history, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigations, radiographic examination and medical management of lesions related to oral cavity. This specialty also deals with various basic and advanced imaging techniques such as Intra-oral periapical radiographs, OPGs, CBCT, Cephalograms etc.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of human jaws, oral cavity and associated structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons deal with a variety of cases such as complex extractions, impactions, space infections, management of facial trauma, surgical corrections of clefts, correction of pathologies such as cysts and tumors and reconstructive surgeries. 

Prosthodontics

It is a branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement and restoration of lost or damaged teeth and the associated soft tissues by fixed or removable prosthesis.. Prosthodontists also deal with full mouth rehabilitation and smile designing and are popularly called ‘Architects of the smile’. This specialty deals with the fabrication and placement of complete dentures, removable partial dentures, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc.

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Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

This branch has two aspects. Conservative dentistry deals with the treatment of caries (cavities), malformed, discoloured, nonesthetic, or minimally fractured teeth and endodontics deals with treatment of pulpal (tooth nerve) and periapical diseases and dental pain management. This specialty pertains to saving infected teeth and maintaining their strength and integrity inside the mouth. Endodontists are specialized in performing complex restorations (fillings), root canal treatments, bleaching (tooth whitening), managing trauma to teeth, various aesthetic procedures, tooth surgeries, etc.

Orthodontics

It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned or mal-aligned teeth and jaws. It is concerned with facial growth and the development of the teeth and how they should correctly occlude for proper function. It deals with diagnosing, intercepting and correcting malocclusion. Orthodontists use conventional braces or advances such as ceramic braces, invisalign or lingual braces as well as certain appliances to make crooked teeth and jaws straight for a perfect smile.

Periodontics

It is the specialty that studies supporting structures of teeth,  that is the gums and bone as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. They look into various diseases of the mouth such as gum inflammation and bleeding, recession and bone defects of the tooth socket. Periodontists deal with treatments such as scaling, root planning, placement of implants, gum surgeries, treatment of bony defects, LASER treatments, etc. 

Pedodontics

Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on treatment of infants, children, and young adults. Their aim is to manage anxious children through behavior management and instill a positive dental attitude in them. Pedodontists deal with most of the dental issues in children including extractions, root canals, maintaining space in the mouth for the permanent teeth, tooth surgeries, minor orthodontic correction, management of early childhood caries and full mouth rehabilitation. They are also adept at treating children under conscious sedation.

Public Health Dentistry

It deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health. This specialization deals with studying the cause and distribution of a disease in the population and how to control it. Outreach programmes, community camps are school camps are frequently held to screen for dental problems and intercept them early. Health talks are organized and the harmful effects of tobacco are emphasized on and tobacco cessation is prioritized.  

Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions (the mouth and jaw areas). It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. It is the backbone that allows for better diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases by the other speacialties.