Blog | Optima Dental Spa

Does Chronic Teeth Grinding Cause Sensitivity?

August 30, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Some people know they grind their teeth because they regularly awaken their partner with loud grinding sounds, or they have a sore jaw and headache in the morning. Others find out because their dentist notices signs of unusual wear on their teeth. Regardless of how you discover your nighttime bruxism (or chronic teeth grinding and clenching as you sleep), it’s important to seek treatment. Teeth grinding is more than just a bothersome habit that can disrupt your sleep; it can negatively affect your dental health too! Read on to learn more about bruxism and how to protect your teeth.

Bruxism & Teeth Sensitivity

If someone has nighttime bruxism, they chronically grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Over time, this repeated intense pressure can wear down the outer protective layer of teeth, called the enamel. It can also chip and break teeth. Teeth can be damaged so badly that the next layer of teeth, called the dentin, becomes exposed. This dentin is composed of hundreds of microtubules that connect to sensitive nerve endings stemming from the inner pulp. When pressure and/or extreme temperatures irritate these nerve endings, it’s common to feel sensitivity and pain.

How to Protect Your Teeth

The best thing you can to protect your teeth from the negative effects of teeth grinding and clenching is to get fitted for a custom nightguard. A mouthguard will provide your teeth with a layer of protection and will alleviate some of the pressure and tension that comes with bruxism. We also recommend looking into relaxation techniques and ways to relieve your stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other forms of exercise.

Get Fitted for a Custom Nightguard

If you want to confirm whether or not you have bruxism, or if you already know you do and are interested in getting a nightguard, contact Optima Dental Spa today! Our team can help you protect your teeth so you can avoid dealing with the pesky problems of tooth sensitivity.

Which Dental Implant Treatment Is Right for Me?

August 23, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement option that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Its design mimics that of a real tooth and its root, offering you reliable support while preventing jawbone degeneration. But did you know there are different types of dental implants? Read on to discover which one is best for your unique situation.

If You’re Missing One Tooth…

…then an individual dental implant is best for you!

A single dental implant is just as it sounds: one implant that we surgically place in the gap left by your missing tooth, where it will remain fixed in place. At Optima Dental Spa, patients with healthy jawbones may be good candidates for a same-day dental implant. For these immediate load dental implants, Dr. Saleh places your dental implant and a temporary tooth in the same day!

If You’re Missing Multiple Teeth…

And Have a Healthy Jawbone

…then an implant-supported bridge, implant overdentures, or snap-on dentures may be best.

While it is possible to replace each of your missing teeth with an individual dental implant, it is often easier and more cost-effective for you to replace them using a bridge, implant overdentures (dentures stabilized with four or more implants), or snap-on dentures (dentures that snap onto two implants at the front of your mouth). Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums with a denture adhesive, dentures supported by implants are more stable and comfortable.

If You’re Missing Multiple Teeth…

But Have Experienced Jawbone Loss

….then you might want to consider All-on-4^® dental implants.

Like their name suggests, All-on-4 dental implants are a set of artificial teeth attached to four implants. The difference with implant overdentures, however, is the positioning of the implants. With All-on-4 the front implants are placed straight while the back two are implanted at a 45-degree angle. You don’t have to undergo bone grafting because the implants’ placement allows for more contact with your jawbone.

Dental Implants in Portland, OR

The best way to know which dental implant treatment is right for you is to speak with a dental professional. Here at Optima Dental Spa, we can evaluate your oral health and smile goals, and give you our expert recommendations. Contact us today to set up your complimentary consultation and CT scan.

Affordable Dental Care with CareCredit

August 17, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Sometimes, a good dental insurance plan can help make oral healthcare treatments significantly more affordable for patients. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone has dental insurance, can get it, or even would greatly benefit from available plans within their budget. The good news is there are other alternatives out there. At Optima Dental Spa, we believe that no one should have to drain their bank account to achieve and maintain a healthy smile, so we accept several payment options. Read on to learn about financing your dental care with CareCredit^®!

CareCredit Patient Financing

If you face a bigger out-of-pocket cost for your dental care than you’d like, one way to make things more affordable is to break it up with a third-party patient financing program like CareCredit.

You can think of CareCredit like a credit card you use specifically for your healthcare and wellness expenses. Depending on the terms of your specific plan, you’ll have different payment lengths and interest rates. One of the great things about CareCredit is the variety of financing options they have, including short-term (6 to 24 months) and long-term (24 to 60 months) financing. There are even some terms where you don’t have to pay interest at all!

How to Apply for CareCredit

Applying for CareCredit is a piece of cake! You can do so online or over the phone, and either way you’ll get your credit decision almost instantly. To start your application, visit the CareCredit website. Their site will walk you through the process step by step. If you decide to call to apply, they have live agents standing by to help Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

Our Team Is Here to Help!

If you want to discuss your financial options with one of our team members, or if you need some assistance getting started with CareCredit, we’re happy to help. Contact Optima Dental Spa today and let us know what we can do for you.

Get Your Dream Smile with a Full-Mouth Restoration

August 10, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Sometimes it takes more than just a simple, one-off dental treatment to get your smile to the appearance and condition you want it to be in. But don’t worry; at Optima Dental Spa, we’re used to seeing all different kinds of cases—and we’re here to help everyone find the right smile solution. If you are someone whose teeth need a little extra TLC to get back to looking and functioning great, then our full-mouth restorations could be just what you’re looking for.

What Treatments Are Involved in a Full-Mouth Restoration?

The beauty of a full-mouth restoration is that there’s no single standard way of doing it. Instead, we’ll look at your unique case to figure out which dental treatments will be most beneficial to you. Then we can combine them together to construct a beautiful new smile.

Some of the common dental procedures used in a full-mouth restoration include dental crowns, veneers, bridges, and dental implants. Each of these serves a different purpose, from repairing severely decayed teeth to fixing the shape or alignment of teeth to replacing missing teeth altogether.

How Much Does a Full-Mouth Restoration Cost?

Just like how the procedures in a full-mouth restoration can vary widely depending upon the patient, so too can the price. What we can say is that you’ll always get a cost estimate before any work begins so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay for your dental care. We also invite you to talk to our team about your different financial options to figure out the best way to afford your treatment.

Ready to Get Started?

The first step toward your new smile just requires a call or email to our dental practice. From there, we’ll set you up with a consultation at one of our locations, Lake Oswego or Portland Pearl District. We invite you to tell us what you’d like to change about your smile and/or what’s bothering you about your teeth. Then, we can discuss your options and the next steps if you’d like to move forward. So reach out to Optima Dental Spa today! We look forward to hearing from you.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

July 31, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

If you often feel an uncomfortable, sharp pain when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, you have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue, but many people aren’t aware of the cause of their sensitivity or how to address it. Read on to learn about common causes of sensitive teeth!

Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity is when you feel pain or discomfort when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, but not necessarily otherwise. However, tooth sensitivity could indicate issues that could later lead to tooth decay, so it’s best not to ignore it.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Gum Disease – Gums become inflamed when bacteria is trapped under your gumline and plaque accumulates along your teeth. As irritated and infected gums pull away from your teeth, your sensitive roots become exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, and decay.
Cracked Teeth or Thin Enamel – Enamel that is cracked or thin due to trauma or chronic teeth grinding puts your inner tooth at risk for irritation and infection, which can both cause sensitivity.
Alcohol & Tobacco – If you use an alcohol-based mouthwash, consume alcoholic beverages regularly, or smoke, you increase your risk of damaging your enamel and developing tooth sensitivity.
Brushing Too Hard – Brushing your teeth too hard will erode your enamel and cause your gums to recede, exposing your sensitive tooth roots. Be sure to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush using small, gentle circles to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
Decay – Decayed teeth have enamel that is either weakened or permanently damaged, which increases your risk of sensitivity.

Combatting Tooth Sensitivity

If you experience sensitive teeth, visit us to determine its root cause. Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, we may recommend a treatment to address any underlying issues (like gum disease, a crack, or decay) or that you use a special anti-sensitivity toothpaste designed for those with sensitivity. We can also recommend changes to your dietary and lifestyle habits to help prevent further damage to your teeth, such as quitting smoking, improving your brushing technique, or wearing a nightguard.

Reach Out to Our Expert Team!

Do you want the healthy and pain-free smile of your dreams? Visit us at Optima Dental Spa and we’ll help develop a treatment plan that’s perfect for your unique dental needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

July 26, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Many Americans struggle with dental anxiety, and in some cases their dental fear keeps them even from attending their regular exams and cleanings. If you’re feeling stressed out before a visit to the dentist, you’re not alone—and don’t worry, we don’t take it personally! But we do want to help, so we’ve put together the following tips to help you combat your nerves.

Find Relaxation Methods

Relaxation techniques, while seemingly simple, can go a long way toward preparing you for an upcoming dental visit and helping you stay calm during your appointment. Practicing deep breathing and meditation can be a quick and easy, yet effective, solution for putting you at ease. For example, try a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on individual portions of your body, aiming to relax and release tension. Start with your toes and work your way up to the top of your head.

Distraction

Distract yourself by keeping busy leading up to your appointment. If you can, do something relaxing before the appointment like getting a manicure or massage, or watch a funny movie the night before. When you arrive for your appointment, feel free to bring along a loved one, a comforting blanket, a stress ball, and/or earbuds for listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast.

Talk to Us!

One of the best ways to feel better about your visit is to talk to our team beforehand. Let us know what you’re feeling; it’s good to make us aware so we are prepared to do everything we can to make you comfortable. We can explain what to expect throughout your visit, and establish hand signals or other communication techniques so that you can feel calm and in control during treatment. Additionally, we can determine whether you’d benefit from one of our dental sedation options! Depending on your unique needs, we can offer nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation.

Regular professional cleanings and checkups are an essential component in achieving a healthy mouth. Here at Optima Dental Spa, your safety and comfort are our priorities. We will strive to help you feel at ease during your visit with us. So if you’ve been avoiding the dentist out of fear and anxiety, today is the day to change that–contact us!

The Best Sugar Alternatives for Healthy Teeth

July 20, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

You probably already know that excessive sugar isn’t good for your overall body wellness or your oral health! Your dietary sugar is eaten by bacteria, which accumulate into a sticky film of plaque and create acidic byproducts that lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. If left untreated, decay causes permanent damage called cavities. We understand that it is difficult to avoid sugar, especially if you have a powerful sweet tooth. Read on for tips to protect your teeth from too much sugar!

Incorporate Sugar Substitutes

There is a special group of sugar-free sweeteners called polyols that contain antibacterial properties. Polyols are chemically processed sugar alcohols, typically found in sugar-free gum and sugar-free candy. Examples include xylitol, sorbitol, malitol, and isomalt. Studies have shown that chewing on sugar-free gum with polyols for at least 20 minutes after eating can help to prevent cavities. Additionally, Monk fruit extract and Stevia are plant-derived sugar substitutes that come in powder form and can be easily added to recipes or to sweeten beverages.

Establish Healthier Dietary Habits

It’s important to remember that sugar is not only found in candy and desserts but also things like white bread, potato chips, and other refined starches, as well as added sugar in cereals, yogurt, juice, soda, and sports drinks. Here are a few ways that you can reduce your sugar intake:

Use one of the aforementioned sugar substitutes to sweeten your morning oatmeal, coffee, or tea. Or, at least use agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup; these sweet syrups have a lower glycemic index than traditional cane sugar. However, these are still sticky on teeth and able to be consumed by your oral bacteria, so use in moderation and drink plenty of water during and after.
Before consuming anything pre-packaged, check out the nutrition label. Whenever possible, skip it if “sugar” is the first ingredient!
Cut down on sodas and sugary beverages. If you crave carbonation, try switching to flavored sparkling water without any citrus or sugar.
Swap out refined starches with whole grains whenever possible.
Rather than choosing pre-sweetened varieties with loads of sugar, add fruit to plain cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Only chew gum and mints that are sugar-free.

Keep Up with Your Preventive Oral Care

You don’t have to entirely give up on sweets to stay healthy! But a few simple changes to your diet can make all the difference in your overall health and dental health. In addition to establishing a healthier relationship with sugar, don’t forget to daily brush and floss your teeth and to come visit us every six months for a cleaning. We’d love to provide additional guidance on how to achieve and maintain healthy teeth. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Lake Oswego or the Portland Pearl District!

What to Do for a Dental Emergency

July 13, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Although dental emergencies can be stressful, Optima Dental is here to help you find a solution. The first thing we recommend is to remain calm. Panic will only make the situation worse! Then call us for emergency dental care. But to prepare beforehand, here’s a helpful guide about a few common emergency situations:

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Unless there is pain present, you may not need to be seen immediately, but we will get you scheduled so we can fill or repair your tooth soon. Tooth damage can happen from a variety of causes, such as while eating something hard, falling down, or getting hit in the mouth with a person or a ball when playing sports. Avoid eating hard foods like popcorn kernels, jawbreakers, sticky candy, and ice; wear a helmet when riding a bike, rollerblading, and skateboarding; and get a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth during contact sports.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Call us as soon as this happens! We may be able to save your tooth if you make it to our office with your tooth within one hour after your injury. But sooner will increase your tooth’s chance of survival! Keep it moist in a glass of milk or a tooth preservation kit. If you don’t have those available, use your saliva. If there is a lot of blood after your injury, apply a cool compress like a washcloth to help stop the bleeding. You may need to visit an emergency room for stitches if you have a lip laceration. To help prevent a knocked-out adult tooth, always wear a protective mouthguard during activities that can involve contact with other people, equipment, or the ground.

Mouth or Tooth Pain

A toothache can be caused by a variety of issues, like a stuck piece of food, an untreated cavity, an infection, or thin tooth enamel from chronic teeth grinding. First, try brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with a mixture of one teaspoon salt and one cup warm water. If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain, we want to see you as soon as possible before the issue gets worse. For example, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss; an abscess or infection can cause fever, swelling, and severe pain upon eating; and nighttime teeth grinding can increase your risk of decay and chronic sensitivity. Don’t put off giving us a call about your tooth pain! However, if you have trouble breathing or a high fever, go to the emergency room.

Emergency Dentist In Lake Oswego, OR & Portland, OR

Call our expert Optima Dental team ASAP if you have a dental emergency, which can range from the aforementioned issues to broken dentures, a lost crown, and more. Don’t put off fixing your dental problems, as they will only get more painful, serious, and expensive over time. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Call us today!

Dental Sedation with Blood Sugar Issues

May 21, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

I struggle with dental anxiety. I’ve been told dental sedation is a good solution for people in my position. However, I have been told you can’t eat if you have dental sedation. I have low blood sugar which sometimes requires me to eat at inconvenient times. Would I be able to get dental sedation?

Kami

Dear Kami,

Dental sedation has changed the lives of people with anxiety. I think it would be a great solution for you. Most sedation dentists offer two types of dental sedation— nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

With nitrous oxide, your dentist will place a nosepiece on you to breathe through. The gas will make you feel floaty and relaxed. It is best used for people with mild dental anxiety, but it does have some great benefits.

You can get on with your day as soon as your procedure is completed

When your dentist has is done with your procedure, he or she will switch the gas from nitrous to oxygen. You’ll be back to yourself and ready to tackle your day with no restrictions.

You can eat before getting nitrous

Very few people have any nausea when it comes to this type of dental sedation. Because of that, there are no eating restrictions.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This is usually recommended for patients with more severe dental anxiety. It is administered by you taking a pill before your appointment. However, it is so strong you will not be able to drive yourself to or from your dental appointment. You will be completely relaxed. Way too relaxed to drive.

Most patients end up sleeping through the procedure and have little to no memory of what happened. You are still conscious, though, and can respond to things if you want to.

The propensity for nausea goes up with oral conscious sedation. Most dentists will ask you not to eat before this appointment. However, given your situation, you may be allowed a small meal ahead of time. Each dentist has different guidelines.

Worst case scenario, just make sure your sedation appointment is first thing in the morning so you are not having to go very long without food.

This blog is brought to you by Lake Oswego Dentist Dr. Mo Saleh.

Tooth Turning Gray after Dentist Visit

May 9, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

I’m wondering if something has gone seriously wrong with my tooth. I had some pain in a tooth which bothered me consistently. I finally sucked it up and looked up an emergency dentist in my area. He did some x-rays and poked around. He concluded that it was a small crack in a tooth. He did admit there was no diagnostic evidence for that but he was going based on my symptoms. He prepared my tooth for a crown right then, for which I was very grateful. However, it’s been a few weeks and it still hurts some. Now I’ve noticed the tooth right next to it is turning gray. What’s going on? Did he treat the wrong tooth?

Mira

Dear Mira,

There are a few things which can be going on here. First, I want to address the gray tooth. When a tooth is turning gray, it means the tooth is either dead or in the process of dying. This will need a root canal treatment. I noticed you mentioned you looked up an emergency dentist. Usually, that means you don’t have a regular dentist. If that is because of dental anxiety, I want to take that worry off of your list.

In your place, I’d look for a sedation dentist moving forward. They can provide various levels of sedation depending on how much anxiety you face. They can provide you with anxiety-free/pain-free appointments. The biggest benefit of this is it will allow you to get the regular preventative care you need, preventing the need for an emergency dentist altogether.

Three Possibilities with this Emergency Dentist

Possibility One: He misdiagnosed you

It may be that the graying tooth is the one which was damaged the entire time and he just misdiagnosed you. The only way to know that with certainty is to get a second opinion with the original x-rays from your first visit. If they can see he was in error, that means you can get the money back on your dental crown. Without the x-ray, there’s really no way to know.

Possibility Two: Two Separate Incidents

This is very unlikely, but still in the remote realm of possibility. You could have cracked the tooth the dentist crowned and then later damaged the adjacent tooth.

Possibility Three: Delayed Symptoms

The more likely scenario, if your tooth did need the crown, is that both teeth were damaged simultaneously and the adjacent tooth didn’t start showing symptoms until recently. This does happen. Sometimes the trauma doesn’t show evidence for a while.

This blog is brought to you by Portland Dentist Mo Saleh.