Category: information

If sedation dental care is recommended, you might wonder what does sedation dentistry feel like? 

Sedation dentistry feels relaxing. With sedation, you’ll likely nap through your dental visit.  After care, you are alert enough to walk out of our office with your companion. Then, you go home and rest comfortably. You can plan to be back to your normal routine the next day. 

Sedation dentistry is usually recommended for two reasons. First, levels of dental fear or anxiety are high for some people. Sedation dentistry can help you rest through treatment and get the care you need. Second, some treatments can be lengthy. For longer treatment visits, Dr. Frahm may recommend sedation care. It’s important to understand being sedated in our office is not like going under anesthesia for hospital surgery. 

You might ask, what does dental sedation feel like?

The short answer is that it depends on the type of sedation dentistry you’re having. Read below and learn how the different forms of sedation make you feel.

Dental Sedation Explained

Sedation dentistry is an effective way to minimize any anxiety or discomfort you may feel during dental treatment. Sedation dentistry comes in several forms. 

Your primary options for sedation dental care are likely: 

• Mild: Nitrous oxide helps you relax through treatment. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas.  It is the mildest sedative we provide. 
• Medium: Medication, in pill form, can be prescribed by Dr. Frahm before your treatment visit.  With sedation medication, you will need a companion to drive and accompany you to and from your dental visit.
• Strong: Intravenous sedatives are sometimes recommended to you if you struggle with significant anxiety, PTSD or have a medical condition that makes IV sedation a good choice. 

During sedation dental care, you will likely drift into a twilight state. You won’t remember much about your dental visit. In fact, many people say they have short term amnesia after sedation dental care. Usually, it’s considered a plus. 

When thinking about your sedation experience, it can be helpful to know the levels of sedation relaxation. Depending in your needs for care, and response to sedation medication, you can expect to enter one or more of these states of rest: 

• Minimal sedation: Awake but relaxed. You can still respond to Dr. Frahm.
• Moderate sedation: Slurring of words, not much is remembered.
• Deep sedation: On the edge of consciousness to being unconscious. 

During your sedation care visit, our team of trained health care professionals monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Throughout your visit, we make sure you are safe and resting comfortably.

Types of Dental Sedation and How They Feel

When you ask, what does dental sedation feel like? The answer is it depends. The type of sedation you receive, duration of your visit, and preferences for care drive your experience.

Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas is the least invasive, and most common, type. Most of us experience no side effects and can use it safely. Laughing gas is delivered via a mask that covers your nose. It is inhaled. The gas can be flavored. Many dentists give patients a choice of the type of scent they prefer. With laughing gas, you may become silly, giggly and have a sense of euphoria. The effects wear off almost immediately. After care, it helps to rest and recover for a few minutes before you leave our dental office. Unless otherwise directed, you should be able to drive yourself to and from your dental visit.

Oral Sedation

Also known as oral conscious sedation, is a sedative given in pill form. Usually, Dr. Frahm prescribes two doses. You take the first dose before your visit. Dr. Frahm may recommend a second dose once you arrive at our office for care. Oral conscious sedation is anti-anxiety medication that helps you deeply relax. You will probably feel drowsy when you take oral sedation medication but remain awake and conscious. 

Side effects of oral sedation include grogginess, and a dream state feeling. It can take a several hours for oral conscious sedation to wear off. Due to the time it takes to recover from sedation, you need someone to drive you to and from care. It is best if a companion can be present while you rest.  Dr. Frahm calls a few hours after your sedation dentistry visit to check on you.

IV Sedation

For people with severe dental anxiety, IV sedation is often recommended. It is also administered to patients who are undergoing dental surgeries. The medication is delivered through an intravenous needle in the arm and the dose is monitored throughout the procedure.

Slurred speech and memory loss are very common for IV sedation and will likely result in forgetting the entire procedure. The sedation is at a much deeper level than the other methods and keeps most patients on the edge of consciousness.

All IV sedation patients must have a companion to drive them to and from care, and stay with them after care for about 24 hours. 

Safe Dentistry for You

The type of sedation you choose depends on what ensures a safe and comfortable dental visit, and your overall health. As you can see, there are different ways you can feel depending on your needs. A sedative will make you feel drowsy but relaxed, have you feel like you’re in a dream, or forget the whole procedure entirely. 

Dr. Frahm is a gentle dentist, who created an office space design for calm and comfort. To put you at ease, we offer both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation dentistry. Dr. Frahm always discusses your options with you before treatment begins. For more information click the link below.

Dr. Sarah Frahm

For people with receding gums,gum grafts can treat the issue. Gum grafting to replace lost gum tissue is one of the most common procedures in the US.

Gum recession is a common problem. Yet,gum recession is not something you should ignore. That’s because gum recession can be the result or lead to health issues. Treatments such as gum grafting can repair your gums and prevent further harm. 

What causes gums to recede?

Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds your teeth wears away. Gums pull away from the tooth’s surface exposing enamel and the root. Receding gums cause gaps to form between teeth and the gum line. This creates space for bacteria to collect. Once harmful bacteria collect in gum pockets,your risk of tooth decay,sensitivity,and bone loss increases.  

There are a few factors that can cause gums to recede,including:

• Genetic predispositions make some of us more susceptible to gum disease and recession.
• Wear and tear associated with aging. 
• Aggressive tooth brushing can cause tooth enamel to wear away and gums to recede. 
• Advancing tooth decay and tooth loss increases your risk for gum recession. 
• Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Over time,periodontal disease can destroy gum tissue and the supporting bones. 

Gum grafting effectively treats receding gums

Gum grafts treat gum recession by replacing the lost tissue around your teeth. When you restore the health of your gum tissue you improve your oral health.

If you think you have receding gums,make an appointment with Dr. Frahm. She will measure the pockets around your teeth to diagnose any gum problems. If your gum recession is in the early stages,she may recommend curettage periodontal treatment. Curettage is performed here,in our dental office,by Stacey who directs our clinical hygiene department. If surgical care is required to restore your dental health,Dr. Frahm will recommend a periodontal specialist.

Other advantages of gum grafting

Gum grafting gives you the best chance of treating advanced gum recession,gum disease,and improving your overall oral health. It also reduces your risk of additional cavities and decreases tooth sensitivity. According to the Cleveland Clinic,gum grafting has a treatment success rate of over 90%. 

It’s a plus that gum grafting improves the appearance of your smile. By evening out an uneven gum line gum grafts frame your teeth with symmetry. Most importantly,gum grafts cover exposed tooth roots. This reduces your risk for tooth loss and protects your teeth from decay. 

When gum grafting is required to treat receding gums due to periodontal disease,chances are good that your dental insurance will cover the procedure. Be sure to talk to your dental insurance provider to find out what’s covered and if there are any out-of-pocket expenses. You can also discuss payment options with our dental care team. 

Let our team of dental care experts help you attain your most vibrant smile. Please call 831-372-8011 today or click the link below to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Frahm. We serve patients throughout the communities of Monterey,Carmel,and Pebble Beach. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm

Crowns are a common dental treatment,but the cost of crowns can vary Once it is determined you need a crown,Dr. Frahm explains your  options. Ultimately,the cost of your crown depends on the materials it’s made of.  

What are dental crowns made of?

Permanent dental crowns are made from either porcelain,ceramic,base metals,composite resin,and even zirconia. Let’s break down each type and what you can expect for the cost:

Porcelain: is a non-toxic dental material that works with the body’s natural systems. Porcelain naturally adheres to your DNA,making it five times stronger than your natural teeth. Porcelain can also be perfectly matched to the exact color of your teeth. As for cost,according to Authority Dental,porcelain crowns can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.

Ceramic is a beautiful option for crowns. Their color and sheen match your tooth’s natural aesthetic. Ceramic crowns are long-lasting,making them a great option. Ceramic crowns typically cost about the same as porcelain at $1000-$2,500 per crown.  

Metals like gold,platinum or nickel are commonly used for crowns on back molars. These metals are incredibly strong and long-lasting. The downside of metal crowns are they do not match your tooth color and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Depending on the type of metal,each of these crowns can cost between $800-$2,500. 

Zirconia is the newest material being used for dental crowns. It’s a type of ceramic that offers superior strength and durability to withstand many years of wear. However,it can be difficult to match zirconia exactly to your tooth color. The cost of zirconia crowns can cost upwards of $1,000-$2,000 each. 

Composite resin crowns are a popular option since they cost less than other materials. However,resin crowns are more likely to crack and wear down. This means they will need to be replaced more frequently. Resin composite crowns average about $300. 

Please note: Depending on your location,the expertise of your dentist and lab fees,the cost for crowns and other dental treatments may differ. 

Paying for dental crowns

The prices listed above are out-of-pocket costs. Dental benefits typically cover a portion of crown costs.  One caveat to keep in mind: some insurance policies have waiting periods of one to two years before they’ll cover a crown. So,it’s always a good idea to review your dental benefits policy before treatment. 

Talk to Dr. Frahm about custom porcelain and ceramic CEREC crowns that can be fitted and placed in just one visit. If you are ready to see how quickly and beautifully custom crowns can transform your smile,click the link below!

Dr. Sarah Frahm

You may have heard the terms “inlays” and “onlays” from your dentist and wondered what they mean. Simply stated,they are a dental care treatment to repair cavities,tooth decay,wear from bite force,tooth trauma,and small fractures. 

Inlays and onlays are similar to filings and crowns,but differ in the following ways: 

• Fillings are used for small cavities and are best for the sides of teeth.
• Inlays are used in place of fillings when only a small amount of tooth structure has been lost to decay. Inlays are used when a cavity requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth.
• Onlays are for substantial cavities that don’t cover the entire tooth surface.
• Crowns are used when there is deeper decay or larger tooth fractures,and tooth reshaping is needed. 

What is an inlay?

An inlay replaces decayed tooth enamel. Once your cavity is removed,your dentist places your inlay on the chewing surface of your tooth. Your inlay is custom designed to fit the area between tooth cusps. Inlays are created using an imprint of the affected areas and are manufactured in a dental lab. This means they provide greater strength because they fit your teeth perfectly. Inlays are also better at preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Inlays are made from tooth colored ceramic,porcelain or a composite material that is stronger than traditional fillings. Porcelain in particular can be perfectly matched to the color of your teeth. Porcelain naturally bonds to teeth. This bonding process improves the strength of your tooth.

Inlays vs. fillings 

There are many benefits of inlays compared to fillings:

• Inlays preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. 
• With natural tooth structure in place,it’s easier to clean your teeth.
• Inlays work better than fillings for larger cavities in the center of the tooth.
• Porcelain inlays are more stable than amalgam or composite fillings which can expand and contract,causing cracks. This makes fillings ideal for the sides of teeth,while inlays are more durable for chewing surfaces.
• Porcelain inlays are a biocompatible material. They strengthen teeth and can handle 75% more chewing force.
• Inlays are custom-made by using an impression to fit perfectly to your teeth. 

Inlays have a few disadvantages in comparison to fillings. When choosing between the two,you and your dentist should take the following into account:

• Fillings can be placed in one visit. Lab-manufactured inlays usually require two visits.
• Fillings are less expensive. 
• In the event of damage,repairing an inlays is more difficult.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are recommended when a cavity is too big to fill,but too small for a crown. Onlays are also called partial crowns. This is because they cover a portion of the tooth. Onlays are placed to preserve natural tooth structure. 

Onlays are custom manufactured in a lab. Our onlays are made of porcelain from an exact imprint of your teeth. The porcelain naturally bonds with your tooth to add strength. The porcelain used in both inlays and onlays is perfectly color-matched to your surrounding teeth. 

Onlays vs. crowns

Onlays and crowns differ in size and location. Crowns are an excellent restorative solution when significant wear or decay has occurred. They either extend down the sides of your tooth or cover the tooth. Onlays are smalle. They fit over the biting surface of your tooth and extend to cover the cusps. 

Dental professionals often recommend an onlay to: 

• Preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
• Provide additional strength to your tooth. 

If you’re not sure whether you need inlays,onlays,crowns or fillings,we encourage you to reach out to a dental professional for a consultation! Alternatively,click the link below if you’d like to learn more about the services and procedures involving inlays and onlays! 

Dr. Sarah Frahm

Sinus Infection Tooth Pain: How They Are Linked

Sinuses are spaces in your skull. They warm and moisten the air so that they are fit for you to breathe in. The largest sinuses,called the maxillary sinuses,are above your upper molar teeth. When the maxillary sinuses are infected,they can also affect the closest areas,such as your upper molars. 

Sinusitis causes tooth pain in two ways:

• Referred pain from sinuses,teeth,and gums share the same pain-transmitting nerves. 
• Congestion puts pressure on the root of the upper molars,causing discomfort. 

Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Infection?

No,a sinus infection cannot cause tooth infection. However,a tooth infection can spread to the sinuses and cause sinusitis. Dental infections can cause 40% of chronic sinus infections.

Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain in Front Teeth?

The maxillary sinuses are above the upper molars,making them less likely to cause tooth pain in the front teeth if the sinuses are infected. We advised that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more. 

How do I Know if My Toothache is a Sinus Infection? Causes and Symptoms

Sinuses produce mucus to keep the air moist and prevent the inside of your nose from drying out. If the sinuses are irritated or infected,they can swell and get congested,causing pain in the upper molars.

What are the Most Common Symptoms of Sinus Infection Tooth Pain

Together with sinusitis signs and symptoms,the most common symptom of sinusitis tooth pain is toothache on more than one adjoining upper molars. The pain is not localized on one tooth. 

Another common symptom is pain aggravated by movement. Movement like jumping up and down can aggravate sinus tooth pain. Pain can also be aggravated by bending over or lying down. The motions can cause congested sinuses to press on the roots of the molars with more force. Meanwhile,lying down can lessen the pain.

How Long Does Tooth Pain Last with Sinus Infection?

It would depend on the severity of your sinusitis. Since sinus tooth pain appears more in acute sinus infection,said symptom can last up to ten days. 

Effective Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure in Your Teeth

Sinusitis Home Remedies

Since the congested mucus promotes germs that cause sinusitis,the goal is to decongest. Here are remedies you can try at home:

Hydrate
Drinking fluids can help thin the mucus and promote drainage to the nasal cavity.

Warm Compress
A warm compress over the sides of the nose can warm the sinuses and loosen mucus.

Steaming
Breathing in the steam of a bowl of hot water or a hot shower can loosen mucus. The warm,moist steam can soothe irritated nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Sinus Flushing
Flushing your sinuses with warm or room-temperature saline solution can help moisturize the lining of your sinuses. It can also loosen mucus and clear nasal cavities. 

Decongestants
Decongestants can help relieve symptoms. Topical decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than seven days as they can cause symptoms to worsen. The same can happen when using decongestant nasal sprays for over three days.

Toothache Home Remedies

Cold compress
A cold compress on the painful area for 10-15 minutes several times daily can numb tooth pain. 

Over-the-counter Pain Relievers
You can take OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen or numbing gels to treat sinusitis dental pain. 

Do I Need Antibiotics for a Sinus Infection?

Since most sinus infections get better without antibiotics,antibiotics are only prescribed by the doctor if other treatments don’t work,and they suspect bacterial infections. Antibiotics are only prescribed when other medications don’t work because they can cause mild to rash side effects,from rashes to severe allergic reactions.

When to Seek Professional Dental and Sinus Care

While you may need to consult your dentist to confirm if you have sinus or dental-related tooth pain,please schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms:

• Tooth pain that persists after the sinusitis has disappeared
• Severe pain
• Fever that lasts more than three days
• Symptoms that persist for more than ten days without improvement
• Symptoms that got better then got worse
• Inability to eat or drink due to dental or facial pain.

If you’re looking for sinus relief or interested in learning more about sinus surgery,click the link below!

Dr. Amy Anstead

What is a Deviated Septum?

A septum in a deviated septum is the nasal septum or cartilage that divides the inside of your nose into the left and right chambers. 

When the septum deviates from its midline,it causes congestion and difficulty breathing in the smaller chamber. It also causes drying,crusting,or bleeding in the larger chamber.

Common Causes of Deviated Septum

Most people have deviated septums that cause no to minor symptoms. However,there are causes of deviated septums that can cause significant symptoms. The following causes are:

Congenital

The deviated septum can have developmental causes. It can occur at birth due to genetic factors such as hereditary connective tissue diseases.  

Nose Injury

The deviated septum can also come from traumatic causes. An injury can cause the nasal septum to be displaced to either side. It can happen due to falls,fights,contact sports,automobile incidents,or rough playing. Nasal injuries can also occur in babies due to difficult childbirth. 

Aging

A deviated septum is a common condition. As a person grows,the nasal septum can grow to one side than the other. 

Recognizing Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum can have severe symptoms affecting a person’s everyday life.

The wider chamber of the nose,caused by a deviated septum,is more exposed to air. This exposure can lead to nasal drying,leading to nose bleeds. 

The more constricted chamber,caused by a deviated septum,can result in nasal congestion. The following complications occur with nasal congestion:

• Recurring sinus infections or sinusitis
• Sinus pressure
• Headaches
• Face pain
• Noisy breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea or difficulty breathing during sleep
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty breathing can lead to chronic mouth breathing
• Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth

When Should You See a Doctor?

If your symptoms above do not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medication,you may want to see a doctor to be healthier and live more comfortably. Furthermore,symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion,recurring sinus infections,and frequent nosebleeds require medical consultation.

Diagnosing a Deviated Septum

To diagnose if a person has a deviated septum,your healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical examination. If further examination is needed,they may do the following procedures:

Nasal Endoscopy

First,they apply a decongestant spray with lidocaine to prepare your nasal cavity. Lidocaine helps the patient’s comfort with its numbing properties alongside topical anesthesia.

Then,they will use an extended tube scope attached with a bright light and a small camera to look inside. The tube would be connected to a monitor screen.

At the end of the procedure,they will remove the tube and apply a decongestant spray to the nasal cavity again.

CT Scan

If needed,your healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan of the nose. The imaging test can determine the seriousness of the deviated septum and the severity of the symptoms.

After the diagnosis,you may be referred to a sinus surgeon or an ENT specialist. 

How Sinus Surgery Can Help Correct a Deviated Septum

If medical therapy does not alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing,surgery to correct the deviated septum can be recommended.

Septoplasty involves repositioning and aligning the nasal septum to the center of the nose. With nasal septum correction,the patient can benefit by having proper airflow inside the nasal cavity to alleviate symptoms. 

Depending on the severity of the condition,the surgery can be an outpatient or inpatient procedure that lasts 1-2 hours. In some cases,a surgeon may recommend sinus surgery to minimize sinus infections or rhinoplasty to reshape the nose.

Expert Care and Surgical Solutions at Puget Sound Sinus Center

If you are experiencing chronic sinus disease or nasal obstruction,your healthcare provider may refer you to a sinus surgeon. As the only Fellowship-trained Rhinologist and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgeon worldwide,Amy Anstead,MD,FARS,provides surgical solutions and state-of-the-art techniques to alleviate severe symptoms people experience from deviated septums. 

At Puget Sound Sinus Center,we aim to provide personalized,holistic,patient-centered care for maximum comfort and healing.

A deviated septum can cause a domino effect of symptoms that can interfere with your breathing,sleeping,and health. Having performed thousands of successful complex sinus surgeries,Dr. Anstead has treated patients to a better quality of life around the globe. If you’d like to learn more about deviated septums or other sino-nasal surgeries,click the link below! 

Dr. Amy Anstead