Category: Blog

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal in Bruxism and Tooth Grinding Cases

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal in Bruxism and Tooth Grinding Cases:

Amalgam Filling Removal in patients who Brux and Grind their teeth can be challenging cases.  Tooth Wear or specifically wear of the enamel including cracking, chipping and abrading of the enamel will predispose teeth to decay and will prematurely break down existing filling materials.  In the picture below, the yellow area adjacent to the Amalgam filling is where all of the white enamel has been worn away, exposing the underlying Dentin.  The Amalgam Filling is also crumbling and separating from the tooth.  All of this damage was caused by a TMJ problem.  TMJ or TMD is defined as a misalignment between the best fit of the teeth and the path of closure of the jaw.   The misalignment causes tooth clenching and grinding or Bruxism.  TMJ or TMD problems can be diagnosed and cured by a specially trained TMJ Dentist.

In the case below, the Amalgam Filling containing Mercury Filling material was removed using the www.IAOMT.org safe amalgam filling material protocol.  Additionally the TMJ problem was corrected with a Bite Adjustment and the exposed dentin was sealed (as was the original amalgam filling material) with a BPA-free tooth colored composite filling material.

amalgam removal before
Amalgam Filling Removal including tooth grinding bruxism damage

 

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal
Amalgam replaced with BPA free composite

Does Sedation Dentistry have Side Effects?

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

Sedation DentistDoes Sedation Dentistry have Side Effects?

Sedation Dentistry can be performed in cases where patients have severe Dental Anxiety or if the patient has a severe gag reflex. Sedation may also be used when treatment is extensive and complicated. Many appointments for dental treatment can be combined in one Sedation Dentistry appointment While the patient is comfortable throughout. We offer Oral and IV Sedation options, but IV Sedation is preferred over Oral sedation due to the predictability, safety, effectiveness and precision of IV Sedation.  What are the side effects of Sedation Dentistry? You will be groggy after your procedure and you should have someone drive you to and from your dental appointment. You should not make any big decisions or legal decisions for at least 24 hours.

IV Sedation is especially helpful for longer Holistic Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Procedures.

 How does Sedation Dentistry work?

Usually, before beginning any procedures, your medical history will be reviewed and a doctor will explain how sedation and sleep dentistry can work for you. Prior to your dental care appointment, you will be able to choose what treatment option you want to undergo. For most Sedation cases, IV Sedation is preferred over Oral sedation due to the predictability, safety, effectiveness and precision of IV Sedation.

On the day of your appointment, you’ll take a medication that makes you relaxed and comfortable. Once the procedure and sedation is about to begin, your vital signs will be monitored very closely. Although you are not completely unconscious, many patients sleep through their dental appointment and patients have very little or no memory of their dental appointment.

Due to the relaxing effects of both oral and IV medication, you will be required to have a friend or family member bring you to the dental office and return you home following your appointment.

Who is a good candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is offered for all types of dental procedures, ranging from Oral Surgery or Tooth Extraction to Mercury Filling Removal, Holistic Dentistry and Dental Implants. Usually, before beginning any procedures, your medical history will be reviewed and a doctor will explain how sedation and sleep dentistry can work for you. Prior to your dental care appointment, you will be able to choose what treatment option you want to undergo. There are advantages to oral sedation, and is an excellent method of treatment for you if you who have any of the following concerns:

  • Dental Anxiety
  • Difficulty Getting Numb
  • Very Sensitive Teeth
  • Extensive Dental Needs
  • Gag reflex
  • Special Needs

My Mission of Mercy Maryland Volunteer Experience

Posted on by Holistic Dentist
My Mission of Mercy Experience
My Mission of Mercy Experience

My name is Jennifer Tipograph DDS and as a dentist I have the ability to use my skillset to give back. I can use my own two hands to help people that cannot afford dental care. I have the power to alleviate pain, allow someone to eat, and most importantly smile again. My desire to volunteer began in a free clinic while studying at Virginia Tech. Since then, my passion to help the less fortunate has become a part of who I am.

I have done dental mission work inside and outside the United States. The most recent was on September 5th, when I volunteered at the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy (MOM) & Health Equity Festival. The two day event was held inside the Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland. It provided free emergency dental care to more than twelve hundred poor and underserved people. The patients from the local communities started lining up at 10:00 PM the night before. They came with their blankets, food, and neglected teeth.

Dr. Jennifer Tipograph
Dr. Jennifer Tipograph

Upon walking into the arena, my breath was taken away. The basketball court had been transformed into a makeshift dental clinic with one hundred dental chairs organized into rows by discipline. Through a collaborative effort from dental and health care professionals, Catholic Charities of Washington, and the University of Maryland Center for Health Equity we were provided everything from local anesthetic to a fully functional dental unit. Along side eighteen hundred volunteers at the Mission of Mercy Maryland, we provided one and half million dollars worth of free dental care. We performed assessments, cleanings, root canal therapy, restorative fillings, CEREC crowns, and extractions. We provided prescriptions when needed, patient education every time, and most importantly empathy for how they felt.

At this event, I saw teeth that were just as bad if not worse than the teeth I have seen in the third world countries where I have volunteered. I saw patients cry tears of joy and appreciation. I was thanked every time and was given many hugs throughout the day.

The feeling one gets after a day of giving back is hard to describe. It is addicting, empowering, and self-rewarding. It is something that gives “being a dentist” another meaning.
I highly recommend volunteering to anyone and everyone. I know we are all busy, but even if it is one afternoon a year the impact one can have is life changing.