However, dentists also know how a patient feels about receiving treatment and so to help calm their nerves they can use sedation dentistry to help allay nerves and fears, and make dental visits much easier and comfortable. 

Sedation dentistry typically involves a range of medications designed to combat a patient’s anxiety. These medications come from a family of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are a form of anti-anxiety drugs and are used to help patients feel more relaxed. Medications used in sedation dentistry also have the effect of inducing a short-term amnesiac effect, so patients have little recollection of their treatment afterwards, preventing the possibility of negative thoughts or flashbacks, which could hinder future treatments.

Sedation dentistry medication can be delivered intravenously, via a breathable gas – usually nitrous oxide – or for the squeamish, in pill format. Each delivery method has its own advantages, and one may be more suitable to the type of treatment the patient requires than others. To ensure the patient gets the right form of sedation, a discussion with the dentist about the treatment is necessary to determine the best method to administer the sedative.

Although the term ‘sedation dentistry’ implies that the patient will be asleep during the treatment, this is not the case and the patient will remain conscious during their procedure. Sedation dentistry allows for full communication between patient and dentist and doesn’t compromise or restrict the patient’s airways, both of which can happen under general anaesthetic, and so is considered a safer alternative than full unconsciousness during treatment.

Sedation dentistry can be complimented with local anaesthetic to reduce the likliehood of patient discomfort during treatment, and is suitable for most treatments from a routine scale and polish right through to the most complex dental surgeries, such as dental implant surgery.

But of course, maintaining a good level of dental hygiene coupled with regular visits to a dentist for periodic check-ups can help reduce the likelihood of a patient needing sedation dentistry in the first place, but if nerves are getting the better of you about a dental treatment, it is worth considering sedation dentistry for your treatment.

To learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry inTulsa, please contact the office of Dr. Mark E. Massaro at 918-743-9924.

Causes of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur due to a variety of causes. These include:

• Severe decay
• Injury
• Gum disease
• Poor oral hygiene

Advantages of Dental Implants

Though some who experience tooth loss still choose traditional dentures, implants offer several advantages. Those who have used dentures often have issues with the dentures moving in the mouth. Although well-fitted dentures shouldn’t move, the mouth changes over time as the jawbone gradually degenerates. This can make dentures loose and uncomfortable if they are not regularly adjusted.

Implants are permanent and do not require special adhesives or special cleaning solutions. They remain in place when you talk, eat, and chew. While you chew, the root portions of the implants help stimulate growth in bone tissue to prevent degeneration in the jawbone.

Our dentist can help you determine if implants are a good choice for you. He will evaluate the strength of your jawbone as well as any issues you might have that could affect your ability to heal after the implant procedure. This could include autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or other problems. If you have gum disease, this should be treated before the implant procedure to ensure the infection does not cause additional complications.

Call the Tulsa OK dental office of Dr. Mark E. Massaro today and schedule your professional consultation.

Digital dental radiography has several advantages over traditional x-ray film. The process requires less radiation than traditional imaging, but produces the same level of quality in the image – or often times higher quality. Digital radiography also allows the dental technician to skip the harsh chemicals necessary to develop regular x-ray film (along with the costs of those chemicals and the film itself).

Digital radiography allows the dentist to manipulate the image created by the x-ray. He can enlarge it, turn it, and enhance it. This is perhaps one of the biggest benefits of digital x-rays as opposed to traditional x-rays, which only offer the clinician one view of the oral surface per image. The ability to view the image from different perspectives on a computer screen can aid the dentist in making faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Having an image on a screen and being able to manipulate it also allows for an easier conversation with the patient. The dentist can twist and turn an x-ray taken with digital radiography, pointing out problem areas to the patient and suggesting appropriate treatments.

Digital x-ray files are stored on a computer, as opposed to traditional x-rays, which are stored in a file. This means that the dentist can easily transfer the x-rays electronically to other dentists, the patient’s doctor, or dental surgeons to whom the dentist has referred the patient. The referring doctor will get the image electronically, which is faster and more secure than mailing the files. Digital imaging can also make insurance claim processing move more quickly, since the files can be sent electronically to the claims handler.

To learn more about the benefits of digital radiography and to schedule a consultation in Tulsa, contact the office of Dr. Mark E. Massaro today.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Many of the symptoms of gum disease are difficult to see on your own. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should discuss them with your dentist.

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• A shiny, swollen or purplish look to the gums
• Tenderness in the gums

When you visit your dentist, he will use special tools to measure the “pockets” around your teeth—the spaces where the gums meet the teeth. If these pockets are too deep, it can be an indication that the gums are pulling away from the tooth roots. This is a symptom of more advanced gum disease, and should be treated promptly.

Treating Periodontal Disease

If periodontal disease is diagnosed in the early stage, treatment can be simple. Your dentist might recommend a special toothpaste or mouthwash designed to help your gums heal and to remove the bacteria causing the gums to become infected. 

More advanced periodontal disease might require more extensive treatment. Scaling and planing is a deep cleaning technique that removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from below the gum line. For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgery might be necessary.

The best way to avoid advanced periodontal disease is through proper care and prevention. Regular brushing and flossing will help stimulate the gums as well as removing the bacteria and plaque that can build up between the tooth roots and the gums. Visiting your dentist on a regular schedule ensures early diagnosis of gingivitis to keep it from developing into a more serious issue.

If it is time to schedule a regular dental appointment to have your gums evaluated, or if you have experienced any symptoms of periodontal disease, please call our Tulsa office at 918-743-9924 to make an appointment today.

Dr. Mark E. Massaro, your dentist serving Tulsa OK, understands the impact of pregnancy on your dental health, and is excited to guide you through this new period in your life.

Many of the oral hygiene habits that are important to your health throughout your lifetime can become doubly important during your pregnancy. Routine care such as brushing and flossing after meals becomes more critical during pregnancy when women tend to eat more frequent meals. Removing food particles and neutralizing acids in the mouth can prevent gum disease and cavities. These conditions are sources of infection within the body that can weaken the immune system.

Even more specifically, controlling periodontal disease should be a top priority during the months prior to, during, and after pregnancy. As the body adjusts to pregnancy, bleeding gums and gingival inflammation are common indicators of a heightened immune response. Although these symptoms are commonly seen during pregnancy, they should not be ignored. Following your dentist’s instructions regarding proper homecare can significantly reduce the symptoms.

As society becomes more aware of the intricate connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body, the link between your pregnancy and your dental health also becomes more evident. Unfortunate occurrences such as pre-term childbirth and low-birth weight babies have been attributed to uncontrolled periodontal disease.

Routine dental care should not be ignored or postponed during these precious months.     These appointments are essential for identifying potential complications, eliminating unnecessary discomfort, and ongoing advice. Speak to your physician and your dentist about the most appropriate dental care. Procedures such as cleanings and fillings are generally safe for both mother and baby. Elective procedures like teeth whitening and routine x-rays are typically recommended after the baby is born.

To learn more about keeping your dental health in peak condition throughout your pregnancy, call the office of Dr. Massaro at 918.743.9924 and schedule your dental visit today.

Deciding on a Smile Makeover

If you have several relatively minor problems with your teeth’s appearance, you might be a good candidate for a smile makeover. Your decision should start with a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to determine the best procedures to reach your goals.

Some issues that can be treated in a smile makeover include:

• Stains or discoloration
• Chips, cracks, or breaks
• Slight misalignment
• Small gaps between the teeth
• Asymmetrically shaped teeth

These issues can be treated with relatively non-invasive cosmetic dentistry techniques that can be combined into a smile makeover. Instead of visiting the dentist multiple times, once for each procedure, your smile makeover can often be completed in one or two visits.

Procedures Often Included in a Smile Makeover

Most smile makeovers consist of a few different procedures. No smile makeover is alike, since the combination of procedures is chosen based on individual needs and goals. However, the procedures most commonly included in a smile makeover include:

• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Inlays and onlays
• Composite fillings

Teeth whitening can make a dramatic difference in the look of your teeth. For severe staining that does not respond to whitening, dental veneers can provide an excellent solution. Veneers can also be used to treat chipped, cracked, or pitted teeth, or to help teeth look more symmetrical. Inlays and onlays are also a helpful procedure for asymmetrical or misshapen teeth. With composite fillings, the dark, discolored look of traditional amalgam is replaced with natural-looking, non-metal fillings.

To find out what combination of procedures might be best for your smile makeover, please contact the dental office of Dr. Mark Massaro today for a consultation.

Many aspects of the unique structural design of dental implants contribute to the devices’ success. Implants, which are titanium screw-like structures that are inserted into the jaw bone, replicate the root of a biological tooth. A small post sits atop the implant, and that post anchors the synthetic replacement crown that fills in for the missing tooth.

Because implants are made of titanium, they are able to fuse with the bone. That titanium is compatible with the body’s biochemistry, facilitating the osseointegration process. The implant’s structure not only makes the appliance stable and unlikely to shift or move out of place, it also helps to shore up the jawbone.

In the absence of a missing tooth’s root, the jawbone will atrophy over time because no structure is present to hold it in place. This erosion can put other nearby teeth at risk for being lost, as well. However, because the implant serves as an anchor, dental implants prevent this outcome.

The implant’s structure provides the patient with other functional benefits. For example, because the replacement tooth is stable, patients rarely need to switch to a soft diet. Nearly all chewing functionality is preserved with implants. Similarly, patients do not need to add any steps to their oral hygiene routines. Implants can be brushed and flossed just like the other teeth.

Dental implants also do the best job of mimicking the appearance of a biological tooth. Dentures can be obvious and an artificial crown held in place as part of a fixed permanent bridge can stand out from the rest of the smile.

Dental implants outperform their peers in terms of form and function, so schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark E. Massaro if you need to replace a missing tooth.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. In a single visit to your dentist, you can have your teeth treated and lightened significantly. The visit only takes about an hour and, with proper maintenance, the results of the whitening procedure can last for years.

For most discoloration, an in-office treatment will provide excellent results. With Zoom! teeth whitening, a strong whitening agent is applied to the teeth. It is then activated with a special light and left on for about twenty minutes. In a typical session, the whitening agent is reapplied two or three times for the best possible results. For more stubborn staining, your dentist might recommend a take home treatment. You’ll be given whitening trays and a whitening agent. Place the prescribed whitening agent in the trays and wear the trays according to your dentist’s instructions.

How to Keep Your Teeth Looking White

Teeth whitening is not permanent, but it will keep your teeth looking brighter for a long time. In most cases, after the initial whitening treatment, intermittent maintenance treatments are sufficient to keep your teeth looking their best for years. Of course, your teeth can still be stained even after they are treated, so you’ll want to avoid staining agents such as tobacco, wine, coffee or tea. Follow your dentist’s recommendations to ensure your whitening treatment will last as long as possible.

For more information on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, and maintenance of your whitening treatment, please contact the office of Dr. Mark E. Massaro at 918-743-9924.

In-office whitening systems such as Zoom whitening can provide the bright white smile that you desire in under an hour. Most patients can expect to see results averaging 8 shades lighter. For many patients, the initial tooth shade can lighten by as many as 11 shades.  The results are noticeable right away and long lasting compared to many take home and over the counter solutions. Although no whitening method is permanent, compared to other whitening systems, Zoom! results in less shade rebound and less sensitivity.

In office teeth whitening is also the safest whitening choice. You can trust your dental team to identify any potential complications that may arise from whitening. For most patients, whitening is safe and effective, but there are some instances in which a patient may not be a candidate for whitening. By choosing an in office treatment, you will not be forced to guess if whitening is right for you.

Zoom whitening has been proven to be safe and effective. By utilizing a light activated gel (hydrogen peroxide), oxygen is allowed to enter the enamel and safely bleach out discolorations. Zoom Whitening will not be effective for dental restorations like bonding material or porcelain, but you can be assured that it will not damage your previous dental work.

As with any form of cosmetic dentistry, you can expect the best results when you are under the supervision of professionals. Teeth whitening is no exception. Choose in-office Zoom whitening to achieve the fastest and safest white smile. You can eliminate your concerns and walk away with the smile that you deserve.

Call the office of Dr. Mark E. Massaro at 918-743-9924 for your appointment today and enjoy your new smile right away.

Cosmetic dentistry is a versatile specialty that can address a variety of patients’ concerns about their smiles. Whether the problem involves teeth that are stained, crooked or missing, cosmetic dentistry offers a solution.

Dental veneers are a particularly useful technique in cosmetic dentistry. The thin porcelain shells, which are placed over the natural teeth, can cover chips or cracks in teeth or fill in diastemas, or several veneers can help to bring a slightly crooked stretch of teeth into the proper alignment.

In placing veneers, the cosmetic dentist must first take off a thin layer of enamel from the teeth to make room for the veneers. After the enamel has been removed, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth, and those impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are created. The dentist can continue to make adjustments to the veneers as needed before they are permanently bonded to the teeth.

Cosmetic dentists may also turn to dental implants to enhance a patient’s smile. Implants can replace missing teeth to fill in unsightly spaces in the smile. Implant technology has advanced, and the devices now have a remarkably natural look.

Sometimes drastic changes are not needed to improve a smile’s appearance. Mere whitening can suffice. Laser whitening systems, such as ZOOM! Whitening, can leave the teeth up to 10 shades whiter in just an hour. Whitening can also be used for a final flourish on a smile makeover that involved a number of additional procedures.

Additional restorative procedures and devices, such as crowns, inlays and overlays may also be used to help a cosmetic dentist achieve the patient’s smile goals. If you feel that your smile isn’t achieving its full potential, visit Dr. Mark E. Massaro, your dentist serving Tulsa OK, to get started on your path to a more attractive grin.