Category: Uncategorized

1. Is Nitrous Oxide safe to use on children?
The Australian Dental Board states that Nitrous Oxide is considered generally acceptable and safe to use on children. Many children show enthusiasm for using the gas and report feeling a tingling or warming sensation. The laughing gas can help expedite procedures that are not particularly uncomfortable but require the child not to move for extended periods.

2. Does Nitrous Oxide make you laugh?
Contrary to its name, laughing gas does not necessarily make you laugh. The nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system to make you feel less inhibited. You may feel light-headed, tingly, or even heaviness in your arms or legs. Ultimately, you should be calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. You might even giggle a time or two.

3. Will I develop any side- effects from the gas?
Though some of the commonly listed side effects from the gas are headaches, sleepiness, sweating, shivering and nausea; most patients do not experience any reactions to laughing gas. The dentist administers and controls the nitrous oxide levels as to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.

4. Can I eat normally before the procedure?
Patients are requested to eat something light an hour or two before the procedure, as a big meal just before the procedure may cause vomiting or nausea.

5. What is Laughing Gas Used For?
Our dentists at Cairns Dental Boutique recommend the use of nitrous oxide for patients with the following indications:
Patients who are fearful, anxious, or uncooperative
Patients with special health care needs
Patients with gag reflexes that interfere with dental care
Patients who do not respond adequately to local anaesthesia
Younger patients who must undergo lengthy dental procedures

6. Who Shouldn’t Use Laughing Gas?
While nitrous oxide is considered a safe and effective sedative, it might not be the right choice for you. Please let our staff and the dentist know if you have any of the following conditions:
currently in the first trimester of pregnancy
a history of respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
a vitamin B-12 deficiency
a history of substance abuse
an enzyme condition methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency
a history of mental health conditions

Laughing gas can be a useful tool for easing anxiety and pain during dental procedures. If you think you might benefit from using nitrous oxide for your next appointment, please call us on 07 40323236 and talk to our dentist about available options.

What is TMJ disorder?

The TMJ is the joint that allows you to speak and chew normally. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is caused by problems in your jaw, facial muscles, and joints

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Be on the lookout for common TMJ symptoms, including:
Chronic headaches and migraines
Jaw joint pain or locking
Clicking sound in your jaw
Discomfort while chewing
Ear and sinus pain

What causes TMJ disorder?

Your jaw disk erodes or moves out of proper alignment
The cartilage of your TMJ is damaged by arthritis
Damage caused by a blow or other impact
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
Arthritis
Certain connective tissue disorders
Stress

How to treat TMJ pain?

Dermal Fillers is one of our most-recommended treatments for TMJ disorder. Tight muscles are often the cause or a contributing factor to your TMJ issues. They relax your jaw muscles, eliminates tension in your mouth, and prevents grinding and clenching.
Thanks to Dermal Fillers, many of our patients are now headache free after decades of suffering. Even if your migraines or headaches are more complex and involve more than just your muscles, Dermal Fillers can eliminate the portion of your pain that comes from these muscles and might offer you some relief from your suffering.

Other TMJ treatment options

Occlusal Splints — Custom-made and advanced “night guards” prevent clenching and reposition your jaw to a more favorable and comfortable position.
Invisalign — If a bite issue is the cause of your TMJ pain, we may recommend Invisalign to fix the alignment of your jaw.
Surgery — In rare situations, you may require a more advanced surgical treatment to correct the issue. If that’s the case, we can refer you to someone who can provide the care you need.

What is considered a dental emergency?

If you’re in pain or worried about a dental issue, contact us and we’ll let you know for sure whether or not you need emergent care. You’re usually experiencing a dental emergency if…

You have a toothache

It hurts to chew, brush, or speak

A tooth is loose or broken

Your gums are swollen or bleeding and won’t stop

 

Will my tooth need to be pulled?

Just because you have a toothache or other dental concern doesn’t mean you need an extraction. We’ll conduct a thorough examination and diagnosis to determine whether or not we can repair the issue with a filling, crown, or root canal. If a dental extraction is necessary, we’ll help you know what to expect and create a plan for replacing the tooth.

 

What are the signs of an infected tooth?

Constant toothache

Lingering tooth sensitivity

Sore and sensitive jawbone

 

Will a toothache go away on its own?

It’s possible your toothache may lessen or disappear, but this doesn’t mean the problem went away. In fact, the longer you wait, the more damage (and discomfort) you risk. Always seek help for a toothache (and avoid a bigger issue) right away.

 

What should I do if I lose a tooth?

If your tooth is still in one piece, pick it up by the crown (don’t touch the root) and gently rinse it off under running water. Carefully place the tooth back into the socket and call us right away to let us know what happened. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances that we can save your tooth