Sleep Apnea Treatment
Detect and treat mild to moderate symptoms of sleep apnea to an Enamel Dentistry studio in Texas.
Don't Lose Sleep Over Your Mouth
Almost 10% of American adults are affected by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It occurs when the tissues of the throat and palate relax during sleep. The tissue can “sag," which obstructs the airway and blocks the proper flow of air and oxygen to the lungs. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and lead to weight gain. If you suffer from OSA, come in and see us right away.
Get A Better Night's Sleep By Treating Your Sleep Apnea
Signs and Symptoms
Snoring is the most obvious sign. Others: Headaches, dry mouth, waking abruptly, short of breath, insomnia and irritability.
Health Effects
Sleep Apnea is serious. It can be debilitating and, if left undiagnosed, increases your risk of stroke by 96%.
Oral Treatment
Oral appliances will shift your jaw. For mild to moderate cases. They are a convenient way to prevent airway sagging.
See An Expert
Get a proper diagnosis. We can treat minor to moderate OAS, more severe cases should be treated by a specialist.
Come In And See Us
We'll Have You Grinning From The Chin Up
We're changing the way patients experience the dentist. Our primary concern is your oral health and making sure you feel comfortable coming to see us. We know it can be scary visiting the dentist. But our philosophy of providing an easy and fun experience combined with our use of advanced AI tools, we know you'll feel different about coming to see us.
We offer:
AI Technology That Doesn't Miss A Thing
We've invested in top-of-the-line tools and the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care. No more goopy impressions! From AI and 3D printers to iTero for digital and diagnostic impressions, we're equipped with proven equipment to ensure that every procedure is comfortable, convenient and ensures an accurate fit. Combining technology and innovations with our highly professional and knowledgeable dental team enables us to deliver the best treatment outcomes consistently.
Don't Let Finances Come Between You And A Beautiful Healthy Smile
We understand the frustration of needing dental care while feeling it may not be affordable. You shouldn't have to worry about paying for your oral health. That's why we have several options to help you easily finance your dental treatment.
Enamel Dentistry Patients Are The Best
The More You Know,
The Better Your Oral Health Will Be
How To Prepare Your Child For Their Dental Appointment
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit a dental office at the age of 1 year, or whenever they get their first tooth. If you’re a new parent or are preparing to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you may not be sure what to expect.
In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll discuss what will happen at your child’s first dental appointment, and how to prepare them for their first visit to our office.
Your Infant’s First Appointment At The Dentist
Very young children (1-2 years old) will get a lap exam at Enamel Dentistry. You will sit on the dentist’s chair and hold your child in your lap, and your dentist will examine their mouth, clean their gums and teeth gently, and answer any questions you may have about their oral health and development. This is a great time to ask your dentist questions about teething, oral hygiene for infants and toddlers, and other such topics.
First Appointments For Older Children – What To Expect
Kids who are between 2-3 years old and have most or all of their baby teeth will get a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, just like an adult. A dental hygienist at Enamel Dentistry will clean plaque away from their teeth, buff and polish their teeth, and floss to remove any remaining food particles.
Then, your child’s dentist will examine their mouth and look for any signs of tooth decay, developmental issues, and more. X-rays may be recommended if we deem them to be necessary and you approve them.
Tips For Preparing Kids For Dental Appointments
Not sure how to get your child ready for their first dental appointment? Here are a few suggestions and tips from Enamel Dentistry
- Get an early morning appointment – A well-rested child is more likely to behave and won’t be as cranky or fussy, so we highly recommend early morning appointments for first-time visitors to Enamel Dentistry.
- Maintain a good attitude – Your children can sense your emotions, even at a very young age. If you’re tense, nervous, or anxious about their appointment, they’ll notice. And they’ll be more likely to feel the same way. Do your best to remain positive.
- Use positive language – Don’t use negative terms like “shot” “hurt” “needle” or other threatening words that may make your child feel nervous. Use positive language to describe your child’s visit so that they don’t get nervous or anxious.
- Teach your kids more about dentistry – Teaching kids about dentistry can help them learn more about why it’s important, and can help with anxiety. Check out a few children’s books on dentistry, or watch some YouTube videos together so that they can learn about the basics.
- Explore sedation options – We offer sedation options such as nitrous sedation, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, and can be very useful for kids who are nervous about a procedure like a filling or a dental crown.
Come To Enamel Dentistry – Child-Friendly Dentistry For Kids Of All Ages!
If you need to find a family dentist in Austin for your kids, Enamel Dentistry is the best choice. With our team of experienced dentists and staff, we serve children of all ages with professional, caring, and patient-focused dental treatment. Contact us online to learn more and get started.
Is It Safe To See The Dentist During COVID-19? What You Need To Know
If you need emergency dental care in Austin, you may be wondering if it’s safe to see the dentist, and to come to Enamel Dentistry to get the treatment you need. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the precautions we’re taking to provide you with the treatment you need while protecting your health and well-being. Let’s get started.
We’re Taking COVID-19 Seriously & Protecting Our Patients And Staff
We have always adhered to the safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards required by the ADA, CDC, and OSHA, including cleaning and sanitizing all dental tools, replacing plastic covers, sanitizing surfaces touched by patients and staff, and more.
However, we’re making even more efforts to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as wiping down counters, doorknobs, chairs, and other commonly-touched surfaces more regularly. Doing so will help protect you and protect our staff.
In addition, we’re taking extra steps to adhere to social distancing regulations within our office, such as seeing fewer patients each day and spacing out appointments to avoid crowds. We’ve also reconfigured our sitting areas to provide more space between each person.
Going To The Dentist For An Emergency Is Safer Than Going To The Emergency Room
If you need emergency dental care, you may think that you should go to the emergency room. But most ERs are not equipped to deal with dental emergencies. You should only go to an ER if you believe you have a life-threatening issue, such as a broken jaw. Otherwise, it’s usually best to see an emergency dentist at an office like Enamel Dentistry.
In fact, it’s much safer to come to Enamel Dentistry than it is to visit the ER for treatment. As you may expect, most ERs and hospitals are treating multiple COVID-19 coronavirus patients, so being in the same area as these individuals could increase your risk of infection, even with the best possible precautions.
In contrast, Enamel Dentistry is doing its best to avoid exposing patients to COVID-19. We ask all patients about whether or not they’ve traveled, been around someone who developed COVID-19, and any symptoms they may have that could indicate COVID-19 infection. We’re taking every precaution we can to avoid exposing you and our staff members.
You Need Immediate Care For Dental Emergencies – Don’t Wait To Get Treatment
Dental emergencies always demand immediate attention, and if you don’t get help right away, your condition could get worse. For example, a pulled-out filling or crown that’s not replaced could lead to a tooth infection.
If you think your condition counts as a dental emergency, the best thing you can do is contact Enamel Dentistry for an appointment right away. We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, and our doctors will provide you with the dental care you need to resolve your emergency and restore your dental health.
So don’t wait. Contact us now to schedule an appointment at our offices in Parmer Park, South Lamar, or Lantana Place, and get the emergency care you need right away.
How Can My Dentist Help Me Sleep Better?
Do you snore when you sleep? Wake up in the middle of the night out of breath? Feel tired all the time? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects an estimated 18 million adults in the United States. With sleep apnea, your breathing stops while you’re sleeping, then starts up again. The pause in between breaths can be 10 seconds or longer, and it can happen as often as 30 times or more each hour you sleep. Unsurprisingly, this can wreak havoc on getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not uncommon for patients with sleep apnea to wake up many times throughout the night.
There are three types of sleep apnea; the most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues of the throat and palate relax while you sleep, which causes the tissues to sag and obstruct the airway. Although the daytime fatigue that comes with sleep apnea can make it difficult to go about your daily tasks, sleep apnea can have more serious consequences. It’s been linked to numerous health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure and heart problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Complications with certain medications or general anesthesia
- Liver issues
In addition, a lack of sleep can affect your overall well-being. You may find you have memory issues, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Fortunately, your dentist can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea!
How’s Your Sleep Quality?
This might not be a question you expect to hear from your dentist, but believe it or not, we have ways of spotting patients who might have sleep apnea. One of the first signs is bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding. Teeth grinding causes worn surfaces on your teeth, as well as cracks, broken teeth, and inflamed or receding gums. A sudden increase in cavities can also be a sign of teeth grinding because the force of grinding your teeth can cause damage that makes them more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are often closely associated with sleep apnea, although the relationship between the two isn’t completely understood. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that people with obstructive sleep apnea are twice as likely to have TMJ disorders than people without sleep apnea. Other signs of sleep apnea are a tongue with “scalloped” edges, a small jaw, redness in the throat, or unusually large throat tissues.
Dentistry to the Rescue!
There are several ways to treat sleep apnea; in the case of obstructive sleep apnea, you may only need to make some lifestyle changes. These include:
- Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding alcohol or drugs that relax your central nervous system
- Quitting smoking
- Taking antihistamines or other medications that help with nasal allergies
One of the most common ways to treat sleep apnea is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. CPAP machines provide a gentle flow of air through a small mask that you wear at night, which helps prevent your tissues from obstructing your airway. Although they’re very effective, they can be bulky, and some patients have trouble sleeping with them.
Nightguards or other oral appliances can also be very effective for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. They work by moving your jaw and throat into a position that prevents tissue obstruction while you sleep. Although rare, surgery is also an option for severe sleep apnea.
Get the Quality Sleep You Deserve
It might be easy to push aside sleep apnea symptoms as “just a snore” but poor sleep quality can have a serious impact on your well-being and ability to function throughout the day. However, the long-term effects are more concerning. Since sleep apnea affects the oxygenation of your blood and the way your heart and lungs function, it can increase your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other serious health problems. Sleep is also very important for the body’s immune system and ability to heal!
If you have signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them! Schedule an appointment at Enamel Dentistry so we can evaluate your symptoms and create a custom treatment plan.
How Dentists Can Help You Sleep Better!
Sedation FAQs
Why is Sedation Dentistry necessary for some patients?
It is common and perfectly normal to have some degree of apprehension or anxiety prior to receiving dental treatment. Some people, however, have stronger feelings in this regard than others. These feelings may be the result of less than pleasant past experiences, stories told by family and friends, or by the nature of the dental procedure itself (wisdom teeth removal). Dental treatment may be especially frightening to young children and patients with developmental disabilities. Whatever the cause, apprehension or anxiety can produce many unpleasant effects including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, upset stomach and trouble sleeping the night before the appointment. Many highly apprehensive patients avoid dental care for many years until their problems become so severe that they are forced to seek emergency care.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation can make practically all dental and oral surgical procedures more pleasant and safer for the apprehensive patients. During the procedure, the anxiety that many people have can be controlled by administering sedative medication. A sedated patient will not only be more relaxed but can also have potentially limited memory of the procedure performed. In either case local anesthesia (lidocaine) is also administered to block the pain sensations during the procedure and to keep the mouth numb during recovery.
How is the medication administered?
Sedative medication can be administered by breathing (nitrous oxide/laughing gas), orally (pill form) or intravenously (IV).
- Nitrous oxide is the most common agent used to treat apprehensive patients and can be used either by itself or in combination with Oral Sedation.
- Non- IV conscious sedation involves Nitrous Oxide in combination with an oral medication. Patients become very relaxed and potentially slightly sleepy but are still able to speak and answer questions. Some patients may experience an amnesic effect and don’t remember much of the visit the next day. Oral medication takes time to work (approximately 30-45 minutes) and has limits on how sedated you can safely become.
- IV sedation: Medication given intravenously (IV) has its effect rapidly so your dentist can give the precise amount needed for your level of anxiety. In addition, if more medication is needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications. Patients are generally very sleepy and may experience more amnestic effects from IV sedation than through the other previously mentioned methods.
Which type of sedation is right for me?
The route selected by you and your dentist will depend on your current health status and your particular needs.
How am I monitored during the procedure?
Depending on the depth of sedation or anesthesia being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors will be used during your procedure to ensure your safety. These monitors vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs to the use of pulse oximeters which, through a light sensor, measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. For our conscious and IV sedation patients, an EKG monitor is also used to monitor your heart rhythm in addition to capnography (measuring carbon dioxide levels from the breath). In addition to the monitoring devices, your doctor along with trained staff will always be with you and will be observing you closely during your treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
The use of sedation in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and her commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit. In Texas, a special permit is required to administer sedation and anesthesia.Dr. Dillon Patel is trained in Level 2 (Nitrous and Oral conscious sedation) and Level 3 (IVModerate sedation) and can administer IV sedation. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is a mandatory part of the permitting process. Additionally, Dr. Dillon Patel is certified in Basic Life Support, AdvancedCardiac Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Source: the American Dental society of Anesthesiology
Any questions or concerns? Call to schedule an appointment at your nearest Enamel Dentistry Location.
Tooth troubles? Here are some common FAQ's
In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process. As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area.
If your gums start bleeding while you’re flossing, should you keep flossing? Absolutely! Bleeding while flossing is often a sign that you need to be flossing your gums more thoroughly or frequently—not that they should be left alone. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you floss, the less your gums will bleed, unless the bleeding is related to physical damage to your gum tissue or a systemic issue. Many patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds, but the best thing to do is to give that area more attention!
If your gums start bleeding while you’re flossing, should you keep flossing? Absolutely! Bleeding while flossing is often a sign that you need to be flossing your gums more thoroughly or frequently—not that they should be left alone. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you floss, the less your gums will bleed, unless the bleeding is related to physical damage to your gum tissue or a systemic issue. Many patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds, but the best thing to do is to give that area more attention!
If you have a persistent or severe toothache, this may indicate that you have an infected tooth. If this is the case, it’s critical to come in for an emergency appointment to get a root canal and restore your tooth. Enamel Dentistry offers emergency care and expert root canal therapy, and we want to make sure that our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of infected teeth. Here are a few things to keep in mind about emergency dental care and root canal therapy in Austin: