IV or Intravenous sedation provides a deep level of relaxation. IV sedatives are given through a tube placed in a vein in your arm. The sedative takes effect very quickly. Most patients are unaware of their surroundings and have no memory of their treatment while they are sedated.

Legacy Dental of Carrollton

Wisdom Teeth Removal

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:23:44 +0000

Wisdom Teeth Removal admin Tue, 02/01/2022 - 08:23

In-office Assessment and Removal

Learn about wisdom teeth and why they may need to be removed. We assess wisdom teeth for removal and perform extractions if necessary.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

The wisdom teeth are a third set of large molars. They are usually the last of the adult teeth to grow in. For many patients, there is no room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to emerge correctly, and they can become impacted or misaligned. If we detect that this is happening, we will recommend extraction of the wisdom teeth before they erupt through the gums.

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How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Because the wisdom teeth are usually removed before they erupt, removal is usually a surgical procedure where the teeth are removed through incisions in the gums. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and mild sedation. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures.

After your appointment, we'll provide instructions on how to manage pain and swelling and keep the treatment areas clean. You will need to return to the office to have the sutures removed.

Video: Extraction

Frequently Asked Questions

A dry socket can occur when a blood clot fails to form after a tooth is extracted. This can result in the bones and nerves in the socket being exposed. Symptoms of dry socket include intense pain and swelling in the area of the extracted tooth. If you experience symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.

If your dentist doesn’t detect any potential problems with your wisdom teeth, they may not need to be extracted. Your wisdom teeth should continue to be monitored to ensure no problems develop in the future.

Your wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to grow in. They’ve historically been called wisdom teeth because they emerge in early adulthood when you are wiser and more mature.

TMJ Disorder

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:15:45 +0000

TMJ Disorder admin Tue, 02/01/2022 - 08:15

Get Relief from Chronic Jaw Pain

TMJ disorder can cause chronic headaches and jaw pain, as well as difficulty chewing and swallowing. We offer diagnosis and treatment to help you find relief.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ Disorder is the name for a group of disorders that cause pain in the temporomandibular joint between your lower jaw and your skull. The cause can be difficult to determine – causes can include arthritis, genetics, stress, or injury. TMD symptoms can include chronic facial and jaw pain, headaches, difficulty opening your mouth and swallowing, and a clicking or popping sound when you chew.

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Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of TMD focuses on discovering the root cause of the pain. We’ll examine your overall health and stress level, your teeth and jaw structure, and whether you suffer from nighttime grinding or malocclusion.

Once we determine the cause, there are a variety of treatments we can use to provide relief. We may recommend or prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, massage or stretches, orthodontic treatment, or stress reduction techniques. Once the inflammation has been treated, the TMD symptoms should subside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your risk of developing TMJ can be increased if you have arthritis or a jaw injury, if you chronically clench or grind your teeth, or if you suffer from connective tissue disease that affects the temporomandibular joint. You can also develop TMJ symptoms if your jaw is injured.

You may find relief from placing a warm or cold compress on your jaw or gently massaging your jaw muscles. Other things that can help are to eat a softer diet and avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods. You can also relax your jaw muscles. When your jaws are relaxed, your teeth will be slightly apart and your tongue should be resting on the floor of your mouth.

Teeth Whitening

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:48:41 +0000

Teeth Whitening admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:48

Get a Bright and Dazzling New Smile!

Enjoy a bright new smile! We provide professional teeth whitening treatments with easy-to-use at home treatments so you can get the smile you want, safely and quickly.

Your teeth can become stained and discoloured over time. Professional teeth whitening lets you whiten your teeth to the shade you want, safely and quickly. And because they are administered by a dentist, you can feel comfortable that your treatment will be effective and safe. We provide whitening options to suit your unique needs: at-home treatments that let you whiten on your own schedule, and in-office treatments that let you get a new smile in a single appointment.

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At Home Whitening

At home whitening kits let you brighten your smile on your own schedule. The kits contain specially-designed trays and whitening gel. You place the trays and gel on your teeth once a day for two weeks.

Video: Home whitening

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Whitening treatments are safe if they are administered correctly. Our team is trained in whitening techniques and we only use approved treatments.

The whitening will last approximately a year, depending on your eating and drinking habits.

Whitening treatments don’t work on crowns, bridges, or other restorations. If you have a crown, your dentist will match the level of whitening to the shade of the crown.

Most whitening treatments can be adjusted for patients with sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist before your treatment.

Snoring

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:41:50 +0000

Snoring admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:41

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

We take sleep seriously. As a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Rollings works with sleep physicians to provide oral appliance therapy for sleep-related disorders.

Approximately 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. Sleep is as crucial as diet and exercise to maintain good health and longevity. Snoring and sleep apnea can interfere with your sleep and leave you exhausted and at risk for other serious health issues. We provide diagnosis and treatment to help you alleviate symptoms and get a good night’s sleep.

Snoring

Snoring happens when air is unable to move freely through your airway, resulting in difficulty breathing and the familiar snoring sound. It can be caused by a number of factors such as an obstructed airway, being overweight, sleeping position, or age. Left untreated, snoring can have a major impact on the quality of your sleep.

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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is caused when the muscles at the back of your throat relax while you’re sleeping. This causes your airway to become narrow so you’re unable to draw a breath. When this happens, you wake up and start breathing again, and then fall back asleep. Sufferers can go through the waking cycle 5 to 30 times per hour, resulting in interrupted sleep. Quite often, the sufferer has no memory of waking up several times a night.

Individuals left with untreated sleep apnea are four times as likely to have a stroke and are three times as likely to have heart disease as those without sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea affects the old, the young, the overweight, and the thin. If it isn’t treated, sleep apnea can have a major impact on your health and quality of life.

How Is Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treated?

Dental treatment for snoring depends on the cause. If your physician believes that your snoring is not a symptom of a more serious sleep-disordered breathing problem, a custom oral appliance can be used to quiet your snoring and improve the sleep of you and your bed partner! Many couples are able to return to the same bedroom by eliminating the snoring. A laboratory-made appliance holds the jaw and tongue forward to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep.

Treatment for sleep apnea in our office The usual treatment for diagnosed sleep apnea is a CPAP device prescribed by your physician that you wear while you sleep. The device helps keep your airway open so you can breathe. Symptoms can also be reduced by making healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing stress, or losing weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral appliance therapy treats snoring by holding open your airway while you sleep. The appliance resembles an orthodontic appliance, and is designed to fit over your teeth.

Yes. Snoring and sleep apnea are medical conditions and you must see your family doctor for diagnosis before seeing a dentist for treatment. Your dentist will work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

Yes. Untreated snoring or sleep apnea can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, worsening depression or ADHD, and diabetes. If you suspect you are snoring or suffering from sleep apnea see your family physician for diagnosis.

Dental Anxiety

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:36:00 +0000

Dental Anxiety admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:36

Torrington Sedation Dentistry

Some patients have a high anxiety level when it comes to dental procedures. We offer a variety of sedation medication types to make dental procedures more comfortable.

Oral Sedation

We offer local anaesthetic for oral procedures. This involves simply numbing the selected area before treatment so that the procedure cannot be felt and will not produce pain.

Nitrous Oxide

This procedure is better known as “laughing gas”. Administered through a mask, it creates a sense of great euphoria in the patient, allowing the dentist to commence procedures without causing any pain or anxiety in the patient.

In our practice, we value our service highly. The last thing we would ever want is for a patient to feel unnecessary or excess discomfort or anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sedatives are generally safe when they are administered in a clinical environment by professionals trained in sedation. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea or who are overweight may be at risk of complications. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have.

Sedatives can slow your reaction times and impair your judgement, making it dangerous for you to operate a motor vehicle. You could also face charges for impaired driving if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident. It’s better to let someone else do the driving so you arrive home safely.

Periodontics

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:19:48 +0000

Periodontics admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:19

Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease

Your gums help protect your teeth from injury and infection. We provide periodontal services to help keep your gums healthy and prevent or treat gum infections and disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria infection of the gums. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding or sore gums, chronic bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If it isn't treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease and other health conditions. It can be prevented by brushing and flossing and going for regular dental exams and cleaning.

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes damaged teeth need to be extracted to prevent risk to your other teeth and surrounding tissues. We perform extractions and offer a variety of replacement options such as bridges or dental implants.

Frenectomy

Frenectomy is a procedure to remove connective tissue inside your mouth. Sometimes this tissue can be too tight and can cause discomfort and difficulty eating and speaking, so we perform a frenectomy to relieve the tension.

Scaling and Root Planing

Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can make your gums vulnerable to bacterial infection. Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning techniques that remove this buildup above the gumline.

Video: Scaling

Frequently Asked Questions

Research shows that gum disease can increase your risk of developing heart disease. The link isn’t completely understood. Scientists believe that untreated gum disease can increase the level of inflammation in your body, which can increase the risk of developing inflammatory diseases such as heart disease. More research is needed to completely understand this link, however.

Research suggests that there’s a two-way link between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease. At the same time, good dental and periodontal hygiene may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

Plaque is a colorless biofilm that forms on the surface of your teeth. Bacteria can live in plaque and secrete acids that damage your teeth and irritate your gums, which can lead to tooth decay and gum infections. If the plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is extremely hard and can’t be removed with a toothbrush. It can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools.

Guards, Bite Appliances

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:14:51 +0000

Guards, Bite Appliances admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:14

Torrington Sports Guards

Mouth guards and bite appliances have many uses. The most common uses are for contact sports and grinding your teeth at night. We are trained to help you find the right appliance for your safety and comfort.

Sports Guards

A sports guard allows you to play the sports you love without the worry of having to undergo complicated procedures to repair or replace damaged or lost teeth. Let us design the protection you require.

Bite Appliances

Do you wake up in the morning with intense headaches and jaw pain? This may be due to a condition called bruxism, in which an individual grinds their teeth in their sleep. Long-term damage is easily prevented by acquiring an appliance designed to minimize muscle activity during sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your teeth can be injured by even a minor impact. You should wear a guard for any sport where there is a risk of impact to your mouth or of falling.

Your sports guard should fit comfortably and allow you to speak and breathe easily. You should not have to bite the guard to keep it in place. If your guard doesn’t fit properly, speak to your dentist about getting the guard altered or replaced.

Replace your sports guard after two or three seasons or after an impact or injury. A damaged guard may not protect your teeth as well as a new one.

Endodontics

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:03:41 +0000

Endodontics admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 13:03

Get the Facts on Root Canal Treatment

A damaged tooth can become infected. This can lead to serious complications such as an abscess or tooth loss. We provide root canal treatment to save damaged teeth from infection.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

When a tooth is damaged it can be vulnerable to infection. Cracks or cavities can reach through the enamel to the soft inner tissues of the tooth. If this happens, bacteria can enter the inside of the tooth and cause a serious infection. If the infection isn’t detected and treated, it can spread to your gums and the tissue surrounding the tooth. This can cause gum disease or the loss of the tooth.

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How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp, the soft inner tissue of the tooth, to treat or prevent infection. To perform a root canal, we drill a tiny hole in the tooth and extract the pulp with special tools. Then we clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth to keep the infection from reoccuring, and we seal the hole with a filling. Finally, we restore the tooth with a dental crown.

Video: Root Canals

Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms of an infected tooth include a sharp, severe toothache in the area, sensitivity to hot and cold, and sore, bleeding gums. Note that infections can also occur without symptoms, so it’s important to have regular dental exams to make sure your teeth are healthy.

Root canal treatment is performed using a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. It’s a lot like having a tooth filled. You may feel discomfort in the treatment area after your appointment. Over the counter pain medication may provide relief.

If the tooth isn’t damaged again, the treatment should last a lifetime. You may need to replace the crown when it begins to wear. This is usually 10-20 years.

You brush and floss around the crown just as you would a natural tooth.

Dental Emergencies

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:49:33 +0000

Dental Emergencies admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 12:49

Same-day Emergency Dental Care

If you’ve got a dental emergency, we can help! We provide same day emergency appointments and new patients are always welcome. Contact our office right away for assistance.

We provide emergency dental treatment for injuries, severe toothaches, and broken or cracked teeth. We can also assist with damaged fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures. Contact us to schedule an emergency appointment. Our team can also answer your questions and provide advice on what you can do while you're waiting to come in.

If your emergency is after hours, please call our office and listen to the recording for after hours emergency contact information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in many cases we can save a broken or lost tooth. Bring the broken tooth with you to your appointment. If the tooth has been knocked out, you can place it back in the socket or you can keep the tooth by placing it in your mouth between your cheek and your gums. You can also put the tooth in a container of cool milk and bring it with you to your appointment.

Over the counter pain medication may help with the discomfort of a toothache. Some patients find relief with a warm or cool compress near the affected area. If you notice severe swelling or bleeding, contact our office.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you are bleeding heavily, if you suspect you may have broken a bone, or if you are having trouble breathing.

Dental Restoration

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:57:00 +0000

Dental Restoration admin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 11:57

Keeping Your Smile Healthy and Beautiful

Your teeth are vulnerable to damage from injury or decay. If one or more teeth become damaged, dental restorations can restore their function and appearance.

Dental restoration is both an art and a science. Restorations are used to repair damaged teeth and restore lost teeth. This means they need to do two things: restore the strength and function of the damaged teeth, and restore the appearance of your smile. Modern restorations are made with advanced materials that are strong and durable and can be shaded and shaped to match your natural teeth. Learn more about the restorations we offer.

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Fillings

Fillings are used to repair cavities in teeth. The filling restores the function of the tooth and prevents it from further damage. We provide tooth-coloured composite fillings that match the rest of your teeth.

Video: Filling

Crowns

We use a crown to restore a badly damaged tooth. The crown fits over the injured tooth and completely covers and restores it. Crowns are available in a variety of styles and materials to suit your needs and budget.

Video: Crowns

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are like large fillings. They are used in the same way to fill cavities, except they are created in a dental lab and cemented into place. We use them to restore a tooth that needs a bit more structural strength.

Video: Inlays / Onlays

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace gaps left by missing teeth. The bridge can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth in a row. There are many types of bridges, but they all work by attaching artificial replacement teeth to your natural teeth.

Video: Bridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal, or amalgam, fillings have been used in dentistry for over 100 years. They are a safe, affordable, and long lasting treatment for repairing cavities in teeth. In recent years, there have been concerns raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings. Studies show that the tiny amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings doesn’t cause illness to patients, and they continue to be used in dentistry to repair teeth. If you have concerns about amalgam fillings, you may want to ask your dentist about composite fillings as an alternative treatment.

Whitening treatments generally only work on your natural teeth and won’t have an effect on restorations. Talk to your dentist to discuss options for changing the color of a restoration.

With proper care, most restorations can last for ten years or longer. Restorations are not as strong as your natural teeth, so you need to be careful eating certain foods.

Legacy Dental of Carrollton

Wisdom Teeth Removal

In-office Assessment and Removal

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dry sockets? How do I know if I develop them?

Can I keep my wisdom teeth?

Why are they called Wisdom Teeth?

TMJ Disorder

Get Relief from Chronic Jaw Pain

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Diagnosis & Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risk factors for TMJ disorder?

Is there anything I can do at home to manage symptoms?

Teeth Whitening

Get a Bright and Dazzling New Smile!

At Home Whitening

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whitening safe for my teeth?

How long does the whitening last?

What if I have a crown or a bridge?

What if I have sensitive teeth?

Snoring

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Snoring

Sleep Apnea

How Is Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treated?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral appliance therapy for snoring?

Do I need to go to my doctor before seeing a dentist for snoring or apnea treatment?

Is snoring and sleep apnea dangerous to my health?

Dental Anxiety

Torrington Sedation Dentistry

Oral Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental sedatives safe?

Why do I need a drive home after sedation?

Periodontics

Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Tooth Extraction

Frenectomy

Scaling and Root Planing

Frequently Asked Questions

How is gum disease linked to heart disease?

Is there a link between gum disease and diabetes?

What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?

Related Videos

Guards, Bite Appliances

Torrington Sports Guards

Sports Guards

Bite Appliances

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guard if I don’t play contact sports?

How can I tell if my sports guard fits me?

When should I replace my sports guard with a new one?

Endodontics

Get the Facts on Root Canal Treatment

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

Aren’t root canals painful?

How long will the treatment last?

How do I take care of my crown?

Dental Emergencies

Same-day Emergency Dental Care

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve broken or lost a tooth. Can it be saved?

I have a severe toothache. What can I do?

When should I go to the emergency room?

Dental Restoration

Keeping Your Smile Healthy and Beautiful

Fillings

Crowns

Inlays & Onlays

Bridges