2010 August Archive - Dr. Mitchell A. Josephs' Blog

Archive for August, 2010

Vibrating needle eases painful injection

Posted on: August 25th, 2010 by Dr. Mitchell Josephs No Comments

Question: Recently while my dentist was giving an injection, I felt a vibration and a heard a buzzing noise. I was startled at first, but I felt no pain. What was going on? – M.B., South Palm Beach

Answer: Who was getting the injection; you or the dentist? Just checking; I will assume the latter. It sounds like your doc is using some of the latest technology in the land of teeth and gums.

Fifty percent of all Americans avoid dental care entirely because of anxiety about painful injections. (You Canadians are not off the hook either.) Two devices lead to extremely comfortable injections: a VibraJect (discussed in a previous column) and the DentalVibe.

Both of these devices will vibrate the needle 400,000 times per second like a hummingbird’s wings, thereby stopping the pain stimulus from traveling through your neurons to your brain. For free info on this, contact us.

by Dr. Mitchell A. Josephs

Dr. Josephs will be giving a free lecture on implant, cosmetic and general dentistry and signing his latest book at the Jupiter Beach Resort on Aug. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 832-2917 to register.
Dr. Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and can be reached at drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com (888-378-6684) or visit www.palmbeachdentist.com

Is a new crown needed after a root canal?

Posted on: August 10th, 2010 by Dr. Mitchell Josephs No Comments

Q: Do I need a new crown after a root canal is done through my old one?…V.S. in Delray

A: Yes and no. (There. That narrows it down!) Our staff endodontist (root canal specialist) states: If the crown or bridge was recently made and upon examination and digital X-ray evaluation it appears sound, a permanent filling (called a core build-up) can be bonded into the hole.

However, if the crown or bridge is old and shows leakage, decay, fractures or excessive gum recession, it is better to make a new one. Statistically, the number one cause of an abscess is “coronal leakage”: the washing out of cement over time, allowing decay to form underneath the crown, infecting the nerve canals.

As in medicine, there is no harm in seeking a second opinion to help you make the decision. For a free consumer booklet on root canals, contact us. Dr. Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and can be reached at drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com (888-378-6684) or visit www.palmbeachdentist.com

by Dr. Mitchell Josephs

Multiple Injections Might Be Dental Pain Cause

Posted on: August 3rd, 2010 by Dr. Mitchell Josephs No Comments

Question: After having what I thought was routine crown-work on my lower back teeth, the following day I could barely open my mouth to eat. What did the doctor do to me? – Phil, Tequesta

Answer: Often after mandibular block injections, required to anesthetize the back lower teeth, the common side effect “trismus” occurs.

Often multiple injections are needed to numb these posterior teeth due to a tricky network of nerves that must be reached.

Limited opening, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain – this is caused by inflammation of the muscle fibers, hemorrhage into the muscles of mastication or low-grade infection. This will all go away.

In the meantime, your dentist might recommend warm compresses, 800 mg of ibuprofen, muscle relaxants (Flexeril, Diazepam), saltwater rinses, antibiotics, and in severe cases, a steroid such as Methylprednisone. Recovery can take several weeks.

For a free check list that aids in the prevention of this uncomfortable condition, contact us.

by Dr. Mitchell A. Josephs
Dr. Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and can be reached at drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com (888-378-6684) or visit www.palmbeachdentist.com