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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a natural healing science using compounds or remedies that initiate the body’s self-healing mechanism.  These remedies are naturally occuring using animal, vegetable, or mineral based compounds to heal.

 

Traditional medicines are given when symptoms arise and focus on relieving the specific symptom.  Homeopathic remedies can be given before, during, and after the onset of the symptom and help alleviate the physical and emotional states associated with it.  A remedy’s method of action can be explained with the law of similars.  Simply stated, a remedy is a small dose of a substance that in its natural state will cause the same symptom that is being treated.

 

Acute as well as chronic illnesses can be treated.  Healing acute problems are best treated by taking a remedy when the initial onset of symptoms arise.  Chronic illnesses take longer to heal because once one symptom is reduced another symptom may appear due to the complexity and duration of the illness.

 

Homeopathy used in our practice.

Homeopathy applied to dentistry offers a safe alternative, or a complement to medications used in traditional dental procedures.  Homeopathy additionally reducing the physical and psychological trauma often associated with dental treatment.

 

The following are some remedies used for acute recovery during dental treatment

* Aconite or Gelsimium - for previsit anxiety

* Arnica - for any kind of trauma to mouth.  Give routinely.

* Belladonna - Tooth ache

* Calcarea Carbonica - Toothaches aggravated from air, cold, & hot./ Bleeding of gums./ Dryness of             

                                     tongue at night./  Difficult & delayed dentition.

* Calendula - Swelling & bleeding of gums.

* Echninecea - for infection 200c/x 2-3  x a day could add to same jar with silicea.

   Echinecea tincture 10 drops in 4-6 oz of water (no successions) and sip or rinse mouth 3-4 x a day.

* Hypericum / Saint Johns Wort - for nerves, or nerve pain.

* Ledum - for injection of needle.

* Phosphorous - to cancel anesthesia/numbness or swelling of face.

* Ruta Grav - deep aching aching and bone bruises (Extractions, Dry Socket)

* Silicea - for infection 200c/x 2-3 times a day.

* Staphysagria - pain accompanied by irritability

 

Arnica, ledum, hypericum, and phosphorus for all dental work.  Cavities, root canal etc.

 

Concentrations and Dosing frequencies used in homeopathy

The concentrations used in dentistry range from 30c or x or 200c/x potencies.  Preferably 200c/x.

Use 1-3 dry  pellets on tongue. The acute nature of the ailments dictates that the remedies may be taken

frequently, from one dose every 2-4 hours up to every 15 to 30 minutes.  The intensity of the discomfort

and whether or not relief is being felt determines the frequency needed.

 

To increase the potency of the remedy  place 4 oz of water and 1 pellet of remedy in a jar other than a pickle jar.  Succuss jar (tapping bottom of jar in to palm of hand) 10 times before each dose.  Take 1 sip of water. Store the jar in the refrigerator

 

30 potency a sip every 15 minutes 3x 9:00, 9:15, 9:30 then 1 dose 1 hour later.  3x next day until no longer needs remedy.  May only need to take 2x a day.

 

200 potency a sip 1/2 hour apart 2x 9:00 & 9:30, then 1 hour later.  Next day 2-3x a day or until no longer needs remedy.  May only need to take remedy 1-2x a day.

 

Taking the Remedy - Because Oils from your hands may affect how the remedies work, it is recommended to toss a pellet or two from the bottle cap.  Tinctures can be diluted in a glass of water or administered directly in the mouth from the dropper

Remedies & they’re Indications

Rescue Remedy     -        (Anxiety Relief)       

  • Acute Anxiety
  • TMJ / Bruxism
  • Neuralgias

 

Propolis                 -        (Anti-Infective / Anti-Inflammatory)

Most dental applications is used as a Mouthwash - Dilute 40 drops of Mother Tincture to 100ml of water for the following applications

  • ANUG - Trenchmouth
  • Gingivitis
  • Pericoronitis - Wisdom Tooth Infection
  • Dry Socket
  • Herpes Labialis
  • Medium fissure of the lip
  • Ulcerative Conditions of the Lip

Calendula (Marigold)       -        (Wounds - Cuts)

  • Applied Topically in either aqueous solutions or cream or ointment.  Its dental applications are best suited as a mouthwash or soaked gauze
  • It heals injuries suitable for intraoral use.  Indicated for broken skin provided there is no infection on the skin because it wouldn’t allow the infected skin to heal properly
  • Take 30 drops of mother tincture add to 500ml of hot water.  Dental applications include:
  • Incisional or lacerated wounds such as tooth extractions
  • Herpes Labialis
  • Mechanical Trauma from braces
  • It works 4 ways
  • Heals Epithelial Tissue
  • Prevents Infection by virtue of its Antiseptic qualities
  • Induces hemostasis (Stops Bleeding)
  • Reduces pain & discomfort

 

 

 

CARE OF YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

TEETHING
Gums may swell and become tender.  To soothe, rub the baby’s gum with your finger or give baby a teething ring previously cooled in the refrigerator.

NEW TEETH
Wipe daily with a washcloth, gauze, or soft toothbrush.  Let child brush his own teeth as soon as he shows an interest.  Check to see if they do a good job.

TOOTHPASTE & FLUORIDE
Try a toothpaste designed for children to make brushing more enjoyable.
*  Don’t worry if child sucks toothpaste off brush.
*  If child hates toothpaste, brushing with plain water will do fine.  Toothpaste doesn’t have to be used to achieve a clean mouth.
*  If child is old enough to swish, then use a fluoride mouthrinse after brushing at bedtime.
*  If you do not have fluoridated water in your home a fluoride supplement can be prescribed for your child.

BEDTIME BOTTLES
Do not let your child go to bed with a bottle containing ANYTHING except plain water.  The flow of saliva is reduced during sleep allowing decay-causing bacteria to attack the baby’s teeth and cause serious decay.

DENTAL VISITS
Periodically, prior to your child’s first dental visit, you should check their teeth for any brown spots which may indicate tooth decay.

*  At age 2 1/2 or so, your child can come watch you at your checkup and get familiarized with our office.  At 3 years old or so, they can come for their own visit at which time we will clean their teeth and do a thorough exam.
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Understanding Your Root Canal

 

Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth

            Root Canal Therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the tooth pulp.  Today, in about 95 percent of cases involving the dental pulp, the tooth can be saved.  The most common causes for root canal treatment are:

·        Trauma - a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.

·        Physical irritation - deep decay or a very large filling.

·        An infection of the pulp, which forms an abscess at the tip of the root.

           

What Can I Expect When a Root Canal is Done

 

How are Root Canals Done?

In the middle of every tooth there is the pulp which is made up of an artery, vein, nerve, lymphatic tissue; all that is required to nourish and maintain the health of the tooth.   If the pulp is irreversibly damaged it needs to be removed, & the canals that house the pulp needs to be cleansed, sterilized, shaped, and have a root canal filling material placed inside this chamber that essentially seals out bacteria from inhabiting & reinfecting the tooth. The following 3 pictures demonstrate the various stages of this procedure.

 

                                    


 

Will it cause discomfort?

During a root canal the tooth is numb from the novacaine that is used.  There should be no feeling at all.  If you’re numb, you’re numb; and if you’re not, you’re not!  But the dilemma which arises is what to tell a patient to expect afterward.  In most cases minimal or no discomfort is experienced, yet in a few instances it can be quite uncomfortable if the infection does not clear.  That’s why we prescribe strong pain medication & sometimes an antibiotic  with the procedure. My advise is to take some Advil, Tylenol, or Aspirin (whichever suits you best) while your tooth is still numb to ease the transition when the anesthetic wears off.  Then if there is any discomfort you will have a prescription for a stronger pain medication that you can fill if you need to.  You should not drive or drink alcohol with it.  If an antibiotic is given it is very important that you finish the entire prescription as directed even if the tooth feels fine.  Additionally, you may experience some soreness for a short period of time, while the tooth is healing.

 

How much time will this take?

The amount of time that is needed to complete this therapy depends upon the number of canals in the tooth, & how accessible they are to clean.  Generally the rule of thumb when teeth have 1 or 2 canals need about 1-2 visits, & teeth with 2 - 4 canals  take 2 - 3 visits to complete.

 

Do Root Canals always work?

No!  A root canal is not a black and white cure, it is a therapy with a high success rate.  Sometimes the infection never clears up and the tooth has to be either a) retreated b) have a retrofill (a retrofill is when we lay the gum tissue back, clean out the infection, and place a filling at the bottom of the root) or c) extract the tooth.  Because the success or failure of a root canal can result from causes that are not under our control (such as, the anatomy of the tooth, the breakage of endodontic files in the root, or the patient’s own immune systems), we have the following policy:  If your root canal fails within one year of treatment we will follow up with the appropriate treatment at no additional cost to you.  However; if the root canal fails after one year it is our policy to perform the necessary treatment at our normal fees.

What happens after my Root Canal?  

 

Since the nourishment of The tooth is lost when the tooth dies, it becomes dry and brittle, and can fracture.  That is why  teeth with root canals need a “Post & Core” and a “Crown”.  A Post & Core is where we place a titanium post down the canal of the root and place a filling around it.  This helps distribute the forces on the tooth and helps it avoid fractures.  Then a crown is needed to support and protect the outside of the tooth, preventing further breakdown.  The Post & Core and Crown are each separate procedures with separate fees and are not included in the fee for the root canal.  After the root canal, Build-up and crown, the tooth should be fine and you should use it as you would any ordinary natural tooth.

 

Post - Operative Comments

*  In between visits a temporary filling covers the opening to the tooth.  The  

   material used may have the tendency to wear a bit. This is normal!

*  If the procedure for the day is completed and you are experiencing any

   exaggerated symptoms, or if you have any questions about something not 

   mentioned in this handout please don’t hesitate to call. (908) 534-5140.

 
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Fluoride Facts

 

FLUORIDE FACTS

 

            In February 1994, the FDA changed the recommended daily allowances of fluoride supplementation based on various outside sources of fluoride.  The optimum source of fluoride is through drinking water.  Here is the latest recommendation for fluoride supplementation:

Fluoride content                                                                                  over
in your water supply               .3ppm              .3 - .6 ppm                   .6ppm
________________________________________________________________________
            AGE
Birth - 6 months                      0                      0                                  0
6 months - 3 years                     .25 mg           0                                  0
3 years - 6 years                        .5   mg             .25 mg                       0
6 years - 16 years                    1.00 mg             .5   mg                       0

            This recommendation changed over concern that children in addition to receiving their regular supplementation were receiving fluoride from other sources.  Fluorosis may occur at levels exceeding 1ppm.  This condition discolors teeth ranging from white spots to rust stains on developing teeth.  Even a knarled or deformed appearance to the shape of the developing teeth may occur.

            Children commonly are prescribed fluoride tablets, but it is the hidden sources that are of concern.  Well water which previously was thought not to contain fluoride has had up to .3ppm in some wells in Hunterdon County.  Other potential sources of fluoride include pesticides found on food, tea, soda, some bottled water, digestion of tooth paste, and an astounding 38ppm found in some white grape juice like Juicy Juice.

            Fluoride administration especially when permanent teeth are forming from birth to age 12 has great preventive qualities.  But if concentrations are taken other than the optimum dose, potential problems may occur.  Teeth effected by fluorosis can be cosmetically corrected by using a mild acid combined with a gritty pumice to safely remove a superficial layer of enamel.  If changes occur to the shape of these teeth then porcelain laminates may be required.

            If there are any questions about how fluoride effects your family, our staff will be glad to help you.

 
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Having Trouble Getting Numb

 

The following factors seem to affect how local anesthetics work:

 

 

Medications:

Any thing that speeds up the bodies' metabolism, & blood flow such as Decongestants or Antihistamines containing Decongestants.  Also watch out for Diet products.   Caffeine should be eliminated from your diet for 24 hours prior to the visit, even small amounts if you consume on a regular basis

 

Supplements:

Especially Antioxidants such as vitamin C should be discontinued 24 – 48 hours prior to your visit.

 

Anxiety

Tell us about your fears.  We will plan treatment around your concerns.  Schedule your dental visit for a time you don’t feel stressed.   Get a good night sleep before your appointment.  On the day of your appointment limit extra activity, such as trying to get a days work done in the hour before the dental appointment.  If moderate dental anxiety is an issue try to schedule your appointment early in the day

 
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Preparing for your Dental Treatment

 

 

 

Everyone prepares for they’re dental visit differently.  Here are some helpful hints to make your upcoming visit comfortable

 

Dental Anxiety

1.       Tell us about your fears.  We will plan treatment around your concerns.

2.       Schedule your dental visit for a time when you don’t feel rushed or under stress.

3.       Bring along a close friend or family member to help put you at ease.

4.       Try to identify why you feel anxious, and discuss your feelings with a supportive friend.  Doing so will help you better understand and control your anxiety.

5.       Get a good night’s sleep the day before your appointment, and dress comfortably for the appointment.

6.       To help you stay in control a stop signal can be established, rest breaks or shorter appointments can help.

7.       Visualize yourself feeling comfortable and confident.  Such mental rehearsing can influence your actual feelings and behavior.

8.       Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

9.       Ask questions about procedures and discuss treatment options with our staff.

10.   Once the dental visit is over praise, and reward yourself for a job well done!

 

 

Avoid products & Activities that can speed up your Metabolism

1.       Have a restful sleep the night before your visit

2.       Don’t try to cram a days worth of work in the hour leading up to the dental visit

3.       If you are in the habit of consuming caffinated products on a daily basis even though it may only be a cup or 2 of coffee or tea, the chronic use may interfere with local anesthetic to function properly.  Discontinuing caffiene products may wise especially if you had a tough time getting numb in the past.

4.       Discontinue weight reducing products & certain daily supplement products we have seen can affect how well novacaine works

5.       We have found that discontinuing these products for 24 to 48 hours prior to your dental visit will give you the best results

 

 

Nutrition

Vitamin C - This supplement is an antioxidant, detoxifying oxygen free radicals.  In some individuals vitamin C can affect they respond to dental anesthesia.  In some, the anesthetizing effects are dissipated more quickly then desired, while in others the anesthetic does not work at all.  Therefore, as a general guideline, do not take any vitamin C for 12 hours before your scheduled dental appointment. This may apply to other antioxidants such as CoEnzyme Q10 & Lipoic Acid

 

Vitamin B1 - Research has shown that vitamin B1 is capable of reducing pain that may be associated with routine dental operative procedures.  Take 200 - 500mg 1 hour before your dental appointment.  Increased dosages may be used the following day if symptoms persist.

 

 

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

If you are interested in using this mild sedative to help your dental visit be more comfortable use the following recommendations to help

·     Make the meal you have before you come in for the visit be light.

·     Avoid Milk products 6 hours before the visit

 

 
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How to manage your dental procedure along with your nursing schedule

 

 

It is not known whether local anesthetic drugs are excreted in human milk.  Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when local anesthetics are administered to a nursing woman

 

 

Local anesthesia is absorbed through the tissues into the blood stream were it is broken down or metabolized primarily in the liver. It is subsequently resorbed in the kidney. 

 

Since most of the anesthetic and its metabolites are eliminated with 30 hours use this information & discretion when care for your child
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