Can Hypnosis Work As An Anesthetic?

 Have you ever been hypnotized? If so, what was your reasoning? Was it to help reduce stress and anxiety? Gain control of past traumas? Or was it for fun during a renaissance festival act?  Whichever your reasoning was, I hope you were able to benefit from it!

But would you ever think that hypnosis would work as a dental anesthetic? If your answer is no, then you need to read the article "You're not dreaming: Hypnosis works as an anesthetic" By Melissa Busch, Dr. Bicuspids' associate editor.

"Hypnosis is a safe, effective, and inexpensive technique that could be used in place of anesthesia during dental procedures, according to a clinical report published on July 28 in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

In the small study, three women successfully underwent dental procedures under hypnosis rather than traditional sedation. The authors believe the report to be the only case series published that evaluates hypnosis as the sole anesthetic for patients in dental settings.

"Hypnosis can be used for sedation in most patients and as a stand-alone technique in those with appropriate hypnotic susceptibility, improving the well-being and safety of patients," wrote the group, led by Dr. Enrico Facco from the department of neurosciences at the University of Padua in Italy.

The technique

To determine whether oral surgery could be performed on patients under hypnosis without sedation, the researchers enrolled three women between the ages of 34 and 49. Two of the women had previous difficulties with medical anesthesia, including an anaphylactic reaction to local anesthetic and a paradoxical reaction to pharmacological sedation.

Prior to their surgeries, the patients underwent two sessions to assess their perioperative risk, level of anxiety, hypnotic susceptibility, and capacity to develop complete hypnotic analgesia.

On the days of their surgeries, the women closed their eyes, concentrated on their bodies and breath, and imagined lying on a tropical island's beach. The authors then induced hypnotic-focused analgesia using the following steps:

1. They suggested they were administering local anesthetic, while repeatedly touching and rubbing the cheek.
2. They said local anesthesia caused the sensation on the cheek.
3. They said the sensation was a sign that the cheek, teeth, and gums were going numb.
4. They suggested the women not pay attention to the operative setting, including the teeth, gum, and skin.

Within nine minutes, all three patients obtained hypnotic analgesia. The team then successfully performed several procedures on the women:

• The 34-year-old woman underwent a 15-minute third molar surgery and a 120-minute mucogingival surgery.
• The 47-year-old woman underwent a 15-minute third molar surgery.
• The 49-year-old woman underwent a 45-minute procedure to remove a first molar and place an implant, as well as a 120-minute procedure for maxillary bone augmentation plus two implants.

The authors told the patients they could take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, if needed, after the procedures. When they called the patients that evening and the next day, the women said they felt well and did not need to take any medications.

History of hypnosis in medicine

Using hypnosis in the dental office is not a new idea. Before the advent of modern sedatives and analgesics, the medical community successfully used hypnosis in hundreds of surgical procedures, the authors noted. In fact, it was a Scottish surgeon who coined the term hypnotism, which he believed placed a person in a state of sleep or trance.

Despite its reported effectiveness, hypnosis never became very popular in the medical community. Most medical professionals in the 17th and 18th centuries shunned hypnosis for political and cultural reasons. Instead, the medical community focused on finding anesthetics and sedatives for the safe practice of dentistry.

But in recent years, medical professionals, including the authors of this report, have begun revisiting hypnosis as an analgesic due to its lack of side effects. If the findings of this small study are any indication, hypnosis could be used cost-effectively in dental practice and also help physicians better understand and meet the subjective needs of patients, the authors wrote.

"Alone or combined with local anesthetics, sedatives, or both, hypnosis can contribute to achieving the best outcome in terms of a patient's tranquility and full analgesia with the lowest dose of drugs or none at all," Facco and colleagues concluded. "

Would you try hypnosis over general anesthesia?

Extra Uses for Toothpaste - Who Knew?

 What is one cheap thing everyone owns (or should own)?  That's RIGHT toothpaste!! Toothpaste contains mild abrasives and detergents mixed with creamy thickening agents which keep your teeth cleans, this can also take place of expensive cleaners.

Here are some things you can clean with toothpaste!

• Polish Jewelry - Apply a thin film of toothpaste with a soft cloth or toothbrush on the piece of jewelry you wish to polish. Polish, rinse with water and dry.
• Remove carpet stains - Scrub stain with toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Clean scratched Cd's - Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch and buff with a cloth, rinse and dry.
• Spiff up sneakers - Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the sneaker and scrub with a toothbrush.
• Banish water rings on furniture - Dab a small amount if toothpaste and use a damp cloth to gently buff away the water ring. You may have to repeat this a few times.
• Clean the inside of water bottles or baby bottles - Scrub the inside using a toothbrush and toothpaste, rinse with hot water.
• Defog - Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the inside of your mask or goggles and rinse.

*Don't use colored toothpaste or gels, these can leave unwanted stains. All you need is a plain tube of white toothpaste!

Oral Device To Help Tourette Syndrome?

Do suffer from Tourette Syndrome? You may be in luck! Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have developed a removable oral device that can help adults and children with their tics.

There are many ways to treat tics which include behavioral therapy, medication, and surgery. However, these treatments work differently for each individual person. This is why the researchers at Osaka University decided to develop a custom-made oral splint. This device is similar to mouth guard and retainers but only applied to the back molars, increasing the Occlusal Vertical Dimension. 

According to Jumpei Murakami, author of the study says "Biting down on the device immediately improved both motor and vocal tics in 10 of the 14 children and 6 of the 8 adults that participated in the study." "What's more, these effects were long-lasting. Long-term improvements in motor tics after more than 100 days were especially evident in younger patients when their tics first started."

Osaka University plans to do larger-scaled studies! 

It will be interesting to see the larger study results and how they changed the lives of people who suffer from Tourettes.

Information found here!

How To Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Check out this direct reprint of an article by Slumber Yard Team, if you are about to get your wisdom teeth removed! 

"Wisdom Teeth Removal

Almost 85% of Americans need to get their wisdom teeth pulled sooner or later, and boy are we jealous of those who don‘t need to go through the procedure.  It‘s a simple outpatient surgery, but the recovery can be quite grueling.  It can be even worse if you can‘t manage to get a good night‘s sleep.  Sleep is a major factor in recovery, so you can see how this situation can quickly become a downward spiral if you‘re not getting any rest.  The less sleep you get, the more painful the healing process becomes, which makes it harder to sleep — and the cycle continues.

Our Slumber Yard team member Carla actually recently got her wisdom teeth pulled.  When we asked her about her sleep experience post–procedure, this is what she had to say.

“Be prepared to readjust the way you‘re eating because you can basically only have liquids and soft foods like yogurt and pudding.  I tried noodle soup, but I stayed away after I got a noodle stuck in the holes where my wisdom teeth were.  Because you‘re eating differently, it might affect your sleep schedule.  For the first couple of days, I had a migraine from the surgery and an aching jaw, so it made it more difficult to fall asleep.  But the first two days, I did nap a lot.  I‘d say I got around the recommended six to eight hours of sleep over the days.  I‘ve heard from others that they‘ve slept much more, though, especially if your dentist puts you on pain pills stronger than Tylenol.  Yawning hurt for about a month, too, so be prepared for that.”

Wisdom tooth removal is something that most people will encounter in their lifetime.  While everyone‘s experience is different, there are some things that you can expect after wisdom teeth removal.  This guide will teach you some simple tricks and provide expert tips to help ease your recovery and help you sleep better.

How to Sleep Post Teeth Removal

After you get your wisdom teeth removed, it‘s important to be aware of how you‘re sleeping.  Sleep and good rest is important to heal faster, but you can actually prolong your healing process if you‘re not careful.

Take Your Medication

To start, make sure you take any medications your doctor prescribed.¯ This is essential for two reasons:  One, it will help fight off potential infection, and two, it will help you sleep at night if you‘re feeling pain.

Hopefully, your dentist or oral surgeon prescribed you something strong enough to ease the pain, as Carla mentioned earlier.  If not, Ibuprofen or Tylenol will help reduce the discomfort too.  You can also apply an ice pack to your cheek if you have a combination of pain and swelling.

Keep Head Elevated & Choose the Right Position

After you get your wisdom teeth pulled, you‘ll need to keep your head elevated for at least 36 hours at a 45–degree angle, even while you sleep.  The elevation will help you recover faster because blood vessel tone (constriction of your blood vessels) and blood volume tend to increase near the wound when you‘re lying flat.  This can cause the wound to throb and lead to increased pressure and bleeding, inhibiting healing.  Keeping your head at an angle also helps to reduce swelling, so you don‘t look like a chipmunk.

Remove Gauze From Mouth This next tip might go without saying, but you‘ll want to remove the gauze in your mouth before you sleep, so you don‘t accidentally choke on it.  Your dentist should tell you when you have the OK to take it out, which is normally around 30 minutes after surgery.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

In general, make sure you also schedule time to rest after your surgery, and not just when you‘re supposed to go to sleep at night.  If you strain yourself too hard after wisdom teeth removal, the healing process will only be more painful, meaning less restful sleep.  So take a few days off work, lay low, and sleep whenever you get the opportunity.

If you find it hard to fall asleep, try setting the temperature in your room between 60–67 degrees to lower your body temperature, and turn off all the lights in your room.  You should even keep your phone face down so it doesn‘t light up throughout the night.  This ensures you‘re in the perfect atmosphere to fall asleep.

Combatting the Aftermath of Wisdom Teeth Removal

When a wisdom tooth is removed, some common symptoms may occur.  We identify these common symptoms, along with medical advice from Mayo Clinic regarding best treatment practices.

Be sure to contact your doctor should you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever
• Prolonged, excessive swelling that lasts two or more days
• Pus in or around the socket
• Numbness or loss of feeling
• Blood or pus in nasal discharge

Foods to Aid in the Recovery Process and Support Sleep

The foods and beverages that you consume could hasten your recovery process.  These foods and beverages can actually help aid in your recovery from wisdom tooth removal.

Beverages

Do‘s:

Water:  Water is your best friend after surgery, replenishing essential nutrients and giving your body the strength to fight infection.

Ginger ale:  The bubbles and mild flavor can help ease nausea and settle upset stomachs.

Gatorade or Powerade:  These sports drinks are full of vitamins that can help replenish and strengthen your body to fight infection.

Milkshakes:  Everyone loves ice cream, but this guilty pleasure is not so guilty after wisdom tooth removal because the creamy cold of the treat is very soothing during healing.

Don‘ts:

Alcohol:  You should refrain from alcohol for at least 48 hours immediately following your procedure.

Acidic drinks:  Acidic beverages, such as certain sodas or juices, can cause severe irritation to your wound and hamper healing.

Hot and cold beverages:  Your mouth will be especially tender following surgery, so stick to lukewarm drinks and skip the hot coffees and teas.

Whichever beverages you choose, be sure to avoid using a straw so you do not risk dislodging blood clots or causing further harm to the extraction site.

Foods

There are also some foods that can help ease recovery.

Do‘s:

Yogurt:  The cool, creamy texture of yogurt makes this healthy treat enjoyable, but the extra vitamins and minerals will also help aid your recovery.

Applesauce:  This sweet treat‘s smooth texture makes it a perfect choice for post–procedure snacking. Plus, the vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C, will help fight infection and speed up your healing.

Lukewarm soups:  Blended soups like pumpkin, carrot, or tomato soup are rich in nutrients, while bone broth adds extra hydration.

Eggs:  Scramble some eggs for a soft, easy–to–eat meal full of protein and Omega–3 fats to help with healing.

Don‘ts:

Hard foods:  Hard, chewy foods can put a strain on your extraction site and displace the blood clot.

Spicy foods:  Spicy foods can quickly cause irritation and prolong the healing period.

Crunchy foods:  Foods that easily crumble, like potato chips, can all too easily become stuck in the wound, adding room for infection.

Grains and seeds:  These also can become lodged in your wound and increase the risk of biting the inside of your mouth and adding to your list of ailments.

Additionally, there are also some items that better prepare the body for rest to help you sleep better.

• Almond milk:  Almonds can agitate your wound, but almond milk is a soothing, refreshing way to provide your body with the hormone melatonin to help improve your sleep.


• Chamomile tea:  A cup of lukewarm chamomile tea before bed can help fight inflammation and promote better sleep.


• Tart cherry juice:  This specialty beverage is so effective at improving sleep quality that it is also used to treat insomnia.

Your medical provider can help advise on the best dietary plan for your needs after surgery.

Activities to Pull You Through the Recovery Period

Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction may not be the most fun time, but for many people every day, it is a necessary evil to ensure proper health.  While you are recovering from your procedure, these activities can help keep your mind preoccupied and engaged with fun, entertaining activities that will not put a strain on your recovering body.

• Movies, audiobooks, and podcasts:  These are easy ways to entertain yourself without putting any strain on your body.  Curl up in front of a TV or grab a pair of headphones to tune into your favorite audiobook or flick.


• Puzzles:  Puzzles are another low–energy activity that does not require a ton of movement and can be done right from the comfort of your bed.


• Video Games:  As you begin to feel better, you can check out a new video game for a slightly more intensive experience.


• Read a book:  This can be the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading and dive into that new novel you have been pushing off.

Any activities that do not require a lot of motion and can be done from bed can help keep you entertained while waiting for your body to get back to normal.

When Can I Sleep on My Side After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Unfortunately, you will need to sleep on your back.  Depending on your recovery time, you will need to sleep on your back for around three to seven days.  It is not recommended to sleep on your side or your stomach because it can squish your cheeks, adding extra pressure to the area.  It will also direct more blood to the area via gravity.  We can‘t imagine that it would be very comfortable to sleep with an elevated head while on your stomach or side, either, so try to stick strictly to your back.

If you‘re somebody who isn‘t used to sleeping on their back, try arranging pillows around your head and neck to keep you comfortable and supported.

_{SEE ALSO: Best Beds for Back Sleepers}

Best Pillows to Use After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The right pillow after wisdom teeth extraction can make all the difference in the world for your comfort and could even speed up the recovery process.  Medical experts at Mayo Clinic recommend that patients sleep on their back following wisdom tooth removal.

Back sleepers are best served by a pillow with anywhere from one to four inches of range when compressed.  This keeps the head elevated and reduces neck strain by facing toward the ceiling rather than forward.  The best pillow and mattress for back sleepers depends on a few factors, such as the material you choose.  Pillows are available in several different materials, such as memory foam and latex foam, to meet your ideal comfort level.  Your pillow and mattress firmness is another factor, with a medium firmness often working best for back sleepers.

An extra pillowcase is also a good idea to prevent any blood or fluid stains on your favorite keepsake pillowcase.

Additional Ways to Improve Your Sleep

There are a few other ways to help improve your sleep after wisdom tooth removal.

Modify Your Mattress Outfit

One tip is to modify your mattress outfit by investing in a temporary new bed setup.

Mattress toppers can be a great way to add support quickly.  Instead of upgrading your entire mattress, you could instead choose a mattress topper as a more economical way to accommodate your post–procedure sleep requirements.

You can also use extra pillows to provide added support.  A pillow below your knees can cradle your body for added support and also help minimize back pressure.

Implement a Weighted Blanket for Relaxation

Weighted blankets have increasingly become popular for their highly–touted health benefits.  These blankets typically carry a weight of at least 15 pounds and have been widely reported to provide a soothing calm that promotes better sleep.  Weighted blankets are also used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress.

For those who recently had wisdom teeth extracted, the added weight of the blanket does far more than just promoting better sleep.  It can also help other types of sleepers adjust to sleeping on their backs, with the blanket‘s weight gently reminding you throughout the night to remain on your back and prevent any extra, unnecessary movement.  Available in several weights, you are sure to find a version today that works best for your post–extraction sleep.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom tooth extraction is nothing new, but thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce your downtime and promote faster, better healing.  From soft foods to lukewarm beverages, a few simple changes to your diet can help avoid unnecessary issues and help ensure a quicker recovery.– It is also important to assess what other changes you can make, from activities to even your mattress, so you can enjoy not only a comfortable place to recover but also better sleep each night too."

Ogliodontia - An Strange Term but not an uncommon Malady

 This may not be as uncommon as you think!  This malady affects between 1.5 and 10 percent of the population. For clarification, a single missing adult tooth is called agenesis.  Multiple missing teeth - ogliodontia, and when a child is missing his complete set of adult teeth it is called anodontia.  Sometimes this is hereditary, sometimes it is spontaneous.

Baby teeth can begin to fall out as early as age 4, or as late as age 9.  Typically, a child loses his first tooth around age 6.  Permanent teeth begin to appear within a few months.  In some cases, however, a permanent tooth doesn't appear in it's place.  This is why it is so important to take a child for a dental visit and x-rays by age 3 or 4.  X-rays will tell a dentist whether permanent teeth are forming in the jaw normally.  Most kids will  have all of their permanent teeth by age 15.

There are options for kids with missing adult teeth such as orthodontics, implants or even space maintainers if a tooth is forming but not fully erupted. If your child is missing any of his adult teeth,  check with your pediatric dentist to find out the best treatment option.

As always, Keep Smiling!

Stopped Your Routine Dental Cleanings? See What Can Happen...

 Have you been putting off your routine dental cleaning? Well...you shouldn't put it off much longer.

Take a look at this article "What happens to your health and smile when putting off your biannual dental cleanings and exams?" from Dentists 'R Us in Gilbert, AZ.

"It is because tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious issues like abscesses and infections, potentially requiring root canals. In particular, gum disease has been connected to rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, bruxism often arises from stress, and an unhealthy smile leads to poor self-confidence. Your mouth and body are intricately connected and require regular care for optimal health.

The greatest oral issue stems from oral bacteria, which starts to form as soon as you eat or drink anything besides water. Brushing and flossing after you consume sugary and acidic foods and beverages – like sodas, juices, sports or energy drinks, tea, coffee, and alcohol – can help manage plaque formation and buildup but very few people take the time to do that.
What Happens at Your Biannual Dental Checkups?

Our skilled team’s goal is to catch and treat developing problems sooner rather than later, so they are easier, less invasive, and less costly to remedy. When you come in for your dental cleaning and exam, you can look forward to the following:

• Dental X-rays as needed

• Oral cancer screening

• Sticky plaque buildup and tartar removal

• Tooth stain removal by polishing enamel

• Screening for tooth decay and gum disease

• Checking every tooth for chips, cracks, cavities

• Evaluating your jaw and bite for abnormalities

• Ensuring that your current tooth restorations are in good shape

• Scheduling to treat any current issues

• Reviewing your at-home care if needed and recommending helpful products

• Giving you answers to your questions and concerns

• Toothaches

• Tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods and beverages

• Pitting or a hole in a tooth

• Painful abscess around a tooth

Your best protection in between dental cleanings and exams is to brush twice a day, floss at least once daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs if you want to keep tooth decay and gum disease from gaining a foothold. Drink plenty of water every day, eat a balanced diet, and limit unhealthy drinks and foods as much as you can.

While we are seeing more problems with patients coming back after skipping dental cleanings this past year, know that we will never make you feel bad about missing your dental appointments! Our team can expertly clean your teeth and check for developing problems so we can fix them early. We will also go over your daily routine to make sure you have the best tools possible to fill in any gaps so you can get back on track to a healthier, happier smile! Call now to schedule a dental cleaning and exam for yourself or your family members!

Because of the pandemic (and occasionally dental anxiety just from going to the dentist), patients may find themselves tempted to skip a dental appointment or two, especially if they are not currently having any acute dental problems. But skipping those routine dental cleanings can also put one’s oral health and overall health at risk!

Bacterial Infection

And even if you do, brushing and flossing alone can’t reach and clean every surface in your mouth. It is where your professional dental cleanings come to the rescue. With the help of special tools, our hygienist removes hardened, calcified plaque (tartar or calculus) that you can’t clear away at home, especially in between teeth and around the gum line.

Removing calculus and bacteria protects your smile from cavities and gingivitis (gum disease), so you don’t suffer from bacterial infections like gum disease, which puts you at greater risk of tooth loss, heart conditions, and complications from diabetes. Oral bacteria also makes your breath smell bad and is off-putting to people in close contact.

Why Biannual Dental Exams?

Cavities mean the following and should not be ignored:

As tooth enamel weakens, cavities can accelerate from infection, whether it is inside the tooth, at the tooth root, or in the jawbone. The problem is an infection that spreads to nearby teeth. A cracked or fractured tooth can worsen whenever you bite down or chew hard food, and if the tooth completely breaks, you will know it from the pain. Your routine dental exams allow us to spot these kinds of issues early and treat them before they turn painful or expensive!

Daily Oral Hygiene Between Dental Cleanings

Your best protection in between dental cleanings and exams is to brush twice a day, floss at least once daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs if you want to keep tooth decay and gum disease from gaining a foothold. Drink plenty of water every day, eat a balanced diet, and limit unhealthy drinks and foods as much as you can.

While we are seeing more problems with patients coming back after skipping dental cleanings this past year, know that we will never make you feel bad about missing your dental appointments! Our team can expertly clean your teeth and check for developing problems so we can fix them early. We will also go over your daily routine to make sure you have the best tools possible to fill in any gaps so you can get back on track to a healthier, happier smile! Call now to schedule a dental cleaning and exam for yourself or your family members!"

Can Your Dental Exam Reveal Osteoporosis?

Your teeth have been cleaned, x-rayed, and examined. You're ready to schedule your next 6-month check-up and be on your way. But instead, your dentist delivers some surprising news: you may have osteoporosis. You may think your dentist is kidding, but that's probably not the case. Signs of osteoporosis can often be seen on dental x-rays and exams. Oral health and bone health can be directly related. Your dentist can find possible signs of osteoporosis by examining your jawbone, gums, and teeth.

Although your dentist may suspect the disease, you can't tell for sure from an x-ray alone. To diagnose osteoporosis, you will need to see a doctor for a bone density test.


Original post by Btflbutterfly77 on 6/2009.