Dental Blocks Explained

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There are so many different dental terms and treatments. There is no way you could possibly know what they all mean (unless you’re an orthodontist). And, of course, your orthodontist in Wichita, KS, would be happy to go over anything you don’t know with you. But for now, let’s talk about dental blocks.

What Is a Dental Block?

A dental block, sometimes referred to as a nerve block, is a term people use to describe the anesthetizing procedure used when numbing a specific area of your mouth before beginning a dental procedure.

Why Are Dental Blocks Used?

A dental block is used to numb the alveolar nerve. Numbing the alveolar nerve will block the sensation to your gums, teeth, lips, and jaw so you don’t feel any pain during a dental treatment.

How Does a Dental Block Work?

Your orthodontist will locate the nerve near the treatment site, apply a topical numbing agent to the gum where the injection will be administered, and then the anesthesia will be injected into the site. The orthodontist will wait a few minutes for the numbing agent to take effect before beginning your dental treatment in Wichita, KS.

How Long Does It Take for a Dental Block to Wear Off?

A dental block will usually take somewhere between one and four hours to wear off. The timeframe will vary from person to person, the type and amount of anesthetic used, the injection site, and how fast your body metabolizes the anesthetic.

You will probably experience some discomfort even after the anesthetic wears off, but that’s completely normal.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Wichita, KS?

If you are experiencing any dental issues you would like diagnosed and treated, please Contact Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics today. We have a comfortable and relaxing office and a team of professionals who truly care about you and your oral health. We’d love to show you just how easy and affordable dental care can be!

3 Common Myths About Misaligned Teeth

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Not everyone needs braces, but if you or a loved one have teeth that aren’t well aligned, you may benefit from some kind of orthodontic treatment in Wichita, KS. Your best option is to visit an orthodontist for a professional evaluation, since there are a good many myths about misaligned teeth, and you don’t want to be improperly informed. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Misaligned Teeth Will Fix Themselves Over Time

If your teen has poorly aligned teeth, they won’t get better after your child has grown older, no matter how it might seem so. Imagine an arrow. If you extend the path of the arrow, it doesn’t bend, it travels in a straight direction. Similarly, a misaligned tooth is likely to just become more pronounced as your child grows.

2. There’s no Real Harm in Misalignment

Unfortunately, even minor misalignments can cause serious issues the longer they persist. Teeth misalignment can lead to TMJ, a painful condition of the joints in the jaw. It can also lead to jawbone disintegration and subsequent tooth loss. Granted, some ramifications can take years to present, but why not take care of a minor misalignment problem today in order to prevent a serious complication later on?

3. Misaligned Teeth Take Years to Fix

Well, that all depends on the age of the dental patient, and the individual circumstances. Yes, some orthodontic treatments take a couple of years, but others can be resolved in a much shorter timespan. You’ll never know without a professional consultation where your particular situation can be addressed.

Do you have questions about treatment for misaligned teeth? Consult with your orthodontist in Wichita, KS today to learn more, and to dispel any myths you may have.