What is Syncope?

Fainting, medically known as syncope, is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness often triggered by various factors, including emotional stress, pain, or medical conditions. Syncope occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain, leading to a loss of consciousness and muscle tone.

Causes:

1.       Pain or Anxiety: Dental procedures, particularly those involving injections or lengthy treatments, can induce anxiety or discomfort, which may trigger a fainting episode.

2.       Vasovagal Response: This is the most common cause of syncope during dental treatment. It occurs when emotional stress, pain, or other triggers stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.

3.       Fear of Needles or Dental Instruments: Some individuals may have a fear of needles or dental instruments, leading to a vasovagal response and subsequent fainting.

4.       Postural Changes: Rapid changes in posture, such as sitting up suddenly after lying flat during treatment, can also contribute to syncope by affecting blood flow regulation. 

Signs of syncope:

1.       Pallor (paleness) of the skin.

2.       Sweating.

3.       Nausea or light-headedness.

4.       Complaints of feeling faint or dizzy.

5.       Loss of consciousness.

How to manage syncope:

1.       Stop Treatment: Immediately cease the dental procedure and recline the patient's chair to improve blood flow to the brain.

2.       Maintain Airway: Ensure the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed. If necessary, administer oxygen to support respiration.

3.       Monitor Vital Signs: Check the patient's pulse and blood pressure regularly. If the patient remains unconscious or experiences prolonged symptoms, consider seeking medical assistance.

4.       Reassure and Comfort: Offer reassurance and support to the patient once consciousness is regained. Discuss the incident with empathy and address any concerns or fears they may have. 

How to prevent syncope:

1.       Creating a calm and supportive environment to minimize patient anxiety.

2.       Using topical anesthetics or distraction techniques to minimize discomfort during injections or procedures.

3.       Providing frequent breaks during lengthy procedures to allow patients to rest and recover.

4.       Ensuring proper hydration and blood sugar levels before and during treatment.

5.       Patient education.

Syncope is a common dental emergency that can occur during lengthy procedures and in anxious patients. To ensure no such event occurs, all the management and prevention techniques should be done by a dental professional beforehand to ensure maximum patient comfort. At Teeth CareCentre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the best dentist in Ahmedabad, makes sure all her patients are fear free and relaxed. To avoid any such happenings like syncope, we use inhalation-conscious sedation techniques and a painless injection system for all the patients, so that any dental anxiety gets dismissed and the patient is comfortable.

Heart and oral health

Traditionally, dentistry and cardiology have been considered separate fields, each with its own distinct focus. However, recent research has revealed a significant correlation between poor oral health and various cardiovascular conditions. This link is often referred to as the oral-systemic connection.

The link between oral health and heart:

The mouth and its health serve as a gateway to the body. Studies have revealed an association between gum disease (periodontitis) and cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. While the exact mechanisms behind this connection are still not known precisely, several theories suggest the following:

·         Inflammation: Gum disease is characterized by inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Chronic inflammation in the gums can trigger a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body, potentially contributing to the inflammation seen in cardiovascular diseases.

·         Bacterial Spread: The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, including the arteries of the heart. This bacterial presence could contribute to the formation of arterial plaque, increasing the risk of heart disease.

·         Shared Risk Factors: Poor oral health habits, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, unhealthy diet choices, and smoking, are common risk factors for both gum disease and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing these risk factors can positively impact both oral and heart health.

Collaborative Care: Recognizing the connection between oral health and systemic health, healthcare professionals are now moving towards a collaborative approach to patient care. Dentists and physicians are working together with a focus on both oral and cardiovascular wellness. This approach may involve joint screenings, joint treatment planning, and patient education.

Importance of Oral Hygiene

1.       Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline.

2.       Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to detect any signs of gum disease early and receive professional care to keep your gums healthy.

3.       Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and using other tobacco products not only stains your teeth and contributes to bad breath but also significantly increases the risk of gum disease and cardiovascular diseases.

4.       Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Conclusion:

As the research continues, more aspects of this oral heart link will open. Teeth Care Centre, the best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, always suggests to their patients to get a routine oral evaluation, to prevent any such possibilities and guides them on how to maintain oral hygiene in a better way.

 

Why should you choose Metal-free Crown only?

 

Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for a long time now. Dental crowns are used to restore or save damaged teeth or weak tooth structures. Dental crowns are of many types, namely, all-metal crowns, porcelain fused-to-metal crowns, gold crowns, ceramic crowns, etc.

 

When should you get a crown?

1.       Severe tooth wear

2.       Dental Implants

3.       Cosmetic enhancements

4.       Broken tooth

5.       Severe tooth decay

6.       Post root canal treatment

7.       Protection of weaker tooth structure.

What is a metal-free crown?

Metal-free crowns are dental restorations, made from biocompatible, high-strength, durable materials like lithium disilicate glass, aluminum dioxide, zirconium dioxide, etc. Metal-free crowns like empress crowns, e-max crowns, feldspathic crowns, and zirconium crowns have gained popularity due to their highly exceptional strength along with their natural and aesthetic appearance and biocompatible nature with the human body.

Why choose metal-free crowns only?

1.       Strength and Durability: Durability: Metal-free crowns are known for their strength and resilience, making them suitable for long-term use.

2.       Natural Aesthetics: Metal-free crowns can be color-matched to natural teeth, providing a more natural appearance, for a seamless blend with natural dentition.

3.       Biocompatibility: Metal-free crowns are made of biocompatible material, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity in the mouth and body.

4.       Precision: These crowns can be fabricated using advanced CAD/CAM technology, ensuring a precise fit.

5.       Minimal Tooth Reduction: Compared to some other types of crowns, metal-free crowns may require less tooth reduction, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.

6.       Longevity: With proper oral hygiene measures, metal-free crowns can last up to many years. 

Placement Procedure:

1.       Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your treatment goals to determine if metal-free crowns are the right option for you.

2.       Tooth Preparation: If necessary, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay or damaged structure and shaping it to accommodate the crown.

3.       Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth will be taken using dental putty material or digital scanning technology to ensure an accurate fit for the crown.

4.       Crown Fabrication: The impression or digital scan will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown to match the precise specifications.

5.       Placement: Once the crown is ready, it will be bonded securely to the prepared tooth using dental cement, restoring function and aesthetics to your smile. 

In conclusion, a metal-free crown is a significant advancement in dentistry, being a combination of strength and aesthetics. At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the best cosmetic dentist in India, only recommends metal-free crowns for all her patients, when it comes to strength and aesthetics.