Cosmetic Dentist in Austin Offers Innovative Anesthesia

Dr. Mark Sweeney, a cosmetic dentist in Austin, is now offering the CompuMed® instrument for administering pain-free anesthesia to numb individual teeth and create a more comfortable experience for patients. Also known as The Wand, Dr. Sweeney says the CompuMed® technology can help patients who are apprehensive about dentistry relax through safe and effective treatment.

Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney has announced that he will be offering the latest dental innovation in the administration of anesthesia, the CompuMed® instrument, or The Wand. At his practice, Dr. Sweeney focuses on procedures ranging from general dentistry and routine cleanings to cosmetic teeth whitening procedures and porcelain veneers. He says that the introduction of the CompuMed® technology will allow him to enhance the level of patient comfort available at his practice for those who suffer from anxiety about their dental care.

The CompuMed® wand, developed by Milestone Scientific, allows dentists to numb individual teeth without the typical injection or the associated numbness in a patient’s cheek or tongue. A computer-controlled injection system determines tissue resistance of the gums and mouth while gently administering a small amount of anesthetic between tooth and bone. The new technology also allows for reduced dosages of anesthesia, lowering costs and eliminating potential complications with a patient’s health.

While he also offers IV and sedation dentistry, Dr. Sweeney says with the CompuMed® wand, patients will feel numbness in the targeted area but will require very little recovery time and experience minimal side effects. He adds that the increased mobility and targeted injection available from the CompuMed® system offer significant benefits to both dentists and patients.

Dr. Sweeney says he is excited about the opportunity to provide patients with increased comfort and peace of mind during their dental experience. He says the new technology paves the way for improved patient care and he hopes to further dedicate himself to offering the latest in dental techniques and technology as they continue to develop.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

Dr. Mark Sweeney graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Center Dental School. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Capital Area Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and a founding member of the Texas Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Sweeney has dedicated several hundred hours to his continued education in cosmetic dental techniques and technology.

Located at 3305 Northland, Suite 515 in Austin, TX, Dr. Sweeney’s practice, Austin Dental Spa, can be reached at (512) 380-1300. It can also be found online via the website austindentalspa.com or facebook.com/austindentalspa.

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First, if you have an infection in your tooth, you will need antibiotics before undergoing a dental procedure, such as, a root canal procedure to clean out the infection. Secondly, certain medical conditions may pose a risk for infection following dental treatment. In these cases, antibiotics are administered in the days before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection. For example, people who have heart valve issues or total joint replacement are considered at risk for infection. This is because certain dental procedures for those with heart valve issues or total joint replacement may send some bacteria through the bloodstream which creates a risk for infection at the location of heart valve issue or joint replacement.

As such, some people do require antibiotics over the course of a few days prior to certain dental treatments. Furthermore, when infections in the mouth are left untreated, the infection can travel through the bloodstream into other areas of the body.  In some cases, these infections can be life threatening. This is another reason why it is very important to obtain appropriate dental care in a timely fashion.  It is important to note that you may require antibiotic treatment for several days before the procedure.  It is not advisable to delay dental care at any time you feel you need it.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Why is it important to see a dentist twice a year?

Regular dental check-ups offer the opportunity to check for oral conditions, such as, oral cancer, and gum disease (linked to heart attack and stroke). Early treatment for these conditions is typically less invasive and produces better results when compared to the alternative. Aside from checking for tooth decay, staying on top of your overall health through dental care assists in preserving quality of life over your lifetime. So, try to focus on rewarding yourself after you go for your dental visit!

How can I lower my anxiety about going to a dentist?

First, look for a dentist who utilizes sedation dentistry. Even if you are not interested in sedation, the dentist and their staff are typically very accustomed to caring for people who have anxiety. Too, they often have patient comforts, such as, calming music and T.V.. So, you can discuss your concerns with staff members over the phone to alleviate anxiety strains. In addition, some dental practices offer a variety of safe and effective sedative agents that offer an anxiety free dental experience.   Add to this staff recommendations and the ambiance of the office, you’ll likely be set for success in your dental experience. Finally, you may want to stay away from stimulants, such as, coffee, before your dental visit as stimulants can add to anxiety.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

 Baby teeth are not immune to tooth decay. Despite the fact that baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, the condition of baby teeth plays a role in the condition of permanent teeth. Furthermore, it is more difficult to seize the process of tooth decay in an infant. Thus, proactive measures are required to help prevent tooth decay in children.

Generally speaking, gum wiping should commence after your child is born. Once a first tooth erupts, the tooth should be cleaned daily. Your dentist can give you tips for proper brushing.  By one year’s old, your child should be drinking from a cup instead of a bottle.   Refrain from giving your child sugar sweetened drinks. There are many more instructions you can receive by going to your dentist to learn about taking care of your children’s teeth.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Study results presented at the Scientific Session 2011 for the American Heart Association demonstrated that over 50,000 people who received professional cleaning with tooth scaling were nearly 25% less likely to have a heart attack and nearly 15% less likely to have a stroke over a seven year time period.

None of the participants had a history of heart attack or stroke at the beginning of the study. The lead presenter of the information remarked that professional tooth scaling appears to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stroke. In addition, the type of periodontal disease predicts degree of risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Other study results have supported this evidence. For example, there was a study involving nearly 8, 000 people who have periodontal disease. The results demonstrated that nearly 70% of those with fewer than 21 teeth had an increased risk for heart attack.

There is nothing that can replace the value of a professional dental cleaning when it comes to oral health. Professional dental cleanings prevent the need for more invasive dental treatment, reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth loss,  and may reduce the risk for certain diseases.  Both adults and children should have a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year and more often when prescribed. For example, people with gum disease may be advised to undergo a dental cleaning every three months.

In the end, it’s important to follow up on your dentist’s advice. Just think you may be lowering your risk for heart attack and stroke.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Recently, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers reported that people who lose fat cells offer their body a better opportunity to fight off gum disease.

The study results were compiled following testing of over 30 people with an average body mass index of 39; half of which had the gastric bypass procedure and abdominal fat removed.  All study participants had gingivitis or gum disease and received treatment for gum disease. In the end, the study participants who had surgery achieved better success in the management of gum disease, including: periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels.

So, a two for one bonus is certainly appealing. Of course, there are several theories as to why this occurred. Though, certainly the study results can be a motivating factor to control your weight. Now, let’s check to some tips to keep you in shape!

1. Aerobic Exercise: It’s important to perform aerobic exercise at least 25 minutes per day and up to one and a half hours if you are interested in losing weight. Aerobic exercise is defined by any exercise in which one foot is off the floor, such as, walking, running, biking.
2. Strength Training Exercise: Muscular strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week, including all major muscles, is vital.  Muscular strength training elevates your metabolism which assists in fat burning.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

First, let’s clear this up. What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction involves bringing your oral cavity up-to-date by replacing old tooth restorations and ensuring that your bite (occlusion) is on target. The end result is a beautiful smile.

There are so many reasons to commit to full mouth reconstruction. When you look good, you’ll feel good and enjoy a boost in confidence that will improve your daily life. Healthy habits become easy to achieve as time passes, and the outcome is undeniably worth it. Once you start seeing results (and turning heads) with your new smile, regular dental visits to maintain your appearance can become even more addicting than Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. We all know that anything rewarding in life is going to take some work, but who says the result won’t be fun?

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Every mouth is full of bacteria, some of them harmless. Others, however, are actually bad for the body. Because what goes on in a person’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and travel throughout the body, developing good oral hygiene habits should be a priority in everyone’s life.

Recognizing gum disease is important so a person can begin taking steps to combat it. Gingivitis is the mildest form that is a precursor to gum disease, but when it goes untreated it can lead to much larger problems. There is normally no pain associated with the onset of gingivitis. When gums become red, swollen and bleed easily, it is likely that they are experiencing signs of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is controllable with proper home care and professional treatment.

It is important to seek treatment for gingivitis in the first stages because it can lead to a more serious type of gum disease called periodontitis. This occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line, breaking down the bones and tissues that support the teeth. When this happens, teeth become loose and may fall out. In addition, gum disease has been linked to heart disease and strokes.

It’s never too late to develop better oral hygiene habits. If the symptoms of gum disease are present, take charge and take control of it before the disease is able to progress.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

If you are interested in tooth whitening, we call it a resolution because you may need a professional tooth cleaning before you have tooth whitening. This is because plaque up prevents the bleaching from activating on your teeth.

If you are interested in dental veneers, we call it a resolution because your oral cavity will need to be evaluated to check for any interferences that may affect the longevity of the procedure, such as, tooth grinding.  In this case, you will be fitted for a mouth guard to protect your dental veneers.

If you are interested in dental bonding, your tooth (or teeth) will be evaluated to ensure that bonding is the right procedure for you. For example, bonding works well for small, chips, cracks and gaps.  Veneers, sometimes combined with bonding, works well for larger gaps, but orthodontic may be the only way to go for even larger gaps.

If you are interested in dental implants, your oral cavity and jaw will be examined to ensure you meet criteria for the procedure, such as, ample supporting bone structure. In many cases, you may still qualify for dental implants. For example, if you do not have enough supporting bone structure, you may undergo bone grafting.

So, cosmetic dentistry can be a new year’s resolution because you’ll be attending your to oral health, while taking advantage of all of the benefits of a beautiful smile that results from cosmetic dentistry.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

1. REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH: Buy a new toothbrush at least once every three months. (That’s 4 times per year.) Because a person’s toothbrush comes into contact with all the oral bacteria in one’s mouth, keeping a toothbrush for too long can be a factor that leads to bad breath or other oral health issues. Also, if a toothbrush becomes frayed, it will not be able to clean teeth as easily.
2. BRUSH YOUR TONGUE: It’s not just teeth that matter when it comes to tooth brushing. Bacteria can build up on a person’s tongue, which can cause bad breath. This also means the rest of your mouth’s cleanliness will suffer.
3. BRUSH IN CIRCULAR MOTIONS: This technique will get more plaque and unwanted germs off the teeth. Also, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush along the gum-line.
4. INVEST IN SOME DENTAL FLOSS: When people forget to floss, small food particles will remain between teeth, which can cause cavities to develop. This is a common problem that dentists address, and it can be easily solved by flossing just one time a day. (Of course, flossing twice would be even better.)
5. VISIT YOUR DENTIST: Make an appointment to get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. Also, don’t neglect regular dental check-ups that will detect problems early on.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.