Month: June 2022

Dental X-rays are used in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. As dental X-rays pass through the body, they will occasionally show other bones and organs. In order to prevent harming these parts of the body, medical entities such as hospitals employ strict safety procedures regarding risks for personnel who use or handle the device and patients who receive an X-ray. 

Dental X-rays can be taken in many ways, including directly on teeth (known as intraoral), by capturing images with a camera, or by placing an injectable film over teeth (known as extraoral). A dentist in Littleton usually recommends taking an X-ray if the cause of any pain or discomfort cannot be pinpointed.  Dental X-rays can help find hidden decay in teeth, bone loss around teeth, inflammation of the pulp (living part of the tooth), narrowing of spaces between teeth, or damage to teeth caused by tooth-grinding.

Let us see what all can dental X-rays expose.

• Abscesses or cysts

A dental X-ray helps in detecting abscesses and cysts. Abscesses and cysts often are painful conditions that require draining of the accumulation. You should tell the dentist if you have had prior surgeries in the area of pain as there may be scar tissue that could show on the X-rays.

• Cavities

The cavities in your teeth are also visible on dental X-rays. If you are someone who has a lot of cavities, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups. This will help detect if there is a cavity developing before it reaches the pulp chamber and causes an infection.

• Bone loss

Dental X-rays can also reveal the loss of bone around the teeth, which is referred to as bone loss. This usually occurs due to periodontal disease and the loss of support from the bone. The root gets exposed and starts living in an open environment, feeding on bacteria that are around it. This has a gradual worsening effect, which is likely to cause your teeth to become loose or even fall out.

• Decay between the teeth

In a situation where the decay is in between your teeth and is not yet visible to the naked eye, a dentist can use X-rays to determine if the decay has reached the pulp. A dentist might also use this opportunity to check possible cavities that may be hard to see otherwise.

• Developmental abnormalities

Dental X-rays are also used to detect any developmental abnormalities in a child’s mouth. This can include missing or extra teeth, underdeveloped jaw tissues, cysts in the joint areas, jaw fractures, and many such problems.

The veins in the legs might become dilated, enlarged, and overfilled with blood when you develop varicose veins. This happens in any part of the body but is more common in the legs due to increased pressure when walking and standing. The varicose veins may cause pain, discomfort, and other serious health problems for a few people, but most patients might become uncomfortable due to cosmetic reasons. Treatment for the mild condition may involve self-care procedures, but for the more chronic one, procedures should be done by healthcare providers; you should look for an Upper East Side varicose vein expert who focuses on these varicose veins treatments.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins might result in painless symptoms, including blue and dark purple veins, budging and twisted like cords, muscle cramping, burning, and throbbing. You may experience worsening pain after standing for a long time, heavy feeling in the legs, and changes in skin color around the varicose vein.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Weak and damaged valves in the veins can lead to varicose veins; the valves should control blood circulation to prevent backflow; if these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow back into the veins leading to swelling that causes the veins to twist. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle might cause varicose veins.

Varicose Veins Risk Factors

• Aging results in the wear and tear of vein valves over time, allowing backflow of blood where it collects. Thus older adults might develop varicose veins compared to young people.
• Sex; women might develop varicose veins due to the hormonal changes in their bodies; female hormones tend to relax vein walls, and hormonal pills and treatments heighten the risks. Thus before adopting a birth control method, your doctor might assess if it will cause the condition.
• Obesity; being overweight increases the pressure added to the veins in the leg region.
• Family history; varicose veins can be passed down genetically.
• Pregnancy; increased blood volume in the body during pregnancy to support the growing baby can enlarge the veins in the legs.

Treatment

Varicose veins and spider veins do not just disappear; naturally, they might become less visible but will likely return over time. Its diagnosis is made through a physical examination and an ultrasound to look at the blood flow to detect a blood clot.

Treatment for mild varicose veins can involve self-care procedures such as exercising, including raising legs when sitting or lying down, wearing compression stocking that squeezes the leg, and facilitating easy blood movement.

A health care provider might recommend surgeries and other procedures for severe or chronic instances of varicose veins; laser treatment sends a strong burst of light onto the vein, making it slowly disappear.

Prevention

You should avoid high-heeled shoes and tight hosiery, engage in frequent exercise, eat a low-salt diet with high fiber, change sitting and standing positions regularly and watch body weight to avoid obesity.

Although varicose veins cause cosmetic problems, they may cause pain and the inability of the blood to move to the upper body. Your doctor will educate you on varicose veins prevention and treatment; good luck dealing with varicose veins.

If you have multiple dental problems that you wish to address and improve your smile, veneers might give you the results you wish to have. They cover up your teeth, improving your teeth’ shape and appearance. They are among the easiest ways to transform your smile. San Ramon Veneers specialists at San Ramon Dental Excellence offer top-quality veneers to help you achieve your best smile. Keep reading as we elaborate more on veneers.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells placed on your teeth to correct various dental issues. Different materials form veneers, including ceramic, porcelain, and composite resin. They help repair your smile balance and symmetry.

What types of dental concerns do veneers treat?

You can get your veneers at San Ramon Dental Excellence to solve various cosmetic dental issues, including;

• Slightly crooked teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Stains resistant to teeth whitening
• Gapped or spaced teeth
• Misshapen teeth

What are the benefits of veneers?

The following are the benefits of veneers.

Improves appearance

A beautiful smile always compliments your confidence and appearance. Veneers allow you to rectify various teeth issues in a single treatment. They feel and look natural, enhancing a natural and comfortable smile.

They are durable

Though, it depends on the materials you use; veneers, porcelain veneers to be precise, can last up to twenty years. However, how long they last depends on their maintenance, among other lifestyle habits.

Promotes your smile

Veneers work to correct almost every minor oral issue, enhancing a healthy smile. They also protect against further tooth damage, protecting your smile.

They are easy to maintain

Veneers function like your natural teeth. You only need to take care of them like your normal teeth. Flossing and brushing twice a day, and regular dental visits for professional cleaning and assessment.

Fast results

Veneers allow you to achieve your desired smile within two visits.

They are less invasive.

Unlike other cosmetic treatments, veneers only involve a few steps. Your provider extracts a small part of your enamel, and you are good to go.

They are resistant to stains.

What does getting veneers involve?

The veneers installation process takes place in two separate appointments. Your provider performs an oral exam during the first consultation and enquires about your treatment goals.

They take away a small layer of your front teeth and take your teeth’ digital impressions. Then the team sends the impressions to the lab to manufacture custom veneers.

After a week or two, you return to the practice, where your provider lines your veneers over teeth and fixes them.

The entire treatment process happens under anesthesia to enhance comfort. It only takes a few minutes, and you leave the office with the smile of your dream.

Veneers cover various dental concerns to allow you to achieve a better smile. They look and feel natural, like your natural teeth. With proper oral care, veneers can last up to 20 years. You might want to have regular dental exams every six months to enhance your efficiency. If you have various teeth imperfections that you wish to address, veneers might be the right treatment for you. Contact San Ramon Dental Excellence today for a consultation.

A beautiful and healthy smile improves your confidence and your quality of life. However, if you have discolored, damaged, or crooked teeth, they may be discouraging you from smiling. The good news is that smile can be achieved with Glendale same day crown.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” fitted over a tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Here are some reasons why your tooth may need a dental crown;

1.     Large Cavities 

Cavities are bacterial infections of the tooth’s enamel and other hard materials that make up the teeth. Germs in your mouth consume sugar and create acid, which dissolves the enamel and allows bacteria to enter the tooth. As the cavity grows, it weakens and compromises the enamel, making it unable to support normal chewing functions.

To determine whether a tooth requires a filling or a dental crown, your dentist measures the size of the cavity and the amount of good tooth structure left. In many circumstances, the cavity is so big that the remaining tooth structure cannot support a filling. Therefore, you will require a dental crown.

2.     Severe Acid Erosion

 Patients with severe acid reflux and those who like drinking acidic drinks like sodas every day may lose considerable enamel due to erosion. A dental crown is vital to restore your damaged teeth and replace the missing enamel to avoid further damage and possible tooth loss.

3.     Enamel Loss from Strong grinding/clenching

 Physical wear and tear from excessive grinding and clenching during sleep is another source of considerable enamel loss. As enamel wears away, the teeth get shorter and flatter. Using a dental crown on these teeth helps avoid further damage and ultimate tooth loss.

4.     Cracked Teeth

Although cracks are more common in teeth with big fillings, they can also occur in apparently healthy teeth. Individuals who grind or clench their teeth while asleep are more likely to develop cracks in their back molars.

 In addition, cracked teeth may result from an injury like biting a hard, unfamiliar object. The enamel breaks down when a tooth cracks, allowing temperature sensations and microorganisms to enter the tooth. Common side effects of a tooth crack include sensitivity to cold drinks or substances.

5.     Big Fillings

A large filling on a tooth may need the placement of a dental crown. While a filling is an excellent way to rebuild a tooth structure that has been lost due to disease, it does not strengthen the tooth. It merely covers the gap. A dental crown is necessary to avoid future damage when a large filling covers more than half of the exposed tooth.

6.     Root Canal Treatment

 A tooth that has had root canal therapy requires complete coverage with a dental crown since root canals destroy the nerves and blood supply from a tooth’s hollow chamber. Teeth become fragile and easy to shatter without a blood supply. Because root canal teeth lack a nerve, they do not feel the symptoms of a broken tooth; therefore, patients frequently overlook the warning indications of a problem. After a root canal treatment, the tooth requires a crown to keep it from cracking.

If you have a discolored, broken, or damaged tooth, a dental crown is the best option to restore your tooth and smile. Contact Alta Canyada Dental Group in Glendale to get started with your same-day crowns.

Urinary incontinence is a common and often embarrassing problem that can happen to anyone. It is the involuntary leakage of urine. Many people think that only older people or women have this problem, but men and women of all ages can experience incontinence Sandy Springs.

There are many different types of urinary incontinence, but the most common type is stress incontinence. When urine leaks out when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise. Other types of incontinence include urge incontinence (leakage associated with a strong urge to urinate) and overflow incontinence (leakage due to a blocked urinary tract).

Functional incontinence (when an external factor, such as a physical or mental disability, makes it difficult to reach the toilet in time).

There are different causes of urinary incontinence. In some cases, it may be due to a structural problem, such as an enlarged prostate or weakened pelvic floor muscles. In other cases, it may be caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as diuretics or anticholinergics.

The best treatment for the condition will depend on the underlying cause of the incontinence. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or quitting smoking, may be all that is needed. Other treatments include pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, medications, and surgery.

There are some things you can do to manage urinary incontinence and reduce the amount of leakage. Some of these management techniques may work better for you than others, so it is important to experiment to find what works best for you.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help prevent leakage. To do a Kegel exercise, tightly squeeze the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat ten times, three times a day.

Bladder training

Bladder training helps you control your urination by gradually lengthening the time between bathroom visits. Start by urinating every 30 minutes, then every hour, then every 2 hours. Once you can wait for 3 to 4 hours between bathroom visits, you can start reducing the frequency of your trips.

Double voiding

Double voiding is a technique that can help empty your bladder more completely and reduce the amount of leakage. To double void, urinate, wait a few seconds, and urinate again.

Scheduled bathroom breaks

Scheduled bathroom breaks help you avoid emptying your bladder regularly before it gets too full. Try to urinate every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 to 5 hours at night.

Fluid management

Limiting or avoiding beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol, or carbonation can help reduce urinary incontinence. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, increasing urine production, while carbonation can lead to bloating and pressure on the bladder.

Weight management

If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds can help reduce stress incontinence. The ideal weight for you is based on your height, age, and body type.

Suppose you are experiencing any urinary incontinence. In that case, it is vital to see a doctor at Wellife Center so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

Every woman’s experience during pregnancy is different because everybody behaves and responds differently to changes occurring during this period. Usually, pregnancy is a nine-month journey that is accompanied by a lot of body alterations. It goes along with emotional and physical changes because one starts experiencing mood swings, and your belly enlarges, altering your appearance. And due to the physiological changes occurring in the body, women’s care is needed to help cope with the changes and help in monitoring your health and the health of the infant. Therefore, if you are pregnant and interested in starting prenatal care, Women’s care offers essential obstetric services like antenatal tests and checkups during labor. They also provide care during labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Let’s learn more about obstetrics below.

What is obstetrics?

Obstetrics typically refers to a branch of medicine that deals with the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and after delivery care which is the childbearing cycle. The main focus of obstetric services is to ensure the mother has positive experiences during pregnancy. It also ensures that the mother and baby remain healthy for positive outcomes after delivery.

Who offers obstetric care?

Qualified and experienced gynecologists and obstetricians usually provide obstetric care to help obstetric care, midwifery care, and high-risk pregnancy services to women of all pregnancy stages and ages.  

What does antenatal care entail?

Antenatal care, also called prenatal care, involves monitoring the health of both the mother and child during pregnancy. It aims to identify any health problems or complications that might develop during pregnancy and ensure you are educated on how to manage them to ensure you and your baby remain healthy. The specialists also offer the emotional support you need during labor, delivery, and post-delivery. Common obstetric services include prescribing medications, urine tests, nutritional education, lifestyle modifications, blood tests, checkups before and after delivery, midwife-assisted delivery, ultrasounds, pain management, C-sections, induction of labor, and monitoring your stay in the hospital. The health care providers inform women concerning the services available to ensure they are in safe hands and help them decide about their health care.

Why choose a midwife for pregnancy care?

Generally, a midwife is a board-certified nurse who is a highly trained and experienced medical professional specializing in pregnancy and delivery. Most women commonly prefer midwives to take care of them during pregnancy because they have intensive knowledge and training in obstetrics. They are also the best in providing pregnancy care to women who do not have severe complications and would like to deliver naturally with minimal interventions. Besides obstetric care, a midwife can also offer additional services like postpartum support, help you develop a birth plan, educate you on newborn care and breastfeeding, and offer emotional support during labor and delivery.

The health care providers work as a team where they offer individualized care to ensure your needs and wants are met. You can also be given a personal doctor if you want one, even if your pregnancy is not considered high-risk.

Pregnancy is a long journey that requires support from your family and health care team. Therefore, if you are pregnant and want a midwife to provide pregnancy care, you can get started by booking your appointment online at Suncoast Women’s Care today. Various obstetric services are also available for you.

Spinal cord stimulation is a surgical procedure that uses an implanted device to directly send low electricity levels into your spinal cord to relieve pain. It is commonly used after non-surgical pain treatment techniques have failed to give you sufficient relief. Back pain, heart pain, spinal cord injuries, nerve pain, and visceral abdominal pain are some of the conditions a Clark spinal cord stimulator can treat. Spinal cord stimulation involves two procedures, which include:

Spinal cord stimulator trial

The trial period is the first step. Your doctor implants a temporary device for you to test out. With the aid of a specific X-ray known as fluoroscopy, the doctor will keenly insert the electrodes in the epidural space of your spine. The electrodes will target the affected parts along your spine. Your surgeon can ask how you feel while positioning the electrodes in the correct location. The trial procedure requires only a single incision in the lower back to place the electrodes. You will have to wear a particular belt around your waist to hold the generator or battery.

After a week, you can determine how well the device relieves your pain. Your surgeon will render the trial procedure successful if it reduces fifty or more percent of your pain. If unsuccessful, the surgeon will carefully remove the wires without a spinal cord or nerve damage. The surgeon schedules your surgery to implant the device permanently if the trial is successful.

Spinal cord stimulator implantation

The spinal cord stimulator implantation procedure takes between one to two hours. It is an outpatient process, so it does not involve hospital admission. Your surgeon places the generator underneath your skin during the permanent implantation process. The trial electrodes are replaced with sterile electrodes, and sutures will anchor them to reduce movement.

The procedure involves local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision along the abdomen or buttocks to hold the battery. Another incision along your spine allows the inserting of the permanent electrodes. The incisions are about three inches. As in the trial process, fluoroscopy defines where the electrodes are placed.

Your specialist will close the cuts once the electrodes and the generator are in place and running. The specialist will ask for your feedback during the placement of the electrodes and provides sedation to keep you comfortable.

After surgery

Your doctor will take you to a recovery room after the surgical process. Once the anesthesia wears off, you can leave the health facility. The incisions may be discomforting and painful for several days after the surgery. Avoid stretching or twisting, as this can pull out the incisions. The dressings placed on the cut sites can be removed three days after surgery.

For effective recovery, follow your surgeon’s instructions. You can engage in light activities two weeks after surgery. Most patients heal entirely two to four weeks after the surgical process. After your specialist approves you for regular duties, you can return to your daily routine with the stimulator turned off.

Although rare, you can experience complications like bleeding, infection, or spinal cord trauma. If any of these happens, seek immediate medical treatment. Schedule an appointment at University Pain Medicine Center for spinal cord stimulation to permanently relieve your chronic pain.

The medical sector is growing and expanding at a fast pace. Medical research is getting an influx of capital in recent times as people try to lengthen their lives as much as possible. This can be achieved by getting treatment solutions to as many illnesses as possible. Treatment has also become as personalized as possible with the emergence of family practice physicians. Kalpana Desai MD is a qualified family practice doctor with vast experience and expertise in general medical conditions. More about what a family doctor does is explained in detail below.

Who is a Family Practice Physician?

These are doctors that give general care to people of all ages. They evaluate symptoms, treat chronic conditions, offer preventative care, and advise when to visit a specialist.

They typically work in private settings or with other family physicians but can be found in hospital settings and community medical clinics. However, most family doctors tend to serve areas with high levels of poverty, illiteracy and limited resources.

Family physicians that work in community health offer services like:

• Health risk assessments
• Routine checkups even for children and infants
• Screening tests
• Immunizations
• Treatment of typical chronic diseases
• Counseling on healthy lifestyle choices

These doctors may also specialize in emergency and urgent care, sports medicine, and public health.

Licensed family physicians have requirements they need to attain after getting an undergraduate degree that includes:

• At least four years in medical school
• Take board exams from relevant bodies
• Three to four years of residency in various fields
• Certification by the national medical boards
• License from the state they plan to operate

Several reasons that may make you visit a family doctor include:

Care for Injury or Illness

 This doctor can treat common injuries or illnesses that do not require the intervention of a specialist. These conditions may include flu, colds, sprains, fractures, bronchitis, pneumonia, seasonal allergies, stomach viruses, and ear infections.

Chronic Disease Management

Several chronic illnesses and conditions may be treated or monitored, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, high cholesterol, skin problems, and breathing conditions like asthma. They can also prescribe medication refills for chronic issues with consultations with relevant specialists.

Routine Exams

Family practice doctors can do routine exams like newborn and well-child checkups, annual physicals, sports physicals, female pelvic exams like pap smears, and men’s health screenings like prostate exams.

Referrals to medical specialists

Family doctors may come across a condition like heart disease that may need to be looked at by a specialist. They suggest suitably qualified specialists for you. The doctor can work together with the recommended specialist when you begin treatment for the condition.

The various services are done when you first see a family practice doctor include:

• Requesting routine blood tests
• Checking vital signs
• Physical exam involving the neck, head, and abdomen areas
• Growth evaluations for children

Family practice doctors have enabled people to get regular medical checkups and growth assessments from children to becoming adults. This will allow the prevention or identification of certain illnesses early. For any family doctor inquiries, visit us online, or call our offices in Lady Lake, FL.