What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

dental sleep medicine Provo

What is dental sleep medicine?  It’s a relatively new branch of dentistry that treats sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.

Don’t confuse dental sleep medicine with dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Dental sleep medicine treats sleep apnea. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we can determine if it’s right for you.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where you have frequent, intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for up to 60 seconds. They are caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and closes the airway. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen it interferes with important physical processes.

There are three different types of sleep apnea. They are categorized by the cause of the cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing. The final type is called complex sleep apnea syndrome. This form is present when a patient has both of the other two types.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have several of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Excessive Snoring
  • Episodes of Not Breathing
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Dry Mouth/Throat
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent Headaches
  • Irritability

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

Dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear a custom-fitted removable oral appliance at night. The appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard.

How does an oral appliance work?

An oral appliance restricts your airway from collapsing. It either holds the tongue or jaw in a forward position.

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

It depends on the severity of the condition and other considerations specific to the patient. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from OAT.

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

Some men and women find the device more comfortable. It’s smaller and easier to clean than a CPAP system. Patients who suffer from claustrophobia often choose OAT. Patients who move around a lot when they sleep can get twisted up in the CPAP tube. And a small, portable device is easier to travel with.

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in OAT, give us a call at the number below.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Overcoming Anxiety With Gentle Dental At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Provo sleep dentistry

Dental anxiety and the more severe dental phobia affect many Provo people, including some Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients. Today’s post answers some questions asked about this serious topic.

What are the long-term consequences of dental anxiety and dental phobia?
The most harmful consequence is when a dental phobic patient delays dental care until a pain becomes excruciating. At this point, the problem is usually extremely advanced and requires extensive treatment.

Furthermore, there are usually many other dental problems in varying stages of progression. Many oral conditions eventually cause malfunction in other vital systems risking general health and well-being.

There is also another anxiety at play, albeit a very ironic one. In addition to the emotional distress about dental treatment, the patient who avoids dental care starts panicking about the sorry condition of their teeth.

If I have dental phobia or anxiety, what should I do to protect my oral health?

Schedule an appointment with me, Drs. Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. There are several specific fears associated with dental anxiety and dental phobia. Fear of pain, the unknown, loss of control, and extreme embarrassment because of poor dental health are the most common concerns. During your consultation, we will address each of your specific fears and discuss them.

I have helped many patients manage their anxiety during dental exams and treatment. First off, we take things slowly. I explain exactly what is going to happen before each procedure. I assure the patient that I have treated many people who have neglected their teeth and nothing going on in their mouth will shock me. I never, ever give stern lectures on proper oral care – though I do give friendly instruction if requested.

If local anesthetic is necessary, I employ my finely-honed methods which cause zero to minimal discomfort. We agree upon a nonverbal signal, such as raising a hand, to signal me to remove my instrument from the patient’s mouth. Then he/she can take a break, breathe deeply, regain composure, ask questions, and learn the status of the procedure.

These methods go a long way in calming anxious dental patients. At the very least, they help the patient get through the treatment that is needed ASAP. With each subsequent visit, the patient is comforted by the growing familiarity, their increased confidence, and a strengthened relationship with me and my caring team.

What if I need more help to get through treatment?
Sedation dentistry is available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. In the Orem dental community, the terms “sleep dentistry” and “oral conscious sedation” are both used, however, they are not exactly the same thing. There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry.

Level 1: Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or, informally, “laughing gas” is safe and effective. Nitrous oxide has been used in Provo cosmetic dental offices for decades because in many ways it is the ideal mild sedative. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment without rendering them completely unconscious, and wears off quickly after the mask is removed. It also requires no needles – an important feature for the needle-phobic.

Level 2: Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of relaxation. These medications, however, do not usually produce complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in “conscious” sedation. Two common sedatives used by Provo dentists are diazepam and triazolam.

Level 3: IV Sedation
IV sedation produces actual “sleep dentistry.” Most patients are completely oblivious to the dental procedures they are receiving. IV sedation is helpful for root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, multi-procedure smile makeovers, and oral surgery.

To learn more about overcoming dental anxiety, sedation dentistry, or any other dental topic, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.


Relieving Your Dental Anxiety At Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry

Relieving Your Dental Anxiety With Provo Sedation Dentistry

Hello Orem dental blog visitors, welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog. We are Dr. Hammond and we specialize in cosmetic dentistry and dental crowns.

If you need root canal treatment and are worried about the pain you might experience or being able to get off of work for the multiple office visits to complete the procedure, be assured that painful root canals are a thing of the past with modern Utah dentistry.

With the latest technology and anesthetics, a root canal (endodontic treatment) is no more painful than receiving a filling. Most root canals can be completed in one or two short office visits.

Your anxiety can be diminished when you know what to expect. If you have been neglecting your teeth because of fears or concerns about a particular procedure and have not been to your Provo dentist recently, we encourage you to schedule an exam, cleaning, and consultation today. We are accepting new Orem dentistry patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer invisible braces, fast teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and all general and preventative dental procedures.

If you are interested in dental crowns or porcelain veneers, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Sedation Dentistry In Provo For Kids And Parents

Sedation Dentistry In Provo For Kids And Parents

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we know that many Provo children fear going to the dentist. We are Dr. Hammond and we at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry want to make your child’s first visit to our Provo practice a positive experience. Regular dental check-ups from toddler age are an essential part of oral hygiene.

Utah parents can follow these guidelines to help prepare their child for a dental visit.

1. Talk about the exam with your child. Answer any questions with uncomplicated answers.
2. Don’t share your bad dental experiences with your child.
3. Don’t imply that the exam will be painful.
4. Help your child understand that this is an important part of staying healthy.
5. Don’t offer a reward for visiting the dentist.

It is important for parents to make sure they aren’t anxious about Provo dental visits because children can sense their stress.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we have been treating children and adults since 1967. Our professional, friendly staff can calm the nerves of a fearful child and help them have a gentle dental experience.

If you or your Provo child has had a bad dental experience or is unable to stay calm while visiting the dentist, ask us about sedation dentistry. We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving excellent dental care.

For simple dental procedures topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing oral sensation. If you require more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are safe solutions.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry also offers complete smile makeovers which may include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, or any other cosmetic dental procedures required. All of these can be done with some type of sedation if required.

Don’t let your fears or your child’s fears keep your child from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today!


No One Will Know You Are Wearing Braces In Provo

No One Will Know You Are Wearing Braces In Orem With Invisalign

Many Provo adults dream of having a celebrity smile, but for some, the thought of enduring months or years with a mouth full of metal thwarts those dreams. If you live in the Provo area and don’t want to sport old-school metal braces, we are happy to report that there is a better way.

There are now contemporary, metal-free approaches to straightening crooked teeth. Custom invisible braces that are worn over teeth are now available in Provo. When you smile, nobody in Provo will know that your teeth are slowly and gently being corrected. The busy lifestyle you lead in the 84604 zip code area will not be hampered because invisible braces are so simple and convenient. The comfortable aligners allow you to eat anything you want and caring for your teeth will not become cumbersome. Provo neighbors will notice your confidence and poise blossoming as your teeth are aligning.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we have been creating alluring and appealing smiles in Utah since 1967. We specialize in complete smile makeovers. A popular procedure that many Utah cosmetic dentistry patients depend on is teeth whitening in Provo. We offer many options including methods you can do at home.

Some of the most popular treatments at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry include cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and dental implants. Whatever your dental needs are, we will create a personalized, custom treatment plan for you.


Beware Of Hidden Sugar

Beware of Hidden Sugar - Utah County General Dentistry We advise our Utah County family dentistry clients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to watch their sugar intake to prevent cavities and other health problems.

If you are trying to unsweeten your diet, you are probably skipping the usual suspects: candy, soda, and baked treats. But not all sugar is as obvious as the frosting on a piece of chocolate cake or the powdery stuff in pixie stix.

Here are some foods found in Utah County grocery stores and Orem school cafeterias with a surprisingly high sugar content:

  • Ketchup
  • Low Fat versions of snack foods (Manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.)
  • Salad Dressing
  • Breads, buns, rolls
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Protein Bars
  • Granola
  • Canned soup
  • Peanut Butter
  • Yogurt
  • Fast food meals (Hamburgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads are often loaded with sugar, not to mention the dessert items.)
  • Antacids
  • Cough drops
  • Fruit smoothies (Even a small serving has a whopping amount of sugar.)

Reading the fine print on labels is a must. The following terms are all types of sugar:

raw sugar, cane sugar, glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose, dextrose, honey, sorghum, molasses, cane sugar, confectioner’s sugar, crystallized cane juice, invert sugar, maltodextrin (or dextrin), maple syrup, concentrated fruit juices, evaporated cane juice (what kind of cane do you think we are talking about?)

Do the math: when shopping at Utah County markets or health food stores, carefully decipher food labels before you buy. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Add up all the grams of every type of sugar listed and divide by four to truly understand how much sugar an item contains.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we advocate and practice preventative care for lifelong dental health. For more information on how your diet affects your dental health, contact us at 801-374-0070. If you have a toddler or child who has not yet visited a dentist, call us today for a pediatric oral examination and information on fluoride and sealants. We also offer cosmetic and sedation dentistry.

We are located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo.


Sedation Dentistry in Orem

Sedation Dentistry in Orem Picture the following scenario: You are stretched out in a chair at your Orem dentist’s office holding a remote as you try to tune into your favorite radio station. An assistant clips a paper bib around your neck. Someone switches on a bright overhead light and you see latex-gloved hands moving toward your open mouth. You close your eyes.

As you read this, does your heart begin racing? Are your palms sweaty?

If so, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Oral sedation benefits nervous dental patients in Orem every day. Moderate sedation is used for all types of dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal. If you are considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental work, conscious sedation may allow your Orem dentist to complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Schedule a visit with Dr. Hammond to learn about conscious sedation dentistry.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200 in Provo, Utah 84604
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

Give us a call at 801-374-0070 or find us on the Web at: https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.


3 Tooth Problems Which May Require A Root Canal

Provo General Dentistry Hello Utah, let’s talk about the root canal procedure (“endodontic therapy” in dentist – speak). The root canal may the most cringe-worthy dental treatment commonly done today, but it is important that dental patients in the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas know what is happening during this anxiety – inducing, though routine, procedure. At the center of each tooth is a very small tissue called the pulp. This thread-like tissue can become damaged due to a:

An injury to a tooth
A very deep cavity
A crack in the tooth

If this tissue becomes damaged or infected, it can build up at the root tip inside the jawbone and form an abscess. If left untreated, this can actually destroy the bone around the tooth and cause serious discomfort. When an endodontist, oral surgeon, or general dentist in Orem or Provo performs a root canal, the dead or diseased pulp is taken out, the space that is left is cleaned and then it is shaped and filled. This eliminates the need for a diseased tooth to be pulled and continued cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gap. Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We hope that today’s Orem dental blog post has helped you to better understand root canals. We want our patients to have the best oral health possible and accurate dental information. We also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, dental implants, or teeth whitening, please give us a call at 801-374-0070. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we offer:

cosmetic dentistry sedation dentistry porcelain veneers Invisalign clear braces

We hope to hear from you soon! Dr. Hammond Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200 Provo, Utah 801-374-0070


Look For The Seal In Orem

Utah County General Dentistry And The ADA Seal

When you go to a Provo, Orem, or Utah County drugstore or supermarket looking for toothpaste, mouthwash, teeth whitener, or other oral care product, make sure that it carries the seal of the American Dental Association. The seal is there to help you make the best choices you can for the products you need to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

The American Dental Association (or ADA) only places their seal on a product after it has been evaluated to be safe as well as effective. This usually means that companies have to meet standards even higher than those required by law.

Making sure to purchase products with the seal is practically like shopping with your Provo dentist or dental hygienist right by your side!

Hi, We’re Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We serve the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas. We take pride in caring for our patients and, like the ADA, want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Many of our patients wonder if a smile makeover is right for them. If you’d like to know, schedule an appointment and we’ll take a look!

We specialize in


Contact us at
801-374-0070 and a member of our friendly and professional staff can get you in to see us and answer any questions you might have about veneers, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and more.

We hope to hear from you soon!


“Don’t Take Stress Out On Your Teeth, Provo”

Cosmetic Dentistry And Stress In Utah County Hello, we’re Dr. Hammond. At our Provo cosmetic dental practice we have noticed more and more of our patients with stress-related dental issues. Provo men and women may not think about it, but stress can do a number on your oral health.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, periodontal disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

Provo people who have difficulty managing stress need to realize that it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend our patients pick up an over-the-counter topical anesthetic at any Provo, Orem, or Utah County drug store.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common for stressed-out Orem residents, and often it’s done unconsciously. Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry our friendly and professional staff can determine if a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

And Provo dental patients may find that when they are under stress it is more common to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Many people in the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas find that they eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry today. We treat patients from age 20 to 80 and we offer cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign clear braces. We hope to hear from you soon!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah zip code
801-374-0070
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