Every patient is different, and at Dental Point, we recognize that their dental needs are also unique. One common challenge faced by many individuals during dental treatments is the gag reflex, a natural defense mechanism that can make certain procedures uncomfortable. Many patients aren’t aware of the latest advancements that can help them manage this. Join us as we explore how the latest technologies are transforming dental treatments in Kochi, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free experience for all our patients in Kochi.
1. Digital Impressions: A Gag-Free Alternative
Traditional impressions involving molds and putty can be triggering for individuals with a sensitive gag reflex. Enter digital impressions by Intra Oral Scanners a game changer in making dental treatments more comfortable.
Intraoral scanners (IOS) are devices for capturing direct optical impressions in dentistry. Similar to other three-dimensional (3D) scanners, they project a light source (laser, or more recently, structured light) onto the object to be scanned, in this case, the dental arches, including prepared teeth and implant scan bodies (i.e. cylinders screwed on the implants, used for transferring the 3D implant position). The images of the dentogingival tissues (as well as the implant scan bodies) captured by imaging sensors are processed by the scanning software, which generates point clouds. These point clouds are then triangulated by the same software, creating a 3D surface model (mesh) The 3D surface models of the dentogingival tissues are the result of the optical impression and are the ‘virtual’ alternative to traditional plaster models.
In short, our state-of-the-art digital scanners allow us to capture detailed images of your teeth without the need for traditional molds, significantly reducing the discomfort associated with gag reflex sensitivity. This will help provide far superior quality work in Orthodontics, Implant placements, Aesthetic Dentistry, Crowns, and bridges including Ceramic Veneers.
2. OPG or Orthopandamogram for Gag reflex patients
Have you ever gagged when having X-rays taken? This is not pleasant. The pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm activates the gag reflex when something touches the back of the throat, roof of the mouth, tongue, or uvula areas.
It happens without conscious thought. When an object touches the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat or tongue, or the uvula, the gag reflex activates. This causes the tissues in your throat to constrict and makes you gag, or feel like vomiting.
Often this creates problems during taking X-rays by conventional methods. This affects proper diagnosis and treatment outcomes. There comes the OPG or Orthopandamogram. Being an extra-oral radiograph, there is less limitation in taking the image when the patient has a gag reflex or difficulty opening their mouth. It’s not painful compared to RVG sensors or PSP plates. The image is produced without anything placed deep inside the mouth. Very helpful in taking x-rays of impacted teeth and posterior teeth where traditional X-rays fail.