What is Sedation Dentistry?

In spite of the dental technology that has made dentistry virtually pain-free, dental fear and anxiety still keeps millions of patients away from the dental office every year. Here at the office, Dr. Keith Rudolph wants to ensure that you are relaxed as humanly possible, which is why he offers sedation dentistry to patients who are eligible.

There are several types of sedation dentistry to treat different levels of dental anxiety, each putting you in varied states of relaxation. The levels of sedation used include:

• Minimal sedation – where you are awake but relaxed.


• Moderate sedation – you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.


• Deep sedation – you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.


• General anesthesia – you are completely unconscious.

Anesthesia is generally safe, but there is always a risk when being sedated. However, certain people, such as those who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea, should talk to their doctor before having sedation. That is because they are more likely to develop complications from the anesthesia.

If you have dental phobia give us a call so we can help you relax for your next appointment. To learn more about our sedation practices at the office, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Even those who brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly may find that food, environmental factors and the test of time will eventually take their toll on the natural radiance of their teeth. That is why Dr. Keith Rudolph offers teeth whitening and bleaching at his practice, to ensure that you have the shining smile you have always desired.  

Your smile speaks volumes about who you are and leaves an everlasting impression, so it’s only natural that you want it to be as radiant as possible. To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, we utilize a tray whitening system here at the office and it is completed in just 2 steps. The first step is to make an impression of your teeth. With this impression, we'll craft you custom whitening trays that you can use over and over. Finally, you will take the whitening gel and put it in the gel for a short period of time over a period of a few days. This often results in a whiter smile of 4 - 8 shades!

If you desire a brighter smile give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Straighten Your Teeth the Invisalign Way

Perhaps you had braces as a child and never maintained the follow-up care, or you might just be an adult with a crooked smile who never had braces before. Whatever the case may be, there is an option to straighten your teeth invisibly. Invisalign is a revolutionary technology that promotes teeth straightening without the need for conventional metal braces and Dr. Keith Rudolph can provide you with them after a few visits to the office.

During the consultation, you and Dr. Keith Rudolph will discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. He will then take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which the Invisalign lab will use to create a digital 3D image of them. From these images, Dr. Keith Rudolph will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Once you begin treatment you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your comfortable, smooth, plastic aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.

If you want to straighten your teeth the Invisalign way, give us a call! To learn more about Invisalign visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

What to Expect After a Dental Crown is Applied

When you will be getting a dental crown placed on your tooth, it is nice to know what to expect afterwards. Dental crowns are custom created “caps” that go on a tooth to restore damage. Dr. Keith Rudolph offers dental crowns at our Fairfield, CT dental practice. As with any dental procedure, there will be a healing time where special directions should be followed.

In our dental practice, we have CEREC technology, so this means that there is no waiting for a dental crown to be created by a laboratory. A crown can be created within your appointment for immediate placement. However, for cases where temporary crowns will need to be worn before the permanent crown, one must be careful. The temporary crown is not as stable as a permanent one, so avoid hard and sticky foods. Brush and floss carefully so the crown is not dislodged or pulled up.

After the permanent crown is placed, there may be some sensitivity. When the soft tissue heals, any sensitivity or irritation will go away. A warm salt water rinse or some ibuprofen will help in the meantime.  As you adjust to your new tooth, it should start to feel like one of your normal teeth. Any problems should be reported to your dentist.

Dental crowns restore the health of a tooth and improve the look of a smile. For more instructions or information about dental crowns, contact Dr. Keith Rudolph at our Fairfield, CT dental practice. Call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes have long been debated about which is better. When choosing a new toothbrush, it is nice to know which one will get you the best cleaning. Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT wants his patients and all dental patients to know the difference between electric and manual toothbrushes so they can make an informed purchase.

According to recent studies, manual toothbrushes do just as good of a job brushing teeth as electric ones. The only difference is that the more expensive sonic toothbrush happened to show less cases of gingivitis. However, this could be because people who spend more on healthcare supplies often stick to their healthcare routines better.

The studies showed that the toothbrush really didn’t matter much when determining how to get a good brushing. What mattered most was the person brushing. Having the right technique is key to good oral care, no matter what type of toothbrush you choose. However, for those with trouble using their hands, like those with arthritis, an electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning as they do most of the work. Electric toothbrushes require less maneuvering around the mouth.

When it comes to better quality, electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes are on the same page for the most part. Again, it depends on the person using the toothbrush. For more tips on oral care, contact Dr. Keith Rudolph here in Fairfield, CT by calling (203) 254-9533 or by visiting our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Full and Partial Dentures in Fairfield, CT

When missing most or all of your teeth, you can appear older than you are. The missing teeth cause a loss in jaw and facial structure, making your facial muscles sag. Dr. Keith Rudolph is restoring smiles and confidence by offering full and partial dentures to his patients.

Dentures are a removable tooth replacement option for all of the teeth. They are replacements for top and bottom teeth that are strong, durable, and good-looking. They are made to look natural and healthy. We have available full dentures for replacement of all the teeth and also partial dentures for replacement of just some of the teeth.

Full dentures can be placed conventionally and immediately, depending on your lifestyle. Immediate dentures are great for those who do not want to spend any time without teeth; however they may have to be re-fitted in the future. When teeth are extracted for denture placement, the healing process takes some time. When the gums heal they can shrink, causing the dentures to be misplaced in the future.  Conventional dentures are placed a few months after the extractions.

Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges but they are not permanent fixtures; they are removable. They work by being attached to stable teeth adjacent to the open space.

Replacing missing teeth will restore your confidence and allow you to eat the things you’ve been missing. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in our Fairfield, CT dental practice. Call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth can stop you from eating some of your favorite things. It can also make brushing your teeth uncomfortable. Stopping teeth sensitivity may be a very simple fix; however it may also be an indicator of a more serious problem. Dr. Keith Rudolph of Fairfield, CT wants his patients to be aware of what can cause teeth sensitivity and what it means for their oral health.

Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. The wear down of enamel is a big reason. Brushing with stiff bristles, brushing too hard, eating a lot of acidic foods, and letting plaque build up are common ways to wear down enamel. Grinding your teeth will also wear down enamel. Exposed tooth roots which are the result of gum disease can also be causing sensitivity.  Cracks or chips can cause sensitivity plus even more pain. They can also lead to an infection, so if your tooth is cracked, you should visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Sensitive teeth may be an indicator that you are eating too much acidic food or brushing too hard, and those are simple fixes. But it could also be an indicator that there is an infection, a fracture, or gum disease. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, it is important to get an evaluation by your dentist to find out what is the cause.

Tooth sensitivity can be a real downer, but it does not have to last forever. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website,www.drkeithrudolph.com.