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Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS has created this informative blog to help educate the community.
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What is Sedation Dentistry? |
Posted on 4/25/2022 by Ronald Watkins |
Many people generally have dental anxiety which is a fear of visiting the dentist's office. Patients can have a problem remaining relaxed even through simple and pain-free sessions such as tooth cleaning. Sedation dentistry, therefore, becomes an effective option for patients who avoid dental clinics like the plague. Sedation dentistry utilizes medication that enables patients to be more relaxed during oral treatment at the office. Some people can call it to sleep dentistry, although that is not completely true. During sedation dentistry, you are usually awake during the entirety of the procedure. Patients who are under general anesthesia are the only ones who can be considered asleep during an operation. Levels of Sedation Minimal sedation is the first level of sedation where you are awake but more relaxed. Moderate sedation is a level of consciousness where you can slur words while talking, and you will not remember most of what was happening during the procedure. Then there is deep sedation, where you are close to unconsciousness, but you can easily be awakened. The last level is general anesthesia where you are unconscious. The level applied to a patient is dependent on the treatment procedure. Who Can Be Helped With Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry is mainly for people with a deep fear of visiting the dentist's office. To prevent them from skipping dental visits, sedation dentistry will ensure that they receive the care they need. That being said, sedation dentistry can be beneficial for people with a low pain threshold. If you have very sensitive teeth, sedation could help you not to feel pain. Sedation dentistry is also important for children who cannot sit still on the dentist's chair. When you come to our office, and we determine that you need extensive dental treatment that needs a lot of time to complete, sedation dentistry is usually recommended....
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Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Gums and Teeth |
Posted on 4/11/2022 by Ronald Watkins |
A cleaner and healthier bite helps enhance your oral and overall health. Maintaining a clean, white set of teeth means increased confidence, reduced chances of dental problems like tooth decay, discoloration, gum disease, chipping, and tooth loss. But what habits promote a healthy bite and which ones are bad for your gums and teeth? Promoting Healthy, Clean Gums and Teeth There are many things you can do to maintain your pearly whites. Brushing twice a day, flossing once, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help remove plaque. Make sure that you change your toothbrush, specifically after every three months, or when you notice the bristles are worn. When cleaning the teeth, do it in a circular motion as it helps cover all areas. Moreover, eating raw strawberries as well as other water-rich fruits helps with your oral health. Quit smoking and the use of tobacco as it is a major cause of receding gums and tooth loss. Protecting your Gums and Teeth When playing sports use a mouthguard to protect your gums and teeth. Consider the custom-made mouthguards as they fit comfortably into your mouth. Avoid the habit of chewing pencils or pens as they can chip your tooth. Also, hard foods such as nuts, corn, and ice can cause the teeth to get chipped, especially if they are weak. Therefore, be careful when biting on these foods or items. Excess sugary foods, as well as alcohol, tend to erode the enamel, making your bite suffer from sensitivity and increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities. It is a bad habit to open bottle caps with the teeth. In fact, this is the biggest culprit for chipping a tooth. To find out how you can maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums, contact our periodontic office. Our team will be ready to assist you with any concerns you may have or your dental treatment needs....
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Oral or IV Sedation: Which One is Right for You? |
Posted on 3/21/2022 by Ronald Watkins |
For many patients, visiting a dentist seems to be the last thing they want to think about. Dental anxiety is real and continues to keep many individuals from receiving the care they need. But going to a dentist doesn't have to be frightening. Sedation dentistry provides a solution. Oral and IV sedation help improve your dental visit's experiences. Patients don't have to fret about painful treatment procedures anymore. In fact, today's dental procedures are almost pain-free – thanks to sedation dentistry. Oral Sedation A safe, effective prescribed oral sedation makes a big difference in how you expect your dental visit to be. It is a commonly prescribed medication that allows you to remain completely relaxed on your dental appointment. Before you visit a dentist, you take the prescription as you have been instructed. Therefore, by the time you get to the office and sit on the dentist's chair, the effects of oral sedation are already kicking in. During your treatment, you will be relaxed, comfortable, and also stress-free. If you are receiving oral sedation for your dental treatment, you may want to get someone to drop you and pick you up from the office because the medication takes time to wear off. IV Sedation Also referred to as intravenous sedation, IV sedation is administered through an IV tube. It's a great option if you have moderate to severe dental anxiety. IV sedation is also the most utilized form of sedation in patients who need multiple procedures to be done in one visit. You will need assistance to get back home after the treatment because IV sedation may linger around in your body for hours after the dental procedure. Which one is Right for You? A dental professional is the best-placed person to determine which sedation best works for you. However, if you struggle to visit a dentist because of dental anxiety, you may consider oral sedation. It is ideal for simple treatments such as general cleanings, root canals, and filling cavities. IV sedation is much stronger, therefore, it works well for complex dental procedures or multiple procedures performed in one visit. Visit our dental office to find out what type of sedation we offer and the ones we recommend for your dental treatment....
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