FAQ

Dental anxiety is common among people of all ages. It can cause people to avoid going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This can result in dental issues going unnoticed for long periods of time. Dental anxiety is also common among children. They may feel scared or nervous about going to the dentist, which can cause them to avoid visiting the dentist altogether.

Dental anxiety is an intense feeling of worry, stress, or nervousness before visiting the dentist’s office. Patients who suffer from dental anxiety often avoid going to the dentist for regular checkups and treatment. As a result, these patients may be more likely to develop oral health problems. Conditions such as cavities, gum disease, and more can go undetected and cause more severe damage over time. However, patients with dental anxiety can receive dental treatment with the help of sedation dentistry.

Dental anxiety is an obstacle for many people when it comes to going to the dentist, and there are many reasons why people develop dental fear. Some people don’t feel comfortable with the dentist, and they worry about pain from the procedures or from needles. Others feel uncomfortable in the office environment. Still, others feel embarrassed about their teeth and have negative feelings about their smile. All of these feelings can lead to a fear of dental treatment, which can prevent people from seeking the care they need for a healthy mouth.

People who experience dental anxiety and dental fear often avoid seeing a dentist, which can lead to serious health problems over time. Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that causes a buildup of bacteria in a person’s gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, bone damage, and other oral health problems. When dental fear keeps someone from visiting their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, there is a greater risk of developing gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease cannot be reversed once it has progressed, so it’s best to treat it early to avoid complications and ensure long-term oral health.

Because of dental fear and dental anxiety, many people are avoiding their regular checkups and cleanings. This can have a bad impact on your oral health as well as your overall health. At Advanced Sedation Dentistry, we provide gentle, compassionate dental care in a comfortable environment. We take the time to explain each procedure thoroughly to patients before any work is started, and we only use anesthetics and numbing agents when necessary to ensure patient comfort. We also offer sedation dentistry to help patients relax during lengthy procedures.

Dental sedation is a treatment that involves the use of medication to calm a patient before or during dental treatment. If the patient is anxious, tense, or nervous, he or she will be able to receive the necessary dental care without being overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds of the dental office. The sedative is administered either orally or through inhalation during treatment. Sedation dentistry allows patients to relax for lengthy treatments such as root canals, extractions, and oral surgery without discomfort to the procedure. The major types of dental sedation are as follows:

Nitrous oxide sedation: Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over the nose. The gas is dispensed in varying levels of concentration, ranging from minimal to very deep. The dentist will determine the best level of sedation for your needs.

Nitrous oxide sedation is commonly referred to as being “light” because it induces a lighter form of sedation. Patients who choose this sedation method usually have moderate anxiety about receiving treatment at the dentist’s office.

Oral sedation: Getting dental work done is often easier for some people with the help of oral sedation. Some patients have anxiety about going to the dentist, which can make dental care difficult and even impossible. Sedation dentistry can help patients relax so that they can get the treatment they need without fear or pain.

Oral sedation involves taking a pill before your visit. This will make you drowsy and will keep you calm throughout your appointment. Usually, you will just need one dose to get effective results. Oral conscious sedation is administered orally in the form of a pill or liquid medication. The patient will remain awake but relaxed throughout the procedure. The level of relaxation will depend on the type of sedation drug used. After your procedure is complete, you will need to have a ride home from your dentist’s office. You will need to have someone with you for the first few hours following your dental appointment to make sure you wake up safely once the effects of the medication wear off.

IV sedation: For patients who are truly fearful or anxious about receiving dental care, IV sedation may be a better option. With this type of sedation, sedative medications are administered through an IV tube so that you can remain asleep during the entire treatment process. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you for the rest of the day as you recover. While you may feel groggy for a day or so after the procedure, many patients find that they are quite comfortable during the procedure and do not have any memory of it afterward.

Sedation dentistry is a relaxing way to address your dental fears or anxieties and receive dental treatments. It is safe and easy and can help you feel relaxed during a procedure. It also can reduce the amount of time needed to perform certain procedures. Here are some benefits associated with the use of sedation dentistry:

- It can help patients avoid feeling anxious during treatment, so they are able to relax more comfortably during their appointment. Patients are able to receive multiple treatments in a single visit, reducing the number of appointments they have to make.

- If the patient has difficulty getting numb, they can likely reduce their need for local anesthetic if they use sedation during their treatment.

- Certain types of sedation can also help to reduce any pain that may occur during the treatment.

- Sedation dentistry can make dental procedures more comfortable for patients who feel anxious.

- Your dentist will be able to perform necessary procedures more quickly, and you won’t have to worry about pain throughout the treatment process.

- The sedative medications used for sedation have anti-anxiety properties that can promote relaxation and reduce worry and anxiety.

- While asleep, the mouth is also kept dry and saliva-free, which can protect delicate teeth and gums from damage.

Some forms of sedation can be used for invasive dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal or root canals, while others may only be appropriate for less intensive procedures, such as a simple filling or cleaning. Talk to your dentist about options that may be right for you.

Sedated patients usually fall into one or more of the following categories:

- Patients who have anxiety surrounding dental procedures, such as injections in the gums or multiple procedures in one visit.

- Patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time. Some patients cannot sit still for even a few minutes in a dental chair without fidgeting, squirming, or becoming impatient. This can become problematic for some dental treatments, such as root canals.

- Patients with strong gag reflexes. Many patients simply do not enjoy the feeling of having something in their mouths. For these patients, sedation can help to make their time in the dental chair less uncomfortable.

- Patients with special needs, including children, elderly patients, and patients with mental disabilities.

Yes! In fact, it’s one of the safest forms of dental care available. Your dentist will carefully monitor and control the level of sedation you receive to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable during treatment.

During your consultation, your dentist will conduct a full evaluation of your health history and use that information to determine if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. If your general health is stable and you are in good oral health, then you may be a good candidate for a sedation procedure.

General dentistry refers to the comprehensive prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common oral health issues for patients of all ages. While a general dentist can provide the routine care you need for healthy teeth and gums, they can also provide treatment for conditions like gingivitis and cavities, as well as perform cosmetic procedures to brighten your smile! A general dentist may also refer you to a specialist who can perform more advanced treatments if needed.

In general, general dentists provide a variety of basic preventative treatments to keep your teeth healthy. These services may include teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel, and oral exams to check for issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Other common services include fillings for cavities, crowns to restore damaged teeth, implants to replace missing teeth, root canals for infections and other conditions that affect the soft inner tissue of the tooth, and even orthodontic treatment such as braces to move crooked or crowded teeth into a straighter position. Oral cancer screenings are also an important part of preventive dental care.

Most general dentists perform all of these procedures. However, some also provide specialty services that go beyond the basics. These services include porcelain veneers and bonding to improve the appearance of your smile, teeth whitening to remove stains from surface enamel, and periodontal care to treat gum disease. Depending on your needs and preferences, a general dentist may even refer you to a specialist in the area for more advanced procedures.

When it comes to your oral health, oral cancer screenings are an essential part of your regular appointments. This cancer is life-threatening if not caught early. According to the American Cancer Society, your risk of getting oral cancer increases as you age. That’s why it’s so important to be screened regularly for signs of oral cancer when you come in for your checkup. The earlier you catch this deadly disease, the better the outcome will be for your prognosis.

If you experience any of these symptoms between visits, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is key when it comes to beating the battle against oral cancer!

According to the American Dental Association, patients should visit the dentist every four to six months for a standard checkup and cleaning. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright for years to come. Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and find issues early on, so they never have the chance to develop into anything more severe and costly than your routine cleaning. Plaque buildup is removed using special tools, and the teeth are polished to leave them bright and shiny. For patients with gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary to get any issues under control and improve periodontal health. Talk to your dentist about getting on a routine schedule and whether you need to visit more or less often depending on your oral health needs.

The American Dental Association recommends having your teeth cleaned every six months. However, some patients may need to come in more frequently depending on their oral health needs. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you are prone to plaque build-up and cavities or have a history of gum disease. For optimal dental health, it is best to schedule your biannual appointments as soon as possible after your first appointment. If you experience pain or sudden tooth sensitivity between cleanings, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have it looked at and treated.

If you’re due for your next dental cleaning and aren’t sure if you should book one, feel free to call our dental office and ask! We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your oral health.

Routine x-rays allow your dentist to see between your teeth and under your gum line, where cavities are most likely to form. These scans are also crucial for catching decay before it’s visible to the naked eye. With regular dental visits, you can prevent small problems from turning into big ones by catching tooth decay early!

There are a few things that break down the enamel and cause a cavity. Food and drinks like soda, sugary juices, and candy can lodge in the crevices of the teeth and cause decay. Plaque can also cause cavities because it creates acids that eat away at the tooth. If plaque is not removed from the surface of the teeth, it will create an infection and cause pain. Brushing and flossing regularly can prevent the formation of plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

Flossing helps to clean the areas between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. By removing food particles from the small spaces located between teeth, you decrease your risk of developing cavities. You can also help prevent bad breath by removing bacteria and food debris from the mouth that can cause a foul odor, to occur.

Brushing and flossing are the most basic and important ways to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. You should brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes at a time, and you should floss your teeth at least once each morning and night as well. However, brushing and flossing alone is not enough to maintain your oral health; you also need to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments will allow a professional to examine your mouth and teeth for any underlying issues or signs of tooth decay that need to be treated before they can develop into more serious health issues.

In addition to your regular oral hygiene routine at home, you should also follow these additional tips to keep your mouth healthy and free of bacteria that can cause infections:

- Always rinse your smile after you eat to remove food particles from your teeth and prevent plaque buildup.

- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages whenever possible to prevent tooth decay. If you do consume these types of foods and drinks, always drink a glass of water afterward to wash away the acids that these foods leave behind.

- Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments in order to prevent any oral health issues that may require extensive treatment plans in the future.

When you follow our tips for keeping your teeth clean, you will be able to prevent most dental health problems and enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Bad breath can be caused by a number of reasons, including poor oral hygiene habits, dry mouth, gum disease, certain medications, tobacco use, and some types of foods and drinks. Your dentist can review your medical history and help you determine the cause of your bad breath so you can take steps to address it effectively. In some cases, you may be referred to a physician or specialist. If your oral odor is not related to your oral health, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and recommend treatment.

If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a custom night guard to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism. In some cases, a night guard can also help with TMJ and tension headaches caused by teeth grinding.

Custom-made night guards fit over your teeth, so they’re comfortable to wear throughout the night. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make sure that you receive a proper-fitting mouthguard. Night guards are durable enough to last for years, but they’ll need to be replaced when they’ve worn down.

Bleeding gums are one of the most common reasons for patients to visit the dentist, and it can be very concerning for people. While bleeding may be a sign of gum disease, there are many possible causes that have nothing to do with your oral health at all. Some common causes of bleeding gums include brushing too hard, using abrasive toothpaste, flossing too aggressively, smoking, or hormonal changes. If your gums start to bleed when you floss or brush your teeth, be sure to try to determine what might be the cause. If it is due to improper oral hygiene habits, simply adjusting your technique can help. If the cause is something more serious, like an infection or disease, then it’s time to schedule a visit with your dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned. They can also help you determine the cause of your bleeding so that they can prescribe the proper treatment.