About Me

 It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.

Latest Posts

Tags

It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Sedation Dentistry 101 : A Guide For First-Time Patients

by Jacqueline Byrd

Even though going to the dentist is not always a dreadful event, there are many people who feel their heart skip a few beats at the whole idea of even simple procedures, such as having a cavity filled or a bad tooth extracted. As many as one in five patients have a sincere fear of the dentist, and if you consider yourself fearful, sedation dentistry is likely to be a form of treatment you have considered. Here are a few of the biggest questions that new patients tend to have about sedation dentistry and the answers you will want to know before you make an appointment.

If you choose sedation treatment, will you be completely put to sleep?

Sedation treatment can be accomplished with various levels of actual sedation. You may be given an inhaled sedative, such as nitrous oxide, which will only help you feel more at ease and relaxed. You may see a combination of nitrous oxide and other sedatives, either taken orally or given as a shot, which would put you at a more sedated state, unable to speak clearly or stay alert and focused. Full-on sedation, in which you are completely put to sleep with anesthesia, usually involves the use of intravenous sedatives and close vital monitoring.

Is everyone a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Not everyone is a good candidate for full sedation, but most can have some level of sedation-inducing drugs during treatment. In most cases, sedation is reserved for patients who have a sincere issue with regular treatment. For example, you would be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you

  • have overtly sensitive teeth
  • a gag reflex that is too sensitive for traditional procedures
  • need, or prefer, a lot of work completed at one time
  • have a difficult time with oral pain
  • experience severe anxiety, which could interrupt dental treatment processes

How do you find a dentist that offers sedation with treatment?

Not all dentists offer sedation treatment simply because not all have the training and qualifications to do so. However, most dentists do offer some level of sedation, even if it is just as basic as inhaled nitrous oxide to help you relax. To find dentists that offer higher levels of sedation, look for those who have the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA, certification, which means they have completed a program of studies in dental anesthesia.

Being fearful of the dentist should never be enough to keep you from seeking appropriate dental care. If you would like to know more, talk to a sedation dentistry clinic like Quality Dental Care L.L.C. for advice and answers to any concerns you may have.

Share