Sedation Dentistry Archives - Pillar Dental

Dealing With Dental Emergencies

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:34:03 +0000

Toothache

Like any other health emergency, serious concerns involving the mouth and teeth need to be cared for as soon as possible. As such, it’s crucial to learn how to respond to them to prevent aggravating the injury any further. Being aware of the right course of action can determine the outcome of your treatment and recovery.

Dealing with dental emergencies can be traumatic, but there will always be a solution to any long-term problem. Listed below are some common dental emergencies, along with the best ways to deal with them.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

The enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest tissue in the body, but its sturdiness has its limits. Accidents, sports injuries, and bad chewing habits can result in a broken tooth.

Should this happen to you, rinse your mouth with warm water, and place a cold washcloth over the injured area. If there’s bleeding, apply pressure on the surface using a gauze. Finally, call a dental professional for an emergency appointment.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Falls or sporting accidents may result in the loss of a permanent tooth. If this happens, look for the tooth and clean it. Touching the crown of the tooth, put it back in place into the socket. The bone will reattach to the root once it’s correctly repositioned.

If you cannot put the tooth back in, secure it into a cup of fresh milk to preserve it. Regardless, contact a dentist that uses advanced dental technologies in Sioux Falls immediately.

Excruciating Toothache

A severe toothache can indicate the presence of an infection in the mouth. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to sanitize it. It’s also recommended to apply a cold compress to your cheek if it’s swelling. Call a dental professional as extraction is likely necessary.

Set an Appointment

If you’re dealing with a tooth- or mouth-related emergency, reach out to Pillar Dental immediately. Our experts utilize advanced dental technologies in Sioux Falls to treat tooth and mouth problems.

We specialize in sedation dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. You may also come to us for one-appointment crowns or Invisalign clear aligners. Call us today.

The post Dealing With Dental Emergencies appeared first on Pillar Dental.

What Is Sedation Dentistry? 4 Questions Answered

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:43:15 +0000

What Is Sedation Dentistry? 4 Questions Answered

Are you a person who tenses up at the thought of going to the dentist? Do dental scenes in movies send you into a cold sweat? Dental anxiety is so common that it even has its own names: odontophobia or dentophobia. If fear of sitting in the dental chair is something that you struggle with, then sedation dentistry might be right for you. Read on to answer the question “what is sedation dentistry?” as well as to discuss the types of sedation that are used, who the best candidates for this practice are, and how to discuss the risks associated with your dentist.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Simply put, sedation dentistry is any form of dentistry that is performed while the patient is under some level of sedation. Sometimes, the practice is colloquially known as “sleep dentistry,” though this is somewhat of a misnomer. At almost all levels of sedation except general anesthesia, administered by oral surgeons, you will be awake and have some level of consciousness during the procedure.

What Levels and Types of Sedation Can I Expect?

Depending on your needs as a patient, levels of sedation can range from mild to deep, with the lightest level being inhaled sedation–typically nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”–in which you are fully awake but relaxed. From there, patients move through the levels of sedation with oral medications such as Halcion, a drug that is similar to Valium, or IV moderate sedation. The latter not only allows for quicker dispensation of the drug but also allows the dentist to continually adjust administration throughout the process. At the far end of the sedation spectrum, deep sedation and general anesthesia will leave you either nearly or fully unconscious. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot be easily awakened until either the effects of anesthesia have worn off or have been reversed with medication. Each of these levels of anesthesia is also usually accompanied by a local anesthetic, which will be administered at the site where your dental work will be taking place in order to offset potential discomfort.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Although patients with dental anxiety are prime candidates, they’re not the only ones who can benefit from this service. Sedation dentistry can also be beneficial to people who are undergoing large amounts of dentistry, people who have an especially sensitive gag reflex, people with especially sensitive teeth or low pain thresholds, or people who struggle to sit still in the dentist’s chair. If any of these sound like you, be sure to discuss possible options with your dental service provider to see what the most appropriate level or type of sedation is right for you.

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

While there is always some risk in receiving any type of anesthesia, these risks can be minimized by good communication with an experienced dentist. Most dentists are able to provide light inhaled sedation, but if your concerns require more intensive anesthetics, it’s important to choose a dentist whose qualifications match your needs. When you meet with your dentist, be sure to discuss your medical history, what the appropriate type and amount of sedation is for people your age and weight, and how many procedures your dentist has performed using the sedation technique that’s right for you. Additionally, dentists should provide you a form that discusses the risks involved so that you’re able to keep them for your records.

Dental anxiety can be keep people from getting the care they need. In the United States, nearly 20% of all adults report having cavities that go untreated, many of which have to do with just such a fear. If you’ve asked “what is sedation dentistry,” weighed the risks, and learned the types of sedation available, it may be time to speak to a dentist about how to proceed. If you want to take the first steps toward a healthier smile, give our office a call to set up an appointment.

The post What Is Sedation Dentistry? 4 Questions Answered appeared first on Pillar Dental.

3 Types of Dental Sedation Drugs Explained

admin — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:50:27 +0000

A Peaceful Visit, Guaranteed: 3 Types Of Dental Sedation Drugs Explained Did you know that the average time Americans go between dental visits is three years? Though most wait this long for financial reasons (as dental insurance isn’t always offered by employers), others are stricken by a childhood fear; as time passes, they convince themselves that the dentist and all dental work is something to be afraid of. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can ensure not only that they have a smooth and fear-free visit but can reassure them that dentistry isn’t as terrifying as they’ve always believed it to be by creating a positive experience. Let’s take a look at the three most common kinds of dental sedation drugs used in sedation dentistry.
Laughing Gas: For those with only mild anxieties (or mild dental procedures), nitrous oxide — also known as laughing gas — is used. You’ll be fully conscious but will find yourself much more relaxed during the appointment. Because the effects wear off quite quickly, you’ll most likely be allowed to drive yourself home when all is said and done.

Oral Sedation: This type of dental sedation drug is also referred to as “conscious sedation,” and involves you taking a prescribed dose of a sedative before your procedure. You’ll be awake for your appointment, but will be completely relaxed; in fact, you may remember very little or nothing at all of the experience. However, this type of sedation takes longer to wear off, so you’ll need to arrange for a ride home from a family member or friend.

IV Sedation: There are two types of IV sedation: twilight, where you’re conscious but not very aware of your surroundings, and general anesthesia. The former makes you feel very sleepy, but you are not unconscious; this means the dentist is able to wake you up if need be. The latter is usually reserved exclusively for patients who need significant oral surgery or those who are resistant to other types of sedation. Your dentist will need to be trained in a specialized program to administer general anesthesia as your vital signs need to be monitored the entire time.

Dental sedation drugs are designed to help you relax during your appointment. For those especially anxious and stressed over visiting the dentist, they’re designed so you don’t remember a thing! Your childhood fears can be conquered and your oral hygiene cared for all in the same visit.

WITH SEDATION DENTISTRY IN SIOUX FALLS SD, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID ANYMORE.

The post 3 Types of Dental Sedation Drugs Explained appeared first on Pillar Dental.

Sedation Dentistry: What Is It?

admin — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:43:46 +0000

What Is Sedation Dentistry? 4 Questions Answered Are you a person who tenses up at the thought of going to the dentist? Do dental scenes in movies send you into a cold sweat? Dental anxiety is so common that it even has its own names: odontophobia or dentophobia. If fear of sitting in the dental chair is something that you struggle with, then sedation dentistry might be right for you. Read on to answer the question “what is sedation dentistry?” as well as to discuss the types of sedation that are used, who the best candidates for this practice are, and how to discuss the risks associated with your dentist.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?Simply put, sedation dentistry is any form of dentistry that is performed while the patient is under some level of sedation. Sometimes, the practice is colloquially known as “sleep dentistry,” though this is somewhat of a misnomer. At almost all levels of sedation except general anesthesia, administered by oral surgeons, you will be awake and have some level of consciousness during the procedure.
What Levels and Types of Sedation Can I Expect?Depending on your needs as a patient, levels of sedation can range from mild to deep, with the lightest level being inhaled sedation–typically nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”–in which you are fully awake but relaxed. From there, patients move through the levels of sedation with oral medications such as Halcion, a drug that is similar to Valium, or IV moderate sedation. The latter not only allows for quicker dispensation of the drug but also allows the dentist to continually adjust administration throughout the process. At the far end of the sedation spectrum, deep sedation and general anesthesia will leave you either nearly or fully unconscious. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot be easily awakened until either the effects of anesthesia have worn off or have been reversed with medication. Each of these levels of anesthesia is also usually accompanied by a local anesthetic, which will be administered at the site where your dental work will be taking place in order to offset potential discomfort.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?Although patients with dental anxiety are prime candidates, they’re not the only ones who can benefit from this service. Sedation dentistry can also be beneficial to people who are undergoing large amounts of dentistry, people who have an especially sensitive gag reflex, people with especially sensitive teeth or low pain thresholds, or people who struggle to sit still in the dentist’s chair. If any of these sound like you, be sure to discuss possible options with your dental service provider to see what the most appropriate level or type of sedation is right for you.
How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?While there is always some risk in receiving any type of anesthesia, these risks can be minimized by good communication with an experienced dentist. Most dentists are able to provide light inhaled sedation, but if your concerns require more intensive anesthetics, it’s important to choose a dentist whose qualifications match your needs. When you meet with your dentist, be sure to discuss your medical history, what the appropriate type and amount of sedation is for people your age and weight, and how many procedures your dentist has performed using the sedation technique that’s right for you. Additionally, dentists should provide you a form that discusses the risks involved so that you’re able to keep them for your records.
Dental anxiety can be keep people from getting the care they need. In the United States, nearly 20% of all adults report having cavities that go untreated, many of which have to do with just such a fear. If you’ve asked “what is sedation dentistry,” weighed the risks, and learned the types of sedation available, it may be time to speak to a dentist about how to proceed. If you want to take the first steps toward a healthier smile, give our office a call to set up an appointment.

The post Sedation Dentistry: What Is It? appeared first on Pillar Dental.