Manohar Dental Care Vizag

Monday, January 7, 2019

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Types of Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is an effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep. You will still be able to carry on a conversation with the dentist, but it does help you feel more calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Nitrous oxide is extremely safe, even in children, and we offer it in many of our practices.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation relaxes you and reduces your sense of pain. You are aware of your surroundings and can carry on a conversation, but you’ll be less responsive to what is happening. You will probably also feel drowsy and might feel like taking a nap during the procedure.

The pill that is used most often is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. Find a friend or family member to drive you home if you have taken oral sedation.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is administered through the vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation, and it allows you to be either almost or completely “out” during your procedure.

We look forward to being able to offer IV sedation with one of our general dentists later this summer.

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Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you avoid dental visits due to anxiety. Often times, that anxiety can be attributed to:

Negative past experiences
Fear of pain or gagging/choking
Extreme discomfort with the sounds and smells of dental office
Not wanting to feel numb
The feeling of losing control

Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:

Aren’t able to sit still in a dentist chair
Need a large amount of dental work completed
Have a low pain threshold

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Sedation Dentistry Takes the Anxiety Out of Dental Visits

Sedation dentistry is useful since people start missing out on regular dental care because of fear!

It’s estimated that somewhere between 9% to 15% of Americans don’t go to the dentist out of fear. They would rather put up with painful, infected, discolored, and damaged teeth than step foot in a dental office. Or, if they do make it in, it’s the worst part of their week. (Don’t worry, we don’t take it personally.)

Sedation dentistry uses medication to provide a more relaxing experience for those patients who might otherwise not receive dental care because of dental anxiety or dental phobia. Sometimes referred to as “relaxation” or “anxiety-free” dentistry, it is now offered by thousands of dentists, including dentists at select PERFECT TEETH offices.

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Fifth, When Is the Best Time to See a Dentist?

Ideally, you would take your children in to see their dentist in the summer and during other school breaks so as not to disrupt the classroom or interfere with extra-curricular activities. Many pediatric dentists work to accommodate their young patients by offering early appointments before school hours as well as appointments later in the day, too.

Whenever you choose to take your child to the dentist, make sure you get those teeth checked out twice a year or about every six months.

Is it time for your child’s dentist appointment? Schedule your child’s next appointment with PERFECT TEETH today!

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Fourth, What Dental Issues Will the Dentist Look for In My Child?

Pediatric dentists, like dentists for adults, do standard exams and cleanings in addition to other treatments required by the patient’s circumstances. Here is a small list of some of the most common dental problems seen by pediatric dentists:

dental caries, the scientific name for tooth decay or cavities
thumb-sucking
bleeding gums as a result of gum disease or other conditions
dental injuries like cracked or knocked-out teeth

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Third, Does PERFECT TEETH Have Its Own Pediatric Dentists?

We sure do! We’re proud to accommodate patients of all ages, including kids. Find a pediatric dentist near you on the PERFECT TEETH website. 

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Second, Is it That Important to See a Pediatric Dentist?

Whether you choose to see a pediatric dentist or not is a personal choice. Some families have one dentist they see throughout their lives and would not consider another, and that’s fine! What’s most important is that your children see the dentist regularly and that you are comfortable with the care you and your children receive. 

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First, What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

It’s like it sounds. Pediatric dentistry is dentistry for the developing mouth of children. Much like a pediatrician who specializes in the development of children’s bodies and medical issues specific to children, a pediatric dentist knows the ins-and-outs of the proper growth of the jaw, placement of baby and adult teeth, and dental problems common among children.

Pediatric dentists also have an affinity for children and know how to make trips to the dentist fun and comfortable for young ones starting at age one all the way through those teenage years.

Pediatric dentists typically complete a two-year residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs to further their skills in working with a young population. (Source: Healthy Childern)

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Back to School Means Back to the Dentist

In anticipation of another a new school year, there is much to do, especially in the way of shopping and appointments for the kids, and that includes dentist appointments, too. There is a lot to cram into August, but we feel, and so do your kids’ teachers, that it’s best to visit the dentist for preventive care when school is out of session.

Learning comes first!

A lot of PERFECT TEETH patients who are also parents inquire about the best timing for dental care among kids as well as other pediatric dentistry issues, so we’re taking this chance to “school” you on dental care for kids.

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Different Types of Mouthguards

Pre-formed mouth protectors can be found at sporting good stores and come ready to wear. While they are usually $15 or under, they are also one-size-fits-all. They’re bulky, make talking difficult, and provide little or no protection. While they will do the job in a pinch, we do not recommend them.
Boil and bite mouth protectors can also be purchased at sporting goods stores. They are softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth to shape to the teeth. They are a step above pre-formed mouth protectors.
Custom-fit mouth protectors are made for the individual using special materials in a dental office. These mouthguards are more expensive than the others, but they provide the most comfort and protection.

An effective mouthguard should be comfortable (if you want your child to actually put it in their mouth on a regular basis), durable, easy to clean, and allow your child to breath and talk effortlessly.

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Can My Child Wear a Mouthguard with Braces?

Yes, a mouthguard can help prevent damage to the brackets and reduce damage to your child’s soft tissues from the impact. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what’s best for your child. 

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Who Should Wear Mouthguards?

Kids, aged 8 to 12, who participate in basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse are typically the most affected by lost or damaged teeth. But even those who participate in non-contact sports or recreational sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, or climbing can benefit from wearing a mouthguard. 

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Why Mouthguards Are Important for Kids in Sports

Helmets, goggles, and knee pads are a no-brainer when it comes to kids’ sports. But when we talk to parents about mouthguards, they often ask, “Why do we have to do this? Is it really that important?”

The simple answer is yes, it is that important. Here’s why.

Mouthguards aren’t required for every sport, so it can be easy to forget about it or let it slide, but it’s estimated that over 3 million teeth are knocked out every year in kids’ sports! And if you think that hockey is the only sport that sends parents rushing to the dentist with their kids, you would be wrong.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented each year by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards help prevent chipped, broken, and knocked out teeth. They protect your child’s lips, tongue, face, and also help redistribute forces from a blow to the head. While a mouthguard won’t prevent a concussion, it can reduce the severity of the injury.

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Helping Kids to Brush 

If your child doesn’t like to brush, you aren’t alone. Here are some fun ways to teach them how to properly brush teeth and encourage healthy oral health habits in your kids:

• Establish a tooth brushing routine. As part of your morning and night routine, make tooth brushing part of the habit. A regular schedule and checklist of activities keeps kids from forgetting.

• Hum along. A common problem for both adults and kids is not brushing for enough time. While brushing, hum a song to keep you brushing for a full two minutes. Set a timer, or play a 2 minute song so everyone knows when enough time has elapsed.

• Promote oral health and how to properly brush with games. The American Dental Association has several worksheets and games designed to help kids understand healthy choices in dental care practices. Find those and other dental resources here.

• Try a fun toothbrush and/or toothpaste. Kid focused oral care items have been created to help kids be excited about brushing. Let your child pick out their toothbrush or give them as gifts during holidays so they look forward to the treat of a new toothbrush.

• Be silly. Dry erase markers wipe easily off of mirrors. You, or the kids, can draw features such as bushy eyebrows, beards or eye patches on the mirror for the child to line up their reflection and brush their teeth.

Whether adult or child, establishing and maintaining healthy oral habits including regular brushing is important. Seeing a dental health practitioner twice a year is part of that routine as well. Find your next dentist at PERFECT TEETH today!

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Other Brushing Tips 

Be gentle. Use a soft-bristle brush and don’t press hard against your teeth. Hard bristles and firm pressure may seem like they are doing more work but can actually wear down your tooth enamel and cause bleeding or damage to your gums.

Let it breathe. Your toothbrush should be stored so the bristles can dry and not touching other brushes in order to reduce bacteria spread.

If it’s frayed, throw it away! Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. 

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