Several types of sedation options exist. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose, which creates a feeling of peacefulness. Once the dentist discontinues the gas, any side effects will immediately disappear.

With oral conscious sedation, patients take one dose of anti-anxiety medication about an hour before the appointment. Because the sedating effects can linger for up to 12 hours, a responsible adult will need to take you to and from the visit. The dentist and support team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Some dentists also offer IV sedation, where the medicine is administered intravenously.

Think about these facts when you consider dental sedation:

• Sedation dentistry can effectively relieve the fear many people feel about dental treatment.
• Oral conscious sedation can help individuals who are scared of needles or dislike the sights and smells in a dental office.
• With oral conscious sedation, your dentist can perform several extensive procedures in one visit, which minimizes the disruption to your schedule.
• Generally, most people respond well to oral conscious sedation, even patients who have trouble getting numb.
• In many cases, sedation dentistry makes the experience more pleasant for those with a strong gag reflex, individuals with physical limitations, and those with high levels of apprehension about having dental procedures performed.

These hints may help you feel at ease during your appointment:

Choose the right dentist
You will automatically feel better about your appointments when you find a dentist that listens to your fears and validates your feelings. As you consider practices, talk with the support staff as well so that you get a sense of the whole team.

Be prepared
Before treatment, meet with the dentist so that he or she can explain the procedure in detail. Make sure to ask any questions you have until you feel comfortable about the treatment. The night before your appointment, get a good night’s sleep so that you will feel well-rested.

Communicate your concerns
If certain things bother you, like the noise of the drill or needles, tell the dentist in advance. Establish a signal you can use during the procedure to let the team know that you are uncomfortable.

Ask about sedation dentistry
Because dentists understand that many people feel nervous about dental visits, many practices offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or a combination of the two. Talk with your dentist to find out what is available and which option would be best for you.

Sedation Dentistry at Flintridge New Image Dental Group

How does the dentist place sealants?
If you decide on sealants, the application process is simple. First, your dentist will clean and dry the teeth involved. Next, the dentist will brush the mixture onto the teeth. Often, your doctor will use a curing light to harden the plastic material.

Will anyone notice the sealants?
At first, you may feel the sealants with your tongue, which can happen anytime you have something new in your mouth. Because they are clear, most people won’t even notice that you have sealants.

Are sealants permanent?
Usually, the sealants will last about 5 to 10 years. During your routine visits, the dentist can check the sealants to make sure they are in good condition, and when needed, schedule an appointment to have damaged sealants replaced.

Why are sealants better than fillings?
Preventing decay is always better than repairing cavities in your teeth. Sealants can help prevent cavities before they compromise your amazing smile.

Are sealants an alternative to fluoride?
Although sealants provide a safeguard for tooth surfaces, they do not offer the minerals and necessary elements that found in fluoride, which helps protect the whole tooth structure.

Dental Sealants at Flintridge New Image Dental Group

Make sure to brush enough
If you don’t brush for twice a day for at least two minutes, you are leaving plaque and bacteria on your teeth, which could create oral health problems.

Oral cancer is deadly
Many times, people don’t notice warning signs of oral cancer, like sores or unusual bumps in their mouths. Because it is often caught at later stages, oral cancer kills more people than cervical cancer, thyroid cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Make sure to report anything out of the ordinary to your dentist right away.

Exercise can impact your dental health
Working out is great for staying in shape and promoting a healthy lifestyle, but you need to understand how it affects your mouth. Rigorous exercise can lead to dehydration and limit the production of saliva, which can increase cavities and bacterial accumulation.

Tooth decay isn’t just caused by sugar
Getting rid of sweet treats isn’t enough to prevent cavities. Eating a selection of healthy foods like low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetable will significantly reduce your risk of decay.

Keep an eye on your tongue
Often, you can glean information about your overall health from your tongue. Redness on the tip of the tongue may indicate a thyroid defect or heart problem. A tongue with yellowish-green coloring can signal liver or gallbladder problems, whereas a grayish-brown tint usually means there is an issue with digestion

Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian

Amalgam fillings contain several different metals, but they are over 50 percent mercury, a potentially toxic material. Normal chewing and grinding can release some amount of the chemical into your system. Overexposure to mercury can lead to problems such as kidney dysfunction, neurological impairment, birth defects, and other serious issues. The FDA still considers amalgam fillings a safe option for tooth repair.

Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages to amalgam fillings. With metal-free fillings, your dentist can remove less of the healthy tooth structure, which protects the tooth’s strength. All-white restorations create an natural-looking repair whereas amalgams turn dark over time and then stand out in your mostly white smile. Though metal fillings can leak or crack from normal wear and tear, all-white fillings bond to the tooth and form a solid surface.

Usually, the dentist can fill your cavity in one appointment. The doctor will remove the decayed area and clean the remaining tooth surface. Then, he or she will tint the composite material and fill in the tooth. A curing light will harden the new filling, and the dentist will polish the tooth to finish the process.

Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian – Dental Fillings