Archive for the ‘Sedation Dentistry’ Category

Understanding Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Thursday, May 19th, 2016
Avoiding the dentist based on fear or anxiety is not wise for your oral health. Don't worry, we can help you calm your nerves.

Avoiding the dentist based on fear or anxiety is not wise for your oral health. Don’t worry, we can help you calm your nerves.

Have you ever heard of someone being afraid to go to the dentist? Of course you have, because a fear of the dentist is incredibly common among both children and adults. In fact, if you are reading this there is a good chance that you are that someone. Don’t fret, you aren’t alone. Affinity Dental is here to help you understand the reasoning behind dental anxiety and phobia and address how to ease your worries. (more…)

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Can you Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Monday, May 25th, 2015

 

sedation dentistry

Do you think sedation dentistry is right for you?

Sedation Dentistry is a fancy term for help with relaxation in the dentist’s chair. Did you know that there are a lot of people who avoid the dentist even in the event of an emergency? Their fear keeps them from getting the help they need, which only leads to further damage to their teeth. With sedation dentistry these people can get the oral care they need without panicking or experiencing a great deal of pain. Today we’re going to talk about your options for sedation dentistry and who can benefit from it. Ready to learn more? Here we go! (more…)

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History of Sedation Dentistry

Monday, January 26th, 2015

sedation dentistryThe idea of having a root canal or serious oral surgery and being able to see the tools going in and out of your mouth may not seem like the most appealing idea. Fortunately, we can offer tools such as sedation dentistry to help alleviate any anxiety or discomfort you may experience throughout a dental procedure.

Sedation dentistry has a bit of a colorful history – and one that largely takes place in Boston. In 1845, a Connecticut dentist named Horace Wells opted to use nitrous oxide to remove an aching tooth. With a successful initial attempt, he decided to conduct the same experiment in Boston. Except this time, he withdrew the bag too soon, and the patient ended up feeling pain and discomfort – the complete reverse experience of what sedation dentistry is about.

Fortunately for today’s dentists, the experiment did not end there. A year later, in 1846, dentist William T.G. Morton conducted the same experiment using ether this time instead of nitrous oxide. The oral surgery procedure went smoothly, the patient experienced no pain, and the experiment was considered to be a great success. The word anesthesia itself comes from this particular discovery – Morton corresponded with the famous physician, professor, and author Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., and he coined the word to describe the state induced by ether. Morton’s use of ether launched the use of anesthetics in surgery, and you can actually visit a monument to ether in the Boston Public Garden.

Today’s dentists owe a great deal to Horace Wells and William T.G. Morton. While Wells’ use of nitrous oxide had a poor showing in the surgery theater, it was a compelling enough product to inspire further research. Today’s dentists will often use nitrous oxide in sedation dentistry, as it is safe and simple to use, partners well with other drugs and gasses, and makes for a more pleasant experience as it often induces laughter – hence why it is known also as laughing gas. Alternatively, dentists can offer other forms of oral sedation to help their patients feel more comfortable throughout the process.

If you have an upcoming oral surgery and are nervous or anxious about the procedure, talk to your dentist about what forms of sedation dentistry they can provide. Our team at Affinity Dental is experienced and highly personable, and will work with you to ensure that any procedure you have is with the utmost comfort. Give us a call today at 410-719-7900 or visit our website.

Affinity Dental is dedicated to providing Maryland with the best dental service and oral surgery practices in the state. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule. We’re trained and equipped to tackle any dental problem you have, from routine cleaning to advanced oral surgery. Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Preparing for Oral Surgery

Friday, January 16th, 2015

If you are scheduled for, or are contemplating having, oral surgery, we know that the prospect can seem daunting. Nobody wants to have an area as sensitive as the mouth cut open. Fortunately, modern medical science and technology has made most oral surgery a relatively painless process, one that can be made fairly smooth with the right preparation. Affinity Dental is here with the steps you should take to properly prepare for oral surgery.

oral surgery

Talk to Your Dentist

It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people avoid conversing with their dentists even when something as serious as surgery is on the line. Talk to them about the process, ask questions, we promise they don’t bite. Find out if there’s any medicine you’ll need afterwards, and make sure you’ve taken care of the prescriptions before the procedure. Schedule a ride to take you home afterwards and above all, talk about what makes you afraid or concerned about the surgery. Your dentist will almost certainly be able to help put these at ease.

Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions

It’s important to follow any guidelines your dentist suggests closely, especially if they’re administering any anesthetic. Typically, you can’t eat or drink for about 8 hours prior to oral surgery, although if local anesthetic is being used, you should probably have a small meal. Make sure you’ve brushed and flossed beforehand and, most importantly, do not smoke for at least 24 hours prior to the surgery.

What to Wear

It’s important to wear clothing that has short sleeves and fits comfortably. While your dentist will do their best to avoid any clothing staining, you may want to wear something you don’t care about getting a few spots on. Don’t wear contact lenses, and avoid putting on any makeup.

Plan Your Diet

What you eat after oral surgery is important. You’ll most likely need to stick to soft foods that don’t need a lot of chewing. You should also stay away from anything that’s highly acidic or spicy, which could cause irritation in your gums. DO NOT drink beverages after oral surgery using a straw, especially if you’ve had a tooth removed. This is caused when a protective blood clot, which usually forms when a tooth is removed, is dislodged and raw bone and nerve tissue is exposed, causing severe pain and potentially leading to an infection.

Need an Experienced Oral Surgeon?

Call Affinity Dental. Affinity Dental’s team of experienced and highly personable dentists have the technology and skill necessary to make oral surgery quick and painless. Affinity Dental is dedicated to providing Maryland with the best dental service and oral surgery practices in the state. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule. We’re trained and equipped to tackle any dental problem you have, from routine cleaning to advanced oral surgery.

Contact us by phone at 410-719-7900, or on our website.

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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How Can Sedation Dentistry Improve Your Dental Health Experience?

Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

sedation dentistryIs going to the dentist a big ordeal for you? You’re not the only one. About 15% of Americans suffer from severe dental anxiety. We’re not just talking about “I don’t want to go to the dentist.” We’re talking about people who purposely avoid the dentist even if they’re in pain or know that they really need to make that visit. One of the best ways to stop dental anxiety from being problematic is to ask your Catonsville dentist about sedation dentistry. A few weeks ago we did a blog about what sedation dentistry is. But we think, even more importantly, it’s necessary for you to know what benefits sedation dentistry can have for you.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Make the Dentist Office More Pleasant?

  • Easy way to relax – Sedation dentistry can be administered in a few different ways. We prefer to use whatever makes you comfortable. Some people prefer inhaling (laughing gas), others prefer to take a pill, and still some prefer IV sedation. Generally IV sedation is saved for serious dental procedures and surgeries, but is occasionally used for lesser sedation.
  • Assists the dentist – If you have a hard time relaxing, so does your dentist. They need you to be able to sit back and handle the appointment without stressing out in the chair. When you’re relaxed, so are they. It makes the whole procedure easier and quicker for them, which will make it more pleasant for you. After all, you want your dentist to be able to focus on what’s important.
  • Allows you to keep your mouth healthy – If you’re the kind of person who won’t go to the dentist because you’re afraid of the sounds, smells, and sights, sedation dentistry can help you get there and relax through your appointment. For people who haven’t had their teeth cleaned as a result of dental anxiety, this can be a huge thing. Your oral health affects your overall health. It’s important to remember that and find a way that works for you.

Sedation Dentistry from Affinity Dental

Having a dentist that knows your fears and can help you calm them is very important. It’ll make keeping your oral health in top shape easy and anxiety free. At Affinity Dental, we know how important it is for you to maintain your oral health. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, or making an appointment please contact Affinity Dental Associates by calling 410-719-7900 or visit MarylandsBestDentists.com today!

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Source: Image-Dentistry, Your Dentistry Guide

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What is Sedation Dentistry?

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014

It’s a fairly common thing to feel anxiety about visiting the dentist. Almost every patient, at one point or another, can feel nervous about a procedure and have to talk it out with their dentist to be reassured that everything will be fine (which it will!). But for those who feel their anxiety is interfering with their ability to go through with dental procedures, or even routine check-ups, sedation dentistry could potentially be the key to helping you overcome your fears.

Sedation dentistry, sometimes referred to as relaxation dentistry, is primarily suggested to patients who feel more than a typical amount of anxiety or nerves about sitting down in the dentist’s chair. There are varying degree of sedation dentistry that you can opt for: while lighter sedation methods can be used for those undergoing a brief procedure, you can also choose to undergo heavier sedation if the procedure will take longer, or if you are particularly anxious.

“Laughing gas,” or nitrous oxide as it is more officially known, is commonly used in sedation dentistry. Laughing gas can help a patient feel more relaxed going into a procedure, and is even appropriate to use during some forms of oral surgery. One of the benefits of laughing gas is that though you will technically be “sedated” when you use it, you will also remember the procedure. That way, you can know exactly what happened and how your dentist performed the procedure, and the positive feelings associated with the laughing gas could come to be associated with the dental work itself. This could put you on the right track to overcoming your dentist-anxiety once and for all.

Sedation dentistry can be accomplished with other things as well. In addition to laughing gas, dentists can use anti-anxiety pills and liquid medications if that is your preferred method, and they can also us intravenous sedation for those patients who do not wish to remember the dental procedure or oral surgery at all. No matter which method you select, sedation dentistry may be the help you need for your next trip to the dentist.

Do you have questions about whether sedation dentistry is right for you? Call Affinity Dental today!

sedation dentistry

At Affinity Dental, we strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care that they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule. If you have and questions concerning sedation dentistry, give us a call at 410-719-7900 or visit our homepage.

 

Source:

http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/

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What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Friday, April 18th, 2014

sedation dentistryDo you freak out whenever someone mentions the word “dentist?” How about when you know you have an impending appointment. Don’t worry. You’re one of thousands of people who have a fear of the dentist. It’s completely normal, but can be a big problem if it’s causing you to avoid routine dental care or taking care of an ongoing oral health care problem. Sedation dentistry can’t solve your fear of the dentist, but it can make going to the dentist a more pleasurable experience and take the stress out of the situation. Our goal is to help you be as comfortable as possible while we do our best to fix your oral health problems. Sedation dentistry offers great benefits for those who are uncomfortable with the idea of going to the dentist.

  • Pain relief – Not only will you have local anesthetic, but your fear of pain will be lowered considerably when you undergo sedation dentistry. You’ll be less tense and will feel little to no pain associated with your procedure. The less anxiety you have, the more comfortable you’ll be throughout the procedure, as well.
  • Quicker procedures – People who are less anxious tend to be more pliant, especially if you’re under a lot of sedation. This makes it easier and quicker for a dentist to take care of your dental procedure. If you’re relaxed and worry free, your dentist will have no problem getting to the root of the problem quickly, helping you get in and out in a timely manner.
  • Relaxation – This is especially useful for people with high anxiety or children; it’s sometimes difficult to get children to stay still for any length of time. Light sedation dentistry is safe for most people and will help your child to stay relaxed and still throughout the procedure. For those with high anxiety problems, sedation dentistry enables them to lay back and relax while undergoing the procedure.

If you’re worried about your dental experience, make sure you discuss this with your Catonsville dentist, who will be able to help you choose the type of sedation that is right for you or your family. A trip to the dentist shouldn’t be a cause for anxiety, but should be a good health decision.

At Affinity Dental we strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule. If you have any questions concerning sedation dentistry, give us a call at 410-719-7900 or visit our website.

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Source: http://www.stlawrencedentistry.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-sedation-dentistry/

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What Is A Dental Emergency?

Friday, January 31st, 2014

Sometimes, we find ourselves waiting for a problem to go away on its own rather than facing it head on. When it comes to a dental emergency, however, immediate action is the necessary step to take so as to avoid further damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. Catonsville family dentist Affinity Dental is your go-to for all of your dental emergency needs. They can address any problem, including the following most common emergencies experienced:

-Injury to teeth and gums

Oftentimes, we think of an injury to our teeth as being something very obvious, such as chipping or fracturing. While a chipped tooth itself definitely constitutes a dental emergency, the chipping is not the only thing that your Affinity Dental dentist will address. Your mouth is vulnerable to infections and is the site of many nerves and blood vessels. If an injured tooth or gums is left untreated, you could end up with a much bigger issue on your hands than a simple chip.

-Severe pain

It’s difficult to grin and bear it when our teeth are what is causing our unbearable pain to begin with. Pain is an indicator that something isn’t right with your body; in the case of dental health, you might feel pain when eating hot or cold foods, or your pain might prevent you from sleeping. If that is the case, you may have a dental emergency to deal with and should seek a professional’s opinion.

-Lodged food

Flossing is an essential part of your daily tooth care routine, but if you find yourself with a food item that is stuck between your teeth or between a tooth and your gums, simple flossing may not cut it. Attempting to dislodge the food on your own could potentially result in even further damage. Affinity Dental dentists have the resources to remove the food item without injuring your mouth in any way.

sedation dentistry

Your Catonsville family dentist is capable of dealing with any dental emergency that comes their way. For more information on Affinity Dental, or to make your appointment now, call 410-719-7900 or visit MarylandsBestDentists.com today!

 

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Source: Dental Emergencies

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What Should I Know About Crowns and Bridges?

Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

Sedation Dentistry

We all know the routine: brushing and flossing is essential to good dental health. But with the daily (tooth) grind, those molars and incisors need a little extra help to ensure their best performance. Luckily, help is on the way- in the form of Affinity Dental in Catonsville, MD.

Crowns and bridges are two of dentist’s top techniques to protect your mouth from lasting damage. If you’re thinking of taking that next step in dental health and getting a crown or bridge, here are the top facts you’ll need to know.

What’s the difference?

Crowns and bridges, though both extremely effective in preventing a dental emergency, do play different roles. A crown is a cap placed over an existing tooth that may be suffering from chipping, decay, cavities, or enamel damage. While a crown will take care of what is already there, a bridge, on the other hand, takes care of what is not. A dental bridge is used to fill in the large spaces between teeth that might otherwise be at risk for bacterial infections or other issues.

Are crowns and bridges noticeable?

Crowns are made to mimic your teeth’s natural shape and color. While there is always the option of a metal crown, which has the benefit of being exceptionally long-lasting, porcelain and ceramic crowns can be reinforced with an under layer of metal and are give you the most natural look. Bridges, too, can be made to fit seamlessly in with your teeth, and are made of tooth-toned porcelain or ceramic just like crowns are.

Is it just for appearance’s sake?

Not at all- though crowns and bridges can improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, they also are instrumental in helping you avoid a dental emergency. Crowns are used for many purposes: to protect a fractured tooth from further damage, to replace fillings, and to provide comfort to an area of the mouth that has had a root canal. Bridges, likewise, are more than simply stylish. Without large gaps between your teeth, eating and speaking can become easier and more comfortable, and you’ll notice a difference in the overall natural feel of your bite.

Are they difficult to care for?

As crowns and bridges are made to fit right in with your mouth’s look and feel, they should also fit right in with your daily routine. Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash to maintain the health of your whole mouth- natural teeth, crowns, and bridges together- are the important steps you can take in order to avoid a dental emergency.

Interested in scheduling a consultation to see if a crown or bridge is the right choice for you? Call on the experts at Catonsville’s Affinity Dental to make your appointment today at 410.419.7900.

At Affinity Dental we strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule.

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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What is Sedation Dentistry?

Monday, December 30th, 2013

Sedation DentistryA lot of people get uncomfortable when it’s time to go to the dentist. Anticipating pain, lack of anesthetic, and general fear of a dentist office can cause even the most basic dentistry to be an ordeal. When this happens, you want the best dentist possible to help you by providing sedation dentistry in a safe manner. Before receiving sedation dentistry, you’ll discuss with your dentist the best type of sedation for you. There are a few different types of sedation and anesthetics.

Anesthesia

  • Topical – This is a simple numbing solution put on the skin or near the tooth to help you not feel the most basic pain. This is good for cleanings, but not for anything much more serious than that.
  • Local – Local anesthesia is given by injection near the site of where the work is being done. This is generally used for extractions or fillings to ease any pain or discomfort.
  • Laughing gas – Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, reduces fear and anxiety to make the dentistry process a little more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s not so strong that you can’t drive yourself home afterwards, but it’s strong enough to keep you comfortable during your procedure.

Sedation

  • Oral – Taken by mouth, these pills can help you relax during your procedure and forget much of it afterwards. The less you remember about the procedure (if you find it uncomfortable), the easier it will be to visit the dentist next time.
  • Intramuscular – For those who won’t tolerate oral or IV sedation, an intramuscular shot may be the way to go. These have the same effects as oral, but are easier for people who don’t want to swallow pills.
  • Intravenous – This is one of the best ways to receive sedation, since the whole experience can be tailored directly to a patient’s needs throughout the procedure. You may sleep or simply be in a twilight state throughout and have very little memory of the procedure at the end.

If you receive sedation dentistry at Affinity Dental, rest assured that you’re getting the best care possible. We’ll discuss all of your options with you carefully before administering them and prepare you for any side effects.

At Affinity Dental we strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accomodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule.

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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