Assessing the Need for Sedation Dentistry

Avoiding dentists and dental clinics is not just something that children do. Many adults across the world also find excuses and reasons why they won’t see a dentist near them. Usually, this happens due to dental anxiety and underlying phobias that inform their perception of dentistry. While a dental clinic may not be the place you should plan to spend the rest of your life, you have to consider it as part of leading a healthy lifestyle. There are benefits to seeing a dentist every couple of months. Besides, modern dentistry has provided different methods and solutions through sedation dentists in The Colony, TX, to ensure that patients are very comfortable and relaxed through different dental procedures.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

It is an arm of dentistry that deals with medication and techniques that can sedate patients prior to dental procedures. The sedation is required to promote the efficacy and efficiency of dental treatments with minimal or no interruptions. Sedation dentistry focuses on using different types of medicine that stimulate feel-good hormones in the brains of patients. This way, the patients can remain calm and relaxed even though long and complex dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry is sometimes called ‘twilight’ or ‘sleep’ dentistry. This is because some levels of sedation can cause you to fall asleep during your procedure. However, in many cases, conscious sedation is practiced during dental works, as opposed to deep sleep sedation.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

To acknowledge and appreciate the importance of sedation dentistry, you must understand the benefits it presents in dentistry. Some of them are:

  1. Overcoming pain – during the performance of certain dental works pain may be a consequence of the different processes involved thereof. Pain from needles or other dental tools can give patients a reason to avoid dental works. However, with sedation dentistry in The Colony, you can undergo various dental treatments without feeling any pain throughout your procedure.
  2. Treating dental anxiety – while pain is one facet of dental anxiety, it is not the only one. Anxiety sprouts from phobias and uncertainties of what may happen. In that regard, dental anxiety can be reason enough for people not to withstand any dental works, even those as simple as a dental crown installation. With sedation dentistry, however, the medication helps you remain calm and relaxed while your dentist works on your oral cavity. For some levels of sedation, you may not even remember most of the eventualities of your procedure, which adds to your calmness.
  3. Controlling gag reflexes – although these reflexes are a natural response of the human body, they are not useful when it comes to performing dental treatments. The reflexes can make it impossible to access certain parts of your mouth, hence hindering proper treatment. Sedation by a dentist near you will ensure you can sit still on the dentist’s chair until your treatment is complete. Besides, for long procedures that will require you to keep your mouth open for long periods, only sedation can help you do so without frequent interruptions by your gag reflexes.
  4. Promoting precision – dentists in dental clinics in 75056 do not get enough credit for the nature of work they do. Typically, dental experts have to work in small tight quarters, and still need to be precise and meticulous when working. Without sedation, some of those tasks would be impossible to achieve. For example, unless you are sitting still and calmly on the dentist’s chair, how can he/she precisely extract a wisdom tooth at the furthest corner of your mouth? Such are tasks that call for high precision, which is something that sedation dentistry promotes.
  5. Promoting anterograde amnesia – amnesia is not necessarily a desirable or celebrated situation. However, sedation dentistry considers this a desirable outcome, especially during the performance of invasive dental procedures. The last thing you want is to have a clear recollection of every single thing that happened during your surgery. Thankfully, when you are sedated, you will have fuzzy memories. You are likely to remember very little about the smells, sounds, and sights involved in your procedure. Anterograde amnesia ensures you do not build up any bad dental memories that might further worsen your dental anxiety and phobias.

Cosmetic Dentistry Provides More Than Merely Aesthetic Benefits

In every dental practice, many people seek cosmetic dental procedures. The promise of an aesthetic smile outweighs the advantages of a healthy smile for many people. The dental clinic in the Colony considers healthy teeth are more important but also understands the cosmetic appeal of a bright and straight smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry is a lot more than merely improving the aesthetic quality of your smile.

People visiting the cosmetic dentist in the Colony must understand cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental procedures performed to improve the appearance of the bite, teeth, and gums. Cosmetic dental processes specifically focus on improving alignment, position, color, size, and shape of the teeth and gums. Some procedures of cosmetic dentistry available with the dentist in the Colony include dental bonding, dental bridges, laser whitening, crowns, enameloplasty, gum grafts, dental inlays & Onlays, teeth whitening, veneers, et cetera.

Many people seek cosmetic procedures because they are aware the techniques can enhance the appearance of their smiles. However, aesthetic benefits are not the only reason why people seek cosmetic dentistry procedures from dental in 75056. Given below is a list of oral health benefits that also accrue when people seek treatments to improve their aesthetic smiles.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Helps You Get a Better Bite

If you have misshapen, crooked, or misaligned teeth, your ability to speak correctly and eat is impacted. The condition is embarrassing and frustrating, besides being uncomfortable and even painful for many. Crooked teeth increase your susceptibility to cavities because they are challenging to clean correctly.

Many cosmetic dentistry procedures focus on enhancing the alignment, shape, and size of your gums and teeth along with your bite. The methods include gum lifts, gum grafts, Invisalign, dental implants, and tooth reshaping. When you have a better bite, you find it easier to eat painlessly. Some people report chronic headaches radiating to the neighboring nerves and muscles of the head because of an imbalanced bite. In such cases correcting the bite problem improves the overall function of the mouth besides enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Better oral Health

Many cosmetic dentistry procedures, including inlays & Onlays, dental bonding, crowns, and veneers, help restore broken and cracked teeth. Repairing weakened teeth because of cracks and fractures ensures they have additional support. The extra support prevents further damage making it possible to preserve the natural tooth entirely. Repairing weak teeth, improving overall function, and the bite results in improved oral health, preventing severe dental problems in the future.

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Increases Focus on Dental Hygiene

Cosmetic dentistry undoubtedly focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile. However, cosmetic dentistry does not achieve its goal by neglecting your teeth and gums. After reshaping your teeth, straightening them, and having them whitened, you will enjoy a beautiful smile and show it off proudly. Many patients believe it naturally motivates them to focus on their dental hygiene. Many people change their diet to include healthy foods and beverages by avoiding the pigmented varieties they had earlier that discolored their teeth. Others entirely overhaul their oral hygiene regimen, brushing more frequently and flossing than they did earlier.

Better Overall Health

Researchers regularly provide evidence to confirm that your oral health has a connection with your overall health. If you are dealing with a misaligned bite, missing teeth, gum disease, or cavities, these conditions can affect much more than your oral health. The bacteria from these conditions can enter your bloodstream to affect the health of your other organs like your heart.

Enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry can alleviate the widespread health problems associated with dental health issues. The time you spend with the cosmetic dentist ensures that you are alleviating severe issues that can affect you with problems like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer.

When you take a closer look at cosmetic dentistry, you realize the procedures are more than merely improving the aesthetics of your smile. You undoubtedly begin enjoying a beautiful smile to increase your self-confidence. Simultaneously cosmetic dentistry also improves a bad bite, oral health, improved overall health besides providing the motivation you need to maintain better dental hygiene. The combined benefits of cosmetic dentistry should convince you the procedures aren’t merely for improving your smile but provide incredible benefits for your overall health.

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The Incredible Benefits of General Dentistry

Would you prefer to contact a dental specialist located in another part of the town if you or a family member needed any dental treatment in a hurry? You may have information that your oral health can affect your overall health. Whenever you or a family member confronts any dental issue, you must search for a “dentist near me” to find a dental professional located in your vicinity. The goal of finding a dentist nearby is to get the dental treatment needed without delay, regardless of whether the issue is concerning or minor.

It is for you to understand you don’t need to visit dental specialists for every dental issue affecting you. In any case, out of the 160,000 dental professionals in America, nearly 80 percent are general dentists providing incredible benefits to most Americans. Searching for a dental specialist helps if you are confronting a challenging issue requiring help from a specialized professional. If you need routine cleanings, the dental hygienist near you performs a credible job than a dentist sitting far away in another part of the city.

Would you like to learn about the incredible benefits of general dentistry? Please continue reading for all the information you want on this dental specialty.

General Dentistry Treats Any Dental Issue

Whether you need routine dental exams and cleanings to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums, general dentistry in the Colony can help you manage the issue efficiently. The general dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues in your mouth, searching for bacterial buildup besides other issues. The general dentist also provides tips to help your oral hygiene regimen at home.

General Dentistry Focuses on Prevention

Preventive dentistry is incredibly essential to avoid issues like oral infections, oral cancer, and various other dental complications. When you visit a general dentist for regular cleanings, the professional evaluate your mouth for any conditions, including oral cancer, and even polishes your teeth after the cleaning to leave you with gleaming white teeth. The cleaning procedure ensures you don’t have stains on your teeth preventing you from smiling.

Detecting Cavities

With advances in dentistry available to all professionals, general dentists have the tools necessary to detect cavities in their earliest stages. Professionals in general dentistry use x-rays and intraoral cameras to detect micro-cavities, gingivitis, and other infections to provide prompt treatments and reverse the condition in many cases.

Restoration

General dentists don’t merely detect infections or cavities in your mouth but are also qualified to treat them efficiently with dental fillings of various types. The dental professional uses a silver amalgam or tooth-colored fillings providing patients with an effective restoration for their decayed teeth. Some people are affected by bruxism which causes them to clench and grind their teeth when sleeping, causing damages to their teeth. General dentists can restore teeth damaged by bruxism with tooth-colored fillings enabling patients to have full functionality of their teeth after restoration.

Caring for Your Overall Health

When your oral health is not in optimal condition, your overall health is also impacted. You become susceptible to various health complications needing treatments from medical professionals instead of merely the general dentist.

An issue like gum disease, when left untreated, can infect your bloodstream to cause issues like heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, et cetera. Instead of confronting multiple health conditions requiring treatment from various medical professionals, isn’t it better to maintain your oral health in optimal condition by seeking advice from general dentists whenever you can? We are confident you believe similarly and will not hesitate to contact the Colony general dentistry practice as soon as possible with your entire family.

Why Must You Prefer General Dentistry over Specialists?

Specialists in various fields of dentistry like pedodontics, endodontics, pedodontics, et cetera are professionals who have a list of clientele requiring specialized treatments like dental implants, root canals, and children’s dentistry. Visiting them is not only challenging but is also expensive for minor treatments like needing dental cleanings, which they likely wouldn’t entertain.

On the other hand, general dentistry professionals are prepared to offer treatments to any patients without reservations. You can quickly contact a general dentist confident with the knowledge that you will receive the treatment you need when you visit their dental facility. Best of all, the remedies provided are affordable compared to specialists who tend to charge higher prices for their services. It is why you must prefer a general dentist over others for your specific needs.

What Dental Emergencies Are and the Actions You Can Take to Avoid Them

An oral emergency is any dental problem that needs immediate dental care to stop severe pain, bleeding, or any infection, including:

  • Trauma involving facial bones, compromising the patient’s airway
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Swelling or knots on the gum

When such disaster strikes, you can visit an emergency dentist in The Colony, TX, to save your tooth and smile. If you are far from Texas, consider going to a certified emergency dental care provider for an oral health evaluation and treatment.

Common Dental Emergencies

  • Cracked tooth

It presents a serious issue because, in most cases, the damage has not only happened on the inside but also on the outside as well. Sometimes the fracture may be extreme, that the tooth cannot be saved.

When you notice a cracked tooth, you should:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Keep an icepack on the side of your face to keep it from swelling
  • Take a pain-relieving medication as you get to a dental emergency center

Your dentist will use a filling to fix your tooth or carry out a root canal.

  • Knocked out tooth

Having your tooth knocked out is a painful experience and very difficult to bear with the discomfort. If you still have the fallen tooth, put it in a glass of milk. Avoid touching the roots or raising them off. The longer the tooth stays out of your mouth, the harder it is to save it. Visit Main Dentistry, a dental clinic in 75056, within thirty minutes of the accident to save your tooth.

  • Broken jaw

In case of a broken jaw, you should see your emergency dentist immediately. Take pain medication to ease pain and put ice on your face to avoid swelling. You should also avoid solid food in case of such an emergency.

  • Loose or missing temporary dental crown

Whether you lost or you have a loose crown, make an appointment with your dentist as fast as possible. You can put vaseline on the tooth to connect the crown for a temporary fix.

  • Consistent toothache

This is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a possible cavity or teeth grinding. If you happen to have a toothache, you can :

  • Rinse your mouth out with warm water
  • Floss the area to erase food or any particle that may be left to avoid irritation
  • Use an icepack to avoid swelling
  • Take pain medication if it worsens
  • Bleeding gums

Excessive and frequent bleeding along with aching gums requires:

  • Treatment based on the severity of your gums issue
  • Treatment to keep gums, teeth, tissue, and bones healthy
  • Soft tissue injury

This is when you have bites or cuts to your lip or tongue. You should:

  • Apply a cold compress for breathing
  • Clean the area gently with water
  • See an emergency dental practitioner

When you experience any oral emergencies named above, you should contact your emergency dentist. If pain and discomfort persist, you need to visit an emergency dental clinic near you so that they can treat your pain and determine whether another dental visit is necessary.

Precautions to Take To Avoid Dental Emergencies

  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports
  • Avoid cutting thing using your teeth
  • Do not chew ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
  • Go for regular checkups and cleanings

What Does Not Require Dental Emergency Care?

  • A broken tooth is an emergency if the fracture has left sharp fragments traumatizing the inside of your mouth or causing severe pain. If the chipped tooth does not hurt, your dental visit can wait.
  • A toothache treatment can also wait if the pain is not severe and you do not have an abscess. However, if you notice bumps on the gum, high fever, or swelling, visit your dentist immediately.
  • If you have a lost filling or a tooth crown, you can probably wait several days to see the dentist. If your crown falls out, you can try putting it back in place with over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive until you see your dentist.

Preparing for Dental Emergencies

First, keep your emergency dentist’s phone number programmed into your cellphone in case you have a dental emergency. This will help speed up things when you need fast treatment and will reduce the stress of an already traumatic experience.

Different Ways To Achieve Teeth Whitening

One of the most common dental procedures in dentistry is teeth whitening. In the 21st century when people are obsessed with accentuating their aesthetic appearance, there is more embrace for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.

When it comes to improving the color of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist in North Austin will tell you that it is not as straight forward as many may presume. There are different approaches to achieving the kind of results you desire.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is the process of noticeably improving the appearance of teeth by brightening the color. The goal is to make them whiter than they initially were.

While some patients pursue teeth whitening solely to have a better-looking smile, others actually need the treatment. Teeth whitening services are very beneficial for patients who have significantly discolored teeth.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration?

Whether you know it or not, your teeth get discolored along the way. Some of the causes include:

  • Foods – some of the foods we consume are highly pigmented, causing them to deposit stain marks on the surfaces of our teeth.
  • Enamel thinning – this happens mostly with age, where the enamel of your teeth wears out gradually, exposing more of the dentin. Since the dentin is duller than the enamel, your teeth will appear less brighter as you age.
  • Tobacco usage
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Medication and medical conditions

Different Approaches to Teeth Whitening

If you visit Peak Dental, you will learn that there is more than one way to improve the color of your teeth. Usually, the approaches account for moth invasive and non-invasive measures to accommodate the needs of different patients. Besides, the kind of approach your dentist resolves to use may be determined by how extensive the discoloration on your teeth is. Some of the approaches uses include:

  • In-office professional teeth whitening – it is the bleaching of the enamel of your teeth, usually performed in a dentist’s office. It is a procedure that lasts for about an hour. One of the main benefits of this technique is that you see the results you desire immediately. Besides, since the bleaching is done by a dentist, you can be sure that the method is safe and effective.
  • Teeth whitening trays and gels – some people prefer to get their teeth whitened at the comfort of their homes. The use of whitening gels and trays is effective for whitening the color of your teeth. However, the process takes much longer than in-office bleaching. Ideally, you have to be consistent with the bleaching process for about three days before you can see the results thereof. An important factor to note is that there are different types of whitening gels and trays. While you can buy some from over-the-counter, it is better to purchase them from your dentist. This way, your dentist can still be involved in the process of brightening your teeth, assuring you of safety and effectiveness.
  • Dental veneers – this is one of those techniques that can be termed as permanent teeth whitening. The approach does not involve directly bleaching the enamel of teeth. Instead, it involves the application of a tooth appliance called a veneer. It is a thin shell-like porcelain material used to improve the appearance of teeth. The dentist will pick a shade of dental veneers that is whiter and brighter than that of your natural teeth color. When the veneers are applied to the front surface if your teeth, you will immediately notice the brightness of your teeth. This technique is particularly effective for patients who have significantly stained teeth that would not respond well to enamel bleaching.
  • Teeth whitening toothpaste – toothpaste used for teeth whitening contains mild abrasives that are useful for removing surface stains on teeth. Thus approach will take the longest before you can realize your desired approach. It is why people usually use whitening toothpastes to maintain the results of their newly whitened teeth.

Summary

Many approaches can be used to beautify your smile by making it whiter and brighter than before. However, be careful to consider an approach that is safe and effective. The last thing you want is to deteriorate the health of your teeth in efforts to whiten them without the advisement of a dental expert.

Why You Should Consider Visiting a Sedation Dentist

Do you have anxiety over making a dental visit? Toothache and other dental issues may leave you in agony, and we may recommend you to undergo sedation at our dental in 75056. If you are faced with extreme fear while visiting your dentist, sedation can be a viable option before your dental treatment. Sedation dentistry is applicable during invasive and non-invasive dental procedures. Your dentist will determine the ideal choice for you based on your anxiety.

What’s Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using deep relaxation procedures during your dental appointment to help relieve your fear and anxiety. The processes keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment. Our sedation dentist in the colony, TX, will administer a suitable treatment to ensure you wake up after your procedure is complete. Your anesthetic specialist will closely monitor you and add sedative medication to ensure your sedation level is effective and safe. With ideal levels of sedation, you’ll recover quickly, and your treatment will be completed successfully without pain or anxiety. Sedation dentistry involves the use of the following:

  • Oral medications
  • Inhalation sedation
  • Intravenous sedation

Sedation dentistry may not be appropriate in all your dental procedures, and it’s vital to consult your dentist on whether you are a suitable candidate for sedation.

Sedation Dentistry Procedures

There are three sedation approaches used by your sedation dentist in the colony, TX, including:

  • Intravenous (IV) Dental Sedation involves the use of anesthesia and anti-anxiety medications. The sedative is administered in the form of an injection, and a local anesthetic is used to ensure you are comfortable during treatment.
  • Inhalation Sedation uses an inhaler mask that supplies sedation gas into your respiratory tract. You remain conscious during your entire procedure but in a relaxed environment. At Main Dentistry, we prefer inhalation if you experience mild to moderate levels of anxiety. It eliminates gagging if you have an extreme gag reflex. The effects of inhalation sedation are short-lived, and the procedure is ideal during simple or complex dental procedures.
  • Oral Dental Sedation involves prescribed drugs with instructions before undergoing your extensive dental procedure. Your dentist may instruct you to avoid specific medication that may interfere with sedatives.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

The dental hygienist near you will determine the ideal type of sedation procedure for you. For oral sedatives, you’ll be given a prescription and instructions on how to use the drugs. Once you follow the instructions carefully, your anxiety is relieved, and you feel relaxed before undergoing your dental procedures. You are likely to feel drowsy as the drug takes effect. Inhalation sedation doesn’t require preparation, but for IV sedation, you’ll need to prepare in advance.

You are likely to be restricted from taking food for several hours before undergoing sedation. Certain medications may interfere with sedation medication, and it’s crucial to avoid taking them within the period provided for your dental procedure.

What May Compel You to Undergo Sedation Dentistry?

At our dental in 75056, we may recommend you to undergo sedation dentistry if you are faced with the following:

  • General anxiety disorder
  • Having sensitive oral nerves
  • Resistance to local anesthetic
  • An extreme fear of dental procedures
  • Experiencing mouth soreness after dental procedures

Your sedation dentist can help you through various dental procedures, including dental extraction, root canals, dental implantation, and other extensive procedures. Extreme anxiety for dental procedures may compel your sedation dentist to use sedatives during routine dental appointments.

Why Sedation Dentistry is Crucial

Sedation dentistry provides you with myriad benefits, including:

  • During complex dental procedures, you are likely to feel like your procedure lasted for a short time. You feel relaxed during extensive rebuilding procedures, and you can withstand long hours under sedation. Your dental procedures that require several appointments are done in fewer dental visits.
  • Sedation dentistry enables you to overcome anxiety. It makes you remain relaxed and comfortable during your periodic dental exams and extensive dental appointments. If you have extreme fear over dental appointments, the dental hygienist near you may recommend you undergo sedation dentistry in preserving your oral health.
  • Down’s syndrome, autism, and other underlying health issues may require sedation dentistry.

Undergoing sedation during your dental visits keeps you calm and relaxed. If you have anxiety over your dental procedures, our sedation dentist in the colony, TX, may recommend you to undergo sedation and maintain your oral health.

How Dental Health and Your Overall Health Co-Relate

Modern research has proven your dental health has an impact on your overall health. Poor dental health ultimately results in poor overall health. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure your oral health is optimal to avoid developing more severe complications. This can be made possible by visiting a dental hygienist. These specialists perform check-ups and examinations to detect dental diseases and offer preventive care.

Relationship between Oral Health and Overall Health

Biologists have discovered our mouth and other body organs cohabitate with bacteria. While the body is equipped to fight off these bacteria, poor hygiene allows the bacteria to multiply and consequently cause an infection. The mouth acts as an access point for the respiratory and digestive systems.

Therefore, if bacteria are left to grow to alarming levels in your mouth, the rest of your body organs are at risk of infection since the bacteria in your oral cavity will spread to these areas.

Health Conditions Associated With Poor Dental Health

If left untreated, dental complications may develop into serious health problems. You should seek professional care at the onset of any complications from a dental hygienist near you. Some health conditions known to be a result of untreated dental diseases include:

  • Cardiovascular disease

Research suggests that stroke, heart disease, and clogged arteries may arise following infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria. However, this relationship is yet to be fully understood by scholars.

  • Pneumonia

When bacteria in your mouth spreads to your respiratory organs, they infect these vital organs causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

  • Endocarditis

Endocardium refers to the inner lining of the heart’s valves or chambers. Bacteria found in your mouth may spread to your bloodstream. The contaminated blood flows to the heart, and these bacteria attach to the endocardium, causing endocarditis.

  • Pregnancy complications

Studies conducted proved periodontitis (Gum) disease has a direct link with low birth weight premature births.

Medical Conditions That Can Affect Your Oral Health

Certain diseases may have a negative toll on your oral health. In general, these diseases negatively affect your immune system. Your body is left weak and prone to diseases. Examples of these diseases are:

  • HIV/AIDs

Perhaps the most prevalent disease known to attack your immune system is HIV/AIDs. It is common for people infected with HIV/AIDs to experience dental complications like painful mucosal lesions.

  • Alzheimer’s disease

For patients with this disease, poor dental health is common when Alzheimer’s disease becomes more severe.

  • Diabetes

Diabetes lowers your body’s capacity to fight off infections, posing the risk of contracting gum disease. Periodontal disease is prevalent and more severe among people with diabetes.

  • Osteoporosis

This disease weakens your bones. The condition causes tooth and periodontal bone loss. There are drugs used to treat osteoporosis that causes damage to the jawbone.

There is a connection between dental health and overall health. Other health conditions associated with dental health include:

  • Certain cancers, like throat cancer
  • Eating disorders
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Rheumatoid disease

How to Maintain Your Oral Health

To have exceptional oral health, you need to ensure you maintain oral hygiene. In addition to visiting a dentist near you, adhere to the following practices for optimal oral hygiene:

  • Floss daily to clean out food particles hiding in between your teeth.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugary foods.
  • Another practice is you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after meals. Brushing your teeth every day gets rid of the plaque, which forms on the surface of your teeth. The plaque contains bacteria that secrete acidic waste. This acidic waste erodes the tooth enamel creating a cavity.
  • After brushing and flossing your teeth, clean out the food particles left behind using a mouthwash.
  • Make regular visits to your dentist in The Colony, TX, for check-up and cleaning
  • Avoid the use of tobacco
  • After 3 to 4 months, replace your toothbrush with a new one. You should replace it sooner in case your toothbrush has worn or splayed bristles.

Benefits of Good Dental Hygiene

The following are some of the benefits of good oral hygiene:

  • You enjoy healthier gums
  • Maintaining proper dental hygiene saves you the time and costs associated with dental procedures
  • Good oral hygiene lowers the risk of tooth decay
  • Similarly, you are less likely to experience tooth sensitivity with proper dental hygiene
  • You feel more confident talking with people since you have fresh breath
  • For expectant mothers, maintaining oral hygiene means a healthier pregnancy

In conclusion, your oral health is an essential part of your overall health. It is crucial to seek professional dental care when you begin to experience oral discomfort. At Main Dentistry, we offer the best dental services in The Colony, TX. Our dental hygienist near you offers dental examinations and preventative dental procedures for proper oral health. Visit our offices today to learn more.

What You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

For some of us, a visit to the dental office is not a traumatic experience (after all, you’ll end up with a bright smile). However, for others, sitting on a dental chair can be downright scary. But, it does not have to be. With dental sedation, you can relax and go through any dental procedure.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental sedation uses drugs and medication to relax and calm you before and during a dental procedure. Although sedation and anesthetics are used interchangeably, they are different. A local anesthetic numbs your gums and is used on most dental procedures. Sedation dentistry, on the other hand, relaxes you. Most times, a sedation dentist near you can use both local anesthesia and sedation dentistry.

Who Needs Dental Sedation?

Our dentist in The Colony, TX, can use dental sedation on anyone. But, it is mostly recommended for people with:

  • Severe dental phobia and anxiety
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Low threshold of pain
  • Severe gag reflex
  • The dentist is performing a complex procedure like wisdom teeth extraction
  • Local anesthesia hasn’t numbed the gums as expected

Does It Cause Unconsciousness?

Although most people assume dental sedation causes unconsciousness, it doesn’t. Several types of sedation dentistry are available, and the dentist can choose one based on your dental phobia and the type of dental procedure.

  • Inhaled sedation

Inhaled sedation or laughing gas is the most commonly used sedation. It is mild, has few side effects, and wears off quickly. The dentist will administer the laughing gas via the nose mask. Since it takes effect immediately, the medication will be given five minutes before the procedure. It also wears off immediately and therefore is used on children too. The one downside with the inhaled sedation is that it can only be used on mild and moderate dental procedures.

  • Oral sedation

Mouth sedation uses a pill and is stronger than the inhaled sedation. The pill takes time to manifest because everyone metabolizes medication differently. That’s why the dentist will give you the medication a few hours before the procedure. While it does not cause you to sleep, you might doze off a bit and can be woken up with a little shake.

Oral sedation, however, does not give the dentist a chance to adjust the dosage during a dental procedure.

  • IV sedation

IV sedation is similar to pill sedation, but the medication is administered via the veins. It is stronger than oral sedation, but it will not cause you to sleep. However, you will not be able to recollect the procedure.

With the IV sedation, the dentist will be able to adjust the dosage of the medication. This makes it suitable for moderate and severe dental procedures.

  • Deep sedation

General and deep sedation is the only sedation that causes you to sleep. That’s why it is used for complex dental procedures like dental implant surgery or impacted teeth extraction.

Deep sedation does not wear off quickly, and at times the dentist will use medication to decrease the effects.

While all dentists can give oral and inhaled sedation, only licensed dentists are allowed to administer IV and deep sedation.

How Long Does It Take to Wear Off?

How long it takes for the sedation medication to wear off will depend on the type of sedation, dosage, and your body’s metabolism. We metabolize medication differently, and it may take time for it to wear off.

Laughing gas wears out quicker than the other types. The dentist will only lower the inhaled gas and increase oxygen levels. Although you might resume normal activities after laughing gas wears off, it is not advisable. Therefore, when visiting a dental clinic near you, it is recommended you go accompanied by a family or friend.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe and does not cause any side effects if administered correctly. You may, however, experience mild headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea. These side effects will wear out after some time.

Schedule an Appointment

You don’t have to be afraid of the dental clinic. Visit Main Dentistry for your dental checkup and cleaning, and dental sedation will make the procedure bearable.

Why You need to Know an Emergency Dentist

Regular dental exams, cleanings and good oral hygiene are essential parts of preventive dental care. However, some dental situations might not be preventable by visiting your dentist for check-ups, brushing twice daily and flossing your teeth regularly.

Such dental situations strike when least expected. Most of these dental issues cause excruciating pain, discomfort or increase the risks of developing further complications. Therefore, you should consider seeking emergency dentistry services when they strike.

Benefits of Knowing an Emergency Dentist

No one would want to suffer the agony of a toothache or other dental emergencies since they can lead to complications that will require more complicated and expensive treatments. Below are the top three reasons why you should know a dentist near you who offers emergency dental care:

Saving Time

When you know an emergency dentist, you won’t take much time to search for emergency dental clinics locations near you. With the risk of losing your tooth and need to relieve pain, you won’t be having much time to search for an emergency dentist. Therefore, if you know an emergency dentist, you are in a better position.

Fast Treatments

Dental trauma can cause your teeth to become loose or fall out. To save the tooth, you should consider visiting a dentist within an hour. By knowing an emergency dentist, you can get treatments faster and at any time, preventing the need for tooth restoration or replacement.

Prevention

Some dental emergencies might increase the risk of further complications. When you visit the dentist, you will receive treatments that will reduce the risk of infections. If dental infections are left untreated, you might be at risk of developing general health issues such as stroke, heart disease, and cancers.

Dental Emergencies and How to Respond

If you have a dental emergency preparation is significant. Therefore, you can have your emergency dentist’s phone number programmed to your cell or have it stuck on the fridge door. Having a way to contact your dentist will speed up things when you need immediate treatments.

Some of the common dental emergencies include:

Broken or Fallen-Out Tooth

Trauma, when you fall or get hit when playing sports, can cause your tooth to loosen, break, or fall out. The broken or fallen-out tooth might cause excruciating pain or bleeding. For pain relief, you should contact the dentist immediately and explain your situation.

If the tooth is fallen out, you should consider collecting and cleaning it. Next, try placing the tooth in the socket. Alternatively, you can store the tooth in milk or saliva. Ensure you take the tooth with you to the dental office within an hour to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Unexplained Toothache and Swelling

Do you have a toothache or a swollen gum that is persistent? You might be having an infection in your gums or a tooth abscess. If you have white sores on the gum line, you might be having a dental abscess that can cause excruciating pain and sometimes difficulties swallowing and breathing.

Therefore, you can contact your emergency dentist in The Colony, TX, for treatments. Meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack on the face over the site of swelling or pain. If you have dental abscesses, you can swish clove oil in your mouth.

Bleeding Gums

If you have been previously diagnosed with gingivitis, you might experience bleeding when you brush your teeth. However, sometimes you might bleed profusely in your gums, especially after tooth extraction. To prevent excessive blood loss, you can bite down a teabag and contact your dentist for treatment.

Broken Dental Crown or a Loose Fillings

If your tooth restoration is damaged, you might be at risk of developing complications such as root canal infection or gum disease. Therefore, if you have a taste of metal in your mouth, you can contact an emergency dental clinic near you.

In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with warm saline water. Warm and saline water reduces the risk of infections by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth.

Emergency Dentist Near You

Do you need an emergency dentist in Colony, TX? At Main Dentistry, our focus is to manage life-threatening dental issues by offering short-term pain relief and sometimes dental procedures to eliminate the problem.

Sedation Dentist Services for You and Your Family

Dental procedures can be invasive and scare away some people. Although not all dental procedures, some people will still fear going to the dentist and would rather suffer a toothache’s agony. Such a condition is known as dental anxiety or phobia, which is easily treatable in children and controllable among adults.

Regular visits to the dentist give your children a chance to feel less anxious about going for dental procedures by bonding with the dentist and getting used to the environment.

Avoiding dental appointments due to dental anxiety or phobia can have an impact not only on your oral but general health. Some dental issues, such as gum diseases, are associated with general health issues such as stroke and cardiac conditions. Therefore, if you or your child have dental phobia, you can consider visiting a sedation dentist near you.

What Does Sedation Dentistry Entail?

Sedation dentistry involves the administration of sedatives before a dental procedure to make the patient feel relaxed. Dentists use sedatives mostly during invasive dental procedures. However, some are scared of non-invasive dental procedures such as dental exams and cleanings. Therefore, the dentist will consider using sedatives to help them feel relaxed at the dental office.

During the dental procedures, the patient may be responsive, feel drowsy or unconscious, depending on the level of sedation. The patient can have memories of the dental procedure or none at all.

Levels of Sedation

There are three levels of sedation, which include:

Mild Sedation

Mild sedation can be administered orally or through inhalation. Nitrous iv oxide is one of the sedation techniques that provide mild sedatives. Your dentist will ask you to inhale a mixture of nitrous iv oxide and oxygen through a mask. If you receive oral sedatives for mild effects, the dentist will recommend you swallow little amounts of the dosage.

When under mild sedatives, patients can breathe, speak, and feel comfortable during the procedure. However, these sedatives don’t have long-lasting effects. Therefore, the dentist will recommend mild sedation for short dental procedures.

Moderate Sedation

For moderate sedation, the dentist might recommend oral or intravenous sedation techniques. When you are receiving oral sedation, the dentist will suggest you take the pill an hour before the procedure to allow sedatives to take effect. If you are getting intravenous injections, the dentist will administer the sedative just before the procedure.

During the dental procedure, the patient is likely to feel drowsy but responsive after a tap on the shoulder. Although the sedatives’ effects wear off after some time, it is advisable you arrange for a driver home.

Deep Sedation

When you have severe dental phobia, anxiety, or about to undergo an invasive dental procedure that requires much time, the dentist might recommend deep sedation techniques. To achieve deep sedation effects, the dentist might recommend general anesthesia.

During the dental procedure, you will be completely unconscious. Therefore, you will have no memory of the procedure. After the procedure, the dentist will place you in a resting room as you wait for the effects of general anesthetics to wear off. Therefore, you should consider having someone to drive you home since you might still be feeling drowsy.

Which Sedation Technique Is the Best for You?

The technique and levels of sedation depend on the length of the procedure. However, the dentist might administer sedatives according to the severity of your dental anxiety. Therefore, your dentist will recommend sedation depending on the above factors during the initial consultation.

Benefits of Knowing a Sedation Dentist

By getting sedation dentistry services at our dental clinic in 750576, you get to enjoy the following benefits:

Anxiety Relief

Sedatives during dental procedures prevent pain and discomfort, reducing dental anxiety. At the dentist’s chair, you will be relaxed, allowing the dentist to work faster and efficiently.

Prevent Gag Reflexes

A gag reflex is significant to withdraw foreign objects from your throat. However, a gag reflex might hinder your dentist from working correctly. With sedatives, you are not likely to experience gag reflexes.

Amnesia

Under sedatives, you might not remember what happened during the procedure. Therefore, you are not likely to feel anxious when visiting the dentist next time.

Dentist Near You

If you are looking for a sedation dentist in the Colony, TX, you can consider visiting our dental clinic at Main Dentistry.

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