Smile Point Dental

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Dental care

Learn about our Sedation Dentistry in Beaumont

When most people think of the dentist, unfortunately, negative thoughts come to mind. Many people are very frightened by the dentist and this is a common phobia called odontophobia. You may have a had a bad experience as a child or even as an adult, you possibly have very sensitive gums and teeth making dentist visits painful, or you may feel anxious due to the sounds and bright lights. Whatever the case may be, the fear is a real and we understand that in Beaumont.

That’s why at Smilepoint Dental, we offer sedation dentistry for anyone who needs it. We understand dentists have a bad rep and our goal at Smilepoint is to make sure you’re comfortable and your teeth and gums are exceptionally healthy.

What is Our Sedation Dentistry?
This type of dentistry allows for patients to receive medication to help them relax and stay calm during dental procedures. Patients can usually be awake during most procedures, but there is an option for complete unconsciousness.

Levels of Sedation

  • Minimal – You will be awake but relaxed. Great for teeth cleanings or other small dental procedures.
  • Moderate – You will be in a very relaxed state possibly slurring words and feeling very out of it. You won’t remember much of the dental procedure.
  • Deep – You are almost asleep but not quite. You may doze off but you can be easily awakened.
  • General Anesthesia – Unconscious during the whole procedure. Won’t remember anything.

What are the Types of Sedation?
Inhaled sedation
This type of sedation uses nitrous oxide, which is inhaled through a mask. This is also usually dubbed as “laughing gas”. The gas helps calm your nerves and you will begin to relax. Our dentists in Beaumont can control the amount of gas that is being pumped from the mask. With this type of sedation, you are still able to operate your vehicle after your procedure.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation can be used minimally or moderately. This sedation is in pill form and is a more common form of dental sedation. This pill will be in the realm of Valium but may be a bit stronger. This pill will help your anxiety and make you drowsy. You take the medication about an hour before your dental appointment in Beaumont. If you need a heavy sedation you may be given a larger dose. This sedation can sometimes help you sleep during your procedure, but be awoken easily.

IV Sedation
This sedation is given to you straight through an IV that is placed in your vein. This can be adjusted throughout the entire procedure and works very quickly. Usually, this sedation will make you very sleepy.

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia
Medications will be administered to you by our dentists to get you into an unconscious state. With general anesthetic, you will not be able to be awakened until the anesthesia has worn off. This is good for someone going through an extensive dental procedure. This is usually used for any kind of dental surgery.

If you have had issues with dentists in the past, come to Smilepoint Dental in Beaumont. We take care of your fear and anxiety by offering sedation options so you can have a comfortable and calm dental experience. We can offer sedation for all types of dental procedures, so you won’t need to feel frightened anymore.

Smilepoint Dental in Beaumont has the dentist you can trust and the staff that is passionate about your dental care. Come check out why we are the best dental team in Beaumont and schedule your dental appointment with us, today!

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Categories
Dental care

Dental Sealant Application: What to Expect

In our last blog, we introduced dental sealants. These are tough resins used to protect teeth (especially the crevices) from bacteria and cavities. They go one as a painless liquid and dry into an invisible, tough layer that keeps bacteria away from the actual tissue of your teeth. Most often used on kids and teens, they are perfect for anyone whose teeth are prone to cavities – no matter what age they are.

If you’ve never gotten dental sealant applied before, this blog is for you! We are going to go over what you can expect when you ask your dentist to apply dental sealant.

Your dentist will clean your teeth and polish them, just like it’s a regular cleaning. It is absolutely essential that all plaque and bacteria be removed, especially from the crevices of your teeth.
The tooth in need of sealant will be dried off and gently etched. The etching material will be rinsed off, and the tooth will be dried again.

Application

Sealant will be applied to your tooth with a brush. Afterwards, the hygienist shine a self-curing light on it for thirty seconds. This will ensure the sealant fully bonds to the surface of the tooth.
Conclusion

The dental team will assess the sealant to make sure it is completely bonded. The sealant will have hardened to a point you chew on it, and you’ll be good to go!
Some teeth are structured or shaped to a point where keeping them cavity-free is very difficult, no matter how thoroughly and frequently you brush. That is where dental sealants are so helpful. They keep your teeth protected and shielded between dental cleanings. If you get sealant applied, make sure you keep brushing your teeth. Sealants don’t replace good dental care, but they can reduce the fillings you have to get.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.