Dental checkups and procedures are neglected by many people due to the dread of sitting in the dentist’s chair for any type of dental work, whether it’s big or small. It’s not an uncommon situation, which is why dentists have come up with a way to combat dental anxiety. The answer is sedation dentistry, a popular technique designed to relax patients so they can have necessary dental work done.
Sedation dentistry involves administering different types of sedatives prior to dental work. The degree of sedation varies depending on the goals and the level of consciousness desired.
Here are the main categories of dental sedation:
- Minimal sedation reduces nervousness and pain, while the patient remains awake and responsive during the procedure.
- Moderate sedation relaxes the patient even more and pain is almost entirely eliminated, and the doctor must give very firm directions for patients to follow.
- Deep sedation produces complete unconsciousness and inability to respond at all during the procedure.
No matter the level of sedation chosen, each technique reduces pain and calms the patient. Most patients do not remember the procedure, and therefore have no negative memories associated with it.
When the whitening is performed in the office, an ultraviolet light is typically used to speed up the process. It activates the whitening gel and enhances its action on your teeth. The combination of the gel and the special light works together for dramatic results on your smile. The whole process takes about an hour.
Sedation dentistry is popular not only with patients who no longer experience pain or fear related to dental visits, but also for dentists. With the increased patient comfort, dentists can perform procedures thoroughly and more quickly than on patients who are apprehensive. Dentists are also able to perform multiple procedures in one appointment when the patient is under sedation.
As with any medical treatment, patients should inform the dentist about any allergies, current medications, and previous reactions to sedation. The types of sedatives that dentists use are well tested and safe for this purpose, and the process is a life-saver for many patients who otherwise avoid dental work.
A brilliant smile is what everyone wants, but life happens and your teeth may not be as bright as you’d like. Eating certain foods and drinks, aging, taking some medications, and smoking are all things that can discolor your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile by several shades in a very short amount of time. Here’s what you can expect if you choose to get your teeth whitened by your dentist.
Cleaning
First, your teeth should be thoroughly cleaned before undergoing the whitening process. Schedule a routine teeth cleaning to eliminate plaque buildup and make sure your teeth are in good condition for the whitening process. If you need any other dental work, have it completed prior to whitening.
Gel
For most professional whitening methods, a specialized gel is applied to the teeth. It contains hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching ingredients that attack the stains on your teeth. The dentist will apply the gel to the fronts of your teeth, being careful to avoid getting it on your gums which can cause sensitivity. The gel is left on your teeth for a time period so that it can do its job. In some professional whitening methods, instead of applying the gel in the office, you’ll be sent home with customized trays and whitening gel. You will place the gel in the trays and wear them at night for a few weeks.
Light
When the whitening is performed in the office, an ultraviolet light is typically used to speed up the process. It activates the whitening gel and enhances its action on your teeth. The combination of the gel and the special light works together for dramatic results on your smile. The whole process takes about an hour.
Repeat
Sometimes more than one treatment is needed to get your smile as white as you’d like. This is especially true for patients with severe stains, such as smokers or serious coffee drinkers. Even if you get the results you want, you can always go back for a follow-up treatment when stains start to appear again.
Are you embarrassed by your smile for some reason? If so there’s no need to go through life being afraid to laugh and talk with others. There’s a real possibility that your smile could be transformed through using the latest dentistry techniques. Your dentist in Toronto can use numerous different procedures which can range from teeth whitening and adult orthodontics, to dental implants for permanently replacing missing teeth. Modern technology can help give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
The benefits of having a smile makeover can include the following:
Increased Self-Confidence
If you feel self-conscious about smiling and talking with others it can affect your willingness to socialize, and may even impact your career prospects. A smile makeover can restore your self-confidence and will boost self-esteem. You’ll find it will be much easier to communicate with others, whether in social or business oriented situations.
Lower Anxiety Levels
Many people feel quite stressed about having less-than-perfect teeth, and a smile makeover can reduce anxiety levels. Smiling is an important way of communicating, and studies have shown it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety such as poor digestion, high blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances. A smile makeover with your dentist in Toronto could help boost your physical and emotional health.
Improved Mood
Smiling makes you feel better, and you’ll find other people respond differently to you. A person with a nice smile is perceived as being open, warm and friendly, and those close to you will quickly notice the difference.
You’ll Enjoy Having Your Photograph Taken
There will be no need to worry about having your photograph taken and having to smile with a closed mouth. Your beautiful new smile makeover can be recorded for posterity in all those photographs with family and friends.
Cosmetic dentistry is the name for any dental work that improves the aesthetic appearance (but not always the function) of a patient’s teeth, gum tissue, or bite alignment. While the American Dental Association does not currently recognize dentistry as a specialty area of dentistry, both prosthodontists and orthodontists focus primarily on dental cosmetics and are skilled and knowledgeable about the dentistry options available to their patients. While some improvement options are purely cosmetic, many of these treatments can improve other oral problems, such as the alignment of your bite.
Cosmetic dental procedures may include bonding, dental crowns, dental bridges, porcelain veneers and gum grafts, or the removal of the tooth structure or the gum tissue. It can also include teeth whitening and the depigmentation of the gum tissue. Braces are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, as they couple the straightening of the teeth with improvements to the aesthetic appearance of the face as a whole.
Your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve the look of your smile. Whitening can provide a simple yet dramatic change, while porcelain veneers can accomplish major repairs and reconstruction. Chipped or misshapen teeth can be improved with shaping or bonding. There are cosmetic solutions to worn or short teeth, as well as for missing or seriously decayed teeth..
Talk to your dentist to get answers to any questions you have about improving your smile and oral health. Depending on the condition of your natural teeth and the depth of the work you would like to have done, your dentist will give you the best advice to achieve your tooth goals.If you are considering a cosmetic dental procedure, you can ask three simple questions:
- What will my new smile look like?
- What can I expect before, during, and after the dental procedure?
- How will I best maintain my new smile?t
Getting the answers to these three questions will enable you to move forward toward the bestlooking, healthiest options for your teeth and continued oral health. Don’t wait to have the smile of your dreams.
Cosmetic Dentistry Toronto
From baby teeth to dentures, a dental professional who specializes in family dentistry can provide your family with convenient and comprehensive oral care. Busy families can find a multitude of services including dental checkups and teeth cleanings in a practice that offers inclusive care to patients of all ages. Unlike a dentist who specializes in specific age groups or conditions, your family dentist can provide care to your entire family.
A family dentist focuses on preventative care, to ensure everyone in your family maintains a strong and healthy smile. Because it is easier to prevent health issues than repair them, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a dental cleaning and checkup approximately every six months. Your family dentist can help every member of your family prevent future dental problems with teeth cleanings, decay prevention, fluoride treatments, and early detection of gum disease. A family dentist also keeps a comprehensive history of your families’ oral health, including X-rays to help detect cavities or other tooth and jaw issues.
Just a few services offered by family dentists are:
- Regular cleanings
- Cavity detection and fillings
- Fluoride treatment
- Orthodontics
- Treatment for gum disease
Because they are trained to understand the difference in children’s and adult dental needs, a qualified family dentist can offer comprehensive oral care from baby teeth through permanent teeth. For a full range of dental services in a convenient one-stop practice, selecting a family dentist for your busy family could be the answer to a lifetime of good oral health.
Missing teeth can put a damper on your active lifestyle. You may feel self-conscious about your appearance, experience limitations in diet, or have difficulty speaking. Without a full set of teeth, you risk gum degeneration, bone loss, and other oral health problems. Designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, dental implants can rejuvenate your smile.
What is a dental implant?
A small titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root, a dental implant is surgically positioned into your gums. Your dentist will place a permanent crown on each implant, which completes the replacement tooth. Implants can be used for one or more missing teeth.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
In general, anyone with a missing tooth should consider dental implants. The key to successful implant placement is good oral health and sufficient bone structure to support the posts. If you don’t have adequate bone levels, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to correct that situation.
How long does the procedure take?
Receiving dental implants is a two-step process. During the first visit, a trained specialist will surgically implant the posts into your jawbone. Then, you will need to wait three to six months for healing and integration with the jawbone. Once this occurs, your dentist will place the permanent crowns on the implants, giving you a full smile.
How do I care for my implants?
Just like your natural teeth, your implants require daily care. Brush often and floss frequently. Regular dental checkups are also important, so schedule visits at least twice a year.
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