Sedation Dentistry Helps Anxious Patients Receive Dental Care

Millions of people avoid dental visits because of fear. Without proper care, you can damage your smile and oral health. If anxiety has kept your from enjoying, a vibrant, healthy smile, sedation dentistry can help.

Because many providers understand that some people develop anxiety about seeing the dentist, they usually do everything possible to make the experience restful and pleasant. Detailed explanations, thorough answers to questions, and treatment with a gentle touch can reduce stress. Some patients need additional measures to minimize their anxiety, so consider the various types of sedation:

Laughing Gas

Also referred to as nitrous oxide, laughing gas produces feelings of warmth and calm. Laughing gas is breathed in through a mask that rests over the nose. Once the dentist turns off the gas, any side effects dissipate right away.

Oral Sedation

With oral sedation, patients take a dose of anti-anxiety medication about an hour before the procedure. A friend or relative will need to accompany you to and from the office. During treatment, you will enter a peaceful state that allows you to respond to any requests but remember little about the appointment when you leave. The affects of the oral sedation may linger for several hours, but most people resume normal activities within 24 hours.

Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry – Sedation Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist

Steps for Safe Teeth Whitening

Achieving a gorgeous smile can boost confidence and contribute to your success, both personally and professionally. The aging process, lifestyle choices, and dark foods or beverages can stain teeth and leave them looking less than desirable. Many people use teeth whitening to remove discolorations and brighten their smiles. Before your start the process, consider these tips:

• Make a dental appointment first

Even if you decide to whiten with over-the-counter products, visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning. This exam will ensure that your oral health is in good shape and allow you to ask for your dentist’s input before you start the whitening process.

• Do your homework
Usually, at-home bleaching products contain often solutions that are 10 to 20 percent peroxide. Begin with the mid-level option. If you don’t attain the optimal results, select a product with higher levels of bleaching agent or consider professional teeth whitening instead.

• Carefully follow the instructions
More isn’t always better, and leaving the product on your teeth longer than recommended can irritate or inflame gums, so don’t deviate from what the directions say.

• Watch for sensitivity
Some people develop sensitive teeth when they use teeth bleaching products. Generally, this sensation goes away after you stop whitening. Talk with your dentist if the problem lingers.

• Don’t overdue it
Though you may need to touch up your smile with periodic whitening, some people get carried away. Once a month should be enough to keep your teeth looking fabulous.

• Let the experts do it
The quickest, safest, most effective way of whitening your teeth is to let the dental experts do it for you. And sometimes, your dentist may be offering in-office whitening specials or promotions

Yolanda Cruz dentistry – Teeth Whitening – Toronto Canada Dentist

Understanding Minimally Invasive Dentistry

the past, dentistry usually involved waiting for cavities to develop and then drilling the decay so that the area could be filled. Over time, that filling might wear down, which could lead to the need for a crown. Although this system did repair damage to teeth, it did little to prevent damage and decay before they occur.

Minimally invasive dentistry not only focuses on disease prevention, but it also encourages patients to achieve optimal oral health. Research has linked dental health to overall wellbeing, so having a strong, healthy smile can have an impact on your whole body wellness. Most dentists now focus on educating patients on the importance of protecting their teeth and gums.

Modern advances allow your dentist to analyze your risk for issue like gum disease and tooth decay before the problems actually develop. If the dentist sees signs of potential trouble, your dentist can recommend steps that will help get your oral health back on track. For example, if you have swollen or bleeding gums, these symptoms can indicate the early stages of gum disease. Thorough brushing, regular flossing, and special rinses can help curb the problem before it gets out of hand.

When issues do arise, minimally invasive dentistry also attempts to use the most conservative option available to correct the problem. While repairing decay, for instance, your dentist would likely choose a composite filling as opposed to a metal amalgam because all-white fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure. As well, they don’t crack or leak over time, which can create the need for further repairs.

Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry – Minimally Invasive Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist