Frequently, a scheduled visit to the dentist is looked on with a degree of anxiety and fear. As a matter of fact, nearly 30% of Americans are afraid of a dentist and feel uncomfortable when placed in a dental chair. However, there is no need to hide or feel embarrassed about dental anxiety. Our specialized dental team at CyberDent in Glendale and Van Nuys offers Sedation Dentistry for a pain and stress-free dental experience.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry is a procedure that involves the use of sedative medications to produce a relaxed and anxiety-free experience for patients with dental phobias, enabling the dentist to perform dental treatment.
Unlike sleep dentistry which involves the use of general anesthesia and a deep state of sleep, with sedation dentistry patients feel sleepy but are still conscious although they may not remember much of the dental procedure.
Types of Sedation
There are several types of sedation to facilitate a relaxing dental visit. These are:
- Oral conscious sedation
- Inhalation sedation - nitrous oxide
- Intravenous (IV) sedation
- Intramuscular sedation
- Local anesthesia
People who…
- Fear needles and shots
- Feel anxiety with noises, smells and tastes related to dental treatment
- Had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Have very sensitive teeth
- Have a serious gag reflex
- Have limited time to complete dental treatment
- Have complex dental conditions
Sedation dentistry provides great benefits for patients of all ages. Our Glendale
and Van Nuys dentists, recommend sedation because it:
- Creates a relaxing atmosphere for patients undergoing treatment
- Makes treatment faster without requiring further visits
- Enables patients to stay still and control their nerves
- Makes patients feel like the procedure only took a couple of minutes
- Helps overcome dental phobias and fears
Safe, effective and comfortable dental treatment for anxious and fearful patients is available at CyberDent. Call our dental office today for an appointment and we will let you know which level and type of sedation is best for you!
CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Glendale Office: (818) 547-4455
Van Nuys Office: (818) 909-0200
We normally have a high amount of different types of bacteria living in our mouths. Most of these bacteria are controlled by the enzymes in our saliva and stomach and are there to defend us from the invasion of bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Bad bacteria can endanger our oral health and cause tooth decay and cavities. We fight these bacteria with good daily oral care which includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
The problem arises when these bacteria continue to grow in our mouth without a treatment that helps getting rid of it.
What is periodontal (gum) disease and what causes it?
As bacteria reproduces in our mouth, it clings to the teeth forming a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque. If this plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it hardens into a rough deposit called “tartar” which can only be removed by a dental hygienist. When tartar develops along the gum line, it produces toxins that injure the gum and cause inflammation while infecting the supporting tissue that holds our teeth. Because gum disease begins without pain, you may not even be aware that a problem exists. Our dentist near Burbank offers professional cleaning services to help you avoid this problem.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Poor oral care. Not brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and avoiding the use of a fluoride mouth rinse
- Smoking. Because of a lower oxygen level in the mouth, smokers are 2 to 7 times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
- Diabetes. It worsens periodontal disease when it is poorly controlled.
- Stress. Our bodies become weaker at fighting infection under stress.
- Medications. Some drugs for depression, seizures, cancer and blood pressure lessen the flow of saliva which protects teeth and gums.
What are the symptoms?
Gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease and is caused by inadequate oral care. Gingivitis affects the gums, making them red, swollen and prone to bleeding easily. It causes bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. It is reversible with professional treatment and proper oral care at home or at our Burbank dentistry.
Periodontitis. When gingivitis is left untreated it can advance to periodontitis. Here, plaque spreads and grows below the gum line and the tissues and bones supporting the teeth are broken and destroyed. As the disease worsens, the gums are pulled away from the teeth and form pockets (spaces between teeth and gum) which become infected. Finally, the teeth become loose and have to be removed.
General symptoms:
- Continuous bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Tongue that is swollen or pushing back from the floor of the mouth
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Swelling below the chin, making it red, tender and warm
If a periodontal disease is identified, depending on the extent it could be treated by:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). Scaling scrapes off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing clears any rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria accumulate to help get rid of it. Here, the gums are re-attached to the teeth.
- If the patient has only gingivitis or mild gum disease, an effective mouth rinse may be prescribed, along with antibiotic gels and micro-spheres that help control and kill bacteria.
- However, if pockets are still present after scaling and root planing and the disease has destroyed bones and connective tissue, surgery may be required. We will discuss all the details and concerns with the patient.
Because periodontal disease typically occurs in people after they reach 30, it is important to prevent it early by practicing a good oral hygiene at all times. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, using a mouth wash and a fluoride toothpaste, and replacing your toothbrush every three months. Maintaining a balanced diet with few sugars is a plus!
Our dentists near Burbank offer preventive dentistry, including prophylaxis and dental sealants, to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. You don’t have to suffer the consequences of a periodontal disease. With proper care, your natural and beautiful smile will last a lifetime!
Glendale Office: (818) 547-4455
Van Nuys Office: (818) 909-0200
