Sedation dentistry also called as Sleep dentistry is conducted for a comfortable and easy dental procedure experience. Some patients may shy away from a dentist appointment due to tedious and complex procedures. Others may be anxious to get operated due to particular equipment sounds, anesthesia smell and the overall complex appearance of the dental clinic. Sedation dentistry enables an efficient, convenient and speedy dental procedure.

Sedation Dentistry Benefits

1.     Easy and effective dental treatment for individuals who are sensitive about needles and other equipments.

2.     Patient is sufficiently conscious to respond the dentist instructions. This solves two purposes, one is the dentist can perform the procedure without any disturbance and secondly a painless procedure for the patients.

3.     Individual being operated does not remember 90% or more of what happened in the procedure; this prevents retention of bad dental experience, if any.

4.     Due to loss of fear and positive results the patient becomes confident about taking a dental treatment.

5.     The pulse, oxygen level and blood pressure of the patient are consistently monitored throughout the procedure. This is essentially helpful for individuals who suffer from diabetes or any other serious disorder.

6.     The required sedation level can be altered as per the patient’s preference. The patient is conscious enough to tell the dentist about the degree of numbness required.

7.     The dentists who deal in sedation dentistry are highly trained and recipients of a certification by the state dental board. This makes the procedure safe, reliable and accountable.

8.     There could be cases in which patients faint during the procedure due to fear of needles. Sedation dentistry prevents such cases; the patient is partly unconscious and unable to interpret any kind of stress and pain.

9.     The effectiveness of the procedure is intact because the patient is calm and the dentist can perform easily. There are no bad effects after the procedure is over and the patient feels energetic,  just like waking up after a good night sleep.

10.   The procedure is faster due to loss of pain and it evidently helps in reducing the number of visits to the dentist. The whole dental treatment is easily done without any complications.

11.  No Gag reflexes because the patient can hardly feel any irritation and sting during  the treatment. There is no irritation and pain.

12.  This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who have suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack or any other serious ailments. The advantage being the patients cannot interpret anything and hence they do not panic.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

I. IV Sedation (Intravenous conscious sedation)

1. Meaning

Intravenous sedation means sedating the patient by passing anti-anxiety medication such as benzodiazepine in the veins. The patient becomes partly unconscious. Although the patients can respond they cannot understand anything.

2.    Procedure

Thin needle wrapped in a soft plastic tube is injected in the patient’s veins

The tube remains on the veins site and the needle is removed

Anti-anxiety medication is passed in the body through the tube

Patient goes in a state of complete relaxation/sleep. The procedure is conducted

3. Precautions

Needle fear

Dentists may use Ametop/Emla cream before injecting the needle for patients who are   phobic to needles. This cream also creates numbness – that is a no pain status.

II. Oral Conscious Sedation

1. Meaning

Pills /Liquid such as Halcoin and Midazolam are given to sedate the patient. In Oral conscious sedation the patient is conscious, although in a relaxed state of mind. The procedure for Oral Conscious Sedation is same as IV Sedation.

III. Nitrous Oxide Sedation

1. Meaning

Nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas is used to sedate patients. This is different from the above two sedation methods as the patient goes into ecstasy and relaxation both.

2. Procedure

Dentists put on music for patients so they enjoy their state of relaxation.Patient is unable to interpret time due to nitrous oxide and pleasantly surprised to see the positive result of the fast and easy procedure

3. Advantage

This procedure is especially beneficial for patients with a history of hypersensitive    Disorders and traumatic dental experiences.

Sleep Dentistry – Dental Procedure Simplified!

Dental surgery can be uncomfortable for individuals due to its complex and time-consuming nature. With Sleep dentistry, both these hurdles are eliminated. Now, anyone can easily get a dental surgery done in less time with brilliant results.

No more procrastination, No more lengthy procedures, With Sleep dentistry now you can happily say – I simply got it done!

Introduction

A Smile Makeover is a highly sophisticated and result-oriented cosmetic dentistry procedure. Your teeth misalignment and discoloration cannot be a hindrance anymore to a confident body-language during social interactions. Smile makeover techniques are safe, economical, convenient and simply brilliant.

A suitable Smile Make over treatment is recommended by the Dentist depending on your expectations about the results and the current state of oral hygiene.

Five effective Smile Makeover treatments and Benefits

i. Porcelain Veneers

1.       Get that  mesmerizing natural look

2.       Instant personality enhancement

3.       Easier to maintain Oral hygiene

4.       Get a perfect bite

5.       No restrictions on eating food items that are hard to chew

6.       Fill those unwanted gaps between your teeth

7.       Correct chipped and crooked teeth  conveniently

ii. Invisalign braces

1.       Get custom fit braces for a flawless teeth alignment

2.       With invisalign braces there are no more usage complications

3.       Invisalign braces adapt to your gum line easily, so you don’t have to get habituated to anything.

4.       These braces become a part of your tooth structure.

iii. Dental Implants

1.       Permanent solution to teeth loss

2.       They are fit in with jawbone support, so no pressure on the gum line

3.       Unlike bridges there is no bone wear and tear

4.       Only missing tooth area is focused, so no discomfort to other healthy teeth.

iv. Teeth Whitening

1.       A photogenic smile

2.       Motivates you to maintain dental hygiene

3.       Removes stains of tea, coffee, tobacco and bacteria

4.       Precise and accountable results

v. Six Months Braces

1.       Most effective remedy for chipped, crooked and irregularly shaped teeth

2.       Gives you perfectly shaped teeth in just six months

3.       Comfortable and safe. No need to remove braces before eating a meal.

4.       Brackets are made of light-weight titanium material which offers comfort and good appearance.

Conclusion

We have seen three beneficial aspects of the Smile Makeover treatments:

1.       Easy correction of tooth anomalies

2.       Simple prevention of tooth disorders by correcting tooth anomalies

3.       Aesthetic facial appearance

Six months braces is an orthodontia treatment prescribed for straightening of your teeth.

Your upper jaw teeth may cover the lower jaw teeth or lower jaw teeth may cover the upper jaw teeth. In both cases you may have an embarrassing smile. There could be other cases where your gum line looks uneven, this can happen in cases where some teeth are inclined backwards and others are inclined forward.

Features of Six months braces

1.     The objective of this treatment is to give you a perfect smile by restructuring your teeth.

2.     Tooth-colored wires are used to fix the unnecessary gaps and uneven arrangement of teeth.

3.     This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment with permanent results.

4.     Consultation is offered before the treatment to reach a conclusion about the course of treatment.

5.     Six months braces is also suitable to treat major dental disorders like open bites, deep bites, and anterior crossbites.

6.     Once the braces are installed, you need not visit the dentist every month. Fewer appointments will keep you free to focus on your other work.

7.     You can get a porcelain veneers treatment done after the Six months braces treatment. Both procedures can be linked together.

Benefits of Six months braces

1.     The treatment gives you perfect results in just six months unlike metal braces which may take as long as two years.

2.     Six month braces are made of nickel and titanium alloy which is invisible. You can confidently go to public places and social gathering; no one will notice that you have kept your braces on.

3.     Six months braces is a cost-effective treatment with long lasting results.

4.     You can feel very comfortable with the Six months braces as they exert only minor pressure on the teeth.

Clear teeth – Every day Happy Smiles!

Six months braces is one of the most pain-free, cost-effective and result-oriented orthodontist treatments available for getting that flawless smile. Do not hesitate thinking that this is just an upgrade in the cosmetic dentistry; this can be a very essential treatment for those who have uneven teeth. Please remember, it is always appropriate to fix dental disorders as soon as possible for achieving a good health status.

Porcelain veneers are made from ceramic like material bonded to your front and side tooth enamel. The color and surface of the material used to do your veneers is exactly similar to your natural teeth enamel. Porcelain veneers treatment can enhance your teeth shape, length and whiteness completely. This treatment is taken by individuals with crooked, stained and damaged teeth who require a smile makeover.

Interesting facts and Benefits

• Porcelain Veneers unlike dentures keep your permanent teeth remain intact. The dentist only removes some of your tooth enamel before doing the porcelain veneer treatment.
• Porcelain Veneer procedure is completely safe because you don’t have to rely on the veneers alone for teeth strength; you retain your original teeth.
• Porcelain Veneer treatment is tailor-made which means the Dentist spends lot of time on doing veneers that will exactly fit your existing teeth and facial appearance.
• Porcelain Veneer treatment is of permanent nature and this is precisely the reason a wax model is made before creating the new teeth. This gives the patient a good idea about the treatment results.
• When you know in advance about the outcome of the treatment, there are very less chances that you will be unsatisfied.
• The Dentist will also be at ease to know that you are already happy with the model of your new teeth before conducting the Veneer procedure.
  

Procedure

1.     The patient’s teeth will be examined for determination of your eligibility of porcelain veneers treatment. This treatment is for you -

a.     If you dislike your existing smile

b.    If you have unevenly shaped teeth and you need a smile makeover

c.     If some of your teeth are broken and you want a replacement

d.    If you care about good oral health and want to prevent further decay of your teeth

e.     If your teeth are blemished due to tobacco, caffeine, naturally or by any other cause.

2.     The patient’s desired outcome of the veneer procedure is established by analyzing the temporary veneers of previous patients in the dentist offices.

3.     The patient’s dental medical history is checked by the dentist for determining any precautions that may be required. A mutual decision can be taken by the dentist and patient about the feasibility and outcome of the veneer treatment.

4.     The number of veneers required is determined by the dentist after examining the teeth and counting the number of teeth enhancements required.

5.     You can also have all your teeth improved with this treatment.

6.     Your teeth will be mildly roughened to make perfect space for cementing the veneers.

7.     Wax impressions of all your teeth that require an improved look are taken and sent to the lab for creating new porcelain teeth.

8.     Temporary veneers may be fitted on the patient’s teeth, if so desired by the patient.

9.     Another session of discussion is done to understand if the patient is satisfied with the new porcelain teeth received from the lab. If the answer is No, than the new teeth are sent to the lab once again for further improvements.

Procedure techniques

Intra-Oral Camera

A pen size camera device is used to achieve a clear video image of the teeth. This device is used before the surgery as a visual aid to mutually decide with the dentist about the number of veneers to be used and other details about the procedure.

Digital Imaging

This device is used before the surgery by the dentist to show the patient the procedure outcome in advance. The patient gets to know the smile makeover that is possible.

Soft Tissue Laser

This medical device is used during the surgery for achieving evenness of gum line and to prevent unnecessary gaps between the teeth.

The Wand

This is a device monitored by usage of computer. The Wand is used to enable pain-free experience to patients before and after taking anesthesia injections. The device monitors the exact area of tooth to be injected with anesthesia; this prevents numbness of teeth after the procedure.

Building Expectations

For those of you who have never been to a dentist office and are wondering how this procedure really works? Here are a few points which can definitely throw some bright light on the subject of porcelain veneers procedure -

1.     You can expect minimum two visits to the dentist’s office for a completion of the veneer procedure.

2.     The duration required to finish the procedure depends on the existing state of your teeth and the number of veneers to be done. For instance, if your teeth are extremely uneven the dentist will require additional time to determine the shape of veneers.

3.     The procedure is usually pain-free and this also depends on the type of anesthesia being used.

4.     Night guards can be provided by the Dentist for those who have the teeth grinding nocturnal disorder.

5.     You may have to take precautions like regular brushing and flossing of teeth, avoid chilled drinks and food items that are hard to chew.

Conclusion

Porcelain Veneer procedures are hassle-free and convenient. They are also less time consuming and reliable. With advancements in dental technology, it is possible to achieve perfection in veneer procedures. The deviations in the expected and actual results of the procedure are minor. You can talk to your local dentist today about Veneer procedures for further information on the subject.

For most people, visiting the dentist evokes memories of pain and discomfort. Not surprisingly most of us avoid visiting the dentist and put off the appointment as much as possible. The delay often does more harm than good.

Any dental issue if ignored will tend to deteriorate further causing more trouble to the patient. A routine appointment to fill a dental cavity if postponed may necessitate extensive treatment like root canal or dental implants.

While a dentist with great chairside skills helps patients to relax and go through the procedure some of us are petrified at the idea of sitting in a dentist’s chair.

Sleep dentistry or Sedation dentistry offers a viable alternative for people who would want to sleep through the entire experience of sitting in the dentist’s chair. The option is especially useful where the dental sittings are of a longer duration like while undergoing dental implant treatment.

Types of sleep dentistry procedures

IV Sedation

The patient can choose the type of sedation that one is comfortable with. For patients who would not like to remember a thing IV sedation dentistry provides the best choice.

IV sedation treatment requires special training and can only be offered by surgeons and dentists who are certified by the State Dental Board to do so. The sedatives are administered directly through the blood stream making for a profound loss of awareness. Patients opting for IV sedation can safely go through the treatment without any feelings of panic or pain.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Sleep dentistry also provides for a partially conscious experience known as oral conscious sedation. In conscious sedation you are aware of the experience though the sensations are rather diminished making for a relaxed frame of mind. The sedatives are administered orally usually in the form of a pill or liquid.

The option is suitable for patients who would like to avoid the sights and sounds of the dentist’s office. Oral conscious sedation can be used for minor issues like filling cavities as well as more complex ones like porcelain veneer treatment.

Laughing Gas, the old fashioned anesthetic

Sleep dentistry has been practiced in some form or the other since a long time. Laughing gas or Nitrous oxide has been used as a pain reliever in the past and continues to be used as an effective sedative for dental treatment.

Laughing gas effects are similar to that of oral sedation with a mild sense of euphoria as a side effect. It is administered through respiration by way of an anesthetic machine also known as a relative analgesia machine.

Sedation dentistry has enabled several patients to undergo treatment and avoid pain in the short term and complications in the long term. Not only patients with dental anxiety but also disabled patients with health conditions like Down’s syndrome, Alzheimer and Parkinson disease have benefitted from sleep dentistry.

Limitation of Crowns and Dentures

Loss of teeth whether due to disease or due to an accident, needs to be evaluated by your dentist. In the past a common remedy for tooth loss was a crown made of ceramic material. Dentures supplemented with a dental bridge were used in case of multiple teeth loss.

These methods while providing an aesthetically effective replacement lacked a permanent solution. Another factor was the restriction in terms of eating crunchy foods like nuts and apples.

Dental Implants, a proven remedy

Dental implants provide an effective alternative to conventional measures like dentures. The implants function similar to a natural teeth root and provide a stable base for the prosthetic tooth. This provides a look and feel that is similar to natural teeth from an aesthetic as well as functional point of view.

No longer would you need to spend time in putting on dentures and applying dental adhesives nor worry whether they would pop out while talking, laughing or eating.

The Treatment Process

Dental implants are in the shape of a screw that is affixed to your jaw bone in the socket of the missing tooth. The treatment has a success rate of over 95% and gives best results if done immediately after a tooth loss.

Density of jaw bone is a vital factor contributing to the long term stability of the implant. Your dentist may have to graft bone cartilage at the site of the implant if bone loss has occurred. This is usually observed if the missing tooth has not been replaced for a long period of time.

A long term investment

The implants are made of a strong and durable material like titanium. After placement the site is allowed to heal for a period of about 6 to 12 weeks during which the implant integrates with the natural bone structure; the process is known as “osseointegration.”

Once the implant has become stable a prosthetic tooth fabricated of ceramic material is attached to the implant via an abutment. For multiple tooth replacements a bridge anchored at various points by the implants is used.

Dental implants enable a better quality of life in terms of personal comfort as well as socially. Patients have reported that the implants work as good as natural teeth making them look younger than their years.

Invisalign as a treatment option to straighten misaligned teeth has grown in popularity over the years. More than 1.3 million patients have made use of Invisalign since it was first introduced back in 1999. The rate of success has been excellent with 96% of patients being satisfied with the results visible after using Invisalign.

Here are 7 reasons why Invisalign has become the preferred mode of treatment over braces.

1. Custom-made

The aligners are customized to fit according to your jaw and teeth shape. Your dentist would begin by taking impressions of your teeth using computer generated 3-D images. These images are then sent to Align Technologies to craft a set of aligners according to the treatment plan. Each set of aligner will be replaced with the next progressively tighter one to effect the re-alignment.

2. Convenience and comfort

Invisalign aligners can be removed quite easily when you need to eat or drink and brush your teeth. The aligners are quite easy to maintain. All you would need to do is clean the aligners periodically using water.

3. Less stress on teeth and gums

Conventional metal braces put extra pressure on the jawbone, teeth and gums something which Invisalign does not. The aligners unlike metal braces are quite comfortable to be worn and do not cause cuts and sores unlike metal braces.

4. Dental Hygiene

The luxury of removing your aligners is not possible while wearing metal braces which not only cause problems while chewing but also results in build up of plaque. Invisalign lets you carry on with your usual lifestyle with minimum of interference while ensuring your dental hygiene does not get compromised in any way.

5. Aesthetics

What makes Invisalign the favored option for people all over the world is the aesthetic quality it provides. Metal braces are quite conspicuous and invite undesired attention. With the advent of Invisalign, people of all ages can make use of the aligners which like their name suggests are quite invisible when worn. Made of a clear plastic material the aligners are transparent and hardly discernible to the casual observer.

6. Quick results

The duration of treatment can be as less as 6 months to a year by which time you would be able to observe noticeable difference in teeth alignment. Metal braces on the other hand need to be worn for at least 2 years before any major change is visible.

7. Cost-effective

Invisalign today has become much more affordable unlike in the past when the treatment was first offered. The cost of treatment depends on the patient’s specific needs like the level of correction and duration of treatment as well as insurance coverage. A rough estimate of the cost would be starting in the range of $3000 and above with the average cost in the US being about $5000.

Teeth issues affecting your smile

The conditions mentioned, not only affect the quality of life in terms of eating and chewing but also tend to affect our social lives.

• Teeth Stains: The reality is that teeth get discolored and stained due to various reasons; due to foodstuffs like coffee or tea or due to tobacco usage.
• Broken Teeth: Teeth can also get chipped, broken or worn due to accidents, eating hard foodstuffs or due to excessive teeth grinding.
• Misaligned Teeth: Malocclusions are another issue which causes the jaw line to become distorted due to misalignment and gaps between the teeth. Along with problems while eating, misaligned teeth also affect one’s smile.
• Tooth Decay: Last but not the least tooth decay is a common problem faced by several people at some or the other time. If not treated in time it leads to cavities and tooth loss.

How to achieve the perfect smile?

All of us would like to have a bright smile with white, evenly aligned teeth and smile with confidence wherever we go whether in a social or a formal situation. However our regular habits of dental hygiene often fall short of providing the desired results. For example regular brushing will prevent buildup of plaque though will not remove teeth stains. Smile makeovers provide a comprehensive treatment plan according to the teeth condition that needs to be fixed.

Smile makeovers, the different treatment options

Teeth whitening

For discolored teeth, whitening treatment ensures the teeth shade is lightened to a considerable degree. Treatment methods like opalescence provide great results within as less as one or two sessions with the dentist.

Porcelain veneers

For patients with deeply stained teeth a porcelain veneer offers the best treatment option. Porcelain veneers help in concealing darkened teeth, uneven teeth formations and gaps by using porcelain material that blends naturally with your teeth. The porcelain veneers affixed to your teeth brightens the smile without any noticeable change to the observer.

Invisalign

Another treatment plan for malocclusions or misaligned teeth is Invisalign. The treatment is an alternative over the conventional metal braces. Invisalign includes a set of progressively closely fitting braces that help re-align the teeth.

The best part is that the braces according to the name are invisible to the casual observer as they are made of a clear plastic material worn similar to a crown over the teeth.

Dental Implants and CEREC

For missing teeth a dental implant is the preferred treatment option as compared to dentures. Patients with dental implants do not have to deal with the hassles of putting on and removing dentures.

Today with improvements in technology, advanced methods like CEREC enable the implants to be made according to your teeth size and jaw shape. The result is a completely natural looking tooth which enables you to smile without inhibition as well as eat any and every food of your choice.

Sleep Dentistry

People who may be apprehensive about visiting the dentist thinking about images of drilling and involving pain can rest assured. With methods like sleep dentistry the patient hardly feels anything while the dentist carries out the treatment. A mild sedation ensures that the patient while aware of the process remains out of bounds from experiencing pain.

Until the recent past anyone who needed to correct their teeth alignment needed to use metal braces. Invisalign since its introduction in 1999 offers a viable option for people who need to align their teeth properly.

Here are some Invisalign features that would help you in making the decision.

What are your needs?

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners changed every few weeks at regular intervals. The aligners though useful in straightening crooked teeth are not suited for correcting conditions like deep bite or extreme teeth misalignment something which is better achieved through braces. So the first thing to look out for is whether Invisalign is suitable for your specific requirements.

It is hardly noticeable

Yes, the most important aspect of Invisalign is that it is indiscernible to the casual observer. The aligners are manufactured from a clear plastic which blends smoothly with your teeth. The aligners are designed according to your jaw shape and hence fit in without causing your mouth and cheeks to bulge. Invisalign has proved to be a boon for adults who have been able to get their teeth corrected without having to cope with the embarrassment of wearing metal braces.

How much does it cost?

Invisalign is not a small investment and can cost anywhere around $5000 to $8000 depending on the desired result and period of treatment. With advancements in technology the costs are expected to further come down in the future. Metal braces on the other hand will cost generally about $4500 for both kids and $5000 adults. Although the costs are somewhat similar, additional expenses like lab charges cause Invisalign to cost more.

Convenient and easy to maintain

Convenience is another noteworthy feature of Invisalign. The aligners can be removed whenever you are brushing your teeth or while eating or drinking hot beverages. This also ensures that your teeth remain clean and healthy during the treatment period. Braces on the other cannot be removed which sometimes results in buildup of plaque if proper dental hygiene is not observed.

Flexibility along with regularity

Although Invisalign offers flexibility the results are dependent on the number of hours the aligners are worn. So the more frequently you remove the aligners the lesser would be the effect as compared to the expected results in that time frame. Further the aligners are changed to a more compact one after every 2-3 weeks slowly increasing the applied pressure. This schedule could get disturbed if one set of aligners is not worn for at least 20-22 hours daily.

How long will it take?

The results would depend on the amount of correction desired. Invisalign has shown quick results with patients reporting changes in as little as 6 months to a year. Braces on the other hand often need to be worn for at least 2-3 years for any visible effect. The results derived by using Invisalign depend on the number of aligners used and the duration for which the aligners have been worn.

It is recommended to consult certified orthodontists who are qualified to offer Invisalign treatment. Dentists who have prior experience of using both Invisalign as well as braces will give the best advice regarding which method is suitable for you.  Discuss with your dentist your specific requirements keeping in mind the cost of treatment and the method which you are most comfortable with.

How is it used?

Opalescence Whitening treatment makes use of a bleaching gel to lighten teeth shade. Based on the amount of staining and the desired result, Opalescence Whitening is applied to the teeth.

For optimum results the gel needs to be in contact with the teeth surface for about 15-20 minutes. To ensure consistent whitening the gel would be spread on the teeth surface evenly so that all parts of the teeth get lightened.

The gel is then removed by way of suction after which you would need to rinse your teeth. Care should be taken not to swallow the rinsing. Opalescence Whitening contains up to 20% water which ensures that the effects remain visible for a longer period of time. The application sessions can be repeated for a few more times until the desired shade of lightening is achieved.

Quick and easy teeth whitening

Dr. Nazir will provide you with at home teeth whitening kit with directions on how to apply the gel for best results. This will enable you to conveniently use Opalescence Whitening anytime you want.

Of course once you get the desired result your dental hygiene and habits will determine how long the effect endures. Foodstuffs which cause staining are best avoided as are those which increase tooth decay. Also a visit to remove plaque buildup and teeth cleaning would best complement your teeth whitening efforts.