Last updated 12 months ago
While many people tend to use the terms conscious sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry interchangeably, they actually refer to dental procedures performed under different levels of sedation. Unlike sleep dentistry, which renders the patient completely unconscious, conscious sedation dentistry refers to a treatment in which the patient is placed under light sedation using oral sedatives, allowing them to cooperate with their dentist without any discomfort or memory of the procedure. Consider these benefits of conscious sedation dentistry:
- Reducing Anxiety
According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, approximately 30% of individuals avoid the dentist due to fear or anxiety, also known as dental phobia. This not only prevents individuals from receiving necessary dental care but can also put their oral health at risk for infection and disease. Fortunately, oral sedatives can help patients relax so that they can undergo routine dental care without fear.
- Convenience
Another benefit of conscious sedation dentistry is that it allows a dentist to perform a number of procedures or invasive treatments in less time than it would take with the patient completely conscious. This means that complex restoration or cosmetic dentistry services can typically be performed in fewer visits. In addition, patients often feel that a procedure that may have taken several hours only lasted for a few minutes.
- Improved Oral Hygiene
Individuals who undergo conscious sedation dentistry for one procedure often request oral sedatives for future treatments. Because sedation helps to alleviate the fear and anxiety associated with dental visits, people who receive conscious sedation are more likely to receive routine care rather than waiting until they are suffering from a serious problem.
Are you interested in learning more about sedation dentistry for your next dental treatment? Contact our dentists with the Belmont Dental Group at (617) 484-2431 for more information on the benefits of sedation dentistry.
Last updated 1 year ago
If your dental and oral health isn’t where it should be, then get the care you need right away. Poor dental health can quickly lead to poor overall health. Start taking better care of your mouth today by reading through the following resources.
- To read more about how the cosmetic dental industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry, visit this webpage from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
- Get more information about porcelain dental veneers by reading through this webpage. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this cosmetic treatment, how long veneers will last, and more.
- For more tips on how to care for your oral health following oral surgery, read through this detailed article. You’ll learn tips for how to minimize discomfort and recovery after your dental treatment.
- Find out how porcelain veneers could improve your dental health by reviewing this WebMD.com webpage.
If your smile is in need of cosmetic dental enhancement, consider enlisting the knowledge and expertise of Belmont Dental Group. Our exceptional service and cutting-edge technology set us apart. We serve Belmont and Cambridge, Massachusetts, so call (617) 484-2431 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.
Last updated 1 year ago
Your mouth harbors a wide variety of bacteria that can increase your risk of infection after an oral surgery. Many patients find it difficult to properly brush and floss directly after oral surgery, which further increases the risk for surgical complications. Therefore, it is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare treatment plan. For tips on how you can reduce the risk of infection and minimize the length of recovery, read on.
- Use Medications as Directed
If your dentist writes a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics, follow his or her prescription plan thoroughly. Both of these types of medication are designed to help you recover quickly and completely. Also, be sure to take all of the medication prescribed, as this can help reduce future risk of infection.
If you want your immune system to focus on healing, it’s best to let your whole body rest. This will allow your body to use all of its resources on basic functions and healing. Get plenty of sleep and relaxation, and avoid exercising heavily, bending over, or lifting heavy objects in the days following your oral surgery.
Cool temperatures can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. Therefore, apply a cold compress to the side of the face where the surgery occurred. Apply the compress for 20 minutes and then pull it away for another 20 minutes; alternate continually in the days following your oral surgery.
- Don’t Dislodge the Blood Clot
As you recover, a scab will form over the incision sight. Dislodging the scab can expose nerves to air, saliva, and anything that enters your mouth, which can be extremely painful. Therefore, avoid spitting, blowing your nose, consuming hot foods and liquids, drinking with a straw, and brushing around the scab. For more on how to avoid dry sockets talk to your oral surgeon.
If you’re in need of oral surgery, choose Belmont Dental Group. Our office is the place to come for relaxing dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dental solutions, and superior oral surgery services. For more about our practice, visit our website or call (617) 484-2431.
Last updated 1 year ago
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells designed to treat a variety of superficial dental abnormalities. The veneers are made of durable dental porcelain and used by cosmetic dentists to create a uniform, white smile. If you choose porcelain veneers for your smile restoration, your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth, determine how many caps your smile needs, and choose a color for the veneers. Approximately two weeks later, after the veneers are manufactured, you’ll return to have the veneers bonded to your teeth.
Porcelain veneers can help you achieve and maintain a permanent bright white smile better than professional teeth whitening treatments. This will allow you to continue enjoying your coffee, wine, and fruit juices.
Some people develop small adult teeth that make their face look out of proportion. This can not only affect the way you look, but it can affect the way you speak as well. Veneers can add length and bulk to the teeth, creating a more natural and symmetrical dental appearance.
If your teeth are misshaped due to cracked or chipped teeth, you could be at a greater risk for tooth decay. There are several cosmetic options that can repair your chipped teeth, decreasing your risk for cavities. Veneers are one of those options, and it’s the best option for people who have several misshaped teeth.
If you suffer from gaps in between your teeth that are disrupting the appearance of your smile, making brushing more difficult, and trapping food particles, talk to your cosmetic dentist about veneers. Your dentist will use two veneer caps that are larger than your original teeth on either side of the gap to close the space.
Find out if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers by calling Belmont Dental Group at (617) 484-2431. We are experts in the field of cosmetic dentistry, and we offer Invisalign, dental implants, tooth whitening, inlays and onlays, veneers, and more. To see a complete list of the cosmetic dental treatments we offer, visit our website or call us today.
Last updated 1 year ago
The foods you eat produce powerful bacteria that can tear through tooth enamel and oral tissue. Once the bacteria infects the oral tissues, gum disease develops, causing oral discomfort, inflammation, and tooth loss. Therefore, it’s imperative that you visit your dentist regularly and have gingivitis treated as soon as symptoms develop.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque contains acidic bacteria that can break down oral tissue around the teeth and dissolve tooth enamel. As the disease-causing bacteria festers, the teeth may begin to develop cavities. If the bacteria eats away at the enamel so much that the bacteria reaches the root of the tooth, a root canal surgery may become necessary. Root canal surgery can compromise dental durability and overall dental health.
Chronic bad breath is usually a sign of gum disease, but it is also an unfavorable problem that can make others want to avoid your company. If you notice that you can’t seem to get rid of bad breath odors with routine cleaning and rinsing, contact your general dentist right away.
- Gum Recession and Oral Pain
If gum disease is allowed to persist, gum recession and oral pain will ensue. These symptoms may be accompanied by frequent bleeding and tender, inflamed gums. As the oral bacteria spreads, the oral bones could start losing density, which can lead to slight tooth mobility.
As acidic bacteria eat away at the oral tissues, the gums recede even farther until they can no longer hold the teeth in place. When the oral bones become brittle and the gums recede several millimeters, the teeth become loose and can fall out. Once the teeth begin falling out, cosmetic smile restoration becomes challenging. Ultimately, expensive and invasive cosmetic dental procedures will be needed to restore your smile and oral health.
If you’ve noticed blood after brushing or flossing or are experiencing chronic bad breath, call Belmont Dental Group. We are dedicated to preventative dental care and patient education. Call us at (617) 484-2431 and let us help you achieve optimal dental health. If you suffer from dental phobias, ask about our sedation services.
