Sedation Dentistry Myths

Sedation Dentistry Myths - Dr. Boals

Sedation Dentistry Myths

What do you know about sedation dentistry? We often find that our patients have been misinformed or have only knowledge of some of the sedation dentistry myths floating out there. Debunking these myths can ensure that each of our patients is better informed about the benefits of sedation dentistry.

We’ve gathered some of the most common sedation dentistry myths that we’ve heard about sedation dentistry. We’re debunking them so that our patients can have a solid and accurate understanding.

Myth One: Sedation Dentistry is Exclusively for Complicated Surgical Procedures

While it is true that sedation dentistry is quite often associated with complicated surgical procedures, it can be used for the majority of dental procedures at our Colorado Springs dentist office. Sedation dentistry can be used for routine dental procedures, including root canal therapy and the removal of wisdom teeth.

Myth Two: There is just one type of sedation

Generally speaking, there are three types of sedation dentistry.

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • Oral sedation
  • IV sedation

Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are quite often the best choices for basic, routine procedures. IV sedation can be the choice for more complex oral procedures if you visit an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs and ask about sedation dentistry. It will help get you out of pain and help control anxiety they may be feeling.

Myth Three: Sedation Dentistry Is Not Safe

One of the most important things to be aware of is that your dentist and their staff will always make safety a priority. When you visit your dentist in Colorado Springs, you can be assured that your candidacy for sedation dentistry will be carefully considered.

When it comes to sedation dentistry in Colorado Springs, patients will find out if they are suitable candidates for sedation during their dental procedure.

Dentistry and dental technology have come a long way, says Digital Doc, an industry leader for intraoral cameras. Dentists know more now than ever and with the right tools diagnosis and treatment has vastly improved. Sedation dentistry is no different. There are plenty sedation dentistry options for everyone. It’s important to let your dentist know everything you know about your medical history before you plan your dental procedure. This will allow your dentist to recommend a treatment solution that will prove safe for you.

Myth Four: Sedation Dentistry is Safe for Everyone

This may be confusing, but while your safety will always be prioritized, there are some situations where sedation dentistry may not be the right option for some patients.

You may find you’re not the right candidate for sedation dentistry if some of the following apply.

  • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You’ve had a previous allergic reaction to one or more of the medications used for sedation dentistry
  • You have asthma or another medical condition that can intervene with the effectiveness of the medications used

Discuss your concerns with your dentist, and together you’ll come up with the right option to help you through your dentist appointment.

Myth Five: Only Patients with Anxiety Qualify for Sedation Dentistry

Some myths will indeed be wrapped in some form of truth. In this case, there’s no truth to the idea that sedation dentistry is only right for those with anxiety. Sedation dentistry can also be used for several reasons, including the following:

  • In situations where patients have an intense gag reflex
  • On patients who have severe fears of needles
  • In situations where patients are restless, and cannot sit still
  • For patients who are undergoing complex or multiple procedures at one time

Do you have anxiety and perhaps wish to be sedated during even a dental cleaning? Even the noninvasive treatments like veneers can call for sedation dentistry. Just ask your Colorado Springs dentist to learn more. 

There’s no reason for you to fear the dentist. Knowing the truth about sedation dentistry can put you at ease, no matter which procedure you have coming up. To learn more about our sedation services, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Types of Teeth Whitening - Dr. Boals

Types of Teeth Whitening

The color of our teeth can change drastically over the years. The natural aging process alone can see our teeth losing their previous pearly white status. Combine that with smoking, and eating and drinking foods that can stain our teeth, and there’s the potential for teeth that are simply not as brilliantly white as they once were.

There are a number of teeth whitening solutions that we, your go-to dentist in Colorado Springs, can offer. There are in-office teeth whitening solutions and also take-home teeth whitening kits that can also help to get your teeth white and your smile brighter.

But which option is the right one for you? Let’s examine in-office teeth whitening vs. take-home teeth whitening, so that you can better understand which one will work best for your teeth whitening needs.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatments

Visiting your Colorado Springs dentist is your first step to getting your teeth whiter. An in-office teeth whitening treatment can change the color of your teeth several shades lighter. Professional teeth whitening is often touted as being the most effective solution, and the longest-lasting solution. 

This is due in part to the fact that in-office whitening treatments use whitening solutions that contain higher levels of the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide than can be found in other treatment options. The concentration of this active ingredient could be between 25 and 40%. Compare this to at-home whitening solutions that contain around 10% of the active ingredient.

In addition, not only will you find in-office teeth whitening treatments to be more effective, but you will appreciate that it’s a quick visit to the office. In just one trip and in less than an hour, you’ll be able to see great whitening results.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

The next best option for professional in-office treatment is the professional take-home teeth whitening kit that can be supplied by your dentist. These treatments begin with a visit to your dentist so that impressions can be taken of your teeth. These impressions are then sent to a lab so that custom-fit whitening trays can be made for you.

Once the trays have been made, you’ll be sent home with them. Combined with a whitening gel, you’ll need to wear your whitening trays for up to an hour a day, for up to two weeks. 

This is a more affordable option than the in-office treatment. However, Dr. David Moghadam, a cosmetic dentist in Easton, PA, says it does take more time than the in-office treatment takes. The results will be pretty similar to the results you’ll see from in-office treatments, but again it does take some additional work and time.

Considering Over-The-Counter Whitening Kits

There are several over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, some of which can produce moderate results. Broadly speaking, there are four types of teeth whitening options.

  • Gels
  • Toothpaste
  • Strips
  • One-size whitening trays

These whitening kits are more cost-effective options. However, the one-size whitening trays won’t fit your mouth as comfortably as you would be able to get from your dentist. Another consideration is that the bleaching agent in the over-the-counter kits won’t be as strong as those used by your dentist.

To instantly and permanently transform your smile, consider getting veneers in Colorado Springs. Patients are always blown away by the end result. As a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs that patients rely on, we are committed to keeping you smiling brightly.

Most Common Dental Emergencies

common dental emergencies - Dr. Boals

Most Common Dental Emergencies

You brush after every meal, and you floss at least once a day. You even use a quality mouthwash to rinse debris free from your teeth. This can help to keep your teeth and your mouth healthier and save you from a number of dental concerns. However, try as you might, you simply can’t prepare for dental emergencies.

Just what qualifies as a dental emergency? We’ve gathered a list of the most common dental emergencies treated by our Colorado Springs dentist.

One or More Cracked Teeth

There are a number of ways that a tooth can become cracked. It could be that you bit down hard on something, like ice or nuts. It could also be that you suffer from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding experienced at night. 

A cracked tooth needs to be addressed by your dentist in Colorado Springs as soon as possible. Even if there is no pain, a cracked tooth is at high risk for decay sneaking in. If your tooth becomes infected, there is potential for tooth loss. 

Neglect and advanced decay will likely result in an extraction. If you are a patient who thinks you need your tooth pulled, visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for tooth removal in Colorado Springs.  

Accidents and Trauma to a Tooth

Trauma is one of the most common dental emergencies. It quite often leads to the loss of the tooth. Trauma to a tooth can result in a fracture that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It can also lead to the tooth being dislodged.

While a dislodge tooth is not a good thing, the good news is that you can potentially still save the tooth. There is a time crunch, however. Dr. Beth Herko, an emergency dentist in New Providence, NJ, recommends rinsing the tooth with milk or water. Then tuck it inside of your cheek as you make your way to the dentist.

If the tooth is still in good shape, it may be able to be reseated back into the gum. Your dentist will also be able to help treat any pain you’re experiencing.

Tooth and Gum Pain

There are a number of concerns that can result in extreme pain in a tooth or in your gums. It could be that you have an infection in a tooth or an abscess.

Tooth pain should never be ignored, as it could be a simple solution that can get you out of pain. Your Colorado Springs dentist will examine your mouth and may take a few X-rays to better understand what is going on. If necessary, during your emergency dental Colorado Springs visit, the tooth could be extracted if the damage is too severe.

Lost Crowns and Fillings

It is possible for fillings to fall out and crowns to loosen. If this does happen, it’s going to put the rest of your tooth at high risk for damage and advanced decay. If the crown, whether temporary or permanent, is dislodged, try to salvage it. You could potentially set it back over the tooth until you’re able to get to your dentist.

No matter your need, our dental patients in Colorado Springs, CO, can trust in our compassionate expertise. Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry to schedule your appointment today.