(217) 546-3333What are the different types of sedation dentistry?
January 24, 2012
Sedation dentistry has grown in popularity over the years in part due to the evolution of more forms of sedation as the science has evolved.
Currently there are four types of sedation dentistry, allowing the patient to choose the type of mediation they prefer and the level of sedation. In three of the four types, some level of consciousness is retained ranging from light to moderate.
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Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask over the patient’s nose and induces a light sedation. Light levels of sedation put the patient into a relaxed state, but they remain awake and alert.
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Oral sedation produces a moderate sedation wherein patient remains awake but will probably not remember anything about the procedure. This type of sedation is given in pill form.
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IV sedation delivers drugs to the patient intravenously. This level of sedation falls within the moderate range.
The fourth type of sedation is general anesthesia that renders the patient unconscious. This type of sedation should only be administered by a specialist and is usually done at a hospital.
Contact us at (217)546-3333 for more information or to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation.
Teeth Whitening – How is it done?
January 18, 2012
Professional teeth whitening procedures easily last up to three years, depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Drinking too much coffee, tea, red wine and using tobacco products will accelerate the darkening of teeth. To prolong the effects of the teeth whitening procedure, patients are advised to cut down on snacks and drinks with high sugar levels and to use a whitening toothpaste.
Professional Bleaching
During professional bleaching hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is used. These chemicals are used to break down and permit the oxygen to get into the enamel of the teeth. This treatment is commonly done over three to four weeks. The cosmetic dentist will make a customized mouth guard in which the bleaching chemicals will be placed and on your teeth between 30 to 60 minutes per treatment. Some treatments can be continued at home. To speed up the whitening process, some treatments are left for up to 8 hours and results are visible within seven days.
Professional Internal Bleaching
With professional internal bleaching the bleaching agent is placed inside the core of the tooth thus working from the inside out. This form of whitening can only be performed on teeth that have been root treated and no nerves or blood vessels are present. The cosmetic dentist will drill a hole into ach of the teeth and placing the bleaching agent inside every tooth and then seal it again. Approximately seven days later the bleaching agent is removed and the holes are filled with a colored filling. Because of the lack of nerves, there is no pain associated with this procedure.
Laser Whitening
During the laser whitening process, rubber protection is placed on the gums and the teeth are painted with the bleaching product. Once the teeth are painted, a laser beam is projected onto the teeth that activate the bleaching agent. This form of teeth whitening can easily whitens the teeth up to six times lighter than the normal teeth shade. It is also known that laser teeth whitening are more costly than traditional bleaching.
Dental Implants – What is the process and how long does it take?
January 10, 2012
When you consider dental implants it is extremely important that you have a good understanding of what is involved in the process. This understanding makes the patient a partner with the dentist when it comes to realizing their responsibly in maintaining the implant. It also helps stop anxiety about the length of time the process will require.
The Dental Implant process begins with a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will look at several things including: the quality and quantity of jawbone, the health of gums, your general health, and your general attitude towards the procedure and maintaining good oral health. If there are problems with uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes or insufficient bone to support an implant these conditions will have to be dealt with first. Illness should be brought under control and procedures to add or create new bone may need to be performed.
Next, very careful planning will be done to identify structures like vital nerves. This allows for the correct orientation of the implants. The actual procedure entails opening the gum tissue in order to expose the bone. A hole is bored into the jawbone; this may be done in several steps each of which will widen the hole. When the hole is the correct size and orientation the implant screw or root is screwed into place. This is a precise procedure which takes into account the health of the surrounding bone so it is not overloaded from pressure which can cause implant failure. After the implant is placed the gum tissue is sutured. These sutures are usually removed with two weeks. The process of allowing the implant to heal and fuse with the surrounding bone takes three to six months.
There are differing opinions as to how long the healing time should be before the crown is placed. Impressions will be taken for a crown that will match your existing teeth. Once the gum tissue is ready a post is attached to the implant to support the new porcelain crown. The crown is then placed over the post and cemented. It will have both the look and feel of your natural teeth.
If a tooth has to be extracted first, there are several possible procedures for implant placement.
· Immediate post extraction procedure preserves more of the jawbone since the implant is placed in a recent extraction site. This cuts months off the procedure time.
· Delayed immediate post extraction procedure waits two week to three months after a tooth has been extracted.
· Late implantation occurs when a tooth has been extracted three months or more before the dental implant.
Placing or loading a crowd follows the same type of timeframe.
· Immediate loading of the crown
· Early loading of the crown which occurs one week to three months after the implant screw is placed.
· And delayed loading which takes places more than three months after the implant screw has been placed.
Which timeframe is right for you depends on a number of factors, including general health and jawbone and gum health. This is a matter to be discussed in detail with your dentist. Each individual can expect a very personalized timeframe.