For many people, going to the dentist is not a simple prospect but a genuine ordeal. These people suffer from dental phobia, or an intense fear of going to the dentist. In most cases, their anxiety stems from unpleasant experiences at the dentist, particularly if these experiences took place when they were young. Fortunately, modern dentistry techniques can help make visiting the dental office much less traumatic for those with dental phobia.
Sedation Dentistry—How It Works
Sedation dentistry is a technique used during routine dental procedures that greatly reduces and even eliminates any experience of anxiety. Treated with nitrous oxide or a mild sedative administered in the form of a pill, the patient can pass his or her time in the dentist’s chair completely relaxed and anxiety-free. The patient remains conscious—the sedative simply removes all discomfort and promotes complete relaxation. If the sedation dentist uses nitrous oxide, the patient can even drive home afterward. Use of a sedative pill, however, requires the patient to be sure someone is available for a safe drive home.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers several advantages to those who choose to use it. In many cases, people with a phobia of the dentist avoid necessary appointments and regular dental work for so long that, by the time they do see a dentist, they have a good deal of work that must be done. Sedation dentistry relaxes the patient so completely that the dentist can easily perform several procedures in a reduced amount of time, making it easier to catch up with neglected dental work.
Sedation dentistry can also help patients return to a normal schedule of dental visits. Without the anxiety that has kept them out of the dentist’s office sometimes for a number of years, they can once again pursue a regular routine to maintain their oral and dental health.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry in Fort Worth, please contact our office to find out how sedation dentistry can help you catch up on neglected dental work or return to a regular schedule of dental care.
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In the rapidly changing field of cosmetic dentistry, many techniques have been developed to improve the look of your teeth and the overall beauty of your smile. Even if you have a number of problems with your teeth, a combination of procedures, often referred to as a smile makeover, can give you the straight, white, shining smile you’ve always wanted.
What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is simply a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures chosen by a cosmetic dentist specifically to help you meet goals you have set for improving your smile. Some procedures that can be part of a smile makeover include:
- Porcelain veneers
- Crowns
- Invisalign
- Gum recontouring
- Tooth whitening
The exact procedures involved in any smile makeover depend entirely upon what issues exist with your teeth and how you wish to correct them. For example, a slight misalignment or small gaps between the teeth might be corrected with porcelain veneers. More serious misalignment, though, might be better remedied with Invisalign or another orthodontic procedure.
Planning Your Smile Makeover
The best way to plan a smile makeover is to make an appointment at a local dental office that provides cosmetic dentistry treatments. During this appointment, you can consult with the dentist and, together, you can determine what the best approach will be for your smile makeover. The dentist will discuss your goals and what you would like your smile to look like, and then will make recommendations for the best procedures to include in a smile makeover. For instance, if you are concerned about discoloration and feel you have an overly “gummy” smile, the dentist might recommend gum recontouring and tooth whitening to meet your goals.
The best thing about a smile makeover is that it is designed just for you. After your smile makeover, you can rest assured that your smile is the best it can be. For more information about smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry in Fort Worth, please contact our office for a consultation.
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Many people see the root canal as the least desired of all dental procedures. Common belief holds that root canals are difficult to go through, and that in the long run the tooth treated with a root canal is likely to have to be removed.
This reputation, however, is unfair. In some cases, the root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth. Rather than resulting in a tooth’s eventual removal, a root canal can help the patient keep a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
The root canal is technically an open area inside the tooth where the tooth’s sensitive pulp and nerves are housed. If the pulp becomes infected or the root is severely damaged or extensively decayed, a root canal might be necessary to keep the tooth intact.
To perform a root canal, the dentist removes the infected tissue from within the tooth. The nerve is also removed. The interior of the tooth is cleansed with a special antiseptic solution to ensure the infection will not return. After the interior is thoroughly cleansed, the tooth is sealed. If necessary, the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth. When the procedure is complete, the tooth has no feeling, but can remain in its original position to prevent other teeth from moving. Keeping your original tooth will also help prevent changes from occurring in your bite.
Although no one wants to hear they need a root canal, it is important to see a dentist if you are experiencing swelling or pain around a tooth. If you are in need of a root canal in Fort Worth, please contact a local dentist for more information.
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