Learn When You Should See a Sleep Dentist

A sleep dentist is the dentist you should see if you are one of the many people that is terrified of spending time in a dentist’s chair. For many people, the idea of getting dental work done bring about extreme anxiety, bordering on terror. Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, has risen to the challenge of giving these people the best dental treatment they can get while reducing, or eliminating altogether, the fear of being treated by a dentist. Before you consider getting dental work done, you should know that most dentists have been trained, and are extremely adept at using psychological measures to help put your mind at ease so that you can get through the most dental procedures without the need for sedation. 

If sleep dentistry is an option you choose, you should make sure that you do so for the right reasons. Like with most things, there are good reasons for getting sedation dentistry and there are reasons to not get sedation. What we ask is that you take stock of your levels of anxiety and decide if you can tolerate the treatment with an empathetic dentist and calming measures or if you feel like it is intolerable and will need sedation administered by a certified sleep dentist. 

Here are some of the reasons you should work with a sleep dentist to receive sedation – 

You are going to be undergoing an extremely invasive procedure that could take time and is extremely complex. If you may be unable to hold still and remain calm for the duration of the procedure, going to sleep may be the best option for you.  In cases like this, it may be better for the patient to be asleep during the procedure. 

You know that despite the best efforts of the dentist and despite having an extremely empathetic dental team, you will need a little bit more. In a case like this, you may be able to have a lower level of sedation like nitrous, also known as laughing gas. If you need more than laughing gas, discuss this with us as a sleep dentist. 

If you believe that the only way, you can get through the procedure, is by being completely out of it, then you will want to discuss this with your dentist. For some people being out of it and completely unaware of what is going on during the procedure is the only way to get through it, in which case having a general anesthesia may be the best option for you. 

Finally, if you have extreme fear associated with a particular part of the procedure, you may want to consider working with a sleep dentist. For example, if you have an extreme fear of needles or a dental drill, sedation is probably the best option for you and the if necessary, you can even go to sleep during the procedure. 

In our office, we want to ensure that every patient is completely comfortable during their dental treatments.  Let us know about any anxieties or fears you have so that we can create a sedation plan to help you. 

Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation Is An Easy Treatment for Your Gums

Occasionally new procedures, like pinhole surgical rejuvenation, are invented by doctors who have a passion for less invasive and less painful methods of resolving common problems. Most surgeries are painful processes, with dental surgery being no exception. The very nature of surgery makes it invasive as we strive to correct challenging health problems. From root canals to gum grafting, oral surgery has long been high on the list of things people fear. Many of these concerns are caused by overinflated stories or the use of antiquated methods from years ago. Additionally, many patients are concerned about there being a great deal of time needed for recovery after having a surgery like a gum grafting. 

Pinhole surgical rejuvenation was invented by Dr. Chao in order to treat gum recession in a way that was more comfortable and less invasive. Almost all humans have some level of gum recession, making it an extremely common condition. Most people are unaware that their gums are excessively receding because of the length of time it takes to occur. The first sign, which a patient may notice, is tooth sensitivity or a tooth that looks longer than the ones surrounding it. It is important that you get gum recession checked out and treated by, a dentist to avoid further damage to the gums. As far back as most dentists can remember, gum recession has been treated with a gum grafting surgery which is extremely invasive and requires a long time for healing. This has changed with the non-invasive, quick, and revolutionary pinhole surgical rejuvenation procedure. 

The question is why does gum recession occur in the first place? 

Insufficient dental care is one of the major factors that influence the loss of gum tissue. When a person does not brush and floss their teeth adequately, or does not make at least bi-annual trips to the dentist for a checkup and a professional cleaning, there is always a chance that the gums could start to recede. Repeated treatments, to remove built up plaque, could lead to gum recession as well. 

A recent study found that more than 30% of people are more susceptible to gum diseases, which could lead to the recession of the gums and, eventually, the need for pinhole surgical rejuvenation. For these people, regardless of how much they care for their teeth they may end up with serious gum problems including the gums starting to recede. 

Periodontal disease is perhaps the most obvious reason a person’s gums might start to recede. A bacterial infection that directly attacks the gums, periodontal disease also affects the bone that holds your teeth in place. It is the main cause of gum recession. Other factors including hormonal changes, found most frequently in pregnant women, the use of tobacco products, and grinding or clenching your teeth have also been found to lead to the gums receding. Additionally crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can place excessive force on the gums which could cause them to recede. One final cause of gum recession, worth noting because of fashion trends today, are lip and tongue piercings which can rub against the gums causing irritation and wear.

Fortunately, regardless of what has caused your gums to recede, pinhole surgical rejuvenation can improve your gum health in a non-invasive and comfortable way.