The Smile Design Center of Baltimore

A Look at the Types of Drugs Used in Oral Conscious Sedation

Sedation dentistry offers patients who suffer from dental anxiety a safe way to get the treatment they need by creating a positive dental experience. With most sedatives, patients are able to stay calm and awake throughout the entire procedure. In fact, a number of these sedatives can be taken orally, meaning that patients can avoid the potential discomfort of an IV needle. A dentist will choose the most appropriate medication to use based on the length of the procedure and the half-life of the particular sedation drug.

Valium
This benzodiazepine drug is usually prescribed for patients who must undergo time-consuming, complex dental treatments. Because it has amnesic properties, Valium allows patients to recover from these complex treatments with little to no memory of the experience. This drug also makes the treatment itself more comfortable as it induces a sleep-like mental state.

Halcion
Like Valium, Halcion has amnesic properties to help dental patients feel comfortable with their treatments. In fact, a number of individuals rely on Halcion to treat sleep conditions like insomnia. Because it has a shorter half-life than Valium, Halcion is a more appropriate option for short dental procedures.

Ativan
With a medium-length half-life, this oral sedative is most effective for dental treatments that are shorter than two hours. Its amnesic properties and anxiety-reducing effects can help patients who suffer from dental anxiety when it comes to various treatments.

Versed
Because Versed has the shortest half-life of all of the oral conscious sedation options, it is not as commonly used. However, it can alleviate dental anxiety in the same way that nitrous oxide can. Dentists typically use Versed to lessen anxiety during dental appointments that take less than 30 minutes.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, schedule an appointment with The Smile Design Center of Baltimore by calling (443) 275-9821. We are a full-service dental practice with general and cosmetic dentistry services. Our dentists offer the best sedation dentistry techniques to help you have a positive dental experience.

The Warning Signs and Dangers of Gum Disease

One in every two Americans has the oral health condition called gingivitis and doesn’t even realize it. Because gingivitis is a precursor to the more serious oral health condition of periodontitis, failing to recognize the signs of gingivitis, like swollen gums, can have some very serious health consequences. One of the best ways to avoid developing advanced gum disease is to remove the plaque and bacteria that is linked to gingivitis.

Not only can gum disease cause some very serious oral health problems, but increasing research has also linked it to other medical conditions, including heart disease. In this video, an experienced dental hygienist outlines some of the symptoms of gingivitis. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

Would you like to learn more about maintaining your oral health and treating gum disease? Call (443) 275-9821 to schedule an appointment with The Smile Design Center, conveniently located near Baltimore.

Steps You Can Take to Overcome Your Dental Fear and Anxiety

Approximately 9% to 20% of Americans don’t get the dental care they need because they suffer from dental fear and anxiety. Some of the reasons why individuals fear the dentist are because they worry that treatment will be painful, they’re scared of gagging, or they have concerns about the nature of the treatment itself. If patients learn to overcome the anxiety associated with dental procedures, they can realize the health and aesthetic benefits that come with regular dental care.

Find a Dentist Who Makes You Feel Comfortable
To feel comfortable each time you visit the dental office, you need to find a dentist who makes an effort to ensure that you understand your treatment options. You should feel confident asking your dentist any questions you have about your oral health, and he should work to ensure that you feel comfortable before he begins the treatment. It’s even a good idea to develop a hand signal with your dentist that you can use to indicate that your dentist needs to stop the treatment.

Learn About Your Sedation Options
Thanks to advances in modern technology, even individuals who suffer from severe dental phobia can still feel comfortable getting the treatment they need. If a routine checkup would cause you too much anxiety, you can ask your dentist about the sedation and pain-relief options he offers. Depending on the length and complexity of your procedure, your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation.

Bring Some Music
Listening to music during your appointment is a great way to take your mind off of what is happening. Not only can music help calm and relax you, but also prevent you from hearing any alarming noises that are typically produced by dental tools during treatment.

The staff at The Smile Design Center of Baltimore is dedicated to helping each of our patients feel comfortable during their appointments. We offer both general and cosmetic dentistry services to help you keep your smile perfect. Find out more about our range of services by visiting our website or calling (443) 275-9821. 

Smile in the Face of Fear: Soothing Stress with Sedation Dentistry

In the past, visiting the dentist was a stressful experience for many people. Today, though, more and more people are opting for sedation dentistry to make procedures easier, faster, and pain-free. There are several methods of sedation dentistry, and each of them works to address and alleviate mild, moderate, or severe dental fear. For the three out of every four Americans who experience dental fear, sedation is the best way to get through procedures efficiently and without anxiety. Take a look at this infographic from The Smile Design Center, a Baltimore sedation dentistry office, to discover more about sedation dentistry and your options. Help friends and family skip the stress for their next examination by sharing this informative infographic with them!

Click Through These Links For More Information About Dental Implants And How You Can Maintain Good Oral Health

Dental implants will restore your beautiful smile and keep your mouth healthy. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about good oral habits for your mouth. The dentists of the Smile Design Center in Baltimore welcome new patients; give us a call at (443) 275-9821 to set up an appointment. You can also learn more about dental implants and oral health by following the links below.

• Learn about the dangers of tooth loss and the steps you can take to prevent it with this article from WebMD.
• The Mayo Clinic offers a guide to healthy oral habits, including tips on proper flossing techniques.
• Diet has a direct effect on the health of your mouth. Read more about the connection with this link to Colgate.
• The American Academy of Periodontology discusses the different types of dental implants.
• Learn more about the benefits of dental implants with this link to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. You’ll also learn about the anatomy of a dental implant.