Sedation Dentistry: Enjoy Stress-Free Treatment for Your Pearly Whites

Comfortable, Stress-Free Sedation Dentistry

A lot of people skip regular dental checkups because they fear the dentist or suffer from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry can be very helpful in such cases. It provides a safe and stress-free dental experience to patients who have fear of dentists. While sedation dentistry is wrongly thought to induce sleep, most sedatives used actually allow patients to stay wide awake during a dental procedure.

Sleepiness is just a side effect of most drugs, but nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation only work to treat anxiety. Sedation dentistry is also convenient and pain free, as most sedatives can be taken orally. Some work so effectively that the details of the procedure cannot even be remembered afterwards. Safety and compliance are essential, though.

Whatever type of sedative a patient is given, it is important that they are accompanied by a caregiver when they take it. Some types are given the night before the appointment, which makes driving to and from the dental office a little risky.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

To start things off, you’ll meet our dentists for a brief consultation. This visit lets us confirm your smile goals, oral health history, and other relevant procedure factors. We’ll then use those details to see whether dental implants suit you and adjust your final treatment plan.

If you don’t initially qualify for treatment, please don’t worry. You can become a good implant candidate later through extra dental work – gum disease therapy, tooth extraction, etc. Such services would strengthen your mouth enough to support dental implant posts.

Dental Implant Surgery

Should we approve, you’ll undergo dental implant surgery after your consultation. Our team performs this step in-house, so you’ll benefit from our dentists’ advanced skills and expertise. To that extent, you can trust that you’ll have fantastic treatment results.

The actual implant surgery will feature the following:

Anesthesia – We’ll first numb your treatment site with anesthesia. That way, you won’t feel any pain during care; the most you’ll sense is slight pressure.
A Minor Incision – Once the anesthesia takes effect, we’ll make an incision in your gums. Doing so creates space in your mouth for the implant post.
Implant Placement – Our team will rely on advanced tools and methods to place your implant post.
Gum Closure – After placing your implant, we’ll carefully close your gum incision. We’ll then set a cap over your new post to wrap things up.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Our team will deliver your implant’s final restoration at your treatment’s end. For this work, we’ll set a dental prosthetic that “matches up” with how many teeth you’ve lost. It could be a dental crown, dental bridge, or implant denture, depending on your case.

The fitting of this restoration shouldn’t take a long time. Once we’ve applied dental cement to your abutment, we’ll just make last-minute changes to ensure the post fits well. You’ll then be ready to head out and enjoy your newly-restored smile!

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Soon after placement, your dental implant(s) will start to fuse with your jaw. This process – known as osseointegration – takes roughly 4-6 months and keeps your posts rooted. In other words, it ensures that your new “tooth” becomes a permanent part of your mouth.

You’ll attend a follow-up surgery once implant fusion ends. At that time, we’ll place an abutment (i.e., a metal connector) on your implant post. We’ll have a lab craft your final restoration while you recover from this abutment work.

Day-to-Day Benefits

With the implants firmly anchored to your jawbone, you can have a nutritious diet of fibrous fruits and vegetables without worrying about your restoration slipping out of place. This design also gives dental implants more strength than other options, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods, even if they’re crunchy or tough!

Dental implants’ superior stability has one more advantage: you’ll be able to talk more smoothly and enunciate clearly – without needing to rely on adhesives or frequent adjustments.

Health Benefits

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for your oral health. This is thanks to the implant post, which will support your jawbone much like a natural dental root. The biocompatible materials encourage the bone to grow around your implant, preventing bone loss and the complicated bite and jaw issues that often result from it.

Although dentures and bridges aren’t exactly complicated to take care of, dental implants fit into your dental socket just like a natural tooth. This means oral hygiene will also be simple, making it easier for you to get a thorough clean and prevent problems like cavities and gum disease.

Long-Term Benefits

Since dental implants help preserve the shape of your jawbone, they’re also great for maintaining your youthful appearance. Tooth loss can cause the skin around your oral cavity to appear sunken over time, but dental implants will keep your facial structure nice and supported.

The best part about these benefits is that you can expect to enjoy them for many years to come! Dental implants can last for an impressive 30 years or more with proper care, providing you with superior oral function for an entire lifetime. You’ll appreciate the convenience and longevity of this restoration, and your wallet will appreciate the cost-effectiveness!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Practically any adult who is in generally good health can receive dental implants, but you’ll need to meet with us for a consultation first just to be sure. Certain health conditions can make dental implants more likely to fail, which is why we’ll need to examine your mouth and review your medical history. In most cases, you’ll need to have three key qualities to be considered a dental implant candidate:

Good general health – You should be in good enough overall health that you’re able to undergo a minor surgical procedure.
Great oral health – Gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues could compromise the success of your new teeth, so they must be addressed beforehand.
A strong jawbone – Without enough jawbone density, the implant posts won’t have a sturdy foundation to merge with. If you’ve suffered from jawbone loss, we can recommend a bone graft, which adds bone material to the area to strengthen it.

Once your dental implant dentist in Granby has deemed you fit to move forward with the treatment, you can collaborate on a tooth replacement plan based on the number of pearly whites you’re missing.

Missing One Tooth

Missing Multiple Teeth

Missing All Teeth

Types of Dental Implants

When preparing to undergo dental implant placement, the type of restoration you need will determine how many implants you will receive.

Single Tooth– A dental crown will be created and placed on top of a single dental implant that will be surgically placed into your jawbone to replicate the original tooth structure.
Multiple Teeth– We will place what is known as a fixed bridge on top of two dental implants, which will be inserted into the outer sockets to create a stable foundation for your restoration.
All Teeth– The most expensive dental implant is an implant denture. This custom creation looks just like a traditional denture, but instead of sitting on your gums and using your natural suction to remain in place, it will be secured onto an average of four to six implants.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Each phase of treatment will incur its own costs. The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with us to determine if you are a qualified candidate. During this appointment, we will take digital images of your oral and facial structure and determine if your jawbone is dense enough to support your implants and restoration. If so, you will be given the green light to move forward with the procedure. If not, you will likely need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift to strengthen the weakened areas of your bone.

The actual surgery will occur in-house by our team of professionals and will require anesthesia and/or sedation to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. We will make small incisions in your gums before placing each implant into its designated area. You will then return home to heal for three to six months to allow the osseointegration process to occur.

Once you are fully healed, you will return to receive your metal abutment, which is the attachment that connects the implant to your restoration. Finally, your custom-made prosthetic will be secured into place, allowing you to see a full, complete smile that is beautifully blended and healthy.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

If you were to review the testimonials of previous patients, you would quickly understand why dental implants are worth the investment. Yes, they do require substantial upfront costs; however, when you consider the various benefits (i.e., functionality, permanence, longevity, easy to maintain, and improved oral health), it is hard to consider any other option.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but if you want a restoration that is designed to last decades or longer and will give you better oral health and a beautiful, fully restored smile, you can’t go wrong with dental implants.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Depending on your plan, your insurance may or may not cover the cost of treatment. While it is possible that they will agree to pay for certain aspects of treatment (i.e. consultation, anesthesia, custom restoration), they may not cover the cost of the actual surgery. This is why it’s necessary to speak with a representative from your insurance company before agreeing to move forward with treatment. Our team will be happy to work on your behalf if you prefer, getting the answers you need to make the right decision about your dental health.

We will also be happy to go over financing options to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses and help you stay within your budget.

What are the Benefits Associated with Sedation Dentistry?

Anxiety Relief

Among the best aspects of sedation dentistry is the relief of anxiety for the most nervous patients. This allows them to go through dental procedures comfortably and make sure they get the care they absolutely need.

Less Gag Reflex

A gag reflex is a good thing. The throat has to expel any intrusive, foreign items. However, in some cases, this can be a hindrance, like when performing a dental procedure. There are instances wherein the dentist needs to go deep inside the oral cavity, and the gag reflex prevents that.

The patient’s spasm can cause damage, depending on the procedure being done. With sedation dentistry, this will no longer be an issue. The gag reflex will be temporarily paralyzed, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently and faster. This likewise puts the patient in a more comfortable position.

Pain Relief

Understandably, some people fear that going to the dentist will be a painful experience. Everybody wants painless and stress-free dental care and this is what makes sedation dentistry popular! The brain will not be able to register pain under the influence of sedatives and anesthetics.

With sedatives, more can also be accomplished every visit.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Several types of sedation can be administered depending on the procedure involved and the patient’s needs.

At Century Dental, we often only do mild sedation.

Mild sedation can be administered through inhalation or orally. The most popular form probably is nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” This helps keep patients conscious throughout the procedure. Patients can breathe on their own and feel completely relaxed while the dentist performs the necessary procedures.

Moderate sedation, which combines an oral drug and IV sedation, are suitable for patients with moderate forms of dental anxiety. Patients are often asked to take an oral medicine before their appointment. In the clinic, the dentist may inject sedatives directly into the bloodstream to ease the anxiety faster and better. As with mild sedation, this will also keep patients completely conscious, but a caretaker to drive home is recommended after a procedure.

Deep sedation involves the use of a general anesthesia. This is indicated for patients who are scheduled for invasive or complex dental procedures like dental implants, root canals, etc. Throughout the procedure, the patient is unconscious, requiring breathing assistance. A caretaker is required to accompany the patient.

Types of Administration

As mentioned earlier, most sedatives, especially mild ones, can be administered via inhalation or orally. With inhalation, like with nitrous oxide, recovery is quick. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately.

As for oral medications, it’s very convenient and easy, too! The drug is often taken an hour before the appointment. The patient will be fully relaxed by the time he or she arrives at the office.

Which Type is Right for You?
It’s crucial to consult a dentist about which type of sedation is most appropriate for your next dental procedure.

Our dentists have a wide range of experience given their many years in the practice.

As such, you can be sure that your teeth are in good hands. Schedule a consultation with us today and learn more about dental implants!

Don’t Settle—Choose the Care You Deserve.

Schedule your first appointment today.