Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Sedation Dentistry Questions
How does the sedation
medication work?
Sedative
medications reduce your brain's ability to feel anxiety or nervousness. At the
same time, these medications have no significant effects on your heart or your
ability to breathe. For these reasons, these medications have proven to be
effective and safe.
Is Sedation
Dentistry Safe?
Sedation
dentistry is safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. We
carefully monitor all sedated patients with computerized monitoring equipment
specifically designed for this purpose. We are constantly aware of your needs
as we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and other signs of
comfort.
Can you do
multiple procedures while I'm sedated?
In a
word: yes! Conscious sedation often makes your dental visit easier both for you
and your dentist. While sedated, we can correct dental problems that might have
been present for many years. This includes crowns, fillings, root canals,
removal of wisdom teeth, treatment for gum disease and cosmetic dental
procedures.
Your
appointment can be as short as one or two hours; however, appointments may
extend to several hours—whatever is necessary to meet your individual treatment
plan. Some patients have found it to be easier and more convenient to
accomplish multiple dental procedures during one dental visit using conscious
sedation.
Is it OK to
drink alcohol or take other drugs prior to my appointment?
No!
Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs can cause serious problems when
combined with the sedative medications we use. You must inform us of any
medicines or drugs that you are taking, whether prescription, over-the-counter,
or herbal, so that we can safely plan your sedation.
Do
medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.; affect my ability
to be sedated for my dental care?
Such
conditions are examined on a patient-by-patient basis. In most cases, we can
complete your dental care utilizing the benefits of sedation. If necessary, we
can contact your physician to clarify the extent and severity of any medical
conditions you may have.
Will I feel
sick as a result of the sedation after my appointment?
No, it is
extremely unusual to experience sickness following sedation. The medications
that we use to sedate you don't generally cause nausea or vomiting. We will
monitor you and can administer additional medications if needed.
What is the
best time of day to schedule my sedation appointment?
We
recommend that you schedule your appointment as early in the day as possible if
you are going to be sedated. You must avoid all eating and drinking for 8 hours
prior to your appointment (unless you have been given special instructions from
us). If your appointment is scheduled early, you will spend less time feeling
hungry and thirsty.
Will my dental
insurance cover the cost of my dental care and sedation?
It
depends on the provisions of your individual policy, as most insurance plans
provide coverage for only minimal levels of dental care. In our experience,
dental insurance will provide little or no coverage for dental care involving
fillings, cosmetic changes, crowns, surgery, root canals and treatment of gum
disease. Many companies provide no coverage for the sedation itself. Those
dental procedures that are covered are often subject to deductibles and small
annual benefits.
LUMINEERS®
Questions I've heard that a veneer procedure hurts?
Is that
true with LUMINEERS®?It's true that because most veneer procedures require a
substantial amount of tooth structure removal, that there is pain and
discomfort involved. LUMINEERS is completely different because there is no need
for grinding, cutting or filing of teeth in almost all cases.
Consequently,
no anesthetic or numbing shots are needed. Plus, no uncomfortable temporaries
are required while you wait for your LUMINEERS to be created. Once the
procedure is completed, there is no post-replacement discomfort or sensitivity,
which means they will look natural and feel comfortable from the start.
I think I need
braces, but I really don't want to go through the inconvenient, unsightly and
time-intensive process. Can I get LUMINEERS instead?
In most
cases, the answer is yes. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and
decide whether orthodontics is necessary. If you do not have a severe problem,
LUMINEERS will change the shape and alignment of the teeth, making them look
straighter and more uniform.
Can LUMINEERS
be taken off if I want them removed?
Yes,
LUMINEERS are completely reversible. This is largely due to the no reduction in
sensitive tooth structure so that your natural teeth are still intact and
strong.
With
LUMINEERS, do I need to use special toothpaste or floss a different way?
LUMINEERS
is similar in structure to real tooth enamel. Consequently, you should always
try to choose low-abrasion toothpaste that will remove plaque, stain and tartar
gently but effectively.
With
LUMINEERS, can I still chew gum and eat my favorite sticky foods like corn or
candy?
There are
no limitations to what you can eat or drink, as LUMINEERS are placed over
original teeth in the most durable way possible. However, you should continue
to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your
LUMINEERS in good condition and to qualify for the Warranty.
Zoom®!
Questions Answered Whitening is backed up by research and many clinical studies
have determined that such procedures are safe with the assistance of a dental
professional. Additionally, many dentists consider whitening to be the safest
of all available cosmetic procedures. Whitening is not recommended for children
under the age of 13 and pregnant or lactating women.
The Zoom!
procedure only affects colored substances inside the enamel and dentin, leaving
the surface of the tooth unchanged. The active ingredient in Zoom!, which is
Hydrogen Peroxide, allows oxygen to enter the tooth and bleach colored
substances.
Most patients
feel comfortable during the procedure. However, patients with a strong gag
reflex or high levels of anxiety may feel some discomfort during the procedure.
All soft tissue around the mouth is protected, and a dental professional is
always present to monitor the entire procedure and ensure that all tissue is
protected. Patients must wear eyewear. Those taking light-sensitive drugs
(prescription or non-prescription) should consult their physician before
undergoing the procedure.
The
procedure is broken up into two stages: the preparations before the actual
whitening procedure, followed by the actual bleaching process. A cleaning is
also recommended before the procedure.
Sensitivity
and tingling during the procedure may occur, caused by the heat generated by
the Zoom! light. The discomfort is minimal. With proper care and minimal
maintenance your brighter smile will last for years. Patients are given a
take-home kit that they can utilize to correct any discoloration that may
appear after the procedure.
For more
information about sedation dentistry or to request an appointment for one of
our dental services contact us in Laurel, Maryland.