What Is IV Moderate Conscious Sedation?  

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With all the poking, prodding, drilling, and cutting, going to the dentist can be downright terrifying for some people. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help when the staff at a dental practice assumes scheduling an appointment is a walk in the park for every patient. That kind of attitude just ensures that people with phobias will stay away for months or even years on end.

Thankfully, the oral health profession is more conscious of the matter than they ever have been before. Sedation dentistry in Brookeland, TX is a way to give people a little extra comfort when they’re in the dentist’s chair, so they don’t have to feel so shaken up by the time they walk out. IV moderate conscious sedation is a way to help address the anxiety, so people have a chance of finding problems early — before they turn into more serious matters.

Moderate Conscious Sedation: Two Indications

There are two indications for this type of sedation.

  • Patients who are extremely anxious about visiting the dentist.
  • Patients who are undergoing more complex procedures.

With this method, the patient is administered a sedative directly into their veins. In just a few minutes, the sedative will begin to take effect, allowing the patient to relax for the duration of the procedure. Once it’s complete, the patient will need an escort to drive them home and stay with them for the rest of the day.

This is a bit of a time commitment, as patients will be asked to refrain from work, driving, etc. However, it’s worth a reminder that oral health problems don’t just affect your teeth and gums — they can affect your whole body. Making this sacrifice, particularly for people who truly abhor the dentist, can be a really good compromise if the alternative is not going to the dentist at all.

Find a Dentist in Brookeland

If you’re looking for a staff that understands the emotions that can affect your relationship with the dentist, look no further than Rayburn General Dentistry. If you’ve been finding every excuse in the book not to visit a dentist in Brookeland, TX, let us walk you through the options of sedation dentistry. It’s our pleasure to help you feel better about stopping by.

 

Solutions for Wonky Wisdom Teeth

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Usually, between the ages of 17 and 21, we begin to notice that third set of molars known as wisdom teeth. We call them wisdom teeth because they put in their first appearance when we’re almost grown. Sometimes, these teeth break through the gums cleanly and in the proper position, causing no problems. Often, however, they end up misaligned. This is when your dentist in Brookeland, TX, may recommend oral surgery to remove them.

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause of host of problems when they’re positioned wrong. They can crowd the teeth you already have, causing them to become cracked or damaged. They can grow in at strange angles that trap food and bacteria and contribute to dental caries. They may also try to grow in behind healthy teeth that have already erupted. All of these situations may be painful and may cause damage to your surrounding teeth. They may make it difficult to chew properly and cause painful, inflamed gums and infection.

How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Problematic?

The best way to keep tabs on wisdom teeth is to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist. If you’re a mature teen or young adult, your dentist will X-ray your teeth to check on the progression of wisdom teeth. Through proper diagnostics, they can recommend the treatment that’s right for you.

If it’s been a while between dental visits, and you’re experiencing pain in the gum area near the back of your mouth, this could a sign of wisdom tooth distress. Make an appointment to discuss wisdom teeth removal in Brookeland, TX.

Treatment for Wonky Wisdom Teeth

The most common treatment for problematic wisdom teeth is removal. Your dentist will probably refer you to an oral surgeon who can remove the teeth before they begin to erupt and cause painful issues. Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure that’s performed many times a day in America. Healing time is minimal, and the benefits are well worth the surgery.

In Brookeland, TX, Rayburn General Dentistry can help diagnose and treat problems with wisdom teeth. Call today to schedule a consultation and diagnostic testing. Early detection is key to preventing the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth. Contact us today to learn more.

Sedation Dentistry 101: Frequent Questions Explained

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For most people, stepping into the dental office, having a seat in the treatment chair, and receiving treatment is just the norm. However, dental treatment can be much harder and more intimidating for some patients. Sedation dentistry can be a saving grace. Here are a few things you may want to know about sedation dentistry.

Q. What are the different kinds of sedation dentistry?

In general, there are three different types of sedation dentistry:

  • Sedation using a prescription oral sedative
  • Sedation using inhalable nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • Sedation using general anesthesia (put to sleep)

Q. Who is the best candidate for sedation dentistry?

The best candidates for sedation dentistry are people who have unreasonable anxiety about dental treatment or have certain medical conditions that can make conscious treatment risky. For example, someone who has Parkinson’s may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry or a child with developmental disabilities may be a good candidate.

Q. Are there risks involved with sedation dentistry?

With any form of anesthesia, whether it is general anesthesia or something as simple as an oral sedative, can come along with certain risks for the patient. The dentist will discuss any risks there may be with sedation before you opt for the treatment so you can decide if the risks are worth it to you. It should be noted that it is quite rare for people to have an adverse reaction or experience during sedation dentistry.

Q. Will dental insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Some forms of dental insurance will cover sedation if it is deemed as medically necessary. A preauthorization may have to be completed by the dentist to explain why sedation is a necessity and not an option. The majority of providers will only pay a percentage of the costs, however. Therefore, it is best to find out how much you will be expected to pay in advance so you can make arrangements for payment.

Find Out More About Sedation Dentistry in Brookeland, TX

For people who have problems with conscious dental treatment, sedation dentistry can change their lives for the better and protect their oral health for the long term. Reach out to us at Rayburn General Dentistry for more information about sedation dentistry in Brookeland, TX.