Sedation Dentistry 20653 | Your Comfort Matters

Posted on May 23, 2018 by TWDsedation

Sedation Dentistry Lexington Park, MD

Dentistry has come a long way in recent decades. Modern dentistry allows for a comfortable dental experience that can even be relaxing. As a vital part of our focus on creating a positive experience for you, our team values your comfort throughout your visit to our office.

From the moment you walk in and receive a warm greeting, to the time you leave, you’ll find our team is dedicated to your comfort. We’ll start by learning your reasons for choosing our office, as well as your goals for your smile. We’ll take time to review about your dental health history and provide answers to all of your questions. Afterward, we will complete a comprehensive exam to diagnose your current oral health and create a plan to address your needs and goals.

In your plan, we’ll provide recommendations for your care and provide solutions, including the option for sedation during treatment. Our team is trained and certified to provide various levels of sedation dentistry to ensure you are able to relax and enjoy your visit.

If anxiety has held you back from achieving optimal oral health and a smile you can display with pride, contact us today. We care about your smile, and your comfort matters to us.

Tidewater Dental
21534 Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653
(301) 862-3900

Sedation Dentist | Sleep Deprivation and Relationships

Posted on April 17, 2018 by TWDsedation

Sleep disorders can cause a person to wake feeling as if they have not slept. If you experience chronic sleep deprivation, your health can be significantly impacted. Lack of sleep makes it difficult for your body to repair itself. In addition to cognitive impairment, reduced feelings of happiness, and a lower overall quality of life, sleep deprivation can impact your ability to exercise the patience necessary to maintain healthy relationships with others.

According to Psychology Today, your face has a harder time forming happy expressions when you’re tired, and your voice has less positive affect. This can negatively impact your relationships. When you feel worn down and appear to be expressing unhappy emotions, it can be difficult to connect in a positive manner to your spouse, children, friends and coworkers.

Sleep deprivation, which is often caused by OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), takes a physical and emotional toll. If you’ve had symptoms of depression or chronic fatigue and also experience restless nights, consider scheduling a sleep evaluation.

Minor to moderate cases of sleep apnea can often be treated with a custom-fitted oral appliance. This oral appliance can comfortably open your airway, allowing better breathing for more restful sleep. Don’t let sleep deprivation take its toll on your health and your relationships. Contact us today to learn more about sleep apnea therapy and to schedule a consultation.

Sedation Dental Office | Silence Isn’t Always Golden

Posted on March 14, 2018April 17, 2018 by TWDsedation

Sedation Dentist Near Me

Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive inflammation of the gum tissues. It is most frequently caused by bacterial infection. Left untreated, gum disease can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. However, one of the biggest challenges for early detection and treatment of gum disease is its silence. Gum disease can often begin and progress with few or no symptoms until reaching an advanced stage.

Gum disease is caused when the bacteria found in plaque builds up between the teeth and the gums. As the bacteria grow, the gums can become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. When gum disease is not treated promptly, it can worsen, leading to increased gum recession, infection, and bone loss. In addition, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Gum disease also impacts other aspects of your overall health. Research has found links between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious inflammatory illnesses. To help prevent gum disease, ensure you are practicing strong oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, use of mouthwash, and regular dental examinations. Be aware of your risk factors for developing gum disease, such as age, tobacco use, genetics, stress, medications, grinding, obesity, or other inflammatory diseases, among others. Consider having an annual periodontal evaluation.

While symptoms may not appear until later stages of the disease, it is important to watch for the warning signs of gum disease. Some of these include:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Mouth pain
Bleeding gums caused by brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between gums or teeth
Mouth sores
Chronic bad breath
Gums receding or pulling away from teeth
Changes in your bite or the fit of dentures

Gum disease can start silently, but may cause great damage if left untreated. Once gum disease has started, it can be effectively treated, but not fully cured. Protect your oral and overall health with preventive care and regular periodontal screenings. For more information about gum disease or to schedule your periodontal screening, contact our office.

Sedation Dentist Near Me | Sedation Dentistry: What You Should Know

Posted on February 7, 2018April 17, 2018 by TWDsedation

Sedation Dental Office

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Many people who suffer from severe anxiety rely on sedation to get them through dental procedures. Knowing that sedation is an option, scheduling your next dental appointment will make you feel at ease. Here is what you should know about sedation dentistry.

What Exactly is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your dental visits. You can receive different doses of medication based on your individual needs. Minimal sedation leaves you awake while feeling completely relaxed. With conscious (moderate) sedation, you will be able to communicate with us, but you may not remember everything that happened during the procedure. If you are receiving deep sedation, you will not remember anything, but you can still be easily awakened if necessary. With general anesthesia, you are unconscious and will not be able to respond.

Different Sedation Methods

Nitrous Oxide is commonly known as laughing gas. It is a mild dental sedation medication. Once inhaled, it induces a state of relaxation and reduces sensitivity to pain. Oral Conscious Sedation, or OCS, provides a stronger level of sedation for a deeper relaxation. Intravenous Sedation, or IV Sedation, is generally used with shorter treatment sessions. The effects are immediate and may cause you to feel as though you slept through the treatment.

Who is a Candidate?

Many patients benefit from receiving sedation dentistry. If you have severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, extreme tooth sensitivity, or a low pain threshold, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.

Dental treatment can be terrifying for various reasons. This may cause poor oral health in people who are afraid to visit the dentist. Speak with us about sedation dentistry and we can recommend a plan that is best for you. Call for an appointment today.

Sedation Dental Office | The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Posted on January 11, 2018December 22, 2017 by TWDsedation

Dental Office Sedation Near Me

At Tidewater Dental, you can expect a relaxed, stress-free experience every time you come in for care. To help with this, we’re proud to offer sedation dentistry to our patients. This can have a myriad of benefits, including:

Providing a soothing experience that can help you overcome dental anxiety or phobia
Helping your body to relax more completely, increasing the effectiveness of local anesthesia
Reducing the sensation of time, helping your treatment seem quicker
Relaxing your muscles and preventing discomfort from sitting in the chair

While most treatments can be completed without the aid of sedation, we find it can be particularly helpful for patients that suffer from dental anxiety or that need to undergo multiple treatments in one visit. For more information, or if you think sedation dentistry may be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team today.

Struggling with Dental Anxiety?

If you struggle with dental anxiety, the first thing to know if that you are not alone. Nearly half of US adults struggle with it to one degree or another. Whether you simply feel the jitters when you have to come in for an appointment or your fear has prevented you from visiting the dentist for a while, you are far from the only person dealing with these feelings. Causes can vary, though most cases typically are rooted in a particularly negative dental experience in your past.

At Tidewater Dental, we offer compassionate, personalized care designed to help you conquer your anxiety and attain great oral health in the process. Sedation dentistry can be a life-changing part of this process. With Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS), you’ll enter a deeply relaxed state for the duration of your treatment. You’ll remain awake, but any discomfort will be completely minimized, and many patients report not even remembering treatment once their sedative has worn off.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from receiving the quality care you deserve. Our qualified team is fully certified to offer sedation dentistry to our patients. Turn a potentially stressful trip to the dentist into a relaxing getaway while receiving the care you need. To learn more about our sedation offerings, contact our dental team today!

Sedation Dentist Near Me | Root Canals Without Fear

Posted on December 22, 2017 by TWDsedation

Sedation Dentistry

According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), there are popular misconceptions people may have regarding root canal therapy. Unfortunately, these patients may make decisions about their health care based on this incomplete or inaccurate information. Below are some common myths that you may have heard about root canal treatment.

Myth 1: Root canal treatment is painful.

In reality, the only pain that is generally associated with root canal therapy is caused by the underlying reason for the treatment – tooth decay or infected or diseased tissue. The root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, relieving the pain in the process.

Myth 2: Root canal treatment can spread infection.

In fact, root canal therapy has been proven to have a much lower incidence of bacteria entering the blood stream than tooth extraction and causes much less discomfort for the patient. Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has also found that patients who have had multiple endodontic treatments have a 45% lower risk of cancer than patients who have not.

Myth 3: It’s better to just extract problem teeth.

By saving the natural tooth whenever possible, doctors and patients avoid the need for further, more costly treatment. Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and can often allow the natural tooth to last a lifetime.

If you still experience anxiety about the prospect of root canal treatment, there is another option you may consider. Tidewater Dental is pleased to offer sedation dentistry. Whether you have sensitive teeth that make treatment difficult, prohibitive anxiety that keeps you out of the dental chair, or multiple treatments that need to be done in one sitting, sedation dentistry can remove the worry from dental care.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from receiving the quality care you deserve. Our qualified team is fully certified to offer sedation dentistry. Turn a potentially stressful trip to the dentist into a relaxing experience while receiving the care you need. To learn more about our sedation offerings, contact our dental team today!

20653 Sedation Dentist | Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Posted on November 15, 2017November 14, 2017 by TWDsedation

Lexington Park Sedation Dentist

lexington park Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a sedation method used by dentists to relieve discomfort and to make you feel more comfortable during your visit. Unlike other sedation methods, nitrous oxide sedation does not put you to asleep, keeping you awake but relaxed. Here are some of the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation.

No Needles Necessary

Since nitrous oxide being a gas, it is administered through a mask that covers your nose; the gas is inhaled. This process eliminates the need for any needles or injection. After a few minutes, the effects will become noticeable, leaving you in a relaxed but responsive state.

Easily Adjustable

Unlike oral sedation, there is no predetermined length of time for the nitrous oxide to be administered. Because it is a gas, the amount of nitrous oxide can be adjusted to find the perfect comfort spot during treatment. This is important because it prevents any potential overdosing due to the adjustable nature of nitrous oxide.

Speedy Recovery Time

In most cases. recovery time following treatment is quick. It often takes less than five minutes after the gas is discontinued for it to leave your body. This is especially important because it allows you to drive home without needing to rely on someone else for transportation like with other anesthetics.

Availability and Cost

Nitrous oxide is non-allergenic, making the sedation treatment available to most patients. It is effective for all ages. People that are suffering from conditions including cardiovascular disease and blood disorders are prime candidates for nitrous oxide sedation because there are no shots or IV treatments. The cost of nitrous oxide sedation is significantly lower than that of IV sedation and dental general anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide sedation is an effective solution for managing comfort and anxiety during dental treatment. It works quickly and offers you the ability to recover within minutes. Compared to other sedation methods, nitrous oxide offers the benefits of being a needle-free, non-medication sedation solution.

Call our office to schedule your visit today.

21534 Great Mills Rd.
Lexington Park, MD 20653
(301) 862-3900

Sedation Dentist in Lexington Park | The Truth About Dental Anxiety

Posted on October 18, 2017October 17, 2017 by TWDsedation

20653 Sedation Dentist

Is anxiety or nervousness preventing you from visiting our team? Dental treatments should not be a cause of stress. If you worry about pain, embarrassment, or loss or control during a dental examination, we want you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can help.

Dental Anxiety Is Common

Research has shown that most patients experience some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Between 10 and 20% of the general population encounters such a high level of stress and nervousness that they ignore oral healthcare altogether. This can increase the risk of developing severe oral health complications, requiring additional care.

In many cases, dental anxiety has two main causes. First, patients may have had a negative experience in the past, leaving them apprehensive towards their next appointment. Second, is through influence. This is particularly true for children. Children learn through imitation and are influenced by their parents. If you dread going to the dentist, your child may pick up on the behavior and develop similar fears.

Our Team Can Help

The first action you can take is to let our team know about your feelings of nervousness and anxiety. We have a number of techniques to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Our compassionate team is always open to discussing your options with you.

We will consult you regarding what your visit will entail, and work together to find a comfortable pace at which you feel comfortable.

If nervousness, stress, fear, or anxiety have caused you to skip appointments or avoid dental care completely, please contact our team. Dentistry is constantly evolving by offering new technology and treatment methods with patient safety and comfort in mind. Talk to our team about your fears or concerns and allow us to work with you. Ignoring your oral health can have serious repercussions and lead to more necessary treatments.

Contact our team to schedule your visit today.

21534 Great Mills Rd.
Lexington Park, MD 20653
(301) 862-3900

Lexington Park Sedation Dentist | Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Posted on September 13, 2017September 19, 2017 by TWDsedation

Lexington Park MD Sedation Dentist

During a comprehensive dental examination, our team will look for signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key with oral cancer. If caught early, most forms of oral cancer are treatable. Our dental team is trained and educated to identify oral cancer.

Everyone is susceptible to the disease, but some groups of people are at a higher risk level than others. Here are the top seven risk factors for oral cancer.

Age

Are you in your mid 40s? Your risk of developing oral cancer increases with age. A noticeable increase is evident in people in their 40s and older. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the majority of diagnosed cases occur around the age of 62, but the average age is declining. The recent increase in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cases is causing more people to be diagnosed for oral cancers between the ages of 52 and 56. As the average age for oral cancer cases decreases, it is vital that you receive regular oral cancer screenings at any age.

Gender

Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer compared to women. Part of this difference may be related to regular intake of alcohol and tobacco. According to the American Cancer Society, the gender difference is decreasing since more women are drinking and using tobacco today than in previous generations. There has also been a trend in recent years of younger men being diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancer. Both men and women should schedule regular oral health examinations to detect oral cancer early.

Tobacco

Smoking or chewing tobacco can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco can lead to cancer of the mouth or throat. Additionally, oral tobacco products cause cancers associated with the cheeks, gums, and inner surface of the lips. Development of these cancers depend on the duration and frequency of tobacco use. Non-smokers are not immune to oral cancer, so be sure to schedule an appointment with our team for an examination.

Alcohol

Among those that are diagnosed with oral cancer, about 70% of people are characterized as heavy drinkers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking is defined as having an average of two or more drinks per day for men, and one or more drinks per day for women. People who drink heavily can be more than twice as likely to develop oral cancers than people who do not drink. Oral cancer can still occur in people who have never had an alcoholic drink. Contact our team to schedule an examination.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

This sexually transmitted disease is associated with at least 10,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. People who have HPV-related oral cancers tend to be younger and are unlikely to smoke or drink. Typically, those diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancers are at a much lower risk of death or reoccurrence. We suggest a proactive approach by maintaining regular visits to our dental office.

Sunlight

People who work outside or with prolonged exposure to sunlight have a higher risk of developing lip cancer. It is vital to use UV protection when under the sun. Many lip balms offer UV protection. If you work outdoors frequently, schedule an additional examination with our team.

Diet

Poor nutrition can increase your risk for developing oral cancer. According to the American Dental Association, reports have shown that a link exists between diets low in fruits and vegetables and a higher risk for oral cancers. However, oral cancer can develop in healthy individuals. No matter your diet, schedule a visit with our team for a comprehensive oral examination.

Oral cancer does not discriminate. While these seven factors have been tied to an increased risk of oral cancer, that does not diminish the importance of regular oral examinations for everyone regardless of their age, gender, or other factors. Regular dental examinations make it possible for our team to detect oral cancer early. Contact our dentist to schedule a comprehensive oral examination.

21534 Great Mills Road

Lexington Park, MD 20653

Sedation Dentist in Lexington Park MD | 12 Reasons to See Your Dentist

Posted on August 23, 2017 by TWDsedation

Dentist in Lexington Park

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see your dentist! Most people make time to clean out the house, car, garage, or closets at least twice a year. Why not include your oral health on your “to do” list?

Schedule an Appointment Now!

Regular professional cleaning and examinations are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. These routine visits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, and more. Early identification and treatment of any oral illness improves outcomes and allows for less-invasive treatment options. Don’t wait until it hurts!

Why Do We Avoid Going?

The HDI institute, in a study done with the American Dental Association, lists some of the main reasons we sometimes delay going to the dentist. Cost, low perceived need, time, and anxiety are the most common causes. However, if we allow these concerns to interfere with oral care, we may allow more serious issues to develop.

When Should We See the Dentist?

The ADA or American Dental Society recommends maintaining twice yearly visits for cleaning and examinations. In addition, they advise making an appointment for any of the following concerns:

Pain in your mouth, teeth, or face
Injury to your mouth, teeth, or face
Conditions that can affect oral health, such as diabetes
Pregnancy
Jaw pain or stiffness
Bleeding, swelling, or redness in your gums
Recent dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canal
Pain or difficulty eating or drinking
Chronic dry mouth
Smoking or tobacco use
Sores in your mouth that are not healing
You have questions or concerns about your oral health or hygiene

Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain your best oral health. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our office.