Dentistry is a big field with various services, technology, and outcomes – therefore, it makes perfect sense that our patients likely have questions about what they can expect. Below, you’ll find several of Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, PLLC’s most popular FAQs and answers from Dr. Daniel. Do you not see the information you’re looking for below? Contact us here in Lakeway, TX to talk to a team member directly.
- Oral conscious sedation – This is the most common type of dental sedation that is used. The patient is given a pill to take about an hour before arriving at the office for their appointment. Often, the pill contains amnesic properties that will render the patient to have no memory of the visit. In addition, this type of drug will often lower or eliminate the pain of a procedure.
- Nitrous oxide – This type of sedation is administered through inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. A nosepiece will be placed over the patient’s nose to allow them to inhale the gas. It will produce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria that can help in easing anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with other sedative medications for more effective results.
- Intravenous sedation – This is a stronger level of sedation administered intravenously by a certified anesthesiologist. This is the strongest form of sedation and will only be used if other forms of sedation are not effective for the patient.
While cosmetic dentistry can often be performed to improve the appearance of a smile, it can also be used to help restore oral health and improve the overall wellness of a patient.
Each pause in breathing is followed by a choking or gasping sound as the patient struggles to breathe again. This cycle of pauses followed by gasps can repeat itself hundreds of times through the night. Because of the lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea, patients are often tired during the day and experience snoring that disrupts their bed partner’s sleep.
Snoring is often one of the first symptoms of sleep apnea, but it can be overlooked or attributed to another cause.
If you have sleep apnea, your dentist can provide you with several treatment options. Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, the first step in treatment is CPAP therapy, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A mask that delivers pressurized air to the patient’s face during sleep is attached to the patient’s nose through a hose. The air pressure keeps the airways open so the patient can breathe normally throughout the night. Patients using CPAP often report feeling more rested in the morning, with more energy throughout the day and fewer headaches.
For those who cannot tolerate or are uncomfortable with CPAP therapy, oral appliances are available. Oral appliances are similar to mouth guards worn at night to prevent teeth grinding. They fit comfortably over the teeth and are customized to fit each patient’s mouth and jaw. By holding the lower jaw forward and slightly down to keep the throat airways open, these appliances increase airflow and prevent pauses in sleep.
- Toothache
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Broken orthodontics
- Abscess
- Bleeding
- Broken jaw