Nervous About the Dentist? Maybe You Need Nitrous Oxide

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you feel nervous when you think about going to the dentist? Is it hard to bring yourself to make an appointment with thedentist in Medina, OH, because of your anxiety?

If this describes you, you could be a good candidate for nitrous oxide. This popular and important type of sedation dentistry makes visiting the dentist far more comfortable for many dental patients daily.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

The term “sedation dentistry” refers to using sedation during a dental appointment to help the patient relax and feel more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can help patients who feel dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry can also help patients during long, uncomfortable dental appointments to feel less discomfort throughout the process.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation typically used during dental appointments. It is delivered to the patient through a mask over the nose. The colorless gas starts working within minutes of inhaling it. While using nitrous oxide, the patient will feel relaxed and calm.

What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?

There are many benefits of nitrous oxide, including:

  • Feeling of peace throughout the dental appointment. For patients who feel anxiety during dental appointments, nitrous oxide can make it easier to relax.
  • Starts working right away, wears off fast. Nitrous oxide starts working as soon as the patient begins breathing it in. Once nitrous oxide use is discontinued, it clears out of the body very quickly.
  • Can drive home and engage in normal activities after the appointment. Some types of sedation can prevent a patient from driving themselves home or working after their dental appointment. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly and after use, the patient can resume normal activities.

Do You Think You Can Benefit from Nitrous Oxide? Call Today

We offer nitrous oxide at Evanko Dental Group of Medina because some of our patients need it. If you think you can benefit from nitrous oxide during your next dental appointment, call us today and ask about oursedation dentistry services in Medina, OH. We’re here to help!

3 Ways to Prepare for Your Upcoming Oral Surgery 

/0 Comments/in , /by

Whether you are getting dental implants in Medina, OH, your wisdom teeth removed, or some other type of oral surgery, proper preparation can make all the difference. As you work with the dentist to get ready, here are a few key pointers to remember to ensure the process goes well.

Discuss what to expect with your dentist

The dentist will be your main source of information when it comes to any type of oral surgery. During the appointments leading up to the procedure, the dentist will go over with you what to expect during the procedure and during your recovery. Make sure to:

  • Ask questions about any part of the process that you don’t understand
  • Discuss how your dietary intake may be affected immediately after the procedure
  • Find out how long it will likely take for you to recover

Prepare for transportation after your appointment

Most often, oral surgery will require some level of anesthesia. For that reason, you may be a little groggy after the procedure, and it may not be safe for you to drive home on your own. Of course, this can vary depending on the specific anesthesia used during the procedure. However, it is generally a good idea to arrange to have transportation after your procedure.

Make the necessary preparations at home

The healing process after your procedure can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more, depending on what was done. During this time, you may need to take it easy when it comes to what you eat at home. So make sure you stock up on easy-to-eat foods, such as soft vegetables, soups, and even soft beans, jello, or ice cream. For the most part, oral surgery will not lead to limitations in general physical activity, but you will want to refrain from doing a lot of strenuous activity immediately after surgery.

Discuss Oral Surgery Needs with a Skilled Medina, OH Dentist

Oral surgery can sound like an intimidating procedure, but when the procedure is trusted to a skilled Medina, OH dentist, you can expect things to go smoothly. If you suspect you need some type of oral surgery, reach out to us at the Evanko Dental Group of Medina to schedule a consultation.

pediatric-dentistry

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Children?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Children?

Sedation dentistry, or “sleep dentistry,” as it is sometimes called, is popular for use with adult dental patients. But since children need dental services, too, many parents ask your Medina, OH dentist if sedation dentistry is safe for children. The short answer is, yes. But there’s a lot to know about sedation dentistry for children in Medina, OH.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of sedating a dental patient before a dental treatment. Sedation dentistry means that the dentist can work on the patient without the patient experiencing anxiety and nervousness during the treatment. This makes the treatment go more smoothly and sometimes more quickly, since the dentist doesn’t need to stop and soothe the patient’s fears.

How Sedation Dentistry Differs From Anesthesia

The anesthesia used for surgeries is different than the sedative used in sedation dentistry. Surgical anesthesia typically renders a patient unconscious. Sedation dentistry simply renders the patient relaxed. With surgical anesthesia, the patient is usually unaware of what is happening. With sedation dentistry, the patient may be aware of what is happening, but they don’t care so much. It might be compared to a feeling of total relaxation, similar to how you feel just as you are about to go to sleep at night. You feel very drowsy and relaxed, but you’re still awake. That’s how sedation dentistry in Medina, OH feels.

Why Would a Child Need Sedation Dentistry in Medina?

Sedation dentistry might be right for your child if:

  • They have severe anxiety about visiting the dentist
  • They need to have drilling or another invasive treatment
  • They are very fidgety or hyperactive
  • They need multiple visits to complete a treatment

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Children?

Sedation dentistry is safe for children. If your child needs any kind of treatment that makes them feel nervous, sedation dentistry is a good option to consider. In fact, depending upon the level of anxiety that your child may feel around dental visits, sedation dentistry can make the visit easier and faster. Sedation dentistry in Medina, OH is available for your child. Ask your dentist for details.

Your Medina, OH dentist will be able to talk to you so you can decide together if sedation dentistry is right for your child. Contact us today for more details about how sedation dentistry works for children.

Can I Have Sedation Dentistry if I Have a Heart Condition?

/0 Comments/in , /by

The availability of sedation dentistry in Medina is wonderful news for anyone who has anxiety about visiting the dentist. Lots of people feel a little bit uncomfortable about visiting the dentist, especially if there are cavities to fill or certain other dental procedures. But with sedation dentistry, all those fears can be set aside. However, if you have a heart condition, you may worry that sedation dentistry in Medina might not be an option.

Sedation Dentistry is Not the Same as Anesthesia

If you have ever had surgery, you may have had anesthesia. Anesthesia involves a specific kind of inhalant or injection formula that makes the patient fall asleep. This allows the doctor to perform the operation without worrying that the patient will move around, and it allows the patient to undergo the operation without being aware of what’s happening. Full anesthesia has several risk factors and side effects, including potential problems with the heart. But don’t worry, because sedation dentistry is not anesthesia.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is another term for what is commonly called laughing gas. It’s essentially nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. It’s most commonly inhaled, but some dentists offer an injectable form as well. Sedation dentistry in Medina is simply a way to relax you during your dentist visit. When you are sedated, you don’t necessarily fall asleep, unless you just happen to be very tired. But sedation dentistry will not put you to sleep. You’ll be completely aware of everything that’s going on. You can see, hear, smell, and talk. Since your dentist will numb the site of treatment, you won’t be able to feel pain, although you might feel some sensation that work is being done.

Heart Conditions and Sedation Dentistry

If you have a heart condition, sedation dentistry is actually better for you than no sedation. With sedation, you will be more relaxed and less excitable. But you should always let your dentist know of any health conditions before you undergo any treatment.

If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be right for you. Talk to your dentist in Medina about your concerns, as well as your heart condition situation.