What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to reduce anxiety and fear, while improving your dental experience and allowing Dr. Hoover to conduct treatment more effectively. The two forms of sedation dentistry that Dr. Hoover generally uses are nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation.
With nitrous oxide, you should find reduced levels of anxiety so you are comfortable during treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as feeling light-headed, experiencing tingling or heaviness in their arms and legs, and having an overall sense of calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off as soon as the procedure is completed, and you are able to drive yourself home.
With oral conscious sedation, you should feel calmer while remaining conscious and responsive, yet often have little memory of the procedure. The medication used is an anti-anxiety pill that works quickly to relax you during treatment. Another adult is needed to accompany you and drive you home.
Dr. Hoover maintains proper certification for these sedation techniques. He regularly updates his treatment protocols and skills through continuing education, and the medication that he uses offers well-established and predictable effects.
Regardless of whether you choose sedation or not, Dr. Hoover will work safely, gently, and carefully when he performs your procedure. Your comfort is our priority and you can expect both a great experience and a great outcome at Azle Family Dentistry.
Severe tooth pain can be caused by many different oral issues like deep decay, an infection, or an injury. In order to save your natural tooth and relieve your pain, Dr. Hoover may recommend a root canal procedure to clean out the affected tooth pulp.
The Root Canal Process
Before we start, we take x-rays of your tooth to make sure the pain you’re experiencing can be relieved with a root canal. Once you’re settled in the dental chair, we numb the immediate area thoroughly to ensure the procedure is comfortable. If you need additional sedation to stay relaxed while we work, we have that available. During the procedure, we remove the affected tooth material from inside the tooth’s root canals. We then fill the tooth with a medicated solution and seal it to keep out future bacteria. We recommend you have a crown placed after the root canal to give the tooth additional strength and protection.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
For us to determine if you need a root canal, we recommend you visit us for an exam and a set of x-rays. If you experience any of these symptoms, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
- Sudden or severe pain in an isolated area
- New tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Pain or severe discomfort when pressure is applied, like when you chew
- Tenderness or swelling of the gums
- Discoloration on a single tooth or isolated area of the gums
- Bad taste in your mouth
Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Implants
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are just what their name suggests. They are like caps that cover the top, side, or entirety of your tooth. Crown are usually made from a high strength porcelain material which restores the tooth to it’s natural looking appearance. The dental crown procedure occurs in two phases. First, we take an impression of your tooth and prepare your tooth for the crown. While we wait to get your permanent crown back from the lab, we place a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it in the meantime. When we receive your custom-made crown, you will come in for your second visit so we can remove your temporary and place your new permanent one.
What Is A Bridge?
A bridge is a restoration that fills the space of a missing tooth or teeth. To replace a single missing tooth, a bridge is like three crowns joined together attached to the teeth on either side of the space with a “floating tooth” in the middle that rests above the gums. A bridge is permanently fixed in place so it is very stable and functions like natural teeth.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth can cause a variety of difficulties, from cosmetic appearance, impaired eating and speaking, to shifting of the remaining teeth. Whether one tooth is missing or all teeth are unsalvageable, dental implants are a strong, long-lasting tooth replacement option. Dental implants consist of a synthetic tooth root, frequently made of titanium, on top of which a dental implant crown (replacement tooth) is attached. In addition to replacing missing teeth, implants can also be used to secure removable appliances, such as bridges, dentures, and partials. Dental implants are the ideal solution to replace missing teeth because they look, feel and function just like a natural tooth.
