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Sedation Dentistry

Sep 16
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woman getting sleep dentistry services at dentist office

The Science of Sleep Dentistry: How Sedation Works to Calm Your Nerves

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Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair make your heart race? If so, you’re not alone! Many people feel anxious about dental visits, but thanks to sleep dentistry at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, there’s a relaxing solution. Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is a game-changer for nervous patients, making dental care more approachable and less stressful. 

If you want to make dental visits more tolerable, talk to our dentists in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, NSW. We can help you explore options that make even simple visits more enjoyable. Call us at (02) 6652-3242 or (02) 6654-0650 to get started!

While sleep dentistry is common, many patients wonder exactly how sedation works to calm their nerves. So, in today’s blog, let’s dive into the science behind it!

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry uses specialized medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. While the term might make you think you’ll be completely knocked out, that’s not always the case! There are different degrees of sedation, ranging from light relaxation to deep sleep. Most of the time, patients remain awake but feel so relaxed that they barely notice what’s going on.

How Does Sedation Work?

Sedation in sleep dentistry works by targeting the central nervous system, which is the body’s command center. Depending on the type of sedation used, these medications can either mildly relax you or completely shut down awareness. Here are some of the common types of sedation used in dental offices:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) 

This is one of the lightest forms of sedation, which is why dentists often use it for simple dental procedures. Nitrous oxide enters the bloodstream through inhalation, allowing it to work on the brain’s receptors, reducing anxiety and pain perception. 

You’ll feel light, giggly, and calm, which is why nitrous oxide has earned the nickname of “laughing gas.”

Oral Sedation

Taken as a pill, oral sedation helps patients feel more relaxed without fully putting them to sleep. These medications, usually from the benzodiazepine family (like Valium or Xanax), act on the brain by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA. 

Oral sedation has a calming effect, making you feel at ease during the entire procedure.

IV Sedation 

This form of sedation works faster because it’s delivered intravenously, which means it is injected directly into the bloodstream. It’s great for longer or more complex procedures, providing deeper relaxation. 

With IV sedation, patients often feel drowsy and may not remember much of the appointment afterward – perfect for those who want to “sleep” through it!

The Body’s Response to Sedation

When you undergo sleep dentistry, your body undergoes some fascinating changes. The medication works by slowing down your brain’s activity, lowering anxiety, and dulling your sense of awareness. 

It also slows down your body’s reflexes, meaning you’re less likely to react to discomfort. Your muscles relax, and your heart rate steadies. All of this allows our dentists to work on your teeth while you stay calm and carefree.

Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?

Yes! Sleep dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals. Dentists carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure, adjusting the degree of sedation if needed. The goal is to keep you comfortable while ensuring you’re not overly sedated. 

Explore Sleep Dentistry at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre

From simple cleanings to more involved treatments, sedation makes dental visits smooth and pleasant. If you’ve ever postponed a dental appointment because of fear, sleep dentistry at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre might be the perfect solution. Contact our dentists in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, NSW, online to schedule a sleep dentistry appointment today!

Aug 31
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Gentle Dentist Explains: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sedation

By Sedation Dentistry No Comments

Going to the dentist shouldn’t be cause for alarm. But if you are one of the millions who suffer from dental anxiety, the experience can be pretty overwhelming. Fortunately, when you choose a compassionate, experienced, and gentle dentist, dental care can be smooth and stress-free. Plus, sedation dentistry can further calm your nerves and make your appointment go by in the blink of an eye!

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we offer three types of sedation. We will discuss your options prior to your appointment, helping you to select the best sedation method for your needs.

To learn more about sedation or to ask any additional questions not covered here, please contact a member of our team.

Who is a candidate for dental sedation?

1 in 6 adults and 1 in 10 children suffer from dental anxiety. 5% of Australians suffer from more severe dental phobia. Patients with anxiety may experience heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, or difficulty sleeping the night before a dental visit. Dental phobia can be crippling, causing patients to delay necessary dental care for years. 

Your dentist will need to check with your physician if you suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease. However, with careful monitoring, many patients with these conditions are still able to receive sedation. 

Dental sedation is also appropriate for patients who do not have anxiety but are preparing for a lengthier procedure, such as an extraction or implant surgery.

What are the different types of sedation?

At Magic Smiles, we have three sedation options.

  • Nitrous oxide: This odorless, colorless gas is also known as “happy gas” or “laughing gas.” You will inhale it through a face mask, while a member of our team carefully monitors the amount you receive, making adjustments as needed. 
  • Penthrox®: Penthrox, the brand name for methoxyflurane, is another clear inhaled gas with similar effects to nitrous oxide.
  • Oral sedation: If you suffer from more intense dental anxiety, oral sedation may be the solution. We will prescribe anti-anxiety medications, which will make you extremely relaxed so that you may even fall asleep during your treatment. 

Is sedation safe?

Yes! Dental sedation has very few side effects. The few effects it does have – such as nausea and sleepiness – are very mild and wear off quickly. Moreover, we closely adhere to the sedation guidelines provided by the Australian Dental Association. 

Can kids receive dental sedation?

Absolutely! Children need lower doses of medication, but when they are given the right amounts, sedation is safe for little patients. 

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry reminds parents of the importance of fasting prior to a child receiving sedation. We are happy to provide further instructions about preparing your child for his or her appointment.

Schedule an Appointment with a Gentle Dentist 

With our personalized, compassionate approach, there is no reason to delay your dental care. Contact us to learn more about sedation or to book an appointment.

Aug 10
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historical busts in a museum

Who was the best dentist in history? Six Dentists Everyone Should Know!

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How many famous dentists could you name? If you are like most people, not many! So when it comes to naming the best dentist in history, you probably come up short. In reality, there have been many figures who have made vital contributions to the field. Whether they pioneered the science of dentistry itself, introduced dental sedation, or invented cutting-edge techniques in the modern era, the following 6 dentists deserve a place in the history books. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of giants. We combine advanced technology, specialized training, and a friendly, compassionate manner to provide the highest level of care. 

Though we may not claim to be the best dentists in history, many of our loyal patients would say we are the best dentist they’ve ever had. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. 

1. Hesy-Ra

The first named dentist in history, Hesy-Ra was an important official in Ancient Egypt. One of his many titles is translated alternately as “Great One of the Dentists” and “Great One of the Ivory Cutters.”

2. Pierre Fauchard

Pierre Fauchard, who lived from 1678 to 1761, is known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry.” His influential work, Le Chirurgien Dentiste, detailed everything currently known about oral health and helped make dental care a true science. Prior to Fauchard, most “dental professionals” in Europe were amateur “tooth-pullers” who offered their services at fairs and festivals.

Today, Fauchard is the namesake of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an organization that recognizes leaders in the dental field.

3. William Morton

Imagine facing dental surgery without any anesthesia. Before William Morton, that is exactly what you would have had to do. Morton was an American physician who lived from 1819 to 1868. In 1846, he gave a public demonstration using inhaled ether (an anesthesia) during surgery. Morton’s display helped make surgical anesthesia an accepted practice.

Unfortunately, he also claimed to be the inventor of anesthesia, a claim which is widely disputed. 

4. Joseph Hyams

Joseph Hyams is considered Australia’s first dentist. A convict, he was sentenced for an unknown crime and sent to the penal colonies in 1813. 

While Hyams deserves a place in Australian history, he certainly would not qualify as the best dentist. Untrained in dentistry, he eventually returned to crime.

5. Annie Praed 

Annie Praed was the first female dentist in Australia. Praed graduated from the University of Sydney in 1906 at the top of her class. After visiting England for a year, she returned to Sydney, where she set up practice with a classmate. She later opened a solo practice and specialized in prosthodontics. Praed was a leader in numerous Australian dental associations before her death in 1948.

6. Per-Ingvar Branemark 

A Swedish physician, Branemark made an accidental discovery that led to the revolutionary invention of dental implants. When researching the effects of blood flow on bone healing, he found that titanium fuses with bone tissue. He called this process osseointegration and realized that titanium could support replacement teeth.

Implants produced and sold by Nobel Biocare are™ known as the Branemark System.

Looking for the Best Dentist in Your Area? Contact Magic Smiles

Whether you are looking for routine preventive care, dental implants, or cosmetic treatment, the dentists at Magic Smiles work hard to provide historically great care!

Contact our office today to book an appointment.