If you’re like most American adults, the idea of going to the dentist ranks right up there with speaking in public: most of us delay our dental care until we have tooth pain. Dentists want their patients to know that the technology for pain-free dentistry has been developing rapidly, and that patients should come in for a general checkup at least once every year. In general, the number of cavities that children have is decreasing, but 75% of all Americans report that they would rather go to the grocery store than floss. Dental care is especially important as we get older, and patients are reporting high levels of satisfaction with new dental technology.
If you’re considering restorative dentistry or tooth veneers, you should know that the procedure can be performed without sedation dentist intervention. The porcelain used in dental veneers is extremely thin and can be applied without any anesthesia. Dental veneers look natural and are highly resistant to staining. Patients who are coffee drinkers or smokers — or both — need to know that they are discoloring their teeth and could be losing bone mass in their teeth each year. Smokers are especially vulnerable to discoloration, bone loss, and gingivitis.
When you go see your dentist, tell them about any tooth pain you may be experiencing. There are people who have more sensitive teeth and are affected by extremely hot or cold beverages, but the rest of us do not tend to experience tooth pain unless there is something wrong. If you’re reluctant to get your wisdom teeth pulled, talk to your dentist. Unless the teeth are impacted, wisdom teeth can often be removed in a single session with little sedation dentist intervention. If the teeth are impacted, then you should be aware that a delay in treatment could spread a potentially dangerous bacterial infection to the rest of your body.
The entire field of cosmetic dentistry exists to help people feel more confident about their smiles. Studies show that about 30% of all American adults feel extremely self-conscious about their teeth. Sedation dentist intervention is not always necessary, but before you can undergo teeth straightening procedures, you may need to have loose or rotten teeth pulled. Our smiles help us succeed at work and at play, and patients may not realize how simple teeth straightening procedures have become. If you skipped getting braces when you were a teenager, you can still get them as an adult. Adult dental patients should ask their dentist what the best course of action would be to replace missing, discolored, or crooked teeth: your braces could fully straighten your teeth in under a year.
If your dentist tells you that you have periodontal disease, you may have to get your teeth deep cleaned, or scaled. Sedation dentist procedures are not necessary for cleaning, but if you have sensitive teeth you may want to ask for local anesthetic. Most American adults over the age of 70 have some form of periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection in the mouth. Periodontal disease is often referred to as gingivitis and is caused by the long-term buildup of biofilm on the teeth and gums. Deep tooth cleaning is essential to prevent complete tooth loss, and people can reverse their gingivitis with regular cleanings.
Even people who have sensitive teeth can benefit from regular dental cleanings. Dentists are aware that many people have an aversion to getting their teeth cleaned and examined, and they also know that pulling teeth and fitting for dentures is a last resort. If you can commit to regular cleanings, you stand a much better chance of keeping your teeth. Porcelain veneers and adult braces are also available for people who want to make an investment in their smiles. If you are reluctant to visit the dentist, make an appointment to talk to your local dentist and see what they have to say about new dental technology.
