Preventative Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry: What is It & What to Expect

Written by justSMILE on November 1, 2022. Posted in General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry.

Sedation dentistry could be the difference between a comfortable dental appointment and one that leaves you anxious, in pain, and uncomfortable. Did you know that dental phobia and anxiety affect every 1 in 6 Australian adults?

No one enjoys experiencing the pain associated with dentistry, and this is one of the main reasons for their concern. Perhaps you even had a terrible experience in the past that has given rise to your anxiety.

Have you avoided going to the dentist because of the feelings associated with it? If so, you’re not alone, but the and memories shouldn’t affect your dental health.

If you’re curious about sedation dentistry and what it could mean for you and your oral hygiene, then keep reading.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Though you’re technically awake, sedation dentistry uses a moderate level of sedation that makes you extremely relaxed and comfortable. It’s also known as conscious sedative dentistry or a term called “twilight sleep.” The goal is to trigger a feeling of forgetfulness, whereby you lose your sensitivity to the pain without losing consciousness.

This kind of dental procedure can facilitate a feeling of calm throughout your time in the chair, which is ideal for nervous patients.

The Difference Between Sedation and Anaesthetic

On a scale of consciousness, sedation and general anaesthesia are at distinct levels and we’ll touch on that in a moment. What we want to note, however, is that there is a difference between sedation and local anaesthetic, which differs from general anaesthetic. An injection of a local anaesthetic will help stop the pain you may experience during a medical procedure.

It effectively blocks the pain signals from moving through your nerves and to the brain. While we commonly use this in dentistry, it is not the same as sedation. You will still be conscious with local injection, but there is the option of using sedation as well to lessen your awareness.

Reasons to Have Sedation

There are plenty of reasons to investigate sedation for your next dental procedure and there are plenty of benefits too. People of all groups and ages, including children, can benefit from dental sedation.

Some of the common reasons to go for this level of sedation are:

Dental phobias
A strong gag reflex
Extreme tooth sensitivity
Feelings of claustrophobia
Sensitivity to local anesthetic
Special requirements like cognitive or behavioural concerns
Aversion to needles
Limited control over movement

If these sound at all like what you experience, then you may be a great candidate for dental sedation. Before we get into more, let’s discuss the different types of sedation a dentist may offer.

Types of Sedation

Depending on your unique needs, sedation comes in a range of levels, from the relatively simple to the more complex, like IV treatments and general anaesthetic. Some considerations the dentist may make include:

Your level of anxiety
The duration of your procedure
Your medical history
Your personal preferences

The most common, however, are oral medications, inhaled sedation, and IV treatments. These all fall on a scale of sedation, from minimal to deep sedation.

Oral Sedation

About an hour before your treatment starts, your dentist will give you a sedative oral medication, usually in the form of a tablet. This is oral conscious sedation. Liquid sedatives, including midazolam oral syrup, are often used in paediatric dentistry.

You’ll get tired and/or drowsy but you will be able to interact with your dentist as they need it. They will simply give you a gentle nudge awake. It may briefly impair your memory and motor skills after your treatment, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.

Intravenous Sedation

The most intense conscious sedation method available in a dental office setting is IV sedation dentistry. Your healthcare provider injects sedative medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. Throughout the procedure, your dentist will monitor your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.

At any moment during the procedure, they can change your dosage and, if necessary, use reversal medications.

Most patients who have this do it while having their operation, and when they wake up, they have little to no memory of it. This is the best choice for people who experience a lot of dental anxiety or who require many treatments.

Pre-procedure Protocols for Intravenous Sedation

While some practices may differ, there are a few standard rules around IV sedation and it’s important to be aware of what you need to do. They are simple things at least, and with the right planning, won’t be an issue.

Here are a few standard instructions:

Don’t eat 8 hours before
No smoking about 12 hours before
A responsible adult must accompany the patient
The patient must not drive or operate heavy machinery within 24 hours
Wear loose-fitting clothes that can be rolled up
Remove contact lenses, dentures, and jewellery
Don’t wear lipstick or excessive makeup
Notify the office if you have a sore throat or stomach issues
Check with your dentist regarding other oral medications

Inhaled Sedation

With a process like inhaled sedation, your dentist will use a mask to administer Nitrous Oxide, which you may know as “laughing gas.” This particular sedative kicks in quickly and wears off just as fast.

After breathing it in for 3-5 minutes, you’ll feel its calming effects. Your dentist will control the level of sedation you receive throughout the treatment and adjust the dosage as necessary. After the procedure, your dentist will administer pure oxygen to help your body rid itself of the nitrous oxide.

The effects of inhaled sedation wear off fairly quickly, so within 10-15 minutes, you’ll be the same as you were when you entered, meaning you’ll even be able to drive yourself home.

General Anaesthetic

While less common for standard dental procedures, there are circumstances where a dentist may use a general anaesthetic to perform their procedure. This is particularly necessary for:

Young children
Adults with special needs
Those struggling with significant anxiety

This level of sedation must be carried out at a hospital and your dentist must have specialized training in order to administer it. Like any other operation, you would be completely unconscious during the procedure. It’s important to note that the dentist doesn’t administer the anaesthetic, an anesthesiologist does, but they still require special training.

What Happens Before Sedation?

The good news is that sedation is something that you and your dentist will be on the same page about. They will go over your options at your initial consultation and from there discuss your needs. They will ask about your medical history, as well as if you’re taking any kind of medication or supplements.

Once they have all the necessary information, they will offer recommendations for sedatives based on your unique needs. It is also not uncommon for them to do trial sedation with you to judge your response before they go ahead with the treatment.

In most cases, you should refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least six hours prior to your dentist appointment, but ask your dentist what they recommend. Additionally, unless your dentist instructs otherwise, take all your normal prescriptions.

However, you should make sure to let your dentist know if you’re on any blood thinners. They may recommend that you refrain from taking any a few days before your procedure.

Is Being Sedated Safe?

Sedation is a safe and easy solution but as with all things, there is a small possibility of secondary issues. It’s important to have all the information when deciding on a new procedure, so let’s look at some of the possible immediate risks:

Persistent drowsiness
Dry mouth
Vomiting and nausea
Headaches
IV bruising

Additionally, it can be challenging to predict the effects of oral sedation, though allergic reactions are rare. Over-the-counter or prescription medication can help most of these issues.

Who Can Perform Sedation?

Most dentists are able to provide mild sedation (such as nitrous oxide or pills), however, more dentists now are able to administer mild anaesthesia like IV treatments.

However, they must meet the necessary requirements to use IV sedation in their dental offices. Only those whose registrations are supported for conscious sedation are permitted to use this technique in their practices. Additionally, practitioners must maintain their training and education to keep using it.

The Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) strictly polices the process. Those who are fully qualified and working in conditions that the AHPRA has approved can use IV sedation methods.

What Treatments Can You Get While Sedated?

The world is your oyster, so to speak, and with this flexibility comes the luxury of choice. You will probably be able to have any kind of dental procedure under sedation, but these are the most common:

How Much Does Sedation Cost?

Sedation is an absolutely acceptable technique for anyone with a real fear concerning the the dentist office but there is a cost associated with it. Sedation may be included in the price charged by a dentist office for more difficult operations, such as cosmetic dental work. However, many dental insurance policies do not pay for conscious sedation if a doctor does not mandate it.

So while there are cost considerations, it is not easy to give a straightforward answer. The cost of sedation can vary depending on:

The kind of procedure you’re doing
The type of sedation you’ve chosen
What drugs we use
How long you’ll be sedated

However, in plenty of cases, sedation can actually reduce the costs. Sometimes the stress can make a procedure run long, or even be split over several parts. Sedation can help you have your treatment in a single sitting, reducing the cost of a multi-session plan. And, at the end of the day, if you consider the real cost of not going through with the treatment because of anxiety then being sedated is worth the cost.

How to Be a Savvy Patient

There are a couple of things you can do to ensure everything goes smoothly. Of course, you’ll want to choose a dentist that you feel safe and comfortable with, but we have a few other handy tips.

Ensure you go over your medical history with your dentist before your operation and disclose any concerns you may have. You can also enquire about what the acceptable dosage is for your condition and age. Plenty of people feel less anxious when they have more information and this could help put your mind at ease.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask the dentist what kind of training they’ve done or even how many treatments they’ve performed. The higher the number, the better equipped the dentist will be.

Finally, before the procedure, make sure the dentist gives you a form outlining the potential risks. Examine this document thoroughly and go over any areas of concern with your dentist.

Don’t be shy about asking for clarification on certain areas or specific notes. The more you know, the better you’ll feel.

High-Quality Care Without the Stress

There’s never a benchmark for anxiety, and our goal is to ensure you are as relaxed and prepared as possible. If you feel you need to be sedated, then we will support you. Sedation dentistry doesn’t have to feel like an overwhelming procedure and it could be well worth the extra cost to keep your smile looking brand new.

For even more complex procedures it may even be invaluable.

Tips To Protect Your Brilliant Smile

Written by justSMILE on August 31, 2020. Posted in Preventative Dentistry.

Whether you’ve had teeth whitening, teeth straightening, veneers, or no dental work at all, it’s easy to protect your brilliant smile. Some tips can keep your teeth gorgeous in the years ahead.

Home Oral Care

Brush your teeth at least twice per day. The best approach is to brush after every meal. Floss daily, preferably at bedtime. Whenever you brush and floss, do it carefully and thoroughly. Use home oral care products that are appropriate for you. If you’re not sure of a product or a specific technique, you can ask us at justSMILE.

Check and Cleans

Make appointments for regular visits at least once every six months. You may need to come in more often if you have a dental problem or dental work. A routine visit will include an examination and cleaning. These visits are essential when you want healthy, white teeth.

Foods That Harm Your Teeth

There are some foods and drinks to avoid when you want your teeth to stay in excellent condition. Avoid products that can cause stains. Also avoid hard foods that can chip your natural teeth and your dental work. Limit acidic products, such as citrus fruits, citrus juices, and soft drinks.

Bad Oral Habits

Some lifestyle habits are harmful to both dental work and natural teeth. Don’t chew or bite objects that shouldn’t be in your mouth. Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.

Tooth-Friendly Food There are some foods that’ll keep your teeth clean and healthy. Crunchy vegetables and fruits should be in your daily diet. An apple is one of the best examples. When you eat an apple, it keeps your tooth enamel clean. Not only will you have clean teeth, you’ll be less susceptible to dental decay. For strong, healthy teeth, make sure there’s plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, too.

If you want more tips for white teeth and dental health, you can ask our friendly staff at justSMILE when you come in for an appointment. We’ll be happy to meet with you, answer your questions, and schedule a cleaning and an examination. Whether you live in Ramsgate Beach or the eastern suburbs of Sydney, your visit to one of our offices will be a pleasant experience.

What your Diet has to do with your Oral Health

Written by justSMILE on October 8, 2014. Posted in General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry.

When people speak of “abusing the body” it isn’t just about being on the heavy side.

There are many different dietary and consumption choices that can contribute to your oral and overall health – plenty of them apply to people of regular weight and those who exhibit eating disorders.

Your mouth is the doorway to your physical health

By explaining a statistic gathered during Dental Health Week last month, our team at justSMILE hope to reveal a few truths that you may not be aware of about how your diet and consumption behaviours directly affect your oral health.

Feel like eating 34 teaspoons of sugar?

According to the ADA (Australian Dental Association), Australians consume more than double the world’s average 17 teaspoons of sugar per person per day.

Thanks to the excess use of sugary flavour enhancers and the low cost of sweets and treats, decay has now become one of the most devastating chronic diseases for our up and coming generations. It is important to remember that by choosing fast food over home cooked meals, you could be sacrificing the oral and overall health of yourself and your family. Dr Rammo explains:

“When you consume sugary or starchy foods and beverages, the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth produce acid that attacks the tooth’s enamel.”

Naturally putting up a good fight

When this kind of acid assaults your smile, your body produces saliva as a counter-attack. Different ways to help saliva production and clear away debris from food (as partially discussed in our article “5 simple ways to keep your teeth white” include:

drinking water regularly
Brushing and flossing habitually
chewing sugar-free chewing gum
attending regular check-ups

Simply by keeping track of your eating habits, drinking more water, brushing and flossing regularly and being mindful of the last time you visited the dentist, you can overcome some of the primary causes of too decay.

Eating disorders are not the answer

Denying yourself the simple urges of healthy minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins can be far worse for your body when it comes to your oral and general health – particularly when regarding Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa and Binge Eating disorders.

Focusing on bulimia for this particular example, according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC), bulimia is characterised by “repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours.”

· What is binge eating?

Binge eating is described as a mix of two different elements:

being unable to control the amount you eat
eating large meals within a short period of time

To compensate for the excess of consumption, people with bulimia attempt to reinforce self-control with a counter measure. These are known as compensatory behaviours.

· What are compensatory behaviours?

Compensatory (purging) behaviours could include:

Fasting
Vomiting
Excessive exercise
Misusing laxatives or diuretics
Drug abuse (prescription or illegal consumption)

Bulimia and other eating disorders restrict the body’s natural strength and can cause a devastating affect to your internal organs and external appearance.

How does bulimia affect your oral health?

Generally in cases of severe bulimia, the most commonly associated compensatory behaviour is vomiting. When we vomit, we literally cover our teeth in acids that can cause severe tooth erosion especially if it is a habitual behaviour.

Patients with bulimia may exhibit:

Sharp pain in a specific tooth
Heightened tooth sensitivity
Severe tooth decay
Gum infection
Dry mouth

Are you struggling to overcome an eating or body image problem?

Do you need help? Whether it is for yourself or someone you know, NEDC may be able to offer advice. Visit there site: https://nedc.com.au/ for more information.

Your health is important to us

Here at justSMILE, Dr Rammo practices an all-encompassing approach to dentistry. We believe that your ability to share a smile isn’t just about your oral health alone.

If you are concerned that your consumption habits or lifestyle choices may be impeding on the health of your smile, book a consultation with us today and find out how Dr Rammo can help you to get your oral and overall health back on track with helpful advice and treatment options to suit your needs.

Book a Consultation with Dr Rammo today

5 Simple Ways to Keep your Teeth White

Written by justSMILE on July 21, 2014. Posted in Preventative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening.

Want an excuse to boost the whiteness of your smile? Just Smile in Ramsgate Beach

has the most celebrated teeth whitening treatments on the market! Servicing the community from Sutherland Shire, Hurstville, Kogarah and surrounding suburbs.

Here at justSMILE in Ramsgate we want to offer you the opportunity to pep up your grin using ZOOM! Teeth whitening, a method globally acclaimed to give you results. It isn’t only about the treatment though! Keeping your teeth white can be influenced by a number of different factors…

What toothpaste do you use?

The simplest yet most obvious place to start is with your toothpaste. Teeth whitening toothpastes provide just enough abrasion to eliminate surface stains from your teeth. This is generally the yellowish colour that is on the teeth. To remove more stubborn stains, it is likely you’ll need to visit a dentist.

Whitening toothpastes have limitations so it is important not to try scrubbing the enamel on your teeth tooth roughly. This will likely only cause damage which in cases can be an irreversible problem. Make sure you have a soft bristled tooth brush to counter the abrasive toothpaste, this way minimal damage can occur. Make sure you floss too, because particles stuck in-between teeth don’t only cause decay but can stain your teeth as well.

Do you go to regular check-ups?

By attending regular check-ups we can consistently clear away plaque and tartar. Tartar is a combination of bacteria and plaque which hardens over time if not removed with general brushing and flossing. During your regular check-up we will likely perform the following:

Assessment of the quality of your teeth
Check for cavities
Perform an X-ray for a more in-depth view
Perform a scale, clean and polish

It is during your scale, clean and polish where we will carefully remove any tartar build-up from the surface of your teeth. Not only does this stop the bacteria from further damaging your teeth but it can brighten your smile and leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

How many litres of water do you drink a day?

Well really it isn’t necessarily about how many litres of water you drink although that is important for your overall health. It is really about when you are drinking it. Drinking water after eating snacks and meals as well as after consuming staining beverages can help your smile stay whiter for longer.

This is because the water helps wash away any leftover particles that are floating about your mouth and also can stop bacteria from your meals and drinks from settling on the surface of your smile. This doesn’t only benefit the whitening process but it can also give you a better chance at delaying decay.

What do you chew on throughout the day?

Bit into an apple lately? That crunchy texture should be music to your ears! Crunchy apples have an abrasive nature that can gently remove surface stains and help your teeth feel fresh. Strawberries with their high acid content help to break down bacteria, whereas pineapple naturally contains a substance called bromelain. This is a natural anti-inflammatory and cleanser that is known to be an effective stain remover.

Believe it or not, many foods have natural whiteners in them. Particularly certain fruits and vegetables which have the ability to assist in keeping your teeth white. Chewing sugar-free gum can help too. Have a piece after coffee to keep your smile white and refresh your breath at the same time.

Teeth whitening treatments with justSMILE

Offering the most celebrated teeth whitening system available, Dr Rammo provides ZOOM! tooth whitening for patients that can potentially brighten your smile up to 8 shades. Our whitening treatments can be in-office or take home.

In-office ZOOM! Tooth Whitening

Performed by the dentist, this treatment uses the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide and…

Can be completed in less than an hour
Doesn’t affect the tooth’s structure
Can produce dramatic results
Is light activated
Is painless
Is safe

ZOOM! in-office is clinically practiced world-wide and is able to transform the shade of your smile by up to 8 shades brighter.

Take home ZOOM! Tooth Whitening

Would you rather do it from home? justSMILE in Ramsgate also offers take home ZOOM! whitening treatments for patients who would prefer to boost their pearly whites from home. The treatment is great if you want to watch your teeth in the whitening process first hand and the method could be more suitable for you if you have a more sensitive smile.

To find out more about your teeth whitening options and how we can advise you with your health habit to keep your smile shining bright, book a consultation with justSMILE in Ramsgate today.

The Importance of Visiting a Dentist

Written by justSMILE on November 20, 2013. Posted in Preventative Dentistry.

Dental Health: You wouldn’t trust a gardener to wire your house’s electricity

and you wouldn’t trust an ice-cream man to diagnose an ear-ache, so you shouldn’t just take people’s word for it when it comes to problems with your dental health.

Your oral health is just as delicate and important as every other aspect of your body, and just as you would visit a GP if you noticed an issue with your general health, it is important to visit a dentist if you notice a problem with your mouth. The best thing for your oral health is visiting your dentist at justSMILE for an appointment every six months. This is often enough to diagnose any problems before they progress beyond possible treatment, which can occur with diseases such as periodontitis. Dr Rammo from justSMILE can help protect your smile, as well as treat current problems and rejuvenate the appearance of your smile.

At the basis of any relationship – yes even the one with your dentist – is trust. We build trust with our patients by truly listening to your concerns, and we also dedicate our professional lives to identifying problems in your mouth early so that you’re not surprised by an unpleasant complication in the future. This is an important aspect of dentistry as it will ensure your smile is in optimum health.

We are also happy to offer options for anxious dental patients such as virtually pain-free injections and anaesthetic options. We offer nitrous oxide to our patients so that you can feel at-ease during your dental appointment even if you have a history of nervousness at the dentist.

MYTH: There’s nothing wrong so I don’t need to see the dentist

It’s extremely important that you visit Dr Rammo every six months so that your oral health can be monitored. This is important when it comes to decreasing your risk of periodontitis which can occur if you continue to neglect your mouth for an extended period of time. Also if you wait for pain to be your first symptom of a dental issue then it is clear that the issue has progressed significantly beyond the stage where it first should have been treated. There are a number of stages to both tooth decay and gum disease which should be addressed in the first stage.

Tooth Decay:

Tooth decay Stage 1: Subsurface Demineralisation

A small black hole will form where the bacteria has first eroded the exterior layer of enamel. This will then extend towards the dentine (softer layer of tooth).

Tooth decay Stage 2: Surface enamel collapse or Cavity

All enamel in between your dentine and the exterior of your tooth will collapse forming a direct hollow line from the outside to your dentine.

Tooth decay Stage 3: Dentine decay

The bacteria will continue to eat away at your dentine which is more porous and more easily affected compared to your enamel.

Tooth decay Stage 4: Cavity expands into pulp

This is when pain begins, as the pulp will be affected by bacteria which has caused the cavity. If left untreated then you may require endodontics in the near future which is the removal of your pulp otherwise known as root canal therapy.

Periodontitis:

Periodontitis Stage 1: Gingivitis

The gum is inflamed and bacteria and plaque gathers in between two teeth. You may experience bleeding gums and red gums.

Periodontitis Stage 2: Periodontal pockets

These pockets form when the gum is affected by the bacteria, causing decay and gum recession in between two teeth which leave a gap.

Periodontitis Stage 3: Periodontitis

Full periodontitis will often look like black spots between the teeth and receding gums which can recede all the way to the bottom of the tooth root.

As you can see each of these conditions get progressively worse, and without proper dental care (i.e. visiting your dentist) you may be putting yourself at risk. For tooth decay and periodontitis you may even end up losing a tooth which can be an expensive avenue that may require a dental implant.

If you’re looking for a dental implant dentist near you then Dr Rammo from justSMILE can help. Dr Rammo can install a dental implant which is the second-best thing to your natural tooth.