Which Type of Dental Sedation Should You Get for Your Dental Visits?

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Do you tend to put off dental visits due to anxiety? Or are you worried about an upcoming dental procedure that’s long or complex? Our dentists in Charlottesville, VA, at South Side Dental Center offer multiple kinds of sedation for different situations. We can help you choose the right one based on certain factors.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Sedation?

Nitrous Oxide

You might know this as laughing gas. It’s a fast-acting sedative that starts taking effect as you breathe it in.

Oral Sedation

This is an anti-anxiety medication you typically take some time before your visit to help ease nervousness temporarily.

IV Sedation

This type delivers a sedative intravenously, providing quick effects as it enters your bloodstream right away.

How Severe Is Your Anxiety About Dental Visits?

We may recommend nitrous oxide or oral sedation for mild or moderate anxiety. But we might suggest IV dental sedation in Charlottesville, VA, if you have more severe anxiety for immediate results and a deeper state of relaxation.

How Simple or Complex Is Your Procedure?

If you’re coming in for quick or simple treatment, oral sedation or nitrous oxide may be all you need for sedation. We may recommend IV sedation if you’re undergoing a more complex or lengthy procedure.

Do You Have Any Health Conditions?

Certain medical conditions may make some types of sedation riskier than others. We’ll discuss your medical history before making a decision.

Visit Us for Dental Sedation and Stress-Free Visits!

Are you trying to find ways to feel more relaxed about going to the dentist? At South Side Dental Center, we offer different types of dental sedation in Charlottesville, VA, to help calm your nerves. Our dental team can help you determine which type of sedation is best for you!

Five Myths About Sedation Dentistry Debunked

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If you’ve ever put off a necessary dental appointment because of anxiety, you are not alone! Almost 73% of adults report experiencing either mild or severe stress related to visiting the dentist. Here at South Side Dental Center, your Charlottesville, VA dentists offer safe and effective sedation dentistry to help you relax through whatever dental work you need to have done—even routine cleanings! Still, we realize there are a lot of myths about sedation dentistry, so we’d like to debunk them today:

Myth 1: Dentists Only Use Sedation for Major Dental Work

Fact: Actually, we have different levels of sedation that we can tailor to the needs of each patient and procedure. for everything from your regularly scheduled cleaning to fillings, root canals, implants, etc. For example, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is helpful for children and adults. It takes the edge off the anxiety about routine dental procedures like cleanings and teeth whitening. It wears off quickly enough that most patients can drive themselves home after their appointment.

Myth 2: Sedation Dentistry Can’t Be Used for Children

Fact: Mild sedation with nitrous oxide is safe, effective, and very common in pediatric dentistry, since children are often the most anxious about dental work. General anesthesia can also be used for children needing more intensive dental work. Your dentist will examine your child’s medical history to ensure safety and a good experience.

Myth 3: I’ll Be Groggy for Days

Fact: Even if you need or want to go under oral or IV sedation, the most intense grogginess only lasts for a few hours after the treatment is completed.

Myth 4: Sedation is Fine for Everyone

Fact: Sedation is typically safe for most people when it is administered by a properly certified professional. It is, however, contraindicated for people using certain medications, pregnant women, patients with certain allergies, or some medical conditions. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your dentists in Charlottesville so we can make an informed decision.

Myth 5: You Will Be Unconscious

Fact: Not necessarily, unless general anesthesia is necessary. Milder forms of sedation that we most often use here at South Side Dental Center can make you drowsy, euphoric, and carefree. You will still be conscious enough to respond to questions.

Questions about Sedation Dentistry in Charlottesville, VA?

If you still have questions about sedation dentistry, please contact us here at South Side Dental Center. The dentists Charlottesville, VA neighbors trust can answer your questions and help you feel comfortable and confident about your dental care and sedation needs!

What’s Making My Teeth Dark?

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Here at South Side Dental Center, our dentists in Charlottesville hear this question frequently: Why are my teeth so dark? And the follow-up question is usually: how can I get whiter teeth? Many of our patients have tried over-the-counter whitening products, only to be disappointed with the uneven and lackluster results. Fortunately, our professional teeth whitening services can help you get a significantly brighter smile, even if you are struggling with any of the following teeth darkening factors:

Things You Eat or Drink

Dark beverages, including red wine, coffee, and tea, can stain the teeth, as can dark foods like soy sauce, cherries, berries, and even dark leafy greens. You should definitely continue eating healthy foods like leafy greens and berries, but be aware that if you eat them frequently, they can stain your teeth.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Our Charlottesville, VA dentists urge patients to stop using tobacco products for overall health, but also because they stain the teeth as well. Keep in mind that using teeth whitening services while continuing to smoke can also lead to disappointing results. Tobacco products will stain the teeth again.

Injury to the Teeth

Traumatic injury to a tooth or teeth can darken them as well. A damaged tooth may become dark and stand out against brighter, uninjured teeth.

Not Taking Care of Your Teeth

Hard, yellow, bacteria-laden tartar will build up on the teeth, especially along the gumline. This also discolors the teeth and causes serious oral health problems that can lead to infection and tooth loss. Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once to keep your teeth healthy and clean.

Additional Reasons for Discolored Teeth

While you have some control over some factors that can darken your teeth, the following situations can be harder to control on your own:

  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Medications to manage other health conditions

Brighten Your Smile with the Dentists Charlottesville, VA Trusts

Here at South Side Dental Center, we can help you get a noticeably brighter, whiter smile in just one visit, or with a customized, dentist-approved take-home teeth whitening kit. If you want a brighter, more confident smile, schedule an appointment with us today!

What Kinds of Smile Imperfections Can Veneers Fix?

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Is there something about your smile you don’t like? Whether you have discolored teeth or a chipped front tooth, dental veneers can help address these flaws. At South Side Dental Center, our dentists in Charlottesville, VA, offer this cosmetic service for all of the following kinds of imperfections.

Cracked Teeth

Is a slight crack in a front tooth making you self-conscious? Veneers are porcelain shells that can cover up any small cracks you have to improve your smile. For more severe cracks, we may need to explore other solutions.

Chipped Teeth

Do you have one or more chipped front teeth? With dental veneers in Charlottesville, VA, no one will know about these chips. Instead, they’ll see a flawless smile!

Discolored or Stained Teeth

Have you tried whitening before? If your teeth are still stained, porcelain veneers can cover up discoloration and help them look brighter again.

Gaps Between Teeth

Do you have a visible gap between your front teeth? Dental veneers provide a convenient way to fill up this empty space and enhance your smile.

Unusually Shaped Teeth

Do you have a front tooth that doesn’t fit with your other teeth due to its shape? Veneers can conceal unusual shapes, helping your teeth look more evenly shaped.

Shorter-Looking Teeth

Does a front tooth appear shorter, making it stand out more when you smile? Dental veneers can make this tooth look longer so it fits in better with your other teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment for Veneers Today!

Are you ready to say goodbye to tooth flaws? We’re here to help! Our dental team at South Side Dental Center offers dental veneers in Charlottesville, VA, to help correct different types of imperfections for a beautiful smile!

Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?

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Cavities can be painful and are damaging to your child’s teeth. If left untreated, cavities can also cause dental infections. Working with your child’s dentist in Charlottesville, VA, can help prevent these problems.

The dental professionals at South Side Dental Center offer cavity fillings, patient education, and preventative care to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. If your child has had one or more cavities, here’s what you should know about cavity prevention.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are often caused by a combination of poor oral hygiene and sugar consumption. Children are especially vulnerable to cavities because they often consume candies and sugary drinks that increase their risk, and many kids have not fully developed their ability to take care of or clean their teeth.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Cavities?

There are many things you and your child can do to prevent your child from getting too many cavities.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. If your child is seven years old or younger, brush their teeth for them. Young children often lack the dexterity and hand-eye coordination to brush their teeth properly. If your child brushes their own teeth, pay attention to how they brush their teeth and whether they do a good job.
  • Eat healthy. Keep sugar-free snacks around the house and encourage your child to limit their sugar consumption.
  • Take your child to the dentist. Bring your child to the dentist as often as recommended by their dental professional.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Cavities?

If your child has cavities, they may complain about a toothache, or you may notice that their breath smells bad. You may also see a discoloration on their tooth enamel or a black spot on their teeth. Talk to the dentist about these problems.

What Should I Do If My Child Has Cavities?

A cavity is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly, before it gets worse. Make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.

Contact Us for Cavity Fillings

Does your child have cavity fillings in Charlottesville, VA? Call today to make an appointme