1. What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry means that you will be sedated during your dental treatment. Sedation is provided by either a sedation dentist or an M.D. anesthesiologist who works side-by-side with the dentist during your care. All of your dental treatment is performed while you are in a safe, painless, twilight sedation. Sedation dentistry at Pleasant Dreams Dental Centers is performed in state-of-the-art dental offices. Dr. Perry is your local Pleasant Dreams Dental Dentist. The result is that you feel no anxiety, no fear, no pain, and then wake up after the work is completed. In less than an hour you are ready to leave the office. And best of all, you feel like you had a pleasant nap with little or no memory of the dental appointment. It's safe, it's effective, and it makes possible the care that you so desperately need. All types of dentistry can be done while you are sedated, from simple cleanings to complete smile makeovers. It's not just the dentistry that you need; it's also the cosmetic dentistry that can make for beautiful and healthy smiles. And it's not just about helping fearful patients. For those who want to avoid the inconvenience of scheduling multiple regular dental appointments, or those who simply find it difficult to sit for long appointments, sedation dentistry is the answer because all your dentistry can be completed in only one or two appointments.

2. Is Sedation Dentistry safe?

This is the safest type of sedation dentistry. You are sedated and completely comfortable while being cared for by a highly trained sedation dentist or an M.D. anesthesiologist. Your level of sedation is monitored and adjusted throughout your dental appointment so that you have no pain or awareness and no memory of the procedure when its over. Will I need to be accompanied by someone to and from my dental appointment? Yes, someone must bring you to the office and take you home at the end of your appointment. At home you will relax and rest comfortably for the rest of the day. How long will I be sedated? It depends on the extent of your dental treatment. It can be as short as 1 hour or as long as 3 to 4 hours. Your dentist will tell you the details of your treatment and the length of time needed to complete it.

3. How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Perry will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available. Refraining from using your veneers as tools to open and cut things will prolong their life, and if accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.

4. What is Bonding?

Bonding is an alternative to veneers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged. The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance. The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.

5. Does flossing fight periodontal disease?

The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once every day. Flossing helps stimulate your gums to rebuild themselves. Also, by scraping away plaque and other material, flossing stimulates your body’s immune system to take care of any invading bacteria, thereby helping to keep gums healthy.

6. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least 2 times every day. This will help to cleanse your teeth of unwanted bacteria or the food bits on which they can feed.