If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering what to expect — especially when it comes to the time commitment. Unlike routine cleanings, which are typically completed in a single visit, a deep cleaning is a more involved process that targets the gum line and below. This procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, is essential for treating gum disease and preventing further dental complications.

At Oakland Dental Care, we want every patient to feel informed and comfortable before their appointment. Knowing how long a deep cleaning will take, what it involves, and how to prepare for it can help ease your mind and ensure a smooth experience.

What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning and Why Is It Necessary?

A deep teeth cleaning is more comprehensive than a regular dental cleaning. While a standard cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and just above the gum line, a deep cleaning goes below the gum line to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that has accumulated in periodontal pockets.

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath. If left untreated, these issues can lead to more severe conditions like periodontitis, tooth mobility, or even tooth loss. A deep cleaning not only helps reverse early gum disease but also protects your overall oral health.

How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

The total time required for a deep teeth cleaning can vary depending on the extent of the buildup and the severity of gum disease. In many cases, the procedure is divided into two separate appointments, with each visit focusing on one half of the mouth — either the upper and lower right or the upper and lower left sides.

Each appointment typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. However, if the infection is more advanced or if you have sensitive gums, the process might take longer. Your dentist may also administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, which can add to the overall appointment time.

What to Expect During and After Your Appointment

During the deep cleaning, your dental professional will use specialized instruments to perform scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This is followed by root planing, a process that smooths out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach and heal properly.

After your deep teeth cleaning, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days, especially when eating or brushing. Your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and ensure that the gums are responding well to treatment. In some cases, an antimicrobial rinse or antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to further support gum health.

Maintaining Your Results After a Deep Cleaning

To protect the benefits of your deep cleaning and avoid the return of gum disease, it’s important to commit to good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and follow any specific instructions your dentist provides.

Regular dental visits are also crucial. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings — every three to four months instead of the standard six — to ensure your gums stay healthy. This is especially true if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors.

If you’re looking to schedule your deep teeth cleaning, our team at Oakland Dental Care is here to help guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning

How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

For most people, a dental cleaning every six months is sufficient to maintain oral health. However, if you’ve had a deep cleaning or are at higher risk for gum disease, your dentist may recommend cleanings more frequently — such as every three or four months.

Is deep teeth cleaning painful?

Most patients tolerate deep cleanings well, especially with the use of a local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but little to no pain. After the cleaning, it's common to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft-food diet.

At Oakland Dental Care, we’re committed to helping patients maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more advanced treatment like scaling and root planing, we provide gentle, comprehensive care in a comfortable setting. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward better oral health.

If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering what to expect — especially when it comes to the time commitment. Unlike routine cleanings, which are typically completed in a single visit, a deep cleaning is a more involved process that targets the gum line and below. This procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, is essential for treating gum disease and preventing further dental complications.

At Oakland Dental Care, we want every patient to feel informed and comfortable before their appointment. Knowing how long a deep cleaning will take, what it involves, and how to prepare for it can help ease your mind and ensure a smooth experience.

What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning and Why Is It Necessary?

A deep teeth cleaning is more comprehensive than a regular dental cleaning. While a standard cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and just above the gum line, a deep cleaning goes below the gum line to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that has accumulated in periodontal pockets.

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath. If left untreated, these issues can lead to more severe conditions like periodontitis, tooth mobility, or even tooth loss. A deep cleaning not only helps reverse early gum disease but also protects your overall oral health.

How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

The total time required for a deep teeth cleaning can vary depending on the extent of the buildup and the severity of gum disease. In many cases, the procedure is divided into two separate appointments, with each visit focusing on one half of the mouth — either the upper and lower right or the upper and lower left sides.

Each appointment typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. However, if the infection is more advanced or if you have sensitive gums, the process might take longer. Your dentist may also administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, which can add to the overall appointment time.

What to Expect During and After Your Appointment

During the deep cleaning, your dental professional will use specialized instruments to perform scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This is followed by root planing, a process that smooths out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach and heal properly.

After your deep teeth cleaning, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days, especially when eating or brushing. Your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and ensure that the gums are responding well to treatment. In some cases, an antimicrobial rinse or antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to further support gum health.

Maintaining Your Results After a Deep Cleaning

To protect the benefits of your deep cleaning and avoid the return of gum disease, it’s important to commit to good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and follow any specific instructions your dentist provides.

Regular dental visits are also crucial. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings — every three to four months instead of the standard six — to ensure your gums stay healthy. This is especially true if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors.

If you’re looking to schedule your deep teeth cleaning, our team at Oakland Dental Care is here to help guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning

How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

For most people, a dental cleaning every six months is sufficient to maintain oral health. However, if you’ve had a deep cleaning or are at higher risk for gum disease, your dentist may recommend cleanings more frequently — such as every three or four months.

Is deep teeth cleaning painful?

Most patients tolerate deep cleanings well, especially with the use of a local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but little to no pain. After the cleaning, it's common to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft-food diet.

At Oakland Dental Care, we’re committed to helping patients maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more advanced treatment like scaling and root planing, we provide gentle, comprehensive care in a comfortable setting. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward better oral health.

Root canal treatments can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Many individuals worry about potential discomfort or pain during the procedure, which raises a common question—do they put you to sleep for a root canal? Understanding the process can help alleviate concerns and make you feel more confident about receiving this effective treatment.

While root canal therapy has a reputation for being uncomfortable, modern dentistry has come a long way in ensuring patient comfort through advanced techniques and sedation options. This blog will explore whether sedation is used during root canals, the type of sedation available, and what you can expect during the procedure.

Sedation Options for Root Canal Treatments

When it comes to root canals, most patients are not put to sleep but remain awake during the procedure with the help of local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia numbs the area being treated, ensuring you don’t feel pain throughout the process. However, for individuals who experience severe dental anxiety, additional sedation options may be available.

Dentists may offer conscious sedation methods, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives, to help you feel calm and relaxed during the treatment. Although being “put to sleep” under general anesthesia is rare for root canals, it might be considered in exceptional cases where a patient has extreme anxiety or a complex medical condition.

Why Sedation Is Rarely Necessary

Root canals are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Thanks to local anesthesia and advanced dental techniques, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled. General anesthesia, which puts you into a deep sleep, is usually reserved for oral surgeries or more invasive procedures. For root canals, dentists aim to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible while ensuring a comfortable, efficient process.

Patients who are apprehensive about the treatment can discuss comprehensive pain management and sedation options with their dentist. This collaborative approach helps ensure the procedure meets your comfort needs without unnecessary measures like full sedation.

What to Expect After a Root Canal

After your root canal treatment, it’s normal to experience some mild tenderness in the area as your tooth and gums heal. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including pain management tips and dietary recommendations, to ensure a smooth recovery. Most patients find that the discomfort subsides within a few days, leaving them with a healthy, pain-free smile. Remember, addressing dental issues early with treatments like root canals can prevent more extensive problems in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

Do root canals hurt?

Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not painful procedures. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, so you won’t feel pain during the process. Any discomfort experienced afterward is usually mild and temporary, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does a root canal take?

The duration of a root canal typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Some teeth with multiple roots may require additional time. Your dentist will guide you through the process and schedule follow-up visits if necessary.

Oakland Dental Care offers comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages in the Oakland community. With a focus on comfort and advanced care, their experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Learn more at Oakland Dental Care.

Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) shines a light on the importance of good oral health for children by celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This month-long national observance emphasizes the critical role oral hygiene habits play in a child’s overall health and well-being. It’s a time to raise awareness, educate families, and inspire kids to develop strong dental health practices that will serve them for a lifetime. By teaching children the value of oral hygiene and helping them build healthy habits, we can set them up for a future free from many preventable dental problems.

At Oakland Dental Care, we are passionate about making dental visits a comfortable, enjoyable, and educational experience for children of all ages. Whether it’s their first dental checkup or they’re learning how to care for their teeth as they grow, our team is here to guide them every step of the way. From personalized care to creating a welcoming environment, our goal is to make every child feel at ease while building a positive association with dental care.

Teaching Kids the Importance of Oral Hygiene

Building a strong foundation for oral health starts early. One of the primary goals of National Children's Dental Health Month is to teach children the importance of proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. These early habits help children avoid common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, all of which can have lasting effects on their oral health. When children get off to a strong start, they’re much more likely to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.

Parents play a vital role in this process, as they’re the first role models for good oral health. Encouraging kids to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and supervising them until the age of 8 ensures they adopt habits that last. Parents can make oral care fun by involving their children in the process. Picking out a toothbrush with their favorite character, using colorful brushing charts, or setting timers with catchy songs can all help kids look forward to brushing. Additionally, teaching kids how to floss properly and demonstrating it regularly will give them the skills they need to care for their teeth independently as they grow older.

And of course, scheduling consistent dental visits ensures children’s teeth are in great shape while offering an opportunity to learn about their oral health. Regular dental checkups provide children a chance to ask questions, receive professional advice, and establish a positive relationship with their dentist, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Nutrition and Its Effect on Children’s Oral Health

Proper nutrition is as essential for healthy teeth as it is for overall health. Foods high in sugars and starches can increase the risk of cavities and other oral issues, making it crucial to monitor dietary choices. National Children's Dental Health Month is an excellent opportunity for families to examine their eating habits and make positive changes that benefit teeth and gums.

Incorporating tooth-friendly foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products helps support strong teeth and gums. Foods like cheese, yogurt, and milk are rich in calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel, while crunchy fruits and veggies, like apples and carrots, stimulate saliva production and naturally clean teeth after meals. Swapping sugary beverages like soda or juice for water or milk is another easy way to reduce sugar exposure and protect young teeth. Creating a balanced diet not only promotes good oral health but also helps build a healthy foundation for your child’s overall wellbeing.

Parents can also use snack time as an opportunity to teach children about the effects of food on their teeth. For example, explaining how sticky candies or sugary snacks can linger on teeth and lead to cavities can help kids make smarter choices. Combining these lessons with fun, interactive activities—like creating a “tooth-friendly” snack menu—can make nutrition a learning experience kids will enjoy.

The Role of Regular Dental Checkups

While home care is essential, professional dental cleanings and checkups play a key role in keeping children’s teeth healthy. Dentists not only address issues as they arise but also provide preventive care and personalized guidance specific to each child’s needs. At Oakland Dental Care, we’re committed to making dental visits a positive experience for kids, building their confidence in caring for their oral health.

During dental checkups, our team removes plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be cleaned at home, applies fluoride treatments (if needed), and offers valuable tips for maintaining oral health. These visits also allow us to catch potential concerns early, preventing more serious issues down the line. For children, early intervention can mean the difference between a quick, simple fix and more extensive procedures in the future.

Our general dental services are designed to provide families with exceptional preventive care, ensuring that both kids and adults alike can enjoy bright, healthy smiles for years to come. Our team works closely with parents to create a care plan that fits each child’s unique needs, making dental health a family priority.

Creating a Lifelong Habit of Good Dental Care

National Children's Dental Health Month is more than a moment to highlight oral health—it’s about instilling lifelong habits. Positive reinforcement at home, engaging dental visits, and creative ways to teach children about oral hygiene can help kids build a strong foundation for their future.

Parents and caregivers serve as role models by brushing and flossing alongside their children, demonstrating the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. By making oral health a natural part of the daily routine, they can help children see it as a normal, enjoyable activity. With encouragement, education, and support, kids can grow up with the confidence and knowledge they need to maintain healthy smiles for life.

At Oakland Dental Care, we’re proud to be part of this journey by helping families create lasting habits and providing compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. National Children's Dental Health Month reminds us of the power of early education and prevention, setting children up for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles. Together, we can make oral health a priority today and every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Dental Services

What age should my child start visiting the dentist?

The ADA recommends scheduling your child’s first visit by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth appears. Starting early helps children feel comfortable at the dentist and ensures their teeth develop properly.

How often should a child have a dental checkup?

Children, just like adults, should visit the dentist every six months for a general checkup and cleaning. Regular visits allow dentists to monitor dental development, address minor issues early, and reinforce the importance of oral care habits.

At Oakland Dental Care, we believe everyone deserves a smile they can feel proud of. Our practice combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care to make every visit a positive experience. Serving families in and around Oakland, NJ, we are here to help you and your children maintain optimal dental health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Dental bridges are artificial teeth attached to neighboring crowns or implants. They help fill in gaps in patients' smiles, preventing other teeth from moving and improving appearance and chewing function.

 

A standard crown-supported dental bridge will usually last five to seven years. However, with proper care, patients may be able to preserve their bridges for ten years and more.

About Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a useful option for patients missing one to three adjacent teeth. To place a bridge, the dentist first installs crowns or implants on either side of the gap. The artificial tooth or pontic attaches to both sides, creating a smooth, natural look.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Prevent Facial Sagging

Missing teeth cause facial muscles to sag, aging a person's appearance. A dental bridge can preserve the natural look of your face.

Restore Your Smile

Gaps in your smile can lead to self-consciousness. A dental bridge can restore your healthy smile. You will feel free to laugh and talk freely again.

Better Chewing Function

With missing teeth, chewing can be challenging. Rather than chewing around the gaps in your teeth, you can confidently eat most foods.

Clear Speech

Missing teeth make pronouncing words difficult. With a new bridge, you will be able to form clear sounds.

Keep Natural Teeth in Place 

With missing teeth, the remaining natural teeth often slip out of place. This problem can make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean, making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

Extending the Life of Your Dental Bridge

Avoid Chewing Hard Foods and Objects

While dental bridges can provide excellent chewing function, you should avoid hard objects like ice and foods like nuts and hard candy.

Keep Gums and Teeth Clean

Brushing multiple times each day is best to keep your bridge and the adjacent teeth clean. If you do not brush enough, plaque and tartar may build up, triggering the onset of periodontal disease. The natural tooth under your bridge-anchoring crown may also decay.

Floss As Recommended

Flossing around a bridge may seem challenging, but most pharmacies carry flossing aids to help you navigate the process. Interproximal bridges are small and inexpensive. They can help remove food and plaque in and around your dental bridge.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco use hinders healing and can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

Make All Follow-Up Visits

Dr. Kook will need to check on the condition and attachment of your dental bridge at each appointment. Do not skip appointments after having a bridge installed.

Call Oakland Dental Care

You don't have to live with a gap in your teeth. If you want to know whether a bridge could improve your smile and oral health, call Oakland Dental Care at 201-337-7733. We can explain your options and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kook.

If you’re concerned about discolored teeth, you might want to pay a visit to the dentist for a professional whitening treatment. This cosmetic service offers immediate results, giving you an instant makeover by whitening your teeth several shades.

 

It’s an easy way to boost your confidence in your smile — but how much will it set you back? Here’s what you should know about how much teeth whitening costs in Bergen County.

Types of Teeth Whitening Solutions

There are many different ways to whiten teeth. Over-the-counter products include whitening toothpastes, strips, pens, and trays. All are formulated to brighten your smile, but they generally produce far less noticeable results than professional whitening solutions.

 

There’s a risk with using over-the-counter whitening products, too. They often contain elevated amounts of peroxide, which can increase sensitivity significantly and cause pain when you eat or drink.

 

By contrast, professional whitening involves bleaching the teeth with a specific amount of peroxide to brighten your smile to your desired level. Before the service begins, you’ll choose your preferred shade. Your dentist can usually whiten your teeth by several shades in a single appointment, although it may take a couple of visits to achieve your desired color if your teeth are especially stained. 

Cost of Teeth Whitening in Bergen County

How much you’ll pay for teeth whitening in Bergen County depends largely on a few factors. Here’s how each affects your costs and your teeth.

Degree of Discoloration

The more stained your teeth, the longer it may take to whiten them. You’ll likely need to come back for a few sessions until you reach your desired shade of white. Plus, your dentist may decide to scale your teeth to remove hardened calculus plaques from your teeth before whitening. This can build up and leave teeth stained yellow.

 

If you don’t have too much discoloration, the process is straightforward and quick. Your dentist will usually clean your teeth, then bleach them. More stains means more bleaching, along with possible scaling. As it’s more time-consuming, it’s likely to cost more. 

Whitening Preparation

Everyone’s needs are different. Extrinsic stains that sit on the surface of the teeth are easier to remove, take less time, and don’t require any preparatory work. By contrast, stains that are deep-set or intrinsic can take a considerable amount of effort to break down.

 

That means you might need some extra treatments before the actual whitening process begins. Scaling, for example, may be necessary to remove the tartar, plaque, and other buildup on and around your teeth. Your dentist may follow that up with polishing to get your teeth as ready as possible for the whitening solution.

 

Some people have more sensitive teeth than others, too. In that case, you might be asked to undergo fluoride treatment or apply a desensitizing agent to your teeth before the bleaching process begins. 

Payment Plans

Some dental offices offer the option for financing your services, usually with no interest when the treatment is over a certain amount or when you pay at least the minimum every month. Be sure to ask about this possibility if you’re concerned about the cost of teeth whitening. 

Teeth Whitening in Bergen County

Oakland Dental Care offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions to improve the appearance of your teeth and restore confidence in your smile. If you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening, visit the website to find out more about how Dr. Kook and his skilled team can make your vision of the perfect smile a reality. Call 201-337-7733 to schedule an appointment today.

Having a missing tooth is a bigger deal than just aesthetics. Without a replacement, that empty space offers no support to surrounding teeth, allowing them to drift. This can lead to crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, misaligned bites, and, eventually, the need for complex dental care. 

There are many ways to avoid all of this - and a dental bridge is one of the most popular options to do so. While they work beautifully, sometimes issues can arise that impact the integrity of it. Removal may be necessary, but can a dental bridge be removed and recemented? Let’s find out. 

What is a Dental Bridge? 

A dental bridge is an oral appliance that fills in the empty space where a tooth once was. There are many different types, but typically it involves two crowns, one on either side of the open space, that fit upon anchoring teeth. This is what holds the fake tooth, formally known as a pontic, in place. 

Cement is used to secure the dental crowns as they attach to strong, healthy anchor teeth. This allows the dental bridge to look and function just like a real tooth or teeth - and gives you biting strength back, as well. 

When Would a Dental Bridge Need to Be Removed? 

If placed well and diligently cared for, dental bridges can last for several years. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, a dental bridge may fail and need to be removed. Below are a few of the most common reasons this happens. 

• Poor-Fitting Bridge. A bridge that is too loose will not only function poorly, but it will allow bacteria to make their way under the bridge and lead to tooth decay in the healthy anchor teeth. As a result, this can cause the bridge to lose its stable support, too. 
• Cracked or Damaged Pontic. Although the dental crowns used as fake teeth are strong and meant to hold a lot of pressure from bite force, they are not unbreakable. Any cracks or breaks will require dental attention and potential removal. 
• Damage to Surrounding Teeth. It is possible for a dental bridge to damage the teeth they come in contact with, wearing down their enamel over time. This can put healthy teeth at risk for decay. 
• Gum Disease. Dental bridges can increase the risk of gum disease. Any signs of it will need to be addressed right away - or the bridge may need to be removed. 

Can a Dental Bridge Be Recemented? 

After a dental bridge has been removed, it may or may not be able to be recemented. After all, the act of removing the bridge could cause damage since the cement used is meant to hold it in place for many years. So, whether or not it will be able to be saved and recemented will depend highly on the situation. How strong the cement bond is, the cause of the bridge failure, and the strength of the anchor teeth all play a role.  

For instance, if a bridge is too loose, it is often no big deal to remove it and recement it as it obviously didn’t have a good grip in the first place. On the other hand, if the bridge is unable to be easily removed, it will likely have to be drilled off, causing irreparable damage to the bridge and requiring replacement. 

Dental Bridges at Oakland Dental Care

Learn more about dental bridges - and whether or not they are right for you - at Oakland Dental Care. 

Contact us today at 201-337-7733. Or, request an appointment online. 

 If you’re anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people experience fear and anxiety regarding dental appointments, but there is an answer.

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to manage dental anxiety and help you get the dental care you need.

In this article, you’ll learn all about sedation dentistry – how it works, its benefits, and the different types of sedation available. From IV sedation to oral sedation and more, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision on the best option for you.

Don’t let anxiety keep you from getting the dental care you need – learn more about sedation dentistry today!

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation is a drug-induced state of reduced consciousness and arousal. It is commonly used to treat anxiety and fear and may be administered as a type of anesthesia in dentistry.

Oral sedation and IV sedation are the most common types of sedation used in dentistry, and they can be used to ease dental and medical procedures.

• Oral sedation involves taking medications that reduce the feelings of anxiety or pain in the patient.
• IV sedation involves a saline solution containing a sedative that is administered intravenously.

Both types of sedation are milder than general anesthesia, which is the most extreme form of sedation and involves complete loss of consciousness.

Types of sedation dentistry

Oral sedation is used to treat mild to moderate dental anxiety or pain. Oral sedation medications are safe to use with any type of dental procedure and generally don’t require any special preparation. Oral sedation can be used to numb the mouth to reduce sensitivity to touch, eliminate the need for anesthesia, or both.

Inhalation sedation is used to administer nitrous oxide (often called “laughing gas”) to reduce or eliminate the need for anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is safe to use with any type of dental procedure and generally doesn’t require any special preparation. Inhalation sedation can be used to numb the mouth to reduce sensitivity to touch or eliminate the need for anesthesia. This is a common sedation option for dental anxiety treatment.

IV sedation is used to administer a sedative that is administered intravenously. IV sedation is a common type of sedation used to administer general anesthesia. IV sedation reduces anxiety and pain in patients who may not be medically fit or stable to receive anesthesia by another route.

How to prepare for sedation dentistry

When you arrive at the dental office for your appointment, let the staff know that you’d like to be sedated. You can tell them that you’re experiencing dental anxiety and that the appointment is especially stressful for you. It may also be helpful to talk about any specific anxieties you have related to the dental procedure.

Let the staff know about any medications that you’re taking or other health conditions that you want to be aware of. Schedule your appointment for a day when you’re not feeling sick or have other extensive plans. If you’ll be experiencing dental anxiety, it’s helpful to have as much time as possible to prepare mentally.

Sedation Dentistry in Oakland

If you’re having trouble coping with dental anxiety, it’s worth seeking treatment. There are many benefits to receiving treatment for dental anxiety, such as improved dental health, a decreased likelihood of repeat visits to the dental office, and a decreased likelihood of suicide.

Now that you have a better understanding of sedation dentistry, you are well prepared to make an informed decision on the best option for you. Whether it’s oral sedation, IV sedation, or a combination of both, you’ll know what to expect during your appointment.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, contact us at201-337-7733.