When combined with regular brushing and flossing, sealants are an easy way to prevent tooth infection and caries. Sealants are also:
- Invisible – Sealants are invisible to everyone but your dentist. It’s unlikely that even you will be able to notice them.
- Durable – Sealants can last up to 10 years before they need to be touched-up.
- Hassle-free – Sealants can be applied in one, quick and easy appointment. After that, you’ll rarely need to think about them again.
The Procedure
Sealants are typically applied to the hard-chewing molars at the back of the mouth. Before painting on the plastic sealant material, your dentist will clear the teeth of bacteria. The tooth surfaces are then roughened with an acid solution. The sealant is painted on and bonds quickly, taking less than a minute before it becomes permanent.
If you would like more information about sealants or want to schedule an appointment with our dental care team, contact Greenspoint Dental today.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
This is the most common sedation practice and has been used by dentists for many years. The patient has normal bodily functions during the procedure. It works best for mild to moderate anxiety and has a rapid onset. It can be used for any appointment length and can be altered quickly if more sedation is needed.
Oral Sedation
This is given in a pill form. Your body functions remain stable, and you are able to breathe on your own and usually feel like you fall asleep. There is only some memory of the procedure. This option works well for most people and is safe and easy to monitor.
IV Sedation
This sedation is also known as deep conscious sedation. The medications are given straight into the bloodstream. The drugs used in IV sedation by our clinic in Houston are more effective than drugs taken orally. This type of sedation erases most memories of the procedure, and it feels like you slept through it.
There are many advantages to “sleep dentistry”:
- Helps you maintain great oral hygiene since you aren’t afraid to get dental treatments.
- Procedures that may take hours feel like only a few minutes.
- Stay awake during the treatment, but feel so comfortable and peaceful you don’t remember it.
- Sedation dentistry is extremely safe since you are monitored the entire time by skilled dental professionals.
- You can feel relaxed for five to six hours after the sedation, depending on which is used.
- Depending on the sedation, you may not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure you have someone who can take you home, so you can rest until you are fully alert.
- People who have difficulty going numb will not have any issues with sedation dentistry.We at Greenspoint Dental in Houston, offer different kinds of sedation dentistry, depending on your dental needs. Give us a call at (281) 823-9987.
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