Sedation Dentistry Options

James A. Vito, DMD practices cosmetic and general dentistry in Wayne, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. In order to help patients feel more comfortable while receiving dental work, James A. Vito, DMD offers sedation dentistry at his office.

For many people, getting a dental procedure is somewhat uncomfortable, but not an overly stressful or difficult experience. However, others may experience high levels of anxiety at the prospect of getting dental work done. Additionally, some people may have difficulty sitting still through a long procedure or have a lower threshold for pain. For these individuals, a dentist may offer sedation services to help. 

A dentist might offer different levels of sedation to patients. For instance, nitrous oxide gas, also known as laughing gas, provides lower levels of sedation. The patient breathes it in when the dentist administers the gas via a mask, and it helps the patient feel calmer. Another option is to use an oral medication such as Halcion to lightly or moderately sedate the patient. This option does not work right away, and the patient must take the medication about an hour before the procedure so that the drug has time to take effect.

In comparison, sedating drugs given intravenously work much faster, and the patient receives it continuously throughout the procedure. The dentist can also easily adjust the amount of the drug the patient receives if necessary, which is another advantage of this approach. A dentist can provide additional information about the types of sedation he or she offers and their pros and cons.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Holding dual board certification in implant dentistry, James A. Vito, DMD, has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years. James A. Vito, DMD sees patients of all ages at his office in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

When it comes to treating damaged and missing teeth, dental implants offer a number of advantages over other options. Following are just a few of the benefits.

- Long lasting: While traditional dental bridges require replacing at some point, dental implants can last a lifetime when they are placed and cared for properly. They are designed to be a long-term solution and may only need small adjustments rather than full replacements.

- Natural looking: Dental implants fit and function like normal teeth. They are strong and stable options to replacing lost teeth, and they offer improved eating and speaking abilities. Additionally, certain options result in bone deterioration, something that is less likely with dental implants.

- Confidence boosting: Since dental implants have a more natural look and feel, they allow patients to quickly regain their self-confidence. Rather than worrying about pain or appearance, patients with dental implants can smile and laugh without thinking about missing teeth.                            

Going to the Dentist without Fear

Fear and anxiety prevent between 9 and 15 percent of Americans from seeing the dentist. It is estimated that for 36 percent of the people who avoid going to the dentist regularly, fear is the main reason. Dental sedation can help patients that suffer from dental phobia by helping them to relax in an otherwise anxiety-producing environment. The office of James A. Vito, DMD, has been offering dental sedation since 1991. Under the care of a medical anesthesiologist, Dr. James A. Vito’s patients desiring sedation can undergo simple dental treatments or complex procedures with peace of mind.

There are several types of sedation available to patients who experience dental phobia. For minimal sedation, a patient receives nitrous oxide through a mask. A patient also can receive oral sedation, which could include medications like Valium or Halcion. Under this type of treatment, the patient is awake, but extremely drowsy. IV sedation delivers a sedative drug through a vein. With this method, the dentist and anesthesiologist can continually adjust the level of sedation as needed.

Prior to receiving sedation, patients should discuss their medical history and current medications with their dentist.                            

The Three Stages of Traditional Dental Implant Surgery

Serving patients in Wayne, Pennsylvania, James A. Vito, DMD, is a periodontist and prosthodontist with a broad skill-set in implant dentistry. Focusing on implants, James A. Vito, DMD, assists his clients in better understanding what to expect in a dental implant scenario.

Traditional dental implant procedures include three surgical steps. The first involves burying the implant into the bone under the gum line. This will require the patient to heal for some time before proceeding to the next step, which includes attaching a post to the implant called an abutment. Once again, the gum is allowed to heal around the abutment. The third and final step involves placing the prosthetic tooth in place over the abutment.

Dental implant surgeries have a traditional success rate of 90 percent or higher. Sometimes, a dental implant may not fully integrate. However, dentists can provide their patients with the best advice and expectations for their procedure.

There is a one-stage dental implant surgery process available as well. Procedures vary, depending on the patient’s needs. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals consult with dentists who are experienced in a range of such surgeries.

Mini Implants Gaining Popularity

James A. Vito, DMD, is a dentist in Wayne, Pennsylvania, who concentrates on periodontics and implant dentistry. As an implant dentist, James A. Vito, DMD, can offer his patients a variety of procedures, including mini implants.

While many have heard of dental implants, mini implants are something of a best-kept secret. Mini implants are gentle, simple and do not require surgery. Being just half the width of a normal implant, mini implants are not fully submerged into the gum. For those who wear dentures, two to four tiny steel posts are installed and the dentures snap right over them. This simple procedure makes mini implants ideal for many denture wearers or those missing a tooth in a narrow space. Patients who could consider mini implants are those who have experienced bone loss or who need a less-expensive option than traditional implants. Mini implants are a fraction of the cost of full implants. Unfortunately, many insurance carriers still do not cover mini implant procedures. Therefore, it’s best to consult with a dentist to get the best recommendation for a particular situation.

Dental implant procedures have the potential to change patients’ lives. Many report higher levels of confidence and more reasons to smile after having such work done.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

An experienced prosthodontist in Wayne, Pennsylvania, James A. Vito, DMD, has helped restore the smiles of numerous patients who have suffered tooth loss. While removable dentures and fixed bridges are viable choices for replacing missing teeth, James A. Vito, DMD, educates patients on the many benefits of dental implants.

Dental implants are titanium cylinders that are placed in the jawbone to take the place of tooth roots. Part of the implant extends beyond the gums so that replacement teeth, such as a single crown or a bridge, can be attached. Because implants are firmly rooted in the jaw, they keep prosthetic teeth stable and do not lose their fit or slip out of place like removable dentures. This allows patients the freedom to eat what they like and speak without complications.

Dental implants also stand alone and do not require altering the structure of healthy teeth like a fixed crown and bridge system, thus helping patients to hold onto as many natural teeth as possible. Another health benefit of implants is that they provide the same stimulation of the jawbone as natural tooth roots. This promotes good bone density to not only preserve oral health but also prevent the bone deterioration that typically gives the face a sunken appearance after tooth loss.                            

Sedation Dentistry for Those with Dental Phobias

Since 1987, James A. Vito, DMD, has improved the smiles and oral health of patients who have a wide range of dental problems. In many cases, these problems are a result of dental phobia, which makes a person avoid seeing the dentist and allows dental problems to escalate. To help put fearful patients at ease, James A. Vito, DMD, offers sedation dentistry at his Wayne, Pennsylvania, private practice.

Delivered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, sedation dentistry involves administering anti-anxiety medications intravenously prior to the dental procedure. This class of medication does not relieve pain but rather places the patient in a state of deep relaxation that is often described as dream-like. Patients are still conscious and able to respond to the dental staff if necessary, but they feel no fear. For pain control, the dentist administers local anesthesia to the treatment area once the IV medication kicks in. Throughout the procedure, the anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s oxygen levels, pulse, and blood pressure and adjusts the medication as needed to ensure his or her safety. Patients who have undergone this type of sedation frequently report that the dental procedure was over before they knew it and that they have little or no memory of what happened.