Monthly Archives: March 2016

Fortunately, especially for those of us who may be more prone to anxiety than others there are more options for sedation dentistry today than ever before. Nitrous oxide for example, is a mild sedation that the patient inhales through a mask that is placed over the nose before the procedure begins. It is rapidly effective and wears off just as quickly. Other minimal sedation may be given in the form of a pill which is taken an hour or so before the procedure is to begin. The oral dosage may be increased if your dentist sees the need. The higher the strength the more the effect will be felt. Some patients have been known to actually doze off but are easily roused. If moderate sedation is administered intravenously the patient will feel the effects sooner. A general anesthesia will let the patient sleep through the entire procedure or be in a semi conscious state, whichever is more appropriate to the individual. Compass Dental is the only office in the tri county region offering general anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist! Your dentist will go over your medical history and discuss with you all the possible options for your sedation. Be sure to let him know about any new medications that you are taking that may not be listed on your record. Don’t forget to mention any over the counter medicines you are taking just to make sure to eliminate any risk of dangerous drug interaction. Dr. Sigmon will make it his priority to go over every aspect of dental sedation with you so that you can decide together which type may be best suited to your procedure. Call Compass Dental @ 828-358-2555.

If you’re missing one tooth or more than a few and have been diagnosed as a less than likely candidate for dental implants don’t despair, there are other ways to deal with the dilemma. Dentures don’t have to be uncomfortable and clumsy. Today’s technology has allowed dentists to custom make dentures so well that they are often mistaken for natural teeth. One of the biggest issues in ending up with a perfectly fitting denture is getting a good impression to go by. A dental impression is a replica of a patient’s natural teeth which is used as a model to create a denture. New techniques are being used to make the patient more comfortable during the process so that his muscles will be relaxed and the result will be more accurate. Improvements in the materials used and the size and shape of modern dentures have made them conform better to the mouth and give the wearer new confidence to eat and speak just like he did with his natural teeth. This is a major development compared to the instability of some of the previous appliances. A well fitting and effective denture is a great benefit to the wearer but just like a crown or a veneer or even an implant it must be taken care of. Regular dental checkups and proper maintenance will promote the longevity of any denture. Visit Compass Dental @ www.compassdentalhickory.com to find out more about the improved possibilities for tooth replacement.

If you find yourself using any excuse in the book to put off making an appointment with your dentist you may be experiencing an extreme case of dental anxiety. Some people are so afraid of the dentist that they would actually prefer to suffer through the pain of a severe toothache than undergo a dental procedure to relieve it. This kind of apprehension is totally unnecessary if you consider the way that technology has advanced in the field of dentistry. Big scary drills have been replaced with smaller versions that work much faster and sound a lot less threatening. Embarrassment may also be a part of the problem. People who have shied away from dental care for sometime may find it hard to admit. They may also expect disapproval and possibly even reprimand from the dentist or hygienist. You may rest assured that this will not be the case! Professionals in the dental industry are only concerned with the best interests of their patients. They will be glad that you have put your trust in them and will do everything in their power to make you feel comfortable and welcome. The easiest and less costly way to deal with a dental issue is to tackle it head on. Ask for personal recommendations and search the internet to find a dentist who sounds just right for your needs. Dr. Sigmon of Compass Dental in Hickory N.C. will be happy to discuss your concerns. Call his office @ 828-322-6226

The average person feels some level of anxiety when they think about an upcoming dental appointment, but some people are so stressed out by the thought that the anxiety turns to a fear so strong that it becomes debilitating. Probably the most serious outcome from this is if the person just stops going to the dentist altogether. If you count yourself among those who suffer from extreme dental anxiety there is some good news. Dental sedation can be the answer. Many dentists applaud the innovation and offer several approaches to stress management ranging from minimal level sedation to a general anesthesia infused intravenously right in the office. Nitrous oxide otherwise known as “laughing gas” is a very popular medication for lower strength sedation. It is inhaled through a mask and the soothing effects are felt in a matter of minutes. The dosage can be increased or lessened upon demand. Oral sedatives are a step up. They are given in pill form to be taken an hour or so before the scheduled procedure. Patients will be conscious throughout their appointment but will be completely relaxed to the point that they are oblivious to the goings on around them. Iv sedation means that the patient will be completely unconscious during the dental treatment. He will be required to fast for the eight hours leading up to the procedure and advised to have someone along to drive him to and from the appointment. Talk to Dr. Sigmon of Compass Dental about the options for dental sedation and of what benefit they can be to you. Call the office @ (828)385-5155.