Toggle navigation

(508) 798-0627

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

CareCredit

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Care Credit
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: sedation dentistry

Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child

By Worcester Dental
September 17, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: sedation dentistry   pediatric dentistry  
SedationCanHelpCreateaMorePositiveDentalExperienceforaChild

You may not be nervous at all about visiting the dentist. But put yourself in a child’s place — a routine dental visit could be an anxious experience for them, and even more so if it involves dental work.

Dental professionals recognize this and go to great lengths to make children’s visits as pleasant as possible. It’s common among pediatric and family dentists to see child-friendly exam rooms and a well-trained staff experienced with interacting with children.

While this helps, some children still struggle with anxiety. Dentists have one other technique that can ease a child’s nervousness: conscious sedation. This technique involves the use of pills, inhaled gas or intravenous drips to help patients relax.

Sedation is different from general anesthesia, which uses drugs to render a patient unconscious so they won’t experience pain. A sedated patient remains in a conscious but relaxed state: they can still breathe independently and, with the most moderate form of oral sedation, be able to respond to touch or verbal instructions.

Oral sedation may also be accompanied by other methods like nitrous oxide gas that also aid with physical discomfort. Many drugs used often have an amnesiac effect — the patient won’t remember details about the procedure, which could contribute to less anxiety in the future.

Typically, a child receives an oral sedative just before the procedure. Most drugs are fast-acting and leave the child’s system quickly afterward. A staff member monitors their vital signs (pulse, respirations, blood pressure, etc.) during the procedure and after in recovery. They’ll remain in recovery until their vital signs return to normal levels and then be able to go home. They should stay home the rest of the day under adult supervision, but should be alert enough the next day to return to their normal activities.

Relieving anxiety is an important tool to ensure your child receives the dental care they need. It also creates a positive experience that could encourage a young patient to continue regular dental care when they reach adulthood.

If you would like more information on conscious sedation for children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sedation Dentistry for Kids.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears

By Worcester Dental
February 03, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: sedation dentistry  
SedationAlongwithUnderstandingcanRelieveYourDentalVisitFears

For most people, going to the dentist is as routine as getting their oil changed. But if you're like the one in ten people with severe anxiety, dental visits are anything but routine.

What may have begun as a childhood fear has turned for many people into a lifetime avoidance of dental care.  This absence of dental cleanings, checkups and treatments can have an adverse effect on not only their oral health but their general health too.

But there are ways you can reduce dental visit anxiety, beginning first with finding a compassionate dental provider. A good dentist-patient relationship is important for everyone, but more so for people with anxiety. Building a trust relationship with a dentist who listens and accepts your fears without judging is your first step to overcoming them.

Though finding an understanding provider is important, it may not be enough in the beginning of your return to regular dental care. To help you further relax during visits, we can also provide medicinal therapies known collectively as sedation.

Although it has some similarities, sedation is different from anesthesia. The latter deadens pain sensation; sedation aims to calm your emotions. The most common sedation is taken in oral form, usually a pill (or syrup for children) taken an hour or so before the appointment. Oral sedation is often used in conjunction with gases like nitrous oxide and local anesthesia.

For a more relaxed state (especially during an involved procedure) we may use intravenous (IV) sedation. With this method we deliver the medication through a small needle or catheter inserted into a vein.

IV sedation places you in a reduced state of consciousness. But it isn't a “sleep” state as what's achieved during general anesthesia, but more of a “semi-awake” state. You won't need assistance with breathing or heart function and you can respond to verbal or touch commands. Many drugs used for IV sedation also have an amnesiac affect, so you won't remember many details about the procedure.

Depending on your level of anxiety, we can match the right therapy to induce calm and relaxation. Sedation can help you see dental visits in a more positive light so that it truly does become a life routine.

If you would like more information on sedation therapy during dental visits, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “IV Sedation in Dentistry.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment

By Worcester Dental
March 01, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: sedation dentistry   oral sedation  
OralSedationHelpsReduceAnxietyDuringDentalTreatment

Eliminating pain and discomfort is one of our major objectives during dental treatment. To that end, our profession has developed a number of anesthetic drugs and deliveries that ensures your experience in the dentist’s chair is as pain-free as possible.

But there’s another experience many people have with dental care that’s different from physical discomfort — emotional anxiety. These negative emotions can range from nervousness about a procedure to extreme fear. Very often the patient has no control over these emotions — they’ve become imbedded from earlier experiences or the influence of others.

Although each can influence and heighten the other, anxiety and physical discomfort are different and require a different approach. Physical pain and sensation is eliminated through anesthesia, either locally through topical application or injection or generally through intravenous medication that renders a person unconscious. Anxiety, on the other hand, requires first building a trustful relationship with an understanding dentist. But it may also call for certain drugs that sedate — promote a feeling of relaxation — rather than numb sensation.

We’ve incorporated a number of sedative medications in dentistry like Valium or Ativan that work well to reduce anxiety before and during treatment. Many are taken orally, usually just before scheduled treatment, and they dissipate from the system quickly afterward. Some medications also have “amnesic” qualities, meaning you won’t remember anything or little at all about the treatment period. This can be helpful in amassing positive treatment experiences that may diminish negative feelings you’ve developed about dental treatment.

It’s important, though, to find the right types of medication that work well for you. For that reason we’ll take a thorough medical history, including prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements you’re taking and any medical conditions you may have. It’s also important to discuss your diet (certain foods can inhibit the action of some sedatives) as well as if you use tobacco or regularly drink alcoholic beverages.

Taken properly, oral sedation can effectively reduce your anxiety during treatment. As a result, it will be much easier and pleasant for you to receive the care you need for a healthy mouth.

If you would like more information on reducing anxiety during dental treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Sedation Dentistry.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • April (2)
        • Porcelain Veneers Transform Real Housewives Star's Smile Spoiled by Teeth Grinding
        • This Minor Dental Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for an Infant
      • March (3)
        • The Causes of Chronic Jaw Pain Might Be Similar To Fibromyalgia
        • Here's Why Gum Disease Could Be Lurking in Your Mouth Even Now
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
      • February (3)
        • How You Can Help Your Smile Stay Attractive as You Get Older
        • A Winter Pick-Me-Up, Dental-Style
        • Although Rare, This Condition Could Destroy a Tooth
      • January (3)
        • What's That on Your Teeth, Nick Jonas? How to Avoid a Similar Smile Oops
        • 3 Reasons For Preserving a Decayed Baby Tooth
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
        • Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
      • November (3)
        • How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
        • Don't Eat 'Motorized' Corn on the Cob and Other Dental Safety Tips
      • October (4)
        • 4 Ways You Can Better Manage Dental Care for a Child with Down Syndrome
        • Covid 19 Protocols
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
      • September (3)
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
        • Get Your Teeth Examined if You Have Frequent Sinus Infections
      • August (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Studies Show Vaping May Not Be Safer for Oral Health Than Tobacco
      • July (3)
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
      • June (3)
        • Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
        • Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
      • March (3)
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • February (3)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
        • Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
      • January (4)
        • Worcester Dental Associates Pays Tribute to Its' Founder, Melvin Budish
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
        • You May Need Orthodontics Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Wearing a Retainer Will Protect Your New Smile After Braces
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (4)
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • September (3)
        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (4)
        • WDA Founder Obtained Denture Teeth Patent on September 4, 1951
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
      • July (3)
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
      • June (3)
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
        • Wisdom Teeth and What to Do About Them
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • January (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • Early Orthodontic Treatment Could Lessen Severity of Certain Bite Problems
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • August (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (3)
        • Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
      • April (4)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
      • March (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • February (1)
        • Could Your Metal Allergy Keep You From Obtaining Dental Implants?
      • January (3)
        • Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • A Long-Term Orthodontic Strategy Could Help Ensure an Attractive Smile Later in Life
        • Coaxing Impacted Teeth to the Right Position can Improve Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • FAQ: Dental Care During Pregnancy
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • August (2)
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • July (2)
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • May (2)
        • Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • April (2)
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • March (3)
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
      • February (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
      • November (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • September (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • June (2)
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • May (2)
        • Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
        • A Royal Fix
      • April (2)
        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • February (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Closing the Gap Between Front Teeth Can Create a More Attractive Smile
      • November (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • October (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • September (2)
        • Palatal Expansion Could Head Off Future Orthodontic Treatment
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • August (2)
        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • July (2)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • June (2)
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • May (3)
        • Orthodontic Headgear: What It Is and Why It May be Needed
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • mouthguard (2)
  • oral health (17)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • headgear (2)
  • oral hygiene (15)
  • teeth whitening (8)
  • dental implants (10)
  • nutrition (3)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • braces (8)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • crowns (3)
  • palatal expander (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • gum disease (11)
  • cosmetic dentistry (8)
  • orthodontic treatment (15)
  • frenectomy (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (3)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • bridge (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (5)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • apicoectomy (2)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • gum recession (3)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (12)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • veneers (3)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • mouthguards (5)
  • retainers (3)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • diabetes (3)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • oral heath (1)
  • bruxism (1)
  • night guard (1)
  • oral surgery (2)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • tmj disorders (3)
  • tmd (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • topical fluoride (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • marijuana (1)
  • oral-health (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • root resorption (2)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • dentures (2)
  • celebrity smiles (16)
  • teething (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • dry socket (2)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental implant (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • fluoride (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (79)
  • Dental Procedures (102)

Our Location

88 Pleasant St
Worcester, MA 01609-3204
(508) 798-0627

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Website for Dentist Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map