Before we can do any dental work on new patients our dentists must first do an oral exam, which is a comprehensive dental examination and diagnosis. This is a procedure that should be done any time you visit a new dentist or every three to five years. Book an appointment with our Cambridge dentists to ascertain if there have been any changes in your oral health or in your dental status since your last dental examination.

In an average dental checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any tooth decay or changes in dental health. Generally speaking, a checkup is fairly quick, usually requiring less than 20 minutes. A comprehensive dental examination and diagnosis can take an hour or more, as your dentist will thoroughly examine every area in the oral cavity. In short:

• A dental checkup mainly looks at the highlights of your oral health
• A comprehensive examination goes into greater depth

Most people do not have their teeth cleaned during their comprehensive dental exam. However, after the dental examination and diagnosis your dentist will have a full understanding of your periodontal health. If a dental cleaning, or other dental work is needed, it can be discussed following the exam.

Oral Health Areas That Are Examined

• Full periodontal exam (which includes both the gums and the jawbones that support your teeth)
• Complete exam of all the teeth
• Full examination of the head, mouth, and throat (for signs of cancer)
• Complete occlusal exam (an analysis of your bite)
• Full TMJ exam (the joints of the jaws)
• Full dental X-rays or other types of scans
• Complete salivary exam
• An Esthetic exam (the overall appearance of the teeth and jaw in relation to the face)

When Should a Comprehensive Dental Examination Be Performed?

Other than the recommended 3 to 5-year dental exam, any time major dental work is planned then a full comprehensive dental examination and diagnosis should be done. Major dental work would include the following:

• If you are considering orthodontic braces or any other type of esthetic changes
• If you are thinking about dental implants to replace lost teeth
• If you want to replace older dental work
• If you are getting new or replacement dentures

If you have been recently diagnosed with a medical condition or disease, you should also have our qualified dentists do a comprehensive oral exam.

At times you might find that your dentist suggests additional consultations with other oral specialists either during or after your exam. Do not be concerned if this happens. This is usually just an additional step towards obtaining a full report. It doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is drastically amiss.

After the completion of a comprehensive dental examination, your dentist will know everything there is to know about your oral health. In this way, you and your dentist can make choices that are right for your needs.

Dental and other oral problems and diseases are generally very predictable and so much of it is preventable, if caught early enough.

Every journey starts with just one step in the right direction. If it has been 3 years or more since your last comprehensive oral exam, call us to book an appointment.

Your smile is one of the first things people see when they meet you. Is there anything you would want to change about your smile? Country Dental can help improve and perfect the esthetic of your smile. Did you know that there is an increased esthetic demand of society because adults are becoming increasingly aware of the value that a great smile offers in social and business settings? Call us to book a consultation today!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can be used for minor problems such as closing spaces between teeth, fixing chipped or discolored teeth and even change the shape of teeth. It is also quick and very affordable for most dental patients.

Most people envision a beautiful smile as perfectly straight, white, and bright.  In reality, many people’s teeth do not meet this description.

The dental bonding procedure is fairly simple and fast. Your cosmetic dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your tooth.  Using a special light, the resin hardens and bonds to the tooth.  Using dental bonding and these restorative materials, our Country Dental dentists have totally changed the outlook for patients with even the most problematic teeth.

To begin, your dentist must prepare your tooth for the bonding process.  Using a shade guide, the dentist will select the correct composite resin that matches the natural color of your teeth.

The tooth will be roughened and then coated with a conditioning material to help the resin bond to the tooth properly.  The dentist then uses an ultra-violet light or a laser to harden the resin.

A final polish to bring the great looking sheen out of the bonded tooth is the last step.

Porcelain Veneers:

A porcelain veneer is a layer of material applied directly to the front surface of the tooth. They can help improve the esthetics of a smile and even protect a tooth’s surface from damage like being worn down, discoloured or chipped.

Porcelain veneers remain a popular option for those looking to get a beautiful smile quickly. They are simple and versatile. If your teeth are shaped different, crooked or stained, veneers might be a great option for you.

Porcelain veneers can last you more than a decade if you ensure proper care at all times. Your veneers will be made only of the best quality porcelain. The materials we use for bonding the veneers are the latest and greatest in the industry.

Bonding vs Dental Crowns/Veneers

Dental crowns and dental veneers are alternative procedures used to cosmetically boost your smile. Bonding has the advantage of being less expensive and far less complicated. However, over time the resin might need to be repaired as it is more susceptible to staining, chipping, or breaking. Typically, bonding will last three to five years before a follow up treatment is required.

Veneers and crowns require multiple visits and time to craft the pieces, where as bonding procedures can be completed in usually one visit. Veneers and crowns are stronger, last longer and are more resistant to discoloration.

You’ll be reminded here at Country Dental about items you should refrain from chewing to prevent future dental problems. The Canadian Dental Association offers more information on their Bonding & Veneers page.

Fillings

Tooth fillings are used to restore a tooth that has become damaged due to decay or trauma. Their purpose is to seal a small hole in your tooth (i.e. a cavity) and prevent further damage and demineralization caused by bacteria.

We use composite fillings to resemble your natural tooth in a discreet and esthetically beautiful way. When placing fillings, your dentist will first remove all the decay and prep your tooth. Then, they will bond your filling onto your tooth’s surface using high-quality materials. The filling is shaped to blend into your smile and allow for a comfortable bite. Finally, it is then polished giving it a beautiful finish. The result is a seamless restoration of your tooth in a non-invasive and effective way.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown can be highly effective for many aspects of teeth repair. They can be used to correct the size, shape, or strength of the tooth, or to bring the tooth back to its original appearance.

Sometimes patients have lost teeth for a variety of reasons. A dental crown can be a permanent fix for many types of common teeth problems. Crowns are a fairly common treatment and the procedure to implant them is also relatively simple. A crown can also be used to protect a tooth from decay or to restore a broken tooth.

At Country Dental Cambridge, we want to inform you about the process used in a dental crown procedure. Installing a crown usually takes more than one visit.

There are different types of dental crowns that are prepped and placed in a single visit, such as a CEREC crown. Typically, during your first visit a dentist will take a dental x-ray.  This is used to determine the extent of decay and structure of the tooth.

Sometimes a root canal will be necessary if the tooth is too decayed.  If not, the procedure can move forward.

Your dentist will file the area around the tooth to smooth it out for an impression.  After an impression is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding area, a temporary dental crown is placed.  The prepared tooth is covered until a permanent dental crown is built.

During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent dental crown on the prepared tooth. The fit and color will be tested and then the cement is used to hold the crown in place.

Crowns are made from several different materials including metals, porcelain, and ceramics.  Resins are also available for those who want a durable plastic crown.  Your dentist will discuss after-care as well to prevent further problems.

Dental Bridge

A bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.

The simplest explanation is that like a real bridge, which connects a gap from one point to another, a dental bridge accomplishes the same task for your teeth. It “bridges” the gap between one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges help prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting positions.  Shifting teeth provide new places for dental plaque to hide and cause tooth decay or disease.

Each bridge is custom-made to your individual needs. Using impressions, our doctors can create a bridge that comfortably fits into your smile.

Once the appliance has been made, the crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth (to the gap). They act as anchors that hold the artificial tooth in place.

Bridges help maintain your tooth’s natural look and your beautiful smile. It also maintains your function and prevent future dental problems.

A dental bridge can last a long time but all that is dependent on proper oral care.  The teeth that are bridged together must be kept healthy to keep the dental bridge in place.

Remember to book regular dental visits to help maintain your oral health. If missing teeth are a problem for you, talk to one of our dentists.  A dental bridge procedure might be the perfect opportunity to improve your dental health and smile.

Schedule an appointment with our dentists or contact us if you have any questions about this dental procedure.

Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore and strengthen teeth that have been severely damaged. These restorations are custom-made to replace missing pieces from your tooth so you can enjoy a fully-functional smile again.

The Difference

Many people are unsure of the difference between inlays and onlays, so here it is:

Inlays are placed when the damage is between the little points or cusps on premolars or molars.
Onlays on the other hand, are used when the damage extends between one or more of the cusps and onto the chewing surface.

These restorations are more durable than dental fillings and provide a more conservative approach compared to dental crowns. Both of these restorations are strong and long-lasting solutions that provide excellent esthetic and functional outcomes.

Do you dislike the color of your teeth? The passing of time, combined with exposure to daily eating and drinking habits, can lessen the brightness of your smile. Our cosmetic dentists use various teeth whitening solutions. These offerings are available as take-home whitening kits or as professional in-office teeth whitening procedures. Both these options are scientifically proven to bring back your smile’s glow. Our experienced professionals will identify the ideal teeth whitening service for you. Call us and brighten your smile today!

Country Dental Cambridge Dentists offer many options for people who need affordable dentures (false teeth).

No one welcomes having to get partial dentures or a full set of replacement teeth but false teeth can be really important for some people. Dentures can help you chew, eat, and speak.  Existing teeth are kept in position, preventing drifting, which can lead to many other dental problems. Most importantly, affordable dentures can bring your beautiful smile back.

Here at Country Dental Cambridge, we strive to give you the confidence to show off your teeth without any self-conscious feelings. We also offer the convenience of an in-house denturist, so that we are your complete full-service dental office.

Denture Basics

The difference between complete and partial dentures are pretty simple. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are absent. Partial dentures are used when a few natural teeth remain.

Complete Dentures

These types of affordable dentures are split into two parts:

1. Conventional dentures
2. Immediate dentures

Conventional dentures are made after all remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue is allowed to heal for a long period of time. Immediate dentures are for use the same day any teeth are removed. Immediate dentures will most likely require more adjustments because gum tissue and bones shrink while healing.

Partial Dentures

There are also two types of partial dentures:

1. Removable partial dentures
2. Fixed partial dentures

A removable partial denture is made from replacement teeth bonded to a gum-coloured plastic base and a metal frame to help keep them together and connect them.

Fixed partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth. Dental crowns are placed on each tooth surrounding the space and the replacement teeth are bonded to the crowns. This forms a bridge that is also bonded into place.

Sometimes a tooth has to go, despite your efforts to help save it. An extraction sounds so final; however, a tooth extraction could be necessary for a variety of reasons:

• A wisdom tooth or teeth that have developed poorly
• Serious decay
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
• Teeth that are broken, fractured, or otherwise beyond a healthy restoration
• Misaligned teeth that are crowding or shifting other healthy teeth
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment

Tooth removal via oral surgery can actually be a positive and healthy step.

The most common type of tooth extraction is the removal of wisdom teeth. Other reasons for a tooth extraction might include a tooth coming in on an angle or even a broken tooth.  Removing these dangers to your overall dental health are essential to prevent potential problems like gum disease and infections.

Contact your dentist at country dental Cambridge and ask about your tooth discomfort. Schedule a consultation by phone or online to discuss oral surgery solutions to restore your health and tooth function.

For more information about wisdom teeth removal or other tooth extractions, please contact us and book a dental appointment.

After-Care

What you do after your tooth extraction and oral surgery procedure is extremely important in the comfort and speed of your healing.

The healing process requires your gum tissue to adjust to the missing tooth. Carefully placed gauze on the extraction site helps this process along.

It’s vital to effective healing that you avoid vigorous rinsing, brushing, or other common habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or directly chewing on the treated area. Other strategies to promote recovery and healing include:

• Applying an ice pack to the area outside your extraction site to help reduce any swelling.
• Use prescribed pain medication as needed.
• Your dentist may advise you to gently rinsing out your mouth with water, taking an antibiotic, and to avoid smoking for 24 hours.
• Your dentist will advise you to bite the gauze gently for thirty minutes to an hour after the tooth extraction. Certain foods and activities should be avoided for the first few days after the wisdom tooth extraction is complete
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, easy-to-chew, foods during the day following your procedure

Our dentists at Country Dental Cambridge will provide you with detailed instructions for post-extraction care and are available if you have any questions.

*Watch out and beware of dry socket. A dull, throbbing pain in the extraction site a few days after the surgery is a big warning sign that infection of the socket has occurred due to poor after care. *

Contact our dentists immediately if you feel any pain. Be sure to contact us online or over the phone.

At Country Dental Cambridge, we offer orthodontic braces.

Few people are born with perfectly straight and properly aligned teeth. Orthodontics is a specialized dental practice that uses various techniques and appliances (such as dental bonding and orthodontic braces) to correct imperfect bites (or “malocclusions”) caused by crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth.

Many of our dental patients consider only the aesthetic benefits to be gained from correcting these conditions. It’s true that treatment can do wonders for the self-confidence of patients embarrassed about their smiles. An improper bite can also adversely affect your overall oral health, your speech, and even your nutrition.

Both the American Association of Orthodontists and Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommend that children have their first appointment with an orthodontist at age 7. Most children do not need any treatment at that age, but some small problems, when corrected early on, can avoid larger issues from developing in the future.

Older children and even adults can still benefit from orthodontic treatment. No matter your age, there is no such thing as too late for orthodontic braces, if you need them.

We offer Free consultation appointment for braces.
Your first orthodontic visit will begin with x-rays and photos, which will be used during your consultation. After these records are completed and evaluated, we will conduct an exam and discuss with you their findings.
This discussion will take into consideration:

• Your clinical orthodontic needs
• The proper timing to address these needs,
• The goals that you personally wish for your orthodontic treatment to achieve, and
• Treatment options to reach these goals.
• Together, we will come up with a plan that everyone is comfortable with to achieve your best smile!

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!

Orthodontic Braces at Country Dental Cambridge

Braces are still the most common form of orthodontics; however, there have been significant advances in recent years in the design of orthodontic braces. Patients worried about the discomfort and embarrassment of having a “metal mouth” should know that there are new options now available.
Traditional Orthodontic Braces – Even if metal braces are recommended, they are now available with smaller, less prominent brackets. Many younger patients also like the ability to choose from a rainbow of band colors.
“Clear” Braces – These are composed of either porcelain or advanced plastic resin. By blending better with your natural tooth color, most patients find them to be less evident.

Invisalign® – One of the most exciting innovations to come along in recent years is the Invisalign® system. Instead of the brackets found in traditional orthodontic braces, this system uses a series of clear plastic aligners. Each is worn for about two weeks until the desired realignment is achieved. A further advantage over traditional braces is that the Invisalign® appliance can be removed when eating. Be sure to ask your orthodontist whether Invisalign® may be right for you or your child.

What to Expect with Orthodontic Braces

The first step in getting any orthodontic work is a consultation. Our orthodontist will check the patient’s bite and determine whether braces, a retainer, or another dental appliance is appropriate. With both ceramic and traditional braces, cement holds brackets to the face of the teeth, and then further connected via arch wires. These wires are adjusted over time to help move the teeth into their proper alignment. Adjustments are made on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Most new orthodontic patients experience some soreness after the placement of orthodontic braces and after each adjustment. However, most also find that the discomfort subsides quickly. Also, today’s smaller brackets tend to cause less irritation to cheeks and other soft tissues.

After a period of adjustment, many of our patients tell us the braces are very comfortable and they no longer even notice it

Paying for your braces

At Country kids Dental Cambridge, we offer affordable orthodontic care and attractive payment plans. Ask us about dental financing through PayBright. Our office manager will be delighted to arrange for your first appointment.  You can call our dental clinics 7 days a week.

It’s Worth the Effort!

Be patient! While your orthodontic treatment plan may require months or even years to complete, the benefits will last a lifetime.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

Conscientious home dental care and regular dentist visits are of course important for everyone, but they’re essential to prevent decay and gum disease in patients who wear orthodontic braces. Our orthodontist and our dental team can show you or your child the correct way to brush and floss. They may also recommend the use of one of the readily available home oral irrigation devices that use a gentle stream of water to dislodge food particles that brushing, and flossing can’t reach.

Each year, over 200,000 mouth injuries are successfully prevented because a custom sports mouth guard was being worn by participants.

However, did you know that each year in North America:

• Almost 70 percent of children are involved in some type of organized sport
• And nearly 5,000,000 (yes, million!) teeth are knocked out, chipped, or damaged!

Most of these teeth injuries could have been prevented by wearing a custom sports mouth guard – one that was made by a dentist and designed to a perfectly customized fit of your teeth.

How Good Are Store Bought Sports Mouth Guards?

Most sporting goods stores do sell protective mouth guards. While they are better than not wearing anything at all, they don’t offer the same level of protection. These over-the-counter mouth guards cannot be altered in any way. In essence, they force you to keep your teeth clamped tight in order for them to work.

A dentist-made sports mouth guard is an exact duplicate of the inside of your mouth. It is a customized guard that will stay in place without the need for clenching your teeth. Also, the shape and size of your mouth, teeth, and jaw are quite different from other people. Only a custom sports mouth guard can offer the level of protection you need when playing sports.

It doesn’t matter what type of sport you or your child are involved in, whether it’s hockey, soccer, baseball, or tennis; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, be prepared. Make sure that you and your child are adequately protected by wearing a properly fitted mouth guard during any physical sport.

Ask your dentist about having a custom sports mouth guard made specifically for you. It can save you from costly, not to mention painful, future injuries. Additionally, it can be made in a multitude of colors and designs. This will make it almost impossible to confuse your mouth guard with another person’s mouth guard.

How Well Does A Custom Sports Mouth Guard Work?

A custom sports mouth guard acts as a type of shock absorber inside your mouth. It protects your teeth from blows or the excessive force that can occur when playing sports. It will also help protect your brain from a concussion should you receive a hit on the lower jaw. This is one of the main reasons professional athletes wear custom sports mouth guards.
A well-made custom mouth guard will adapt well to your upper teeth and gums. It will stay in place even if you are breathing heavily or speaking. There are several design options and the dentists at Country Dental Cambridge will be happy to help you select the one that is just right for you.

What You Can Expect

Getting a custom made sports mouth guard is a quick, easy, and painless procedure. It will require two short appointments.

• At your first appointment the dentist will make an impression of your teeth. This is so your mouth guard will fit your individual teeth and mouth. You will also choose a color for your sports guard at this visit.
• By your second appointment, the custom sports guard will be ready for pick up! Your dentist will want to double check that the mouth guard fits properly and feels completely comfortable before you leave.

Like most things, mouth guards can wear out. Check your mouth guard regularly and let your dentist know if you see any signs of wear such as cracks or missing pieces, or if your mouth guard no longer seems to fit well.
If you or your child is involved in any type of sports activities and you would like a custom sports mouth guard made, please book a dental appointment online or call us.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Because the initial signs are mild, some people don’t even realize they have a problem until the disease has wreaked havoc on their mouths and oral health. If you have concerns about gum disease, we offer periodontal services to halt the progression and re-establish dental health.

Plaque is a sticky substance emitted by oral bacteria. It coats teeth and can harden into tartar, an insoluble substance that irritates gum tissue and leads to infection. The early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. Bacteria eat away the connective tissues between gums and teeth. As the disease progresses, your gums pull away from teeth pockets of infection will form.

At dental cleanings, which you should have every six months, a hygienist will check for periodontal pockets. If you have pockets, she’ll measure their depth to determine the extent of the disease. Sometimes, removing tartar from below the gum line and smoothing teeth roots – a procedure called scaling and root planning – can turn the tide and eliminate infection. Over time, gums heal and reattach to teeth. However, in some cases, gum disease requires more extensive treatment.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about periodontics or to schedule an oral health consultation with one of our doctors at country dental Cambridge.

Dental implants

Millions of people have turned to dental implants to help complete their smile. As the only permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants have quickly gained favor as the preferred method for tooth replacement. In fact, implants match the appearance, function and strength of natural teeth so well that you may forget that you ever lost a tooth.  For the vast majority of patients, dental implants are a quick, easy, and relatively pain-free way to replace broken or missing teeth.

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone as an anchor for a natural looking crown. Dental implants can be used to replace teeth lost due to an accident, disease or congenital abnormality.
Dental implants are strong, stable and durable. In fact, with proper maintenance they can last a lifetime.

Dental implants are strong and secure so you can speak and eat with confidence, without having the fear that it could fall out, like with dentures.  In addition to restoring your natural chewing and speech, they can resolve the joint pain or bite problems caused when teeth begin to shift following tooth loss.  Dental implants have the added benefit of being strong enough to support other dental appliances, making bridgework or dentures more secure and comfortable.  Plus, they look so real that they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Implant placement generally requires several office visits.  Our periodontist will carefully explain each step of your treatment to you and will provide you with after-care instructions to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy.  Following placement, follow-up visits will be scheduled with our periodontist to monitor your implants, teeth and gums.  Proper oral hygiene, good eating habits and regular dental visits will help maintain the life of your new implants.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about dental implants or to schedule an oral health consultation with one of our doctors.

Experiencing a lot of pain? Nerve damaged teeth can be repaired with a root canal. Contact us today and get back to a pain-free and healthy mouth.

Root Canal Therapy

Tooth removal used to be the only option for a tooth that had a diseased or injured pulp, which is the living tissue inside the tooth. Now, root canal therapy is the treatment of choice to cure such infections and save the tooth. By preserving the tooth, root canal therapy can prevent the problems to adjacent teeth that extraction can cause, helping maintain dental health and saving money in the long run.

Modern root canal therapy can usually be performed with little or no discomfort. By removing inflamed or damaged tissue, a root canal procedure can put an end to pain and help prevent serious complications such as jaw infections.

Root canals involve opening the top of the tooth and extracting the infected internal part of the tooth, called the pulp. The tooth is then filled back in with a hard resin and capped with a realistic tooth-like structure.

Root canal therapy is highly successful and usually lasts for the life, although rarely additional treatment is necessary.

Indications that root canal therapy may be necessary:

• Severe toothache
• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling and/or tenderness
• Occasionally no symptoms are present

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay is affecting the tooth’s pulp
• An abscess or infection has developed at the root tip or inside the tooth
• Injury or trauma has caused the pulp to die, risking infection

A root canal procedure is performed in just one visit. Your tooth may be sensitive for several days following treatment, but this will diminish as the tooth heals and the inflammation subsides.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about root canal therapy.

There are three different types of sedation we use to make the appointment more comfortable for anxious patients and get them through the appointment. We are trained and certified to provide these kinds of sedation. We will gladly explain to you what options we offer.

Types of dental sedations

• Minimal sedation with only laughing gas
  The laughing gas is meant to make you relaxed and comfortable but still fully conscious and responsive. Laughing gas is safe but it doesn’t work for all people especially if they have severe anxiety. We will put a mask on your nose, and you will remain awake during the procedure. Once the gas is turned off, you will resume back to your normal activities and daily routine almost right away. We administer pure oxygen through the mask at the end of the treatment to help clear out any remaining nitrous oxide from your system. Laughing gas is very safe and we can adjust the level of sedation at any time during the procedure.
• Moderate sedation with medication and laughing gas combined
  Some people are more nervous and laughing gas alone may not make them comfortable. With the moderate sedation option, you’re meant to be sleepy and relaxed but awake and somewhat responsive. We give you a pill taken orally prior to initiating treatment and we will observe you before, during and after the appointment.

Sleep dentistry

You may choose to do all of your treatment at once under general anesthesia if you cannot tolerate the dental treatment awake or you are extremely anxious. We do offer full sleep dentistry in house which is overseen by our medical anesthesiologist and his team.

How safe is anesthesia or sleep dentistry?

Dental anesthesia or sleep dentistry is safe, but there are always risks to any medicine. Minor side effects of anesthesia, such as a sore throat, nausea, and vomiting, can be common. Major complications from anesthesia are rare. If you have concerns, ask Our medical anesthesiologist (A physician or doctor who completes a 3-5-year anesthesiology residency after medical school).

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities at Country Dental Cambridge. This is why we perform a full review of your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any other concerns prior to scheduling any sleep dental surgery. It is critical to inform our dentist of your full medical history and any medications you are currently taking.

What to expect on a typical sleep dentistry day?

You will be completely asleep, calm, relaxed and pain free during your dental appointment. Specially-trained anesthesia doctor will administer medications and monitor you while a separate dentist performs the dental procedure. Anesthesia can be given in our office that is specially equipped. The sedation is administered through anesthetic gas and an IV (typically in the arm) that allows the dentist and anesthesiologist to give you more medicine throughout the procedure as needed. With full sedation dentistry the patient has no memory or recollection of the procedure.
Our team, consisting of a dentist, anesthesiologist, nurse and dental assistants will do everything within our abilities to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.

BEFORE SURGERY

Upon arrival at the office you will be assessed to make sure you fit for anesthesia and does not have a cold, flu, vomiting, diarrhea or sore throat.

Anesthetics are normally given in the morning because you cannot eat or drink before an anesthetic.

DURING SURGERY

The intravenous catheter will often be placed before falling asleep, to allow the fluids or medications to be given.
The patient will be given fresh oxygen (and possibly sleep medicine) through a mask to breathe.
Once you are sedated, we will monitor your vitals. This includes blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. This allows us to detect and address any abnormalities as soon as they may arise, keeping you safe and relaxed.

AFTER SURGERY

Once all dental treatment is completed, you will be taken to the recovery room.
The recovery time to fully wake up and be ready to go home can take an hour or two, which is why we have a comfortable space for patients and their accompanies.

Anesthetic drugs have occasional after effects including nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and loss of normal body coordination.  Some patients may experience a sore throat and minor aches.  Usually these effects will have dissipated within twenty-four hours after discharge. We will provide the parents post-op instructions for after dental treatments.