When I’m scheduling my yearly doctor’s appointments, I think it’s fair to say the dentist is one of the things I look forward to the least. We seem to have this stigma against dentistry, even, that it’s frightening and painful. The worst is probably when an emergency crops up and we have to go outside of that annual checkup and cleaning.
However, there are options out there for those of us intimidated by seeing our orthodontist, even for situations when we need to have a procedure done on the same day. While it might seem odd that we can actually get results with something like that, there is plenty of research on it, as you can see in this article. If this is something that sounds appealing to you, keep reading to learn more!
What Procedures Can be Done in the Same Day?
The primary operation that can be done in this time frame is getting a dental crown. Before, these usually had to be implanted over a period of several weeks, maybe even months. However, as our imaging technology has improved, many offices are able to do this in your initial visit.
If you’re wondering what crowns are, they’re something made to cover up and protect a damaged tooth. They can be made of a variety of materials, but the most common is porcelain or mouth-safe metals. If your tooth is cracked or damaged in another way, your doctor might recommend one to you.
Some other purposes they have are to help maintain natural shape or to cover up any implants that you have. The procedure is fairly simple – your mouth is x-rayed, your natural tooth is filed down, and then a putty is used to get a mold of the shape that will be needed. From there, the crown is made and installed.
I know this probably sounds a lot to do in one appointment, but it is possible – and you’ll see the results of a happier and healthier smile right away. Depending on where you live, you could find a location like Kessler Dental located in Lansdale PA for your services. Most search engines can track by location and provide you with options, too.
Orthodontists Who Care
Now, if you’re like me and have anxiety about going to your appointments, finding an office that offers certain amenities might really help you. Some offer something such as a “comfort menu,” which give us options to help us feel more secure in the chair. What could those options be, though?
Well, a popular choice is to go with a low-strength sedative. One such is anxiolysis. With this, you will remain aware through the appointment, but your anxiety will be significantly lessened. When it’s paired with an anesthetic, likely you won’t feel any pain at all.
Just keep in mind that usually you will have to share your medical history, just to ensure that you won’t have an adverse reaction. Thankfully, it’s a tried-and-true sedative that is safe and affordable. Try inquiring with your care provider!
Of course, the famed “laughing gas,” which is nitrous oxide, is another method out there. It’s a type of anesthetic, usually delivered locally. It also will let you remain conscious and aware, though you may experience excitement or glee under its effects. Its fast acting and safe, making it a solid choice for anyone who is nervous about their visit but wants to return to their regular routines when finished.
Now, if you’re more interested in being completely unaware during your appointment, there is something known as “sleep” dentistry. It can help with painful experiences like the one detailed here, https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30569-4/fulltext, especially if that is what you are receiving treatment for. This might be what to choose if you are utterly terrified of going into the office.
With proper preparation and collection of medical history, your anesthetist will be able to administer it safely. There are a few small risks, but they are slim. With this option, you don’t have to be awake or worry about the appointment at all – rather, you’ll just wake up once everything is over with.
How do One-Visit Operations Work?
Typically, when it comes to crowns, fillings, or veneers, you have to make multiple visits as I mentioned above. With new technology and screening machines, though, they can be created with a perfect fit on the day that you come in. This saves you the hassle of having to go back multiple times.
I recommend talking to your health care provider about this if it’s something you want to try. See if your current office offers it, and if not, consider looking elsewhere if you want to prioritize it. Most of the crowns done in this way are made of ceramic, so no metal is involved, and they can even be made in just fifteen minutes.
Caring for Your Crown After
Now, once you have yours installed, it’s critical that you take good care of it after. This is the best way to prevent needing to go back to the dentist often. There are a lot of tips out there for post-operational protection, but perhaps the most obvious one is maintaining good oral hygiene.
You see, they can last you about ten to fifteen years, but this is only true if you don’t neglect oral care. Make sure that you brush your teeth once a day at the very least. Two to three times is typically recommended to help prevent plaque buildup.
Of course, you should also be flossing. I know – everyone from our dentists to our parents to our grandparents recommend this. Yet, a lot of people still don’t. I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it to prioritize in your daily routine. When you don’t have to replace your caps as often, you’ll be thankful.
Additionally, don’t neglect that annual tooth cleaning session. Even if you take excellent care of your mouth, having a professional examine you and get rid of any additional plaque buildup can be a great help. You see, particles of food inevitably leave residue after each time you eat. It’s very difficult to remove all of them.
Plaque is a large contributor to diseases like gingivitis, which obviously would have a negative effect on any crowns you have. Unfortunately, it can also lead to other complications, as a surprising amount of our overall health can be linked to the state of our mouths. My advice? Don’t neglect your daily routine for any reason.
It’s always better to be overzealous about it than let it fall to the wayside, after all.
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