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Don’t Let Dental Fear Hold You Back | Sedation Dentistry

Statistics show that a staggering 75% of us suffer from some form of dental fear, and 5 – 10% of us have a sedation dentistrystronger fear that prevents us from going to the dentist at all – even for hygiene visits!  Avoiding regular dental care, however, often leads to more serious dental problems and therefore more trips to the dental clinic.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a dental method used to help patients manage their fear and get the treatments they need to maintain good oral health.  Using safe doses of sedatives to help calm and relax you before and during a dental treatment, sedation dentistry allows you to temporarily control fear and anxiety.

One of the key benefits of sedation dentistry is that your dentist can complete more dental procedures in a single visit and eliminate the need for multiple visits to correct a problem.  A second key benefit is the amnesia effect it produces.  In essence, patients tend to remember little of a sedation appointment.

Through the use of sedation dentistry, our Nanaimo dentists at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group have helped hundreds of patients to get on track with regular hygiene and dental check-ups and achieve good oral health.

How is sedation dentistry administered?

There are two types of sedatives used for dental sedation at our Nanaimo dental clinic: oral sedatives, which provide deeper levels of sedation; and inhalation sedation, or “laughing gas”, which induces a state of well-being while the gas is inhaled.

After determining your medical history and the level of dental anxiety you suffer from, we will let you know the recommended sedation method for your appointment.  For patients with severe dental anxiety, we may also prescribe a sleep aid to be taken the evening leading up to the visit.

We provide a blanket and pillow to help you relax during the procedure and to ensure your safety, your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels will be monitored continuously.

What does sedation dentistry feel like?

Sedation dentistry quiets the mind and deeply relaxes your body.  The majority of sedation dental patients tend to sleep through the dental visit and not remember much of it although sedation patients remain conscious and will respond to the feedback of the dentist.

Are you a candidate for sedation dentistry?

If you are one of the 10% of people who suffer from a severe fear of the dentist, it’s possible that sedation dentistry could be the solution you’re looking for.  We invite you to book an appointment at our dental clinic to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.

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Why Replacing Missing Teeth Is Essential

Hockey players may make missing teeth look like no big deal – but the reality is quite the opposite! In fact, everythe health effects of missing teeth tooth in your mouth serves a valuable function, even a missing tooth in the back of the mouth which is not visible in your smile.

Why is this?  You could say that each tooth in your mouth depends on the others to keep its proper position and furthermore that even your face and lips depend on your teeth to maintain its ideal shape.

The fact is that missing teeth create a space that eventually will lead to shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth or opposing teeth, or if many teeth are missing, allow significant changes to the shape of the face and mouth.

The more teeth that are lost and not replaced, the increased chance that wrinkles and lines will form and the cheeks and lips will collapse, causing you to look older than you are.

The jawbone is another major consideration.  As soon as a tooth is lost, either from gum disease or an extraction, the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve. Over time, loss of bone and shifting of teeth can limit dental options for replacing the missing teeth.

The ideal solution is to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible after it is lost. This will retain your oral health by preventing bone loss and reducing movement of surrounding teeth.

Keep in mind that your teeth are there to serve you with more than the ability to chew alone. A full set of teeth are necessary for the health of the gum and jaw tissues as well, not to mention the obvious effects on your confidence and well-being.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you have several options for making your smile complete:

  • a fixed bridge
  • a complete denture
  • implants

Our team at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is here to help you get a healthy smile back after losing a tooth or several teeth.  After a consultation with our Nanaimo dentists on Vancouver Island, we’ll advise you on the most suitable treatment option for your unique situation.

If finances are holding you back, we have a convenient and low-cost financing option to help you get your full and healthy smile back. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office, we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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No Fee Dental Financing!

Being healthy is a growing concern for more and more people in Nanaimo. The hard choices usually come down to a question of affordability – especially when you have a family to take care of.

PayBright’s mission is to make life more affordable for Canadians. With our convenient payment plans, you can buy now and pay over time in affordable installments. We can help you cover a wide variety of purchases – and we use leading technology to make the process fast and easy.

How it works:

1. Apply Online

Apply with our easy online application in under a minute.

2. Get an Instant Decision

Get our instant approval decision right away, displayed on screen along with the amount of funds available to you.

3. Begin Your Treatment

Proceed to your preferred health provider to finalize your payment plan and begin your health treatment without delay.

4. Make Payments

Paybright will pay your healthcare provider directly. We will set up convenient pre-authorized monthly or semi-monthly payments from your designated bank account.

Paybright provides:

  • affordable monthly payments
  • online access to your account 24/7
  • peace of mind knowing you can start your program today!
  • No activation of annual fees
  • You can prepay or pay off early at any time, with no penalties

Ask Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group’s reception for more information on this exciting no-fee way to finance your dental health.

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How do I find a dentist near me? The 4 factors you must pay attention to

Are you new to Nanaimo and wondering, “How do I find a dentist near me?”  It’s great that you’re thinking about this now rather than when a toothache or emergency occurs.  It is recommended that you find a dentist as soon as you move to a new area.

Choosing a dentist and taking care of your oral health is a personal decision. You want a dentist you can talk to, learn from and feel good about visiting. These are some ideas from the Canadian Dental Association on how to find a new dentist:

  • Recommendations – Ask around. Friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbours, other group members, your physician or your pharmacist may be able to help.
  • Referral – See if your current dentist can suggest someone in your new area.
  • Professional listings – Contact your provincial or territorial regulatory authority or dental association. Many association websites have a dentist locator or dentist directory.

You and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable with. To find a suitable dentist to meet your needs, the following 4 factors are essential: convenience, the dental office, the dentist, specialization:

Convenience

Since going to the dentist is an ongoing commitment that will happen regularly, perhaps over many years, you’ll want to consider the following:

  • Is the location convenient?
  • How long does it usually take to get an appointment?
  • Do the office hours work well with your schedule?
  • What happens if you have an emergency or need after-hours care?
  • What payment options are available?
  • If you have children, will the dentist see them too?
  • Ask about any concerns you or your family may have, e.g., does the dentist have experience with special needs children, people with HIV/AIDS or people with diabetes?

At Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group, we are conveniently located downtown and offer plenty of free parking at the clinic.  We have extended hours on Thursdays for people who work during the day and find it difficult to get time off work to attend a dental appointment.  We like to take care of your whole family and are happy to work with children of all ages.  We accept a variety of payment methods and offer financing options where applicable.

Dental office

It is recommended that you call or visit more than one dentist before selecting one.

When visiting a dentist’s office, consider the following factors:

  • Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly? Do all surfaces and equipment in the treatment room appear clean?
  • Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
  • Do you observe the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?

You’ll find the staff at Downtown Dental Group extremely friendly and helpful.  Check out some of our testimonials and see our Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group Facebook page to get a better sense of this!  Our clinic is very organized and we go above and beyond to provide a safe and comfortable dental experience – including digital x-rays, mercury-free fillings, dental freezing reversal and more.

We also go above and beyond to provide services with a personal touch.  For example, we provide a pillow and blanket as an option for patients, coffee and beverages for busy moms and dads to relax while their family is getting dental work done and wifi and live TV in treatment and waiting rooms to catch up on news and sports updates.

The dentist and staff

It’s important to consider the personality and values of the dentist.  You want to make sure you are on the same page in key areas.  Consider the following:

  • Does the dentist answer your questions clearly?
  • Does the dentist explain your options for treatment?
  • Does the dentist tell you what all the costs will be before you start treatment?
  • If you’re nervous about dental procedures, is the dentist comfortable working with that?

Dr. Mahara will patiently explain all treatment plans and make sure you understand your options.  The cost of treatment is always clearly outlined in any treatment plan.  Dr. Mahara has helped many patients who suffer from dental anxiety through good practices and, when appropriate, sedation dentistry.

Dr. Mahara and his team are dedicated to ongoing professional development and advanced technology to bring you the very best that dentistry has to offer.  The team is proud to offer CEREC, same-day crowns, smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea dental, treatment for TMD, also known as Neuromuscular dentistry and more.

Contact us today to learn more about Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group!

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6 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

If you suffer from a fear of the dentist, inhalation sedation or  “laughing gas” could be a sedation dentistry solution for you to consider.  Here are 6 of the advantages of this mild and temporary form of sedation dentistry.

It works very rapidly.
Since it is a gas, it reaches the brain within 20 seconds, and relaxation and pain-relieving properties usually take effect after only 2 or 3 minutes.

The depth of sedation can be adjusted as needed.
Due to the quick uptake and effect of laughing gas, your dentist can adjust your level of sedation quickly as well.  Other sedation techniques, such as oral sedation take a longer period of time to take effect and therefore don’t allow for this.

It is a very flexible sedation dentistry treatment method.  With laughing gas, it’s easy to give incremental doses until the desired action is obtained.  Also, it can easily be switched off entirely when not needed and then switched on again if there is any further need.

There’s no after effect.
The gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home and don’t need an escort.

No injection is required.
Most people who harbor fears of the dentist also have fears about needles.  Laughing gas is easy to administer and requires no needles.  In cases of very severe needle phobia, getting laughing gas first can help you feel relaxed enough to allow the needle required for IV sedation.

It is a very safe form of  sedation.
It has very few side effects and the drugs used have no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain.

Effective at minimizing severe gagging.
Inhalation sedation has been found to be very effective in eliminating or at least minimizing severe gagging.

Despite all the benefits of laughing gas as a sedation dentistry treatment option, many dental clinics do not offer it.  To offer it, training is required, the equipment is takes up space and the cost of the equipment and gases is high.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to offer inhalation sedation to our patients despite the above mentioned barriers. We strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your dental visits to our clinic and offering laughing gas is part of our effort to serve you and all of your family’s dental needs.  Please read more about sedation dentistry at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group on our website.

We look forward to seeing you and invite you to call to book an appointment today!

 

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What is TMD?

Do you suffer from any of the following: headaches or earaches, especially in the morning? Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort?  Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth? Reduced ability to open or close the mouth?  Unexplained neck and shoulder pain?

If any or all of the above symptoms fit you, it’s possible that the root cause of these symptoms is TMD or Temporomandibular joint disorder.  In simple terms, TMD refers to an imbalance in the joint where your jaw bone meets the skull.

Why would an imbalance in your jaw cause earaches, headaches or even face and neck pain?
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is special for a couple of reasons.  First, unlike the joint of your finger which allows movement in a single direction, the TMJ also allows movement from side to side.  This is needed for chewing food –as you’ll notice that you not only bite up and down but also side to side.  The second is that it contains no pain sensors where the bone meets cartilage.  Therefore if there’s stress on the TMJ it’s not felt there, but rather in surrounding areas.  This shows up as headaches, earaches, facial pain, and even neck and shoulder pain.

What causes TMD?
There are several possible reasons for TMD, a few of them being: repetitive unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth at night, injuries from falls or sports, misaligned tooth surfaces, excessive gum chewing or nail biting or degenerative joint disease.

Is there a cure for TMD?
The correct diagnosis of TMD is the first challenge.  Up until quite recently, little was known about the effects of TMD.  Also, most people visit a physician for the types of pain associated with TMD and many physicians are not aware of this potential cause.

The symptoms of TMD can be alleviated once the correct cause of the disorder is identified.  In fact, there is now a whole branch of dentistry dedicated to the detection and care of TMD called Neuromuscular Dentistry.  Since it is a specialized field of dentistry, it’s important to be referred to a dentist who has been properly trained in Neuromuscular Dentistry.

To learn more about TMD and Dr. Mahara’s training in Neuromuscular Dentistry, please visit the Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group website.  To book an appointment, contact us today.

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Dental Health Links to Serious Disease

The concern about dental health is not only about having healthy teeth and a healthy mouth.  It’s a fact that the body is an inter-connected system, so it makes sense that poor dental health can spill over into poor overall health.

In fact there has been significant research links from poor dental health to:

  • Diabetes,
  • respiratory diseases
  • serious infections
  • heart disease
  • women delivering pre-term, low birth rate babies

Beyond these serious health issues there are several more common issues linked to poor oral health:

  • damage to your appearance and self-esteem,
  • sleeping problems,
  • behavioural and developmental problems in children
  • and even your ability to chew and digest food properly.

No wonder our dental team at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is so passionate about proper dental cleaning and dental maintenance!

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Brush and floss your teeth daily (yep, floss too!).
  • Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse; it can help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth. It is possible to have gum disease and not even know it. The signs of gum disease are bleeding gum, receding gum and bad breath.
  • Visit your dentist regularly to have your mouth examined and don’t wait for problems to see your dentist
  • Eat a healthy diet according to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
  • Do not smoke. If you do smoke, make sure to visit your dental hygienist regularly.
  • If you are pregnant, take especial care of your diet and oral health
  • Brush your children’s teeth for them, until they are able to write (not print) their own name. They should then be able to brush their own teeth with your guidance

It’s important to note that most extended health dental plans provide coverage for regular dental check ups and cleanings –usually every 6 months for children and 9 months for adults. If you have a gum problem, you may need to visit Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group to have your teeth cleaned by hygienist every 3-4 months until your condition resolves. This small investment is worth it considering the irreparable damage gum disease can cause.

Be sure to check your policy and maximize your trips to Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group for regular hygiene and check-ups by letting our dental reception know that you’d like to receive a reminder.  We’re happy to provide any extra service that keeps you smiling.  Book an appointment today.

Here are a few more good articles to read on the subject of dental health:

The Effects of Oral Health on Overall Health

How to Brush Properly

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6 Tips From Your Children’s Dentist

As a parent, bringing your child to the dentist can be difficult if your child is afraid.  Our focus at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is to help you care for your child’s dental health from the beginning and help you to ease your child into developing a positive and lifelong habit of regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits.

Start With Great Habits

Start them young by bringing your child along to your own or their siblings’ dental visits.  We’ll make sure they are engaged positively and that they even get a small prize for coming.  Regular visits to the dentist cannot be emphasized enough in creating conditions for great oral health. Start your child young on a path that will encourage proper dental hygiene, emphasize the link between diet and cavities, and teach injury prevention.

When you child is three years old they should begin having a regular dental examination.  Starting this early keeps those early appointments short, easy and positive, turning them into a patient who enjoys coming to the dentist.

Catch Correctable Problems Early

Crowded teeth and irregular bites due to narrow jaws or underdeveloped lower jaws can often be corrected through the use of functional appliances if caught early.  The ideal age for the use of functional appliances is between ages seven and eleven, but can be utilized as early as age 4, if the upper jaw is too narrow and is having a negative effect on the child’s breathing and speech.  Catching dental problems early can mean less time in orthodontic treatments as a teen and not having to remove permanent teeth due to over-crowding.

Supervise Brushing up to Age 5 or 6

Since children lack dexterity and often really do not understand how important it is to brush thoroughly, it’s important to supervise their brushing once they are able to do it on their own. You should supervise your child’s brushing until you are comfortable with them doing it themselves, which often means until the age of 5 or 6.  This investment of your time will be worth it when your child’s check-up reveals a clean bill of health!

Don’t Forget About Flossing!

Once your child’s teeth have grown in, your child should start flossing daily.  Most parents have no problem with enforcing a routine of brushing each morning and each evening before bed, but often neglect to add the important step of flossing.  Simply put, the tooth brush cannot reach between the teeth which cavities often start.  The best time to floss is at night – so add it to your child’s bedtime routine and set your child up for a complete and effective oral healthcare routine.

Nothing Except Water After Night Brushing & Flossing

After your child’s bedtime brushing make sure they do not drink anything besides water or eat before bed.  If your child does eat or drink after brushing, make sure they brush again!  Foods or sugary drinks at night are one of the major causes of decay and cavities in young teeth, so it’s worth being very strict about this rule.

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Get in the Way

You child learns a lot from you, including your attitudes.  Therefore, speaking and acting positively about going to the dentist, naturally creates a positive attitude in your child about the dentist.   A lot of adults harbor anxiety about going to the dentist.  This is unfortunate since modern advances in dentistry, such as sedation dentistry, make it completely unnecessary to even remotely fear going to the dentist.   If you have dental anxiety, come and see us to find out how we can help you and read more about sedation dentistry on our website.  In the meantime, as a parent, do your best to contain your anxiety and make your child’s experience the positive one that it can and should be.

We look forward to you contacting us to book an appointment for your child today!

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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Stop Snoring With the Help of Your Dentist

In North America, it is estimated that 90 million people snore or have a more serious breathing condition known as sleep apnea. In sleep apnea cases, an individual stops breathing for ten seconds or more hundreds of times each night. Sleep apnea can lead to many serious health problems and produce symptoms like sleepiness during the day and loss of ability to concentrate.

What are the causes of snoring and what can be done to correct it?

Snoring can be related to excessive weight, to sleeping on one’s back, consuming alcohol within several hours of going to bed or a genetic predisposition. A constriction of the airway occurs during sleep, which allows the vibrations that we hear as “snoring”.

Dental sleep appliances

There are a number of new dental sleep appliances that help to open the airway and reduce snoring. Dental sleep appliances can be quite tolerable and much less bulky than the earlier dental anti-snoring devices. Dental sleep appliances no longer lock the jaw into one position, leaving you free to yawn, talk and even sip water while wearing them.

Is a sleep appliance right for you?

A consultation with your dentist will let you know whether a dental sleep appliance is appropriate for you.

Your dentist will establish that you do not have sleep apnea or refer you to a physician to have this evaluated. Even when sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, dental sleep appliances can be a very effective treatment method.

What is the cost of dental sleep appliances?

The cost of these appliances is roughly equal to a weekend away for a couple and the benefits are significant. If you have dental insurance these appliances may even be partially covered.

Alternative ways to reduce snoring

Other ways to reduce snoring include reducing weight to an ideal level, sewing a tennis ball into the back of a pajama top to help the sleeper avoid lying on their back, and reducing alcohol consumption before bed.

If you have a snoring problem and would like to stop snoring now, book a consultation today to see if a dental sleep appliance would benefit you and help you achieve your goals.  Read more about sleep apnea on the Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group website.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.

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What Your Gums Say About Your Health

It’s no mystery that the beauty of a smile can impact a person’s image and level of confidence.  Surprisingly though, the health of a person’s gums can say even more about the health of the person than their teeth.

It makes sense since gums are the protective tissues that surround the teeth – protecting the roots and bone structure underneath it from all of the possible invaders that could enter through our mouths.

Read on to find out what your gums are saying about you!

What do healthy gums look and feel like?

Healthy gums are light to medium pink, or slightly darker depending on your skin tone. Healthy gums lie snugly against your teeth, fully covering the root of the tooth. Flossing does not feel painful and biting into ice cream is not uncomfortable.

This is a picture of ideal gum health. Shockingly, however, according to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults 30 and over have some form of gum disease.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease happens over time – meaning that if caught early, there is still time to reverse it.

Here are signs that your gums may not be healthy:

  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Redness or puffiness
  • Receding away from teeth
  • Pain or tenderness when brushing, flossing, or consuming anything hot or cold

Receding gums could be a sign of stress or sleep apnea

Grinding your teeth while you sleep puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and jawbones, which can ultimately lead to gum recession. While grinding your teeth can happen due to health issues like anxiety and stress, it’s also commonly linked with sleep apnea.

Recession might also happen because of a toothbrush that’s too hard or too old, or brushing with too much pressure.  Replace toothbrushes every three to four months and only use toothbrushes with soft bristles.

Pale gums could indicate anemia

Very pale gums can be a sign of anemia. This blood disorder happens when your red blood cell count is low or you don’t have enough of the iron-rich protein hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is what gives blood its colour, and without enough of it, you may notice paleness – including in your gums.

Dry gums could indicate immune system problems

Immune disorders, such as rheumatic diseases or lupus can affect the mucous membranes of your eyes and mouth, which can result in lowered levels of tears and saliva.  When your gums are dry, it can contribute to gum disease – or make it worse.  If you have gums that are dry enough to bother you, it’s worth bringing up with your dentist.

Other links to disease

Diabetes – If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your body can have a harder time controlling bacteria in the mouth. This can make gum disease more severe and take longer to heal.

Heart disease – There may be an association between gum disease and heart disease. While neglecting your oral health won’t necessarily cause heart disease, enough research has linked gum disease and heart disease to suggest that there’s an association between the two that’s not fully understood.

Premature birth – There’s also some evidence that maternal gum disease could be associated with a risk of premature birth (giving birth at 37 weeks or earlier) and low birth weight (5.5 pounds or less).

Preventing gum problems

You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, as well as flossing once a day.

Regular professional teeth cleanings are also essential. Even with good brushing and cleaning habits, these visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and catching the signs of gum disease early.  Contact Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group today to book an appointment.

 

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