Bethesda Sedation Dentistry's Blog

July 26, 2010

Modern Dental Care at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Our Tools and Technology Allow for Comfortable, Conservative Treatment

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At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we are always looking for ways to improve patient experience and provide lasting treatment of the highest quality. In keeping with that, our office and team are equipped with a wide variety of the latest advances in dental technology. These tools and techniques are part of our overall effort to deliver relaxing, excellent care. In addition to investing in technology, our entire staff is committed to continuing education, so we can stay at the leading edge of dentistry. We believe that you deserve the best, and we work hard to provide it!

Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s technology includes:

Air Abrasion
If you’re used to the traditional dental drill, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with air abrasion. As an alternative decay removal device, it uses a pressurized stream of particles to smooth away decayed tooth structure and prepare it for restoration with a tooth-colored filling or crown.

DIAGNOdent
Prevention and early detection of dental decay is one of the most important ways we keep our patients’ mouths healthy. DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to find problem areas that may be as yet undetectable by a routine visual inspection. By catching these problems now, we save our patients the headache of more costly and time intensive restorative procedures down the road.

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June 18, 2010

Bethesda Sedation Dentistry Provides Cosmetic Results for Every Patient

These days, you hear a lot about cosmetic dentistry procedures. Everyone’s looking for that extra edge for their image, and you may feel a little shutterstock_3069201left behind by the talk of porcelain veneers, bonding, or dramatic teeth whitening. But the label “cosmetic” doesn’t have to be limited to purely aesthetic procedures. Did you know that we consider all the dentistry we perform here in our Bethesda office cosmetic? It’s true!

At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, our dentists take a comprehensive approach to your dental care, which means that whether we’re addressing a cavity with a tooth-colored filling or repairing a damaged tooth with a porcelain crown, we focus on your smile’s integrity. We take into account the health of your teeth, gums, and surrounding structure, as well as the attractive appearance your smile presents to the world. Each treatment is designed to improve and maintain your aesthetics, comfort, and overall wellness.

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May 20, 2010

Bethesda Sedation Dentistry Transforms Smiles with Porcelain Veneers

Are your teeth uneven, chipped, unevenly-spaced, or otherwise flawed? Have you ever looked at someone’s bright, attractive smile and wished you could have the same confidence and appeal? Now, shutterstock_3206144you can! Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, and Dr. Klotz perform many cosmetic dentistry treatments for patients who are looking to improve their smile and make a fabulous first impression.

One of the most popular aesthetic treatments for the modern dental patient, porcelain veneers can quickly and effectively change your smile from dull to dazzling. What are they? Essentially custom-fabricated shells of dental porcelain, veneers are firmly bonded to your front teeth. They can correct any number of cosmetic concerns, such as tooth size, shape, and color. Most often, a younger, refreshed appearance takes just two visits to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry.

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April 21, 2010

Banish Bad Breath at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Many people suffer with embarrassing bad breath and find it’s a stumbling block when interacting with others. You may spend more time young-girl-2worrying about whether you can safely whisper something to your date rather than focusing on just having a good time at the movies. And forget the goodnight kiss! If you battle halitosis (bad breath), there’s good news. At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, our dentists can give you professional advice and tools to restore fresh breath.

Why do I have bad breath?
The answer to that question consists of two elements leading to the same result. One cause is certain foods that contain sulfur compounds, like garlic and cabbage. When these foods are digested, the sulfur is released and is carried into our lungs through the bloodstream, and then exhaled - yuck! The other cause is bacteria in the mouth that feed on food particles left behind after we eat. The bacteria create the sulfur compounds that make foul-smelling breath.

How can I eliminate bad breath?
The most important weapon in your arsenal to fight bad breath is proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly will work to remove the layer of plaque and food particles that invites bacteria, as well as remove the bacteria so they can’t produce the sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. Our dentists here at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can provide patients with special mouthwash and toothpaste that contains chlorine dioxide. This formula will kill bacteria and neutralize sulfuric gases.

Talk to the experts
Don’t let a halitosis problem hold you back any longer. Ask Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, or Dr. Klotz about effective fresh-breath treatments and strategies at your next appointment in our Bethesda dental office. Call today to schedule a visit–we look forward to improving your quality of life through excellent dental care!

March 19, 2010

A Quick-Reference Guide to Your Sedation Options at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

As sedation dentistry experts, we are keenly aware that many patients suffer from nervousness during dental visits. Some may even be too shutterstock_24273910anxious to schedule an appointment. Sedation dentistry creates a relaxed state of mind for those who struggle with dental fear. Oral sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may also be appropriate if a patient has a strong gag reflex or needs to complete a lengthy procedure in one appointment. With sedation dentistry, Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, and Dr. Klotz provide soothing general, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry appointments to Bethesda area patients.

Our sedation options include:

Nitrous Oxide
This form of sedation, also known as “laughing gas,” is a very effective means of enhancing comfort and relieving anxiety for patients of any age. If your dentist decides that nitrous oxide is the best sedation option for you, he or she will administer the gas that you will inhale through a face mask. Soon after we begin administering the gas, you will feel very relaxed. Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, or Dr. Klotz can begin treatment while you remain completely comfortable in the dental chair. The effects of nitrous oxide will subside very quickly once the mask is removed, so if nitrous oxide is the only form of sedation you receive, you will be able to drive yourself home following treatment.

Oral sedation
If oral sedation is appropriate for your situation, one of our dentists can select an appropriate sedative medication in pill form. You will take the prescribed pill at a pre-determined time before your appointment, and by the time of your visit to our office, you will be completely at ease. The sedative drugs we prescribe are very safe and widely-prescribed to alleviate anxiety and help patients relax. Though oral sedation will not “put you under,” as IV sedation does, some patients become so relaxed they drift off into a restful sleep while our dentists perform their dental work.

IV Sedation
This type of sedation is most often used for complex procedures or oral surgeries, but can also be appropriate in situations where patients suffer from severe anxiety. We will thoroughly evaluate your medical background, and may even check with your MD, to ensure that IV sedation will be safe for you. The level of sedation we administer will correlate to your needs, and one of our team members will continuously monitor your vital signs during treatment.

There’s no need to dread dental work. Our caring dental professionals and customized sedation options will ensure that you experience soothing visits with a minimum of stress. Call our Bethesda office today to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation. Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, Dr. Klotz and our team proudly serve residents of Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

February 19, 2010

Dental Implants Restore Strong, Full Smiles for Bethesda Patients

When you’re missing teeth, even just one, it can cause you to be self-conscious during routine daily activities. Unfortunately, you may feel less comfortable eating meals with others,copy-of-couple1 because you’re afraid that an inability to chew food properly will be embarrassing. Or you may be reluctant to show your smile in pictures, because you want to avoid capturing the gaps in your smile for posterity. At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we believe you deserve a full smile that reflects your true beauty and confidence. Our dentists provide ultra-secure replacement teeth with dental implants, restoring smiles to their natural fullness and function. (more…)

January 18, 2010

Keeping Teeth and Gums Healthy at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Did you know that three out of four Americans age 35 and older have gum disease in some form or another? checkup2Unfortunately, it’s not hard to see why the affliction is so widespread, since only half of the population visits a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. That’s quite a wake-up call! At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, our dentists will thoroughly evaluate your mouth for periodontal (gum) problems at a routine visit.

Signs that you may suffer from gum disease include loose teeth, pockets between your teeth and gums, halitosis (bad breath), and bleeding or swollen gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg can evaluate your mouth and determine if you have periodontal disease. We provide several conservative gum disease therapies at our Bethesda dental practice. (more…)

December 17, 2009

Nitrous Oxide Sedation from Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Welcome to the final installment in our series covering sedation dentistry options at our Bethesda dental office. This time we’ll be discussing nitrous oxide sedation.beach-daytime_new

What is nitrous oxide?
You’ve probably heard of nitrous oxide by its familiar term, “laughing gas.” This form of sedation is milder than oral or IV sedation, and  Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg administers it through a face mask. Patients begin inhaling the gas before a procedure, and in a very short period of time the sedative will leave them completely relaxed and ready for a comfortable general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry procedure. (more…)

November 14, 2009

Oral Conscious Sedation from Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Here at the Bethesda Sedation Dentistry blog, we’re continuing our series on sedation dentistry. This time we’ll discuss the benefits and applications of oral sedation.pill_new

Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, and Dr. Schlossberg are experienced sedation dentists. Whether you struggle with dental fear, a sensitive gag reflex, or have had trouble with anesthesia, one of our doctors can prescribe oral sedation to ease your visit. This type of sedation may also be appropriate if you’d like to consolidate several procedures into as few visits as possible while remaining comfortable.

First, you’ll meet with one of our dentists at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry. Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg will consult with you and assess your overall health. If you are a good candidate for oral sedation, the dentist will select an appropriate sedative. This safe and effective medication will allow you a worry-free dental experience.

Before your appointment, you will take the oral medication , and a friend will need to drive you to and from our office, since the sedation medicine causes drowsiness. When it’s time for your procedure, you will feel totally relaxed and at ease. In fact, in addition to the lack of nervousness or anxiety during treatment, it’s likely you won’t remember your experience on the following day.

If dental phobia or other discomfort has been keeping you from oral care, sedation dentistry may be the answer. To find out if oral sedation is right for your situation, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg. They provide exceptional, soothing dental experiences to Bethesda area patients every day.

October 19, 2009

Keep Calm while Keeping your Appointment at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

Over the next few months, we’ll be talking about sedation dentistry here on our blog. Sedation can be a great solution for those who are nervousshutterstock_33687946 about dental visits. Patients who have a sensitive gag reflex, TMJ disorder, or other roadblocks to proper oral healthcare can also benefit from sedation. Through this series, you’ll learn what types of sedation we offer and which patients may be the best candidates for each type. In this first post, we’ll address IV sedation.

Remember, a consultation with Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg is the best way to determine the kind of sedation that is right for you.

IV Sedation

Some people experience intense fear when confronted with the need to visit the dentist for even routine cleanings or procedures. If you have put off treatment because of anxiety or phobias regarding the dentist, Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can provide IV sedation. (more…)

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