Bethesda Sedation Dentistry's Blog

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…)

July 27, 2009

Charity in the Appalachians

100_38551We just returned from our volunteer trip with the Remote Area Medical (RAM), in the Appalachian mountains  in Wise, Virginia.  This was the 10th annual RAM health expedition open to an army of people seeking free dental, medical and vision care at the Wise County Fairgrounds.  RAM founder, Stan Brock,  said that the daily limit of 1600 patients for the entire three day limit was reached by the end of the first day.  Many patients had camped out since Tuesday in the hope of receiving care.  Over 800 health care professionals and other volunteers (more…)

June 3, 2009

Our Trip to Tasmania

We had a fantastic trip to Tasmania and it was great to visit the family and some friends. I have posted a couple of photos. Tasmania is the most beautiful state with so much amazing wilderness. It really was an incredible journey. We did not find any Tasmania Tigers but the Devils were hilarious.



- Those Devils!

Photos

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Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

April 29, 2009

MEET A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM— BRUISER— SURE TO MAKE YOU RELAX!

bruiserThis is Bruiser, a male Betta fighting fish.  He has been a member of our family for about eight months. He lives in the office on the counter at the front desk.  Bruiser is very relaxing to watch.  In his home is a yellow apple snail named “Snaily”.  He moves slowly, but is active for a snail.  We have stories about him as well!  Their home is a fish bowel shaped just like a fish.  Be sure to say hello to them when you come and visit.

April 23, 2009

Welcome to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s Blog!

Consider this blog your news resource for information about oral health, dental procedures and technology, and what’s happening at your dentist’s office. We believe communication is key to building great doctor-patient relationships, and this dental blog is intended to keep us in touch with you. The best part is, you can simply bookmark this page in your browser, then visit whenever you like! Stay tuned for regular posts that will keep you informed.

If you need to schedule an appointment or are “interviewing” us as your potential new dental provider, call today! You may also want to review information about us here.