Do you need oral surgery and feel a little (or very) apprehensive? When treated at Cowlitz River Dental, expect skill, expertise and gentle care. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, dentist in Castle Rock, offers many preventive, aesthetic and restorative services, including tooth extractions, root canal therapy, dental implants and other oral surgeries. Dr. Kennington’s informed use of sedation options provides a relaxed experience.
Sedation for Oral Surgery
Expect a relaxed and pain-free oral surgery at Cowlitz River Dental. Dr. Kennington and his team use local anesthesia (pain shots) when appropriate to numb the necessary areas of the mouth so the patient experiences a comfortable absolutely no discomfort.
For mild relaxation, your sedation dentist in Castle Rock offers nitrous oxide sedation. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it is nicknamed, is a medication delivered through a nasal mask. It gives the patient a feeling of euphoria–even giddiness–hence the term “laughing gas.” Adjusted up or down as needed, nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the procedure, and the patient can drive himself home.
For even more relaxation, dentist and patient may choose oral conscious sedation–common medications such as triazolam (Halcion) or lorazepam (Ativan) administered as pills. These sedatives allow the dentist to do his work while the patient feels very drowsy or even naps. A number of patients do not even recall their procedures afterwards. A responsible adult drives the patient home after treatment.
Also, Dr. Kennington is fully qualified to administer IV, or intravenous, conscious sedation. This medication is delivered via a needle in the arm while the patient’s vital signs and comfort level are fully monitored. Intravenous delivery allows Dr. Kennington to precisely control the patient’s level of sedation. This kind of anesthesia is appropriate for people who experience a high level of dental anxiety, have difficulty sitting still for their treatments, or who need numerous and complex procedures such as full mouth reconstruction. Most patients do not recall their procedures afterwards. A responsible adult drives the patient home after treatment.
Sometimes Teeth Must Be Extracted
Dr. Kennington does all he can to preserve natural tooth structure, but sometimes it’s best to remove a tooth. Common reasons a tooth must be extracted include:
- Severely injured
- Extensively decayed
- Crowding other healthy teeth
- Mobile because of advanced gum disease
Extractions are performed in-office, often under sedation. The dentist may “pull” (Dr. Kennington actually does much pushing than pulling when extracting a tooth) one or more teeth as necessary, particularly in preparation for denture placement. Extractions sometimes involve some suturing and diet modifications (eating soft foods, no drinking with a straw) during the first few postoperative days.
Wisdom teeth often compromise the health of the jaw and other teeth because of impaction within gum tissue or bone. Most worrisome between the ages of 16 and 25, but often problematic later in life, wisdom teeth may interfere with orthodontic treatment and frequently cause infection and severe toothaches.
Root Canal Therapy and Dental Implants
In lieu of extraction, Dr. Kennington may perform root canal therapy. This one-hour procedure, usually performed with local anesthetic, removes diseased interior tissue and seals the inside of the tooth. During a second treatment, the dentist crowns the tooth, preserving it for years of additional service.
For a missing tooth, the oral surgeon may place a dental implant, today’s premiere tooth replacement. For people with thin bone in their jaw, Dr. Kennington uses innovative bone grafting procedures in preparation for a dental implant.
Additionally, patients with advanced gum disease may require advanced flap surgeries. Dr. Kennington may also remove restrictive “tongue ties” with in-office laser frenectomies.
For all these procedures, Dr. Kennington uses his expertise in sedation dentistry to keep patients comfortable and fear-free.
Are You Experiencing Dental Problems?
You can resolve them comfortably. Please contact Cowlitz River Dental to arrange a restorative dentistry consultation. Dr. Kennington and his staff will explain your procedures and the sedation dentistry options to ease you through!