Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist's Chair?

Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist's office? You're not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.

For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it's used depends on the severity of the fear.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.

The levels of sedation used include:

·      Minimal sedation -- you are awake but relaxed.

·      Moderate sedation (formerly called "conscious sedation") -- You may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.

·      Deep sedation -- you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.

·      General anesthesia -- you are completely unconscious.

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:

·      Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

·      Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it's usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.

·      IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.

·      Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious -- deeply asleep -- during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.

Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you'll also typically need a local anesthetic -- numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth -- to relieve pain if the procedure causes 

any discomfort.

Above article from: WebMd.com


David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Treating Gum Disease for Your Healthiest Smile
Everyone knows that regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining optimum oral health. Professional teeth cleaning and the prevention of dental problems go hand in hand. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation and bacterial infection of the gums surrounding the teeth.

Teeth cleaning does more that just clean your teeth. Removing plaque is essential if you want to preserve your teeth. Plaque builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are of course vital, but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis

With mild periodontal disease, there are very effective NON-surgical procedures which, coupled with improved dental hygiene, can halt the spread of the disease in its tracks. Essentially, the pockets around the teeth containing bacteria must be cleaned. This, too, is usually covered under most dental insurance plans. Then, of course, the patient must keep them clean with regular brushing and flossing.

We have a soft tissue management program (soft tissue = gums). Part of this program is regular cleanings, LASER gum treatments when needed, and the latest in medications to prevent gum disease. You will also receive home care instructions and at least three follow-up examinations to make sure you’re doing fine.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining optimum oral health. Professional teeth cleaning and the prevention of dental problems go hand in hand. We are very interested in heading trouble off BEFORE it happens. This saves you time and expense.

Target Gum Disease at the Source
Tooth loss is almost always attributable to gum disease (aka periodontal disease), not tooth decay. Patients are often not even aware of the extent of their gum disease until they see the dentist, and many worry about the potential for painful treatment. But Dr. Piroli uses a fantastic, pain-free solution called ARESTIN™. This powder carries invisible microspheres that deliver a time-released antibiotic to the spaces between the gums and teeth where bacteria lingers. ARESTIN kills the bacteria that causes gum disease.

David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Oral Cancer Screening - Dentist

Oral Cancer – Early Detection Can be a Lifesaver
Dr. Piroli has discovered a revolutionary early detection system for oral cancer. He is able to shine a special light in your mouth called the Microlux Diagnostic Light™ to see if there is cause for concern. With an estimated 29,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed last year, a quick and painless oral cancer screening can be more than just a good idea. When oral cancer is discovered at an early stage, treatment is faster, simpler, less invasive, and 90% successful. Not only is Microlux DL painless, it might just save your life.


David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Dental Root Canals

Saving Hopeless Teeth
Teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected used to require extraction, which can cause a lot of problems and should be avoided whenever possible. The good news is that we are well experienced in advanced root canal therapy.

A root canal is a procedure to fix a tooth by removing the pulp chamber of a tooth and filling it with a filling material. This is often necessary when dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), and a simple filling will not be suitable.

In the not too distant past, the situation mentioned above would have required the tooth to be extracted. When dentists started performing root canals, they were quite painful, and the root canal has received a reputation as something to be avoided. However, with modern anesthetics and technology, the root canals we can perform in our practice are tolerable and sometimes even painless.

David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Natural Looking Dentures

New Breakthrough Cures Loose, Slipping Dentures
Are you wearing dentures that slip, tilt, or wander, and you would prefer to have the strength and stability of implants? You will be happy to know of a relatively recent breakthrough called mini implants. Mini implants securely anchor your dentures, eliminating slippage and trapped food. They are placed in one visit and you can look forward to eating the same day you receive them. Additionally, they can often be placed where regular implants cannot, so you can receive the benefits of mini implants even if you are not a candidate for regular implants.

Beautiful Dentures for Confident Smiles
Dentures Jupiter FL
Whether you already have dentures and need an update, or are considering dentures, we can provide a natural-looking set for a beautiful, confident smile. Allow us to custom-design your dentures for maximum comfort and beauty. Our experienced dental team can give you a great fit along with a great look. Increase your confidence and have even more reason to smile – ask us about this today!

David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Implant Dentistry

Dental Implant Restoration
for a Perfect Smile
Dental Implants Dentist Jupiter FL

Missing teeth can cause difficulties in chewing and make you self-conscious about your smile. We have an excellent solution – dental implant restorations! After an oral surgeon places a titanium post, Dr. Piroli will custom-create natural-looking restorations. These will match the rest of your teeth, function just like the originals, and be impossible for anyone to detect! Get the smile you deserve – permanently!


David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469

Teeth Whitening Dentist

Brilliantly White Teeth in Just One Visit!
Teeth Whitening Jupiter FL
Achieving the whitest teeth possible can only be done by using professional-strength whitening, also called “power whitening.” You may have seen in-office power whitening on television. This allows you to have brilliantly white teeth, without stains or darkness, in one to two hours, with results that can last for years. We also offer take-home kits for your convenience. These provide results within 1 - 14 days.

David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2 

Jupiter, FL 33469