Drawing of a brunette woman with dental anxiety with her head in her hands against a blue background

Do you experience dental anxiety? Our team at Hermitage Dental Group understands how debilitating anxiety can be. We love helping patients overcome their fears and have positive experiences at the dentist. In this blog post, we suggest tips to reduce your dental anxiety!

Help Yourself Stay Relaxed

Make the necessary preparations to keep your visit as easy and stress-free as possible. For example, eat (then brush your teeth) so you aren’t hangry and wear comfortable clothing.

Additionally, give yourself ample time to get to your appointment. Head over to our office early so you won’t feel rushed if you get caught in traffic or need to stop for gas.

If you can schedule your visits on days when your schedule is a little lighter and you have less to worry about, that can help ease anxiety.

We also recommend that patients plan on doing something fun after their dental visits that they can look forward to, even if it’s something small like going on a walk or watching your favorite movie.

Utilize Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is an excellent way to reduce dental anxiety safely and effectively. Consult with our team to determine the best form of sedation for your unique needs!

For patients who have mild to moderate dental anxiety or want a sedation option that will wear off quickly, we recommend nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas). This is inhaled via a nose mask.

Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill that induces an even deeper state of relaxation. This will make you drowsy and less aware of your surroundings, but you can still respond to questions.

Our office also provides IV sedation. This medication is administered directly into your bloodstream to put you into a relaxed, sleep-like state.

Communicate with Our Team

Whether you have recently developed dental anxiety or it’s something you’ve dealt with for as long as you can remember, we don’t want you to suffer in silence. Sometimes asking a few questions about a treatment can help to make it far less scary and intimidating.

Our team would be happy to go over your treatment with you so you’ll know what to expect. By asking questions and being open about your fears, our friendly and compassionate team can work with you to reduce your anxious thoughts and feelings.

Contact us today for additional tips to overcome your dental anxiety!

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Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, and many patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correct a gummy smile, and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?

  • Your Bite

Your bite can be genetic and your top jaw may not align properly with your bottom jaw. If your bite causes the upper jaw to protrude this can cause a gummy look.

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip

If your lip raises up too high gum tissue may be exposed, and this results in a gummy smile.

  • Excess Gum Tissue

The most common cause of a gummy smile is having too much gum tissue. In many cases gum tissue can over grow when permanent teeth erupt in the mouth.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening helps to reshape the gum tissue around the tooth and correct a gummy smile. This procedure exposes more of the patient’s natural tooth and make the teeth look longer.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help change the shape of your gum, and this can be done if you have excess gum tissue. This procedure also helps if the gum line is uneven. Gum contouring removes the excess gum tissue and exposes more of your teeth. This helps to give patients a beautiful even looking smile.

Scaling and Root Planing

If a gummy smile is caused by inflamed gums a deep cleaning treatment may be recommended. Scaling and root planing reach down deep into the gum pockets to remove bacteria. This can help the gummy appearance subside.

Lip Lowering

This procedure involves removing a section of gum tissue to reveal a shorter looking lip. This keeps the upper lip from rising too high and exposing your gum tissue.

Orthodontics

If you have an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontic treatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take the Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

If you are looking to correct your smile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns, and discuss possible treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile, and we are here to help you get the smile you have always wanted.

If you are interested in scheduling a cosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening treatments are popular for patients that have tooth discoloration, or for those that just want a brighter smile. Whitening your teeth can be done safely and there are several options to choose from. If the directions are followed patients can successfully whiten their teeth with no side effects. Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence, can change a patient’s smile quickly, and make you feel great.

What Are My Options for Teeth Whitening?

If you have decided to whiten your teeth there are a few options to choose from. We offer teeth whitening treatments in our office, and this typically is a faster way to get the results you desire. We also offer a treatment you can take with you and whiten in the convenience of your own home.

Both options give great results patients are happy with. In addition to those two options there are over the counter whitening treatments that can help you whiten your teeth. Part of the evaluation process is to take a good look at your teeth and the level of discoloration, your age, and dental history to help you decide what treatment options will work best.

What Are Common Side Effects With Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is perfectly safe, but there are a few side effects that patients can experience.

Teeth Sensitivity

When you whiten your teeth the product gets deep into the tooth enamel. In some cases patients can experience sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments. We may recommend you use a sensitive type tooth paste to help with any sensitivity after whitening.

Irritated Gums

Gum irritation is another common issue when patients decide to whiten your teeth. In some cases patients are sensitive to the whitening treatment. This typically goes away after your treatment is complete.

Whitening treatments can be done periodically to keep teeth looking bright white. Whitening treatments are for patients with natural teeth. If you have implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures and want to whiten your teeth, we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your options. If you suffer from many cavities we recommend those are treated before any whitening treatment begins. Depending on each case we can help determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

How To Keep My Teeth Looking White

There are things you can do at home to help keep your teeth looking bright white. Avoiding food and beverages that may stain your teeth like coffee, tea, or red wine. If you do eat or drink something that may stain your teeth it is a good idea to rinse or brush right afterwards to help decrease staining.

Looking To Whiten Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening is a great way to give you a bright white smile. Whitening your teeth is safe and easy, and does not cause many side effects or issues. Scheduling a consultation with our team to examine your teeth and discuss your goals is a great way to start the process. Our skilled professionals will help you decide what treatment is best, and help get you on the road to a brighter smile.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to find out if teeth whitening is right for you, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.