Category Archives: Sedation Dentistry

One of the most important aspects of good dental health is daily brushing with an effective toothpaste. In this post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll discuss toothpaste – and maybe tell you more about it than you ever thought you would know.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The idea, presumably, was to make it more abrasive. No minty fresh breath in those days! The taste, most likely, was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like Ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Modern toothpastes began in the 1800s. The earliest toothpastes weren’t much like what we know today: most were powders, and some had soap and chalk in them. A description of toothpaste from the 1860s mentions charcoal.

Toothpaste first appeared in a tube in the 1980s. By 1914, fluoride was added. These pastes were much like what we know today.

This ends our brief history of toothpaste. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we want to help our patients have excellent dental health and bright smiles. We provide general and family dentistry, professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

There are two words that can strike fear into the most courageous of souls: root canal. But at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, root canals are performed with the patient’s comfort uppermost in mind.

A root canal is a procedure that treats the inside of a tooth. It becomes necessary when a cavity infects the tooth’s interior, which can cause increased sensitivity and a whole lot of pain.

The technical word for a root canal is endodontic therapy. In short, it works like this: after an access hole is drilled in the surface of the infected tooth, the damaged interior, or pulp, is removed. The remaining tooth is thoroughly cleaned, filled, and sealed. A crown is placed over the whole thing to protect it, and provide a natural-looking appearance.

Sound brutal? Root canals have the reputation of being one of being one of the more unpleasant procedures that dental patients undergo. But with modern dentistry, it’s a lot like having a cavity filled. For those patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry, to make you feel much more at ease.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides root canal therapy, along with family and cosmetic dentistry. If you’ve got a persistent toothache, don’t take a chance. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Do you get sweaty palms when you go to the dentist? A pounding heart, at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Dental anxiety is brutal – but with sedation dentistry in Boise, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many people who fret about the dentist over issues large and small have chosen sedation dentistry. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are frequently used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s consider the main types of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is commonly called. Nitrous oxide is safe and effective, and has been used in dentistry for many years. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment, and wears off quickly. If you need a little help to get through dental services, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be a good option.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation doesn’t work as rapidly as nitrous oxide, but it helps most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually lead to complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are considered ‘conscious’ sedation.

IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in a state of deep relaxation. Most patients are unaware to what is going on in their mouths. IV sedation is often used for root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile redesigns. Patients will require a ride home afterward.

General Anesthesia
With general anesthesia, we use a licensed anesthesiologist. General anesthesia makes the patient fully asleep. It is used for complex dental treatment, and sometimes for children and adults with extreme dental anxiety.

For more information about sedation dentistry, and procedures like dental implants, call us at Blaisdell Family Dentistry. We also provide general and family dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Millions of Americans are filled with dread at the mere thought of sitting down in a dentist’s chair. It’s a serious issue, because some people avoid the dentist for that reason, and may end up paying a high price in dental health. At Blaisdell Family Denistry, we want anyone with dental anxiety to know that there are ways to get you comfortably through a visit to the dentist. Please keep reading.

There are many reasons why people suffer with dental anxiety. Our purpose here, though, is to offer solutions. We provide sedation dentistry that can help.

• Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, has been a staple of sedation dentistry for more than one hundred years. It may not make you laugh, but it will get you completely relaxed. There are no side effects, and it wears off quickly.
• Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative about an hour before your schedule procedure. It is safe, fast-acting, and effective. It has no real side effects, but you’ll need a ride home afterward.
• IV Sedation is administered intravenously. It puts you in a deeply relaxed state, and again, you’ll need a ride home when your appointment is over.
• General anesthesia puts you completely out. It is reserved for those patients with the most acute cases of dental anxiety. It is administered by trained professionals, and again, you’ll need a ride home afterward.

Don’t neglect your teeth because of fears or concerns about a dentist appointment. Sedation dentistry from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise can get you through it. We also provide restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we know that many Boise children are afraid of going to the dentist. I am Dr. Lynn R. Blaisdell and my staff and I at Blaisdell Family Dentistry want to make your child’s first visit to my Boise practice a positive experience. Regular dental check-ups from toddler age are an essential part of dental hygiene.

Idaho parents can follow these guidelines to help prepare their child for a dental visit.

1. Talk about the exam with your child. Answer any questions with uncomplicated answers.
2. Don’t share your bad dental experiences with your child.
3. Don’t imply that the exam will be painful.
4. Help your child understand that this is an important part of staying healthy.
5. Don’t offer a reward for visiting the dentist.

It is important for parents to make sure they aren’t anxious about Boise dental visits because children can sense their stress.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we have been treating children and adults since 1981. Our professional, friendly staff can calm the nerves of a fearful child and help them have a gentle dental experience.

If you or your Boise child has had a bad dental experience or is unable to stay calm while visiting the dentist, ask us about sedation dentistry. We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving excellent dental care.

For simple dental procedures topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing oral sensation. If you require more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are safe solutions.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry also offers complete smile makeovers which may include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, or any other cosmetic dental procedures required. All of these can be done with some type of sedation.

Don’t let your fears or your child’s fears keep your child from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry at 208-922-6902 today!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

When I discuss sedation dentistry with new patients, I encounter many misconceptions. The purpose of today’s dentistry article is to de-bunk some of the most common myths about dental sedation.

Myth #1: With Sedation Dentistry, You Are Completely Unconscious

Some nervous dental patients are not only afraid of receiving treatment; they also fear the thought of not being in control. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we offer different levels of sedation, but none of the sedation options put you completely to sleep. With oral sedation you are relaxed but not totally knocked out. When we need to ask a dental sedation patient a question during the treatment, the patient is able to hear, understand, and respond.

Myth #2: Dental Sedation Should Only Be Used For Extensive Dental Treatment

Anxiety-free dentistry is completely safe. Many nervous sedation dentistry patients request sedation for routine exams and procedures.

Myth #3: Most Dental Insurance Companies Do Not Cover Sleep Dentistry

Some Idaho dental insurers do cover sedation. Check with your insurer for details about your Idaho dental insurance benefits.

Myth #4: Sleep Dentistry Is Still Experimental

Cosmetic dentists have been safely providing sedation for many years. Blaisdell Family Dentistry meets all the requirements advised by the American Dental Association. Millions of Americans and thousands of Idaho dental patients have safely received sedation for dental treatment.

For more information about anxiety-free dentistry, contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry at http://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/about-blaisdell-family-dentistry/ or 208-922-6902 today to schedule a sedation consultation.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

If you live near Boise and experience severe anxiety when undergoing (or even thinking about!) dental treatment, oral sedation is for you.

Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Boise. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation, sleep dentistry, or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for nervous cosmetic and restorative dental patients in the Boise area.

Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, Boise dentistry patients can actually relax during dental visits. In addition, healing times for oral surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are often shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment.

Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for Boise patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:

• Teeth sensitivity;
• Fear of needles;
• A powerful gag reflex;
• Difficulty controlling body movement;
• Lengthy multi-procedure visits;
• Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections.

If you need dental work more extensive than a filling – such as a root canal, a dental implant, crown replacement or wisdom tooth extraction –  call Blaisdell Family Dentistry at 208-922-6902 for information about sedation dentistry.

Nobody enjoys pain. Your Boise dentist knows this, and that is why the friendly dental team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry have made patient comfort a top priority. In conjunction with creating a relaxing environment, your dentist has various medications that can reduce and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in Boise dentist offices and around the country are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue and numb the surface layers. Topical anesthetics can reduce the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations to specific areas of the mouth. Nampa, Meridian, and Sun Valley dentists typically numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or performing cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may necessitate nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia. Ask us about sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation.

Dentists generally recommend an OTC analgesic to relieve pain after a dental visit. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Because your Boise cosmetic dentist will most likely use a pain reliever during the dental visit or prescribe something for you to take after the treatment, make sure you jot down a complete list of medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, before each appointment.

We’re Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell and we want Boise patients to be informed about their dental care, especially as it pertains to pain relief during dental treatment. If you are in the Boise area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 208-922-6902. Our friendly staff would be happy to talk to you about porcelain veneers, prepless veneers, dentures, and the other services we offer.

Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell
Blaisdell Family Dentistry
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise Idaho 83709
208-922-6902
https://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/

If you are afraid of your Boise cosmetic dentist, you are not alone. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we encounter many nervous first-time Boise dental patients. How do we calm their fears, provide a comfortable dental environment and earn lifelong patients?

1) We carefully explain the findings of the initial dental examination and thoroughly outline any recommended procedures. The consultation also includes a discussion about pain control including oral conscious sedation medications. This allows our Sun Valley dentistry patients to make informed decisions about their oral health and necessary dental procedures.

2) Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell practices gentle, pain-free dentistry. Meridian cosmetic dentistry treatment will not begin until you are numb. Keep in mind, however, that every dentistry patient reacts to numbing agents and sedation medications differently.

Speak up quickly if you start to feel discomfort. We will pause treatment, administer additional analgesic and wait until it takes effect. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we never rush cosmetic dental or restorative procedures.

We will do our best to make you comfortable, whether you are receiving dental veneers, undergoing crown-lengthening treatment, having your teeth whitened, or replacing your old silver fillings.

3) We provide many in-office amenities at Blaisdell Family Dentistry which help our dental patients focus on something pleasant during cosmetic dental treatment. Not every Nampa dental patient chooses sleep dentistry. Sometimes chemical-free diversions such as listening to your favorite music provide a distraction while letting you remain clear-headed.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we understand dental anxiety and will help you overcome it. We are located at 8877 W Hackamore Dr in Boise, 83709.

Are you a busy Boise resident suffering with a toothache, but ignoring the pain? Have you started chewing on one side of your mouth to avoid your sensitive teeth? Have you stopped drinking hot and cold beverages to alleviate the discomfort? Dental pain is like an unpaid speeding ticket, ignoring it won’t make it go away.

Many Idaho adults and children dread seeking relief from a dentist because they fear the treatment will hurt worse than the pain they are experiencing. Waiting too long to care for your teeth can cause serious health problems–and not just in your mouth.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we help you relax and ease any discomfort you may have. We create a pleasant dental experience for all of our Boise patients. If you have dental anxiety, Blaisdell Family Dentistry offers several solutions including sedation dentistry. We can also use anti-anxiety agents to quiet your fears and make your dental visit as safe and comfortable as possible.

In addition to sedation dentistry, Blaisdell Family Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and oral cancer screenings for Boise residents.

Your smile can and should be your most attractive feature. Don’t let dental distress keep you from gaining and maintaining a dazzling smile. Let the professional and caring dental team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry help restore and preserve your oral health. Call today to schedule an appointment. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we want your smile to last a lifetime.

Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell
Blaisdell Family Dentistry
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho 83709
208-639-0489
https://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/