Tag Archives: sedation dentistry

Bruxism: What You Need to Know | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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We all need a sound night’s sleep. When we don’t, we are cranky and unpleasant to be around, but more than that, it can be an issue that can cause issues in the future if not addressed. If you find yourself constantly waking up with a dull headache, tooth pain or a sore jaw, you may want to go to your dentist to see if you’re suffering from bruxism.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a dental condition that affects as many as 1 out of 10 adults and in rare cases, may also affect children and teenagers. Common symptoms of bruxism include neck pain, jaw pain, headache, and tooth pain. The easiest solution? A nightguard. Not only will wearing a nightguard while you sleep alleviate the pains you feel when you wake up, but it will help relax your jaw muscles to give you a more solid sleep pattern.

If you feel that the nightguard isn’t making enough of a difference, there are other alternative treatment options that you can inquire to your dentist about, such as:

Teeth straightening. Maloclussions, or teeth that are out of alignment causing an overbite or underbite has been known to contribute to bruxism. Wearing braces can help in such cases.

Proper stress management. Bruxism is also likely to be caused by anxiety, so you may want to try out certain methods of relaxation such as meditation. Professional counselling, in severe cases, may also be necessary and useful.

Dietary changes. Stimulants, such as caffeine, have been known to cause teeth grinding, so your dentist might recommend avoiding such beverages. You may also be asked to stay off antidepressants, as they may make bruxism symptoms worse.

If you have questions or concerns regarding snoring, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today, or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach and all surrounding areas.

MythBusters: Sleep Apnea Edition | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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In the last few years, the amount of information about sleep apnea that’s been available to the public has increased significantly. According to the National Sleep Foundation, doctors, researchers, and sleep centers have made great advances in raising awareness about the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea. Despite this, there are still many myths and misconceptions when it comes to this sleep disorder, and many Americans are unaware of the real risk sleep apnea poses. To help clear up some things, here is a list of the most common myths about sleep apnea.

Myth #1: Everyone that snores has sleep apnea.

Fact: While snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, it doesn’t mean that everyone who snores has this sleep disorder. People who suffer from sleep apnea pause their breathing while they’re asleep, sometimes even hundreds of times every night. This can impact their overall health by disrupting their sleep cycle and decreasing their sleep. There is also research that has shown that untreated sleep apnea can result in many serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Myth #2: Only older people get sleep apnea.

Fact: Sleep apnea can actually affect people of all ages, including children. There are some physical attributes that can increase your risk of devolving this sleep disorder, such as being overweight or being male.

Myth #3: Only obese or overweight people get sleep apnea.

Fact: As fatty tissues in the throat increase due to increased weight, they can collapse and block the airway when one relaxes during sleep. However, even a well-conditioned athlete with a muscular neck can have this same issue.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today, or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach and all surrounding areas.

Protect Your Teeth by Choosing the Right Dentist | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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Are you new in town? Do you need to find a reputable dentist for your family? It is important to know what to look for, especially when it comes to your dental health. There are so many factors that can cause further health issues, and our mouths are the first line of defense on so many of the bacteria that can cause them. Such factors may include state dental board certification, how you felt during your first visit, referrals from friends and family, and of course, if the dentist has all that you need and require. While such factors are really important, reputation remains the key that ties everything else together.

With the internet and sites like Google+, Yelp, and even Foursquare, you, as a prospective client or patient, have access to resources to check if a particular dentist is worth your time and money. While reviews are not a totally accurate means of measuring quality of service, it still tells a lot about how a dentist and their clinic handles patients.

Engaged and communicative dental practices often garner a lot of praise and generally get more clients as a result. After all, why not? They talk to their patients, both existing and those who are just interested. They also are likely to engage with them and even post photos of before-and-after treatments. Some may even go as far as to take snapshots with their patients, further boosting their image as approachable professionals. A dentist that takes care of his or her reputation puts a premium on proper dental care.

If you have questions or concerns regarding choosing a dentist, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today, or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants: What You Need to Know | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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Dental ImplantsWhen you lose a tooth, the best thing to do is get it fixed. Not only will it return your smile back to new, but it will also alleviate future dental issues. It’s time for you to take a trip to the dentist because you may need a dental implant. These artificial tooth roots are very durable and are known to last for a very long time. Not only that, but unlike dentures, dental implants do not hamper speech, nor cause problems with chewing, in any way. Need more incentive for the investment? Below are several interesting facts about dental implants that you probably do not know, but may convince you to restore your smile with implants:

Success rate. Dental implants are considered as the most successful tooth replacement solution due to their durability and shelf life. Dental implants can last for as long as a patient lives and are known to have an estimated 98% success rate.

No cavities. As much as dental implants share the same look and function as natural teeth, they are not made out of the same materials and cannot decay.

Pain-free. Dental implant surgery is generally painless due to various forms of sedation dentistry and local anesthesia.

Stronger jaw. Dental implants help strengthen your jawbone because the titanium used is a biologically compatible material that’s fused to your jawbone and makes it stronger than ever before.

Long-lasting. Dental implants can last for decades at a time, but with proper care, dental implants can technically last forever.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today, or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

It’s Possible to Relax at the Dentist | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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It isn’t a far-fetched idea to say no one likes going to the dentist. While some may have a literal fear of the dentist chair, known as dental anxiety, others just dodge it because it may or may not end up being a painful visit. Luckily, there is some good news. The solution? Sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is an innovative field of dentistry that is extremely useful for those who fear the dentist, hate needles, have sensitive teeth, or are immune to the numbing effects of anesthesia. Although sedation dentistry may not be right for everyone, it should be considered to ease discomfort, and paranoia. Sedation dentistry isn’t dangerous or complicated. It uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The levels of sedation used include:

Minimal sedation. You are awake but relaxed.

Moderate 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 be awakened.

General anesthesia. You are completely unconscious. Both this version and deep sedation will require you to have a driver after the procedure is complete.

Patients agree that sedation dentistry was the best option for their procedure because it allows your dental professionals the ability to work without worrying your pain or discomfort will prevent them from achieving maximum results. So, if you find that you are dodging the dentist because you are worried about pain or nerves getting the best of you, talk to your dentist and let them know about your fears. They will be more than happy to make you feel comfortable and your mouth healthy.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

Essential Oils to Help You Sleep | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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If you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is important that you seek medical advice. But did you know that you can also treat your condition at home by using certain essential oils. A little-known treatment, but many essential oils are used effectively to deal with sleep complaints ranging from nervous insomnia to snoring.

Marjoram. Marjoram essential oil is a warm, comforting oil with sedative properties that help induce sleep and a popular home treatment for sleep conditions like sleep apnea.

Lavender. A classic scent used to relax, lavender oil is very popular because of its diverse therapeutic abilities and many people have found that lavender oil can ease the disruptions caused by sleep apnea and snoring as well as helping people overcomes insomnia.

Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil can help relieve the inflammation and irritation in the lining of your nasal passage.

Eucalyptus. Similar to peppermint, eucalyptus essential oil is an effective treatment for sleep apnea caused by congestion.

Roman chamomile. Roman chamomile aids relaxation and treats problems with the central nervous system and can be especially useful for those suffering with central sleep apnea.

Thyme. Thyme essential oil is extensively used to treat respiratory conditions and can help free up the blocked airways that may cause apnea.

Geranium. Geranium essential oil is widely used to promote calm and good sleep. Be sure to dilute geranium oil before applying it topically.

Lemon. The mixture of thyme, lavender, lemon and peppermint reduced snoring up to 82%. While the research was done on snoring it may also be beneficial for sleep apnea as well.

If you have questions or concerns regarding essential oils, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

How to Choose Your Next Dental Professional | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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494183909Whether you’re moving to a new town or just looking to improve your dental health, it is important to choose the right dental professional. Because, like snowflakes, no two dentists are the same. When you’re looking for the right dentist it is important to consider a lot of factors. Such factors may include state certification, your first visit, and referrals, but the most important factor is if the dentist has all that you need and require.

For many dental practices, or just businesses in general, a few bad reviews is not a good sign. In fact, it’s enough of a reason for them to lose a few clients. In worse cases, bad reviews may even cause some practices to close down.

With the internet and sites like Google+, Yelp, and even Foursquare, you, as a prospective client or patient, have access to resources to check if a particular dentist is worth your time and money. While reviews are not a totally accurate means of measuring quality of service, it still tells a lot about how a dentist and his or her clinic handles patients.

Dental practices that put an emphasis on their presence on social media and online are likely to have built a reputation, good or bad, that can easily be assessed as soon as you visit their page. To put simply, a reputable dental practice is likely to take better care of your teeth and gums, making reputation the most significant factor when looking for a dentist.

If you have questions or concerns regarding our dental qualifications, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

Help! I’m Scared of the Dentist | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-464323669If you ask anyone if they like the dentist, chances are they will say no. One can never be too sure what will happen when they see the dentist, and this causes a lot of fear as the dental appointment approaches. There is an official diagnosis for this fear – dental anxiety. So, you are not alone. And the solution to your fears is called sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is an innovative field of dentistry that is extremely useful for those who fear the dentist, hate needles, have sensitive teeth, or are immune to the numbing effects of anesthesia. Although sedation dentistry may not be right for everyone, it should be considered to ease discomfort, and paranoia. Sedation dentistry isn’t dangerous or complicated. It uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The levels of sedation used include:

Minimal sedation. You are awake but relaxed.

Moderate 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 be awakened.

General anesthesia. You are completely unconscious. Both this version and deep sedation will require you to have a driver after the procedure is complete.

Integrating sedation dentistry in to your procedure is absolutely comfortable and safe. Patients agree that sedation dentistry was the best option for their procedure because it allows your dental professionals the ability to work without worrying your pain or discomfort will prevent them from achieving maximum results.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada DDS at 310-546-2595 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com for additional information.

Proudly serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Torrance and all surrounding areas.

Oral Sedation for Dental Fears

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sedation dentistry

Is the mere thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair enough to make your whole body freeze with fear? Would you prefer enduring a toothache to a quick trip to the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. There are plenty of people that suffer from the same fears as you, with some even more afraid than you are.

If you’re one of those who’d prefer to suffer than visit the dentist, oral sedation may help take away some of your dental fears.

Sedation in Dentistry

Sedation is a medical term where a medical expert administers a sedative drug to calm a patient down, or if necessary, put him or her to sleep. In dentistry, it is referred to as either sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry. Although, the latter isn’t exactly accurate are patients are usually awake throughout the whole procedure. Albeit, with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.

There are different levels of sedation used in dentistry, depending on the severity of the patient’s fear.

This includes:

  • Minimal sedation where the patient is awake, but feels calm and relaxed.
  • Moderate sedation where patients usually slur when they speak and don’t remember much of anything.
  • Deep sedation where patients are just “half-asleep” and are still able to wake up if necessary.
  • General anesthesia where patients are asleep and completely unconscious throughout the whole procedure.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation one of the many types of sedation used in dentistry, along with nitrous oxide sedation, IV sedation, and deep sedation or general anesthesia.

Through oral sedation, the range of sedation dentists can put patients under in can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, a pill is taken about an hour before the dental procedure. The pill will not put you to sleep, but rather relax and calm you down. The same pills may also be used for moderate sedation, but will have to be taken at a larger dose.

More likely than not, patients sedated through oral sedation will fall asleep during the procedure. Although, they can easily be woken up with a gentle shake.

Is It Safe?

Yes, sedation is generally safe, for kids, adults and the elderly. However, with anesthesia, there are always some risks. For example, those with obstructive sleep apnea and those with weight issues may want to talk to their doctors first to discuss if sedation is safe for them. Also, to minimize the risk of complication, it’s important for patients to only go to an experienced and well-trained dentist.

The proficiency of the dentist is an important factor, as there are necessary trainings and qualifications that dentists have to go through to be able to administer a certain type of sedation.

To be safe, make sure you that you do the following:

  • Ask your dentist if you’re a good candidate for oral sedation. Regardless of the answer, ask your dentist to explain.
  • Research about the dentist’s qualifications. Find out if the dentist has had ample training and experience using sedation. It may be necessary for you to ask your dentist directly.
  • Ask your dentist to go over the risks of the procedure. Aside from this, ask to receive a form that fully details all of the possible risks and complications of the procedure. If you’re unsure about something, do not be afraid to ask.

If you’re afraid that your dentist will find you annoying for asking so many questions, don’t be. Chances are, they’ve encountered patients with similar worries and concerns in the past.

In any case, be sure to consider oral sedation, or any type of sedation, so that you and your teeth start getting the proper dental treatment and care from now on.

If you feel that you would benefit from oral sedation at your next dental appointment, contact Dr. Anthony Yamada, DDS at 310-546-2595 to let him know. For additional information regarding oral sedation visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com.

Sedation Dentistry | Manhattan Beach Dentist

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480865629Dr. Anthony Yamada and his team of professionals are one of the few dental offices that offer oral sedation in the city of Manhattan Beach. Sedation dentistry is an innovative field of dentistry that is extremely useful for those who fear the dentist, hate needle, have highly sensitive teeth, or are immune to the numbing effects of anesthesia. Although sedation dentistry may not be right for everyone, Dr. Anthony Yamada encourages patients who are undergoing periodontal treatment to consider sedation dentistry to ease discomfort, and paranoia.

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.

Dr. Anthony Yamada guarantees that integrating sedation dentistry in to your procedure is absolutely comfortable and safe. Patients agree that sedation dentistry was the best option for their procedure because it allowed Dr. Anthony Yamada and his staff to work thoroughly for maximum results. If you are interested in a way to make your dental experience a smooth one, call Dr. Anthony Yamada today about sedation dentistry.

For more information on if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry call Dr. Anthony Yamada in Manhattan Beach, CA at 310-567-2595 or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com.

Dr. Anthony Yamada also proudly accepts patients from Manhattan Beach, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, Redonda Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Torrance, Playa Del Rey, and surrounding areas.