Restorative Dentistry in Poulsbo, WA

If you don't enjoy going to the dentist, you're in good company. It's estimated that 60% of Americans would rather not go to the dentist. Our Poulsbo dentists want to take the stress out of getting the treatment you need so they offer multiple options for sedation during your dental treatment.

While it is common practice to be sedated by doctors for medical procedures, there has been the misconception that routine dental work is not uncomfortable enough to justify the use of sedation. Fortunately, dental sedation is now used worldwide. It has proven to be a safe and effective option for a variety of patients and procedures.

Depending on the extent of the work being done and the needs of the individual patient, we offer three different methods of sedation:

• Oral sedation (pill) ~ This is the lowest level of sedation we administer, usually for patients who are afraid of getting a shot or are just anxious about having dental work done. Usually, one pill is taken the night before to help the patient sleep, then another an hour prior to the dental appointment.
• Nitrous Oxide ~ Also known as inhalation sedation or "laughing gas," is one step up from the oral sedative. A mask is placed over the patient's nose, and the flow level is adjusted by the dentist until the patient is comfortable. One advantage of this method is that as soon as the dental work is complete, the patient receives 100% oxygen, and the feeling of sedation is gone within a few minutes.
• Intravenous Conscious Sedation (IV) ~ This type of sedation is ideal for patients with extreme anxiety when it comes to dental procedures or for those who are having complex dental work that takes a longer period of time to complete. Although the patient is conscious, he or she remembers virtually nothing about the dental work being performed.

What to Expect

To find out what kind of sedation is appropriate for you, you'll be asked to meet with the doctor for a consultation before your appointment. This can be part of the diagnostic exam or a separate conversation. If you choose sedation, you will need to arrange transportation to and from your appointment.

With conscious sedation, most patients describe feeling as though they have "slept" through the appointment. Those who have had nitrous oxide sedation often compare it to feeling like they are "floating" or having had a few glasses of wine. The oral sedatives have a similar effect, depending on the type of pill and dosage. All three sedation methods will allow you to communicate with your dentist during the procedure. Throughout the appointment, your doctor will closely monitor your vital signs and overall comfort level.

How do I know if sedation is right for me?

Talking with your dentist is the first step in deciding if sedation dentistry is for you. You might consider exploring sedation options if you answer "yes" to any of the following:

• Do you have a fear of needles, drills, or other dental instruments?
• Have you had a past traumatic dental experience?
• Are your teeth sensitive?
• Is it difficult to numb your mouth?
• Do the smells, noises, and tastes of dental work make you uneasy?

Finn Hill Dental offers tooth-colored composite fillings to treat areas of decay. The damaged portion tooth is removed and replaced with a natural-looking filling.

Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where each tooth's live tissue and nerve are located.

If for any reason, the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The pulp exposure happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth.

The Poulsbo dentists at Finn Hill Dental can explain the exact reason for damage to the tissue and determine if a root canal is an appropriate treatment for you.

A root canal is a process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed. The dentists at Finn Hill Dental use the most advanced techniques and materials, making root canals as simple as possible. After the root canal, your Poulsbo dentist will likely place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped dental prostheses, which are designed to cover up damaged teeth and protect the remaining tooth structure. They are usually made out of porcelain, which means that they look just like a natural tooth.

Dental bridges include two dental crowns attached to healthy "abutment" teeth and a false tooth suspended between these teeth to fill the gap left behind by a missing tooth. Bridges can be used to replace one or several teeth.

Dental implants are small rod or screw-shaped pieces of titanium that are built to function as an artificial tooth root and replace missing teeth. The implant is placed where your missing tooth used to be, and as it heals, it bonds with your jaw and gum tissue. After the healing process, implants can be used to support crowns or bridges.

Partial dentures consist of one or multiple false teeth that attach to your remaining healthy teeth to restore your smile. Full dentures require the extraction of all of your remaining teeth and sit directly on the gum line to restore the form and function of your smile.

Protect your teeth from grinding, clenching, or impact with removable appliances. There are many types of appliances and your Poulsbo dentist will help you decide on the best materials and product for your needs.