Scared of the Dentist? Sedation, Wisdom Teeth & Implants Explained | Dr. Sharif Alsabbagh, Dentist
with Dr. Sharif Alsabbagh, DDS · Dentist, Saba Dental Centre, London
A lot of people who skip the dentist aren't skipping because of time. They're skipping because they're nervous. In this episode of the Top Providers Podcast, Joe Brown talks with Dr. Sharif Alsabbagh, a dentist at Saba Dental Centre in London, Ontario. Dr. Sharif covers: - What to look for in a dentist - Why there's no judgment if it's been years since your last visit - The different levels of sedation for nervous patients - Whether everyone needs their wisdom teeth out, and the "golden age" for removal - Why not to wait for a toothache - Replacing a missing tooth: implant, bridge or denture - Going back to dental school after 15+ years in practice - How he helps nervous little kids through their early visits - Teeth grinding, sore jaws and night guards This episode is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your own dentist. Every mouth is different, so talk to your dentist about what's right for you.
- 0:00Welcome & meet Dr. Sharif Alsabbagh
- 0:49What to look for in a dentist
- 1:43Haven't been in years? No judgment
- 2:04Afraid of needles? Levels of sedation
- 2:58Does everyone need their wisdom teeth out?
- 3:45The "golden age" for wisdom teeth
- 5:08Why not to wait for tooth pain
- 5:50Missing a tooth: implant, bridge or denture
- 8:46Going back to dental school at Western
- 10:08A child's early visits & nervous little ones
- 11:51What to do at home every day
- 12:11Teeth grinding, sore jaws & night guards
- 13:25What he wants every patient to know
- 14:08Wrap-up
For general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
The guest
Booking details, hours and his full background live on his profile.
Clips from this episode
Under a minute each, cut straight from the interview.
Shorts0:20No judgment if it's been years
Embarrassed that it's been years since your last dental visit? Dr. Alsabbagh, a dentist, says there's no judgment: the focus is on where you are now and the plan from here. General information, not medical advice.
Shorts0:39The 'golden age' for wisdom teeth
Is there an age range to keep in mind for wisdom teeth? Dr. Alsabbagh, a dentist, describes what he calls the 'golden age,' roughly 17 to 25, and explains that he looks at how far the roots have developed. Ask your own dentist what fits your situation. General information, not medical advice.
Shorts0:37Why not to wait for tooth pain
Can a toothache wait for a regular appointment? Dr. Alsabbagh, a dentist, encourages regular checkups rather than waiting for pain, so issues can be looked at early. General information, not medical advice.
Shorts0:43How a dental implant works
Lost a tooth? Dr. Alsabbagh, a dentist, walks through the steps of a dental implant: a titanium post is placed in the bone, given a few months to fuse, and then fitted with a crown. General information, not medical advice.
Shorts0:44Helping a nervous toddler open up
How do you help a nervous little one open up at the dentist? Dr. Alsabbagh, a dentist, describes playing with and distracting the child when that works, and otherwise having the child sit on a parent's lap during the check. General information, not medical advice.
Transcript
A reviewed transcript of this episode will appear here. Until then, the chapters above let you jump to each part of the conversation.