Expert: Dr. Joseph Sorrentino
Expertise: Dental

Joseph A. Sorrentino II, DMD graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2014. A proud Florida Gator, he was part of two National Title football teams, including the 2009 Sugar Bowl Championship season. Marion Dental Group has locations in Lady Lake and Ocala.

Q: I’m nervous about dental procedures. Are there new methods to help patients relax during treatment?

A: Absolutely! At Marion Dental Group, we now offer conscious sedation, which is a lot like the relaxing effect of a glass or two of your favorite wine. It keeps you awake and responsive but reduces anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. This option is ideal for those who experience dental anxiety or are undergoing extensive treatments, as it helps make your visit as comfortable as possible. 

Since sedative medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times for several hours, patients who receive treatment under conscious sedation should not drive themselves home after the procedure. At Marion Dental Group, we actually require an Escort Agreement to ensure that a responsible adult stays with the patient for the remainder of the day. 

Q: Why are dental X-rays necessary even if I don’t have any tooth pain?

A: Your teeth might look perfectly fine on the outside, like a freshly washed car. But just as a car with a beautiful exterior could have a failing engine, your teeth can have hidden problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays are like a mechanic’s diagnostic tools, allowing us to see beneath the surface. They reveal issues like early decay between teeth, problems below the gum line, or abnormalities in the jawbone. By identifying these “engine problems” early, dental X-rays help prevent more serious conditions, pain, and more costly repairs in the future. This ensures comprehensive dental health management with minimal risk.

Patients with good oral health and no significant risk factors typically only need full dental X-rays every 3 to 5 years. For at-risk patients with oral health concerns, a series of full-mouth X-rays is recommended every 1 to 3 years. Routine bitewing X-rays to check for cavities are recommended once a year for most patients.

Modern dental X-rays are very safe, exposing patients to extremely low levels of radiation, less than what you’d be exposed to on a 2- to 3-hour airline flight.