Q and A with Dr. C - Sedation Dentistry

Are you afraid to visit the Dentist? You're not alone... Millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist. They will avoid dental care at all costs, even when they are in pain or discomfort... but do you want to know a secret? Dentistry does not have to be painful or scary.

Modern dentistry offers safe, effective, and comfortable treatments to anxious and fearful patients.

You may have heard this treatment described in many ways: anxiety-free dentistry, or relaxation dentistry, especially in states where conscious sedation dentistry is regulated. Also used are terms like moderate sedation, oral conscious sedation or even sleep dentistry, though this last should be applied only to general anesthesia . The best and most accurate name is sedation dentistry.

Sedation is a technique that uses medication to produce a calming and relaxed effect over your central nervous system. These medications come in many forms and are administered in several different ways.

Sedation Dentistry Techniques
In the past, intravenous (IV) sedation – sedatives delivered via injection into the blood vessels of the hand or arm – was predominantly used to sedate a dental patient.

IV sedation is both safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Today, however, sedation dentistry has evolved to be even more conducive to a relaxing experience. Patients have alternatives to the traditional modalities of inhalation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) and IVs, such as those offering a "no needle” (meaning, no injection) approach that many people find more appealing.

Oral sedation dentistry is now the most common technique used in the United States and Canada to quell patient fears. The technique is easy and requires no needles. Best of all, the medications create such a comfortable experience that most patients do not remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment. In reality, oral sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and cooperation.

Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry you receive, it is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you to the procedure (and drive you there if you must take oral medication before arriving for your appointment). The caregiver should drive you home after the procedure is complete and stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments.

If you are reluctant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.

Also, because sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis, sedation dentistry patients are more likely to receive recommended routine care. As a result, they are less likely to neglect their oral health or allow oral health problems to build to the point when drastic dental treatments become necessary.

Sedation at the Coleman Center
Today, the Coleman Center for Cosemtic Dentistry uses Sedation Dentistry for all types of anxiety. It enables individuals too afraid to go to the dentist to receive the dental care they need while avoiding the common apprehension known as dental phobia. Equally it is successful in our patients who have trouble controlling their movements like twitching or involuntary gagging.

The great news is Sedation Dentistry is suitable for both adults and children alike and enables you to receive the dental care you require; easily, quickly and comfortably.

Because you will be completely at ease, Dr Paul Coleman can perform many dental procedures during the same visit at our San Diego office, including:

• whitening yellow or stained teeth
• replacing crowns or dentures
• fixing chipped or damaged teeth
• restoring sore gums to good health

Sedation Dentistry is a safe technique that has helped thousands of people around the world receive the dental care they require. Before your Sedation Dentistry treatment, Dr Coleman will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss with you in detail your treatment. Dr. Paul Coleman is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and a member of staff will stay by your side throughout the procedure. Learn more about Sedation Dentistry.

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Dr. Paul Coleman and his team at The Coleman Center for Cosemetic Dentistry, located at 12324 Oak Knoll Rd. Poway, CA 92064, have been proudly serving the Dental, Cosmetic Dentistry & Neuromuscular Dentistry needs of San Deigo for over 20 Years. Contact us today to setup your Free Dental Consultation & get the Smile You Deserve.