Millions of people in this country are avoiding the dentist. Some stay away because they just aren't comfortable with dentist appointment, and some are just plain afraid. Many people put off their dentistry because they're just too busy for multiple appointments. Sedation dentistry is changing everything. Now it's possible to relax in total comfort through your entire appointment, or if you want, to sleep through it. Sedation also helps us to get your work done in fewer visits - many times in just one!
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation uses safe and effective medications to relax you during your dental visit. There are a number of options to produce this effect, and a few different levels of sedation. At Cascades Center for Dental Heath we help you to decide if you want or need sedation, and the type of sedation that is right for you.
Who is sedation for?
Sedation is for anyone who wants to be comfortable and relaxed through their whole dental visit. Many patients describe themselves in these ways:
- I'm afraid of the dentist;
- I've had bad experiences at the dentist
- I just can't get comfortable in the dental chair
- I've always hated the sounds and the smells at the dentist
- I can't sit still when I'm at the dentist
- The dentist has never been able to get me numb
- I don't have time for all the appointments I know I'm going to need
- I'm just embarrassed at the condition of my smile.
- I gag every time the dentist puts anything in my mouth
- My teeth are very sensitive
- I have a real fear of needles
Sedation Options
Dr Ruparelia has sedation options to keep just about any adult comfortable and relaxed through the entire appointment.
Some patients prefer conscious sedation, where you are sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were snoozing. When this is done with a few small pills, it is called oral conscious sedation.
Deeper sedation, which some call sleep dentistry, is done right in our office with the help of an anesthesiologist. Feel free to discuss this option with Dr. Ruparelia or any member of our team.
What does sedation feel like?
A sedation appointment feels calm and peaceful, and is probably completely unlike any other experience you've had at the dentist. Patients tell us that the whole experience feels like a dream. After the appointment most people have little or no memory of the visit - as if it was a dream, and they can't quite remember the details.
What is oral conscious sedation?
Oral sedation is a great option for many healthy adults. Dr. Ruparelia uses some very safe, gentle medication in the form of a small pill. Often, patients can be comfortably sedated with just one or two pills!
What is an oral conscious sedation appointment like?
Our doctors will give you a small pill to take an hour before your appointment. Your companion will bring you to the office, where we will start monitoring your vital signs. Then we will assess whether you need any more medication. Once you are relaxing comfortably in the dental chair, we'll cover you with a warm blanket. We'll begin the dentistry once you are totally relaxed. Before you know it, the appointment will be over!
What is IV conscious sedation?
IV sedation uses an IV line in your arm or hand to administer the sedative medications, but is otherwise very similar to oral sedation. Dr. Ruparelia has received advanced training in that enables him to deliver IV sedation very safely and effectively. Some patients find that this method makes sense for them. We'll discuss all the options with you, and help you to make the choice that is right for you.
What is deep sedation or sleep dentistry?
Many patients choose to be asleep for the whole dental procedure. Dr. Ruparelia will perform all the dentistry while a certified anesthesiologist provides the sedative medications and monitors you to provide a safe and comfortable experience. This is all done right in our office at Cascades Dental, so there's no need for an extra appointment or to go to another office.
What happens after the appointment?
It's likely that you'll still feel a little sleepy. We'll keep monitoring you until we know you are ready to leave the office, and your companion will drive you home. You'll need to take it easy for the rest of the day, and for safety reasons, your companion will be instructed to keep you company that day. You may want to rest, and you certainly won't be driving or doing anything that requires your full concentration. Feel free to eat and drink all you want because this will probably make you feel better. The day after the appointment will just be a regular day. The only unusual thing is that you may remember little or nothing from your dental visit - you'll just have a great new smile.
Is it Safe?
Yes. The medications that we use are extremely safe. To ensure safety and comfort, our whole team has been trained to care for sedation patients, and we will be monitoring you the entire time you are in the office.
What if I am embarrassed?
There is no need to be embarrassed anymore. No one here will criticize you or give you a lecture about the condition of your teeth. We see people like you every day, good people who for one reason or another, have been unable to get the care they need. We're just glad you found us.
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