A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Advanced Dental Technology at Romeoville Dental Center

The Ultimate in Patient Education
We want you to ask questions so you will be completely informed of any necessary treatments. Sometimes you may not know what to ask, so we have the CAESY™ information program for every type of treatment or dental care. It covers a child’s first dental appointment, your grandparents’ denture problems, and everything in between.

State-of-the-Art Sterilization
We abide by the highest level of safety and cleanliness for all tools that are used during dental procedures. Our instruments are sterilized between patients in an autoclave. It is a special machine that is monitored by an outside lab to maintain absolute cleanliness. We also have single-use tools, which are discarded after a treatment. We want you to know we do not take any risks when it comes to your health.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
We want you to feel comfortable during every appointment, and we offer nitrous oxide sedation, or “laughing gas” for your relaxation. The gas is inhaled through a mask over your nose. As you simply breathe, you will reach a level of serene comfort. We also give anesthesia with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate any pain.

75% Reduction in Radiation
Digital technology is now used for X-rays. This state-of-the-art process results in 75% less radiation exposure than the old X-rays that required waiting time for development and the use of chemicals that pollute. We place a small digital sensor in your mouth and immediately the image of the inside of your mouth is available for viewing on our computer screen. In just one shot, both your upper and lower jaws can be reviewed.

Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly
The number one reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection of the gums. Our dentists use a very effective weapon to combat the problem. With ARESTIN™, the infection can be painlessly reversed to return to healthy gums. It is an antibiotic in a powder with microspheres that are applied directly to the areas of infection between the gums and teeth.

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team
Our doctors work together with you as a team in your dental decisions. With the use of an intra-oral camera, you will be able to view the inside of your mouth right along with us. This lets you see what work needs to be done and what teeth are just fine. Our patients love how this works.

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist's Chair?

Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist's office? You're not alone. A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment.

For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it's used depends on the severity of the fear.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.

The levels of sedation used include:

·      Minimal sedation -- you are awake but relaxed.

·      Moderate sedation (formerly called "conscious sedation") -- You may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.

·      Deep sedation -- you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.

·      General anesthesia -- you are completely unconscious.

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:

·      Inhaled minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

·      Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it's usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.

·      IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.

·      Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious -- deeply asleep -- during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.

Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you'll also typically need a local anesthetic -- numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth -- to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.

Above article from: WebMd.com

Dental Dentists Romeoville IL

Dental Office

Romeoville Dental Center

620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446

Tel: (815) 886-0875