Sedation Dentistry

This is our sedation team! Dr. Bob, Erin, and Sarah work with our sedation patients to make their visit convenient, comfortable and anxiety-free!

Why Sedation Dentistry?

• Sedation can be used for all dental procedures, even cleanings
• Eliminates fear and anxiety
• The patient has little or no memory of treatment
• Allows people who are afraid, can’t stand “dental sounds,” have problems with a gag reflex or have trouble getting numb to be comfortable while at the dentist
• In one appointment, sedation can make up for years of oral hygiene neglect
• Sedation is a safe way to provide dental treatment

Dr. Bob and the staff know that some people may have not been to the dentist in a while because of a negative prior experience. Lalor Creekside Dental works to make an office visit a positive experience so patients will continue to seek care for their smiles and maintain good oral health.

How Does the Process Work?

• Most adults, but not all, are candidates for sedation dentistry
• Patients begin with a consultation in which they answer questions, meet the doctor and team and review their medical history
• If the patient is a candidate for sedation an examination will follow which includes photos, X-Rays and discussing and prioritizing their dental needs with the doctor
• Patients will be given a detailed explanation of the procedure and treatment they will receive, and their needs will be finalized
• Next, the patient will meet with a patient advocate to set up an appointment for the sedation visit and make financial arrangements
• There is usually little or no memory of the sedation visit
• Lalor Creekside Dental follows up with patients and provides post-operative care
• A program is created for the patient in order to maintain a high level of dental health; this program is individually tailored to the patient’s needs

What Types of Sedation are Available?

Sedation dentistry requires that the patient take a prescribed medication about one hour before the scheduled visit. The patient will arrive at the dentist in a deeply relaxed state, though fully responsive. During the procedure, patients aren't unconscious, but mentally "detached" from what's going on. The sedative usually lasts about six hours and the patient will need a ride to and from the dental appointment.

Other types of conscious sedation include inhalation and intravenous sedation. Inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide oxygen, otherwise known as laughing gas) is the most common sedation technique. Patients recover more quickly and may leave the dental office alone and immediately resume normal activities. Intravenous conscious sedation is also a safe sedation technique. Patients will not remember any of the procedure and will feel as though they were asleep, even though they were wide-awake throughout. Intravenous sedation requires the patient be monitored for blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. Patients may only leave the office with an escort.

Special attention to initial patient concerns and pre-operative preparation make sedation dentistry a safe and convenient way to visit the dentist. Contact Us to make a consultation appointment today!

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