Sedation Dentistry

Dental Anesthesia

If you feel uneasy about your dental visit and are looking for a safe alternative you've come to the right place.

At Dentistry @ Riverview your teeth can be fixed, sore gums restored, and your smile brightened without discomfort while you will sleep through your appointment. Have years of dental treatment in just one appointment. No more hiding your smile behind your hand or putting up with pain.

"Our goal is to provide you dental care without fear, pain or anxiety. We meet with every patient to review their needs and desires. Together we will decide on the best option for you."

• Fear and Anxiety
  Nearly half of people with dental problems avoid dental care because of their fears and anxiety. Modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.
• Low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth
  Many people perceive pain differently than others. Some experience the inability to get numb. With general anesthesia and sedation techniques, these patients will have the perception of pain altered and will be virtually pain free during the treatment.
• Gag reflexes
  Some patients will gag before the smallest x-ray film is even placed in their mouth, or before they have a simple impression taken. Using anesthesia services even for the simplest procedures can eliminate the problems caused by gagging.
• Limited time to complete dental care or in need of an extensive treatment
  For sophisticated, and extended procedures such as multiple restorations, extractions, periodontal surgery and root canal therapy, anesthesia services provide increased patient comfort. Completing the treatment under general anesthesia will also minimize the need for multiple visits.
• Children and most special needs patients who cannot cooperate during a normal dental procedure can also benefit greatly from anesthesia.
  For physically and mentally challenged patients, and for individuals emotionally uncomfortable in the traditional dental office setting, anesthesia services can provide both a way to accomplish complete dental care as well as a more pleasant experience.

Or if you:

• Hate noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
• Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Benefits of Anesthesia:

• Reduced or eliminated fear or anxiety. You are sound asleep, and when you wake up your procedure is over.
• You can tolerate longer dental procedures and thus reduce the number of times you have to come and see the dentist.
• You are NOT paying specialty fees. Your cost is comparable to that of other general dentists. There is an additional cost for the anesthetic between.

Learn more

• What is Dental Anesthesia?
• How does sleep dentistry work?
• Will I be completely asleep?
• What Type of Anesthesia is Used?
• How Will I Feel Afterwards?
• Will My Benefits Cover Anesthesia Services?
• What should I tell my dentist before receiving anesthesia?
• Is anesthesia in the dental office safe?
• What are common side effects?
• What can I do to ensure best results?

What is Dental Anesthesia?
It is a medical technique to provide you with total relaxation. Drugs are injected into veins for fast and easily controlled effects.

How does sleep dentistry work?
When you arrive in our office you may be given a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. This will make you feel relaxed and a bit drowsy. You will be escorted into a room and covered with a thick, warm blanket. You'll be connected to monitors to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, an experienced clinical team will take care of your dental needs. We will deliver your medications and you will fall asleep. Twenty minutes after your treatment is completed you can go home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.

Will I be completely asleep?
The goal of the sedation is to provide you the most comfortable experience while receiving your dental treatment. Since you will be in a very deep relaxation state, you will not remember part or all of your appointment. You will feel that you slept through it.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?
The type of anaesthesia used will depend upon the age and physical condition of the patient as well as the type and length of the surgery. The medications are completely individualized to each patient to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

How Will I Feel Afterwards?
It is common to sleep much of the afternoon, eat a light evening meal, and be completely recuperated by morning. You will be discharged awake and alert from the dental office and he will contact you that evening to make sure everything is all right. Complications of any sort are unusual and mild.

Will My Benefits Cover Anesthesia Services?
Whether or not your carrier reimburses you largely depends upon policy restrictions, maximum yearly benefits, and premiums paid by your employer. Our team will make every effort to assist you in obtaining the maximum benefit allowable under your policy provisions.

What should I tell my dentist before receiving anesthesia?
Your dentist needs to know about all medications that you are taking, any allergic reactions you've had to medicines in the past, and your past and present health conditions. It's important that you answer your dentist's questions completely and voice any concerns you might have. This way your dentist will be sure to tell you everything you need to know before receiving treatment. For example, in some cases, your anesthesia treatment may require that you suspend certain medications or abstain from eating or drinking for a period of time before the treatment.

Is anesthesia in the dental office safe?
Although taking any medication involves a certain amount of risk, the drugs that produce anesthesia are entirely safe when administered by a trained anesthesia provider. When treated by our dentists you will have the opportunity to ask questions about any procedure that you are not familiar with. Ask about alternatives, training, the doctor's commitment to continuing education and the credentials of other personnel in the dental office who might be assisting with your treatment. Good communication between the dentist and the patient is the best way of insuring safety.

What are common side effects?
Drugs used for sedation rarely cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, or prolonged dizziness as can be seen with general anesthesia.

What can I do to ensure best results?
You will need to be accompanied to and from the office by a responsible adult who will be able to help you walk and assist you in and out of your home, the office, and an automobile. They do not have to remain in the office throughout the whole procedure. They can go and run errands and come back in time to pick you up. This person will need to stay with you for several hours at home because even though you will leave the office awake and alert, you will still be sedated and will need assistance to move about. If left alone, you could fall and injure yourself. It is important that you do not take any additional medication or drugs, prescription or otherwise, because there could be a serious reaction between your drugs and the medicines we give you.

Please follow these additional instructions to ensure your well being during and after the appointment:

• No eating or drinking after midnight the night before your appointment.
• No eating or drinking the morning before your appointment.
• No sedatives of any kind, including alcohol, 24 hours before or after the appointment.
• No stimulants, including caffeine and nicotine, 24 hours before or after the appointment.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing for your dental visit.
• Make sure you are not pregnant before undergoing sedation.
• No nursing a baby for 24 hours after the appointment.
• No driving a car or operating hazardous devices for 24 hours after the appointment.
• No walking stairs, exercising, or heavy lifting for 24 hours after the appointment.
• Do not make any important decisions (work) for 24 hours after the appointment.

After your visit, you will remember very little. Expect to go home and enjoy a good night's sleep. If you have any questions, please call our office.

1. Welcome
2. Dental Services
3. Sedation Dentistry