SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for certain people receiving dental treatment. 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”.
What Is Sedation?
Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, & anti-anxiety medications) can be administered in a variety of ways. Intravenous (IV) sedation — sedatives delivered via injection into the blood vessels of the hand or arm — is predominantly used to sedate a dental patient.
IV sedation is both safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Dr. Panjali is certified and has had his training at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York City NY and licensed by New York State. 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”), 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 have little or no memory of 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 be available at all times during and after the appointment to ensure your well being and for any special post operative instructions that we may recommend. Please do not drive before or after the appointment and you must follow instructions given by our staff prior to the 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, Implants with bone augmentation 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 will absolutely love.
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.
Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?
The use of general anesthesia is not considered sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry has occasionally been dubbed sleep dentistry, but this term is misleading. In actual fact, you do not sleep during the procedure, but because of the effects produced by the sedative, you may feel sleepy.
Sedation dentistry enables you to be kept awake throughout the entire procedure, but you will feel relaxed and won’t remember much about your treatment or the visit.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Some insurances may cover IV sedation. Please contact your individual insurance or talk to our staff for more details.
(315)779-8080 Fax (855) 217-1118140 Eastern Blvd. Watertown, NY 13601 email:sunshinedental@nnymail.com