SEDATION DENTISTRY

During the many years that I have been practicing dentistry the materials, methods, and even the goals of dental treatment have changed dramatically.   I believe that what the profession of dentistry has to offer to everybody in this day and age is far superior in terms of overall health, longevity of treatment, and appearance—than it was when I first attended the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California.

Unfortunately, there are many individuals who do not receive this amazing dental care—care that they desperately need, want, and deserve—because of anxiety and fear of going to the dentist.  This is not something that these good people can just “get over”.  This is a very debilitating fear that prevents many of those who need it the most from receiving even very routine dental procedures.

Many of the patients that I see regularly present with missing teeth, badly decayed or worn down teeth, and sometimes very unattractive smiles.  These are conditions that are devastating to many persons who otherwise are fun, competent, and loving.  It has been said that “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness”—and mealtimes together, whether at home or in a restaurant with friends, is always an occasion for good feelings and warm smiles.  It is a shame that so many allow their teeth and smile to deteriorate because of anxiety and fear.

The term Sedation Dentistry can mean different things to different people, but to me it has been a safe and reliable way to make dentistry accessible for those who are fearful.  The type of sedation I use most is called Oral Conscious Sedation.  This involves taking a few pills at strategic times, both before and during the dental procedures.  To utilize this type of sedation you must have a driver who can both bring you to your appointment and take you home afterward.  The effects are dramatic:

• Relief of anxiety
• Patients usually can’t remember the event afterward
• Time passes quickly
• Lots of dentistry can be accomplished at only one appointment
• Easy and painless to administer

Another popular method of sedation is the use of Nitrous Oxide-also known as laughing gas.  This is a proven and safe way of helping to relieve anxiety.  Nitrous Oxide will not make you sleepy, but it has a calming effect. It can be easily used and you can drive yourself to and from your appointment.  Nitrous oxide can be used for cleanings and routine dental procedures.

For those who truly want or need to be completely asleep for their dental procedures, we rely on dental anesthesiologists who come into my office and utilize their medical specialty training to administer general anesthesia.  They are trained in all aspects of general anesthesia as well as intra-venous conscious sedation.   This approach works very well for full mouth rehabilitation procedures and for anybody who just cannot or will not tolerate being awake for dental procedures.

Any kind of Sedation Dentistry is the exception, not the rule in my practice.  However, for those who have stayed away from dentists because fear and anxiety, Sedation Dentistry has been a marvelous technique that has allowed us to provide life changing results to those who otherwise would suffer with ongoing and debilitating dental problems.

For questions about Sedation Dentistry, please call Dr. Carpenter’s office at 858-487-2301 or reach out online to learn more about the process.