Sedation
Dentistry is able to reach out and provide needed dental
care to those who otherwise would not receive it.
Dr. Schoolman and Dr. Lofton,
along with key members of the dental team, received extensive
training from the world's leading Sedation Dentistry specialists.
We recognize that there are many reasons why 50% of the U.S.
population do not receive dental care, but two of the most
common reasons are:
- Extreme anxiety
- No time for multiple appointments
What
is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry bridges the gap between new technology
and patient comfort. After an initial consultation, your Sedation
Dentistry appointment will be scheduled. You are given a small
pill to make you snooze through your dental appointment. Even
though you are not technically asleep, our patients describe
the experience as seeming to be asleep. You will have little
or no memory of the appointment. You will not even remember
any sounds or smells.
With Sedation Dentistry, you will find that your treatment
is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought
possible. You will be drowsy and unaware of the time passing
by. During the entire appointment you will be monitored continually
by our specially trained team of professionals.
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Am
I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients
who:
- Have high anxiety about dental visits
- Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Have difficulty getting numb
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended
periods
- Are afraid of needles
- Have sensitive teeth
- Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
- Simply do not have the time for multiple visits
Sedation Dentistry is only for adult patients. Dr. Schoolman or Dr. Lofton will schedule a consultation appointment first to answer any
questions and screen for any medical reasons you may not be
eligible for Sedation Dentistry.
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What
to Expect at a Sedation Dentistry Appointment.
You will take a small pill approximately 1 hour prior to
arriving at our office. You will need to have a companion
drive you to the office since you will not be able to drive
yourself. By the time you arrive at the office, you will feel
very drowsy.
You will be escorted by our staff to a comfortable chair
and a small electronic sensor will be placed on your fingertip.
This sensor allows us to monitor your vital signs during the
entire procedure. When you are snoozing comfortably, Dr. Schoolman or Dr. Lofton will begin your dental care. When the Doctor is finished with
your treatment, your companion will drive you home. You probably
will not even remember being at our office.
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Frequently
Asked Questions.
Will
I be unconscious?
No, you will be very relaxed, but you will be able
to respond. You will probably not, however, remember
any of your visit.
Will
I have an IV?
No tubes or needles are necessary for the sedation.
You just simply swallow a pill.
Does
my companion have to stay at the office?
Your companion must drive you to our office for your
appointment and return you home afterwards. During the
actual procedure, your companion is free to stay, or
leave and come back to pick you up at the end of the
procedure.
Is
there an age limit?
Sedation Dentistry is recommended for adults age 18
to 80, but a careful screening will be performed, during
the consultation phase, for any medical conditions that
may prevent you from being a candidate.
Will
I feel anything?
No, you will feel no discomfort.
How
long will I be snoozing?
You will be sedated for 2 to 8 hours, depending on
your dental care needs.
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