Sedation Dentistry
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to enjoy going to the dentist?
That’s one of the many benefits of being a patient of Stoneham Dental Care, where our team has been practicing sedation dentistry for over 30 years.
Dental phobia is real. Some sufferers had traumatic experiences as children. Others suffered pain as adults. Still more were swayed by stereotypes in movies or parental horror stories. For others it's a simple matter of time. No matter the reason, far too many of these individuals affected by dental phobia have simply stopped seeking routine dental care because they are frightened. Even when faced with such warning signs as pain in their mouths, they still stay away from the dentist. Now their overall health may be at risk. If this sounds like you, we want to help.
Whether you've been postponing a simple dental checkup, restorative care or a brand-new smile, now is the time to take care of yourself. Make a move forward into a healthier future. Sedation Dentistry is another tool of modern dentistry that makes necessary treatments not only tolerable, but comfortable.
Our dentists at Stoneham Dental Care have been specially trained to relax their patients, creating a safe and comfortable dental experience. Our doctors understand that many peoples' dental phobia and anxiety complicate the ability to seek dental care. Stoneham Dental Care's dentists are skilled practitioners that use commonly prescribed sedation medications to calm patients. These sedatives have been in use for many years and have been subjected to rigorous study.
Our doctors understand a great deal about how they work and how they interact with other medications. Usually administered by mouth, the medication leaves people fully alert and able to respond to questions (that's why the process is called conscious sedation.) All of our dentists have undertaken hours of additional education in sedation to meet the needs of those for whom a visit to the dentist may be emotionally challenging. Here at Stoneham Dental Care, our general dentists, periodontist, and endodontist are able to perform implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, root canals, and all phases of dentistry while the patient is sedated.
What to Expect
Sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “anxiety-free” dentistry, the terms describe the feelings that most patients experience during their appointments. The use of sedation medications can help make patients more comfortable so that the dentists and their teams can work more effectively, accomplishing more dentistry in less time with greater quality.
After an initial visit with us, where all your questions and concerns will be answered, we will schedule your sedation appointment(s). You will find your treatment is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought possible. You will be drowsy, and unaware of the time passing by. Our specially-trained team will monitor you continually throughout the appointment. The big plus? We can accomplish extensive amounts of dentistry at one time, and you will have little to no memory of the experience.
The process for our patients is simple. After a careful review of their medical history, our qualified sedation dentist will choose the appropriate medication(s) and level of sedation to best meet the patient’s needs. Driven to their appointment by a companion, the patient will most likely take a single pill when they arrive at the office on the day of their appointment an hour before treatment. More medication may be given depending on the type of procedures being performed and the duration of the appointment.
When the treatment is complete and the patient is ready to go home, their companion drives them back and stays with them until they are fully recovered (about 4-10 hours). Due to the amnesiac properties of many of the medications, patients have little to no memory of their time in the dental chair by the next day.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation will provide you a way of getting your dental treatment done while totally relaxed and completely comfortable.
Sedation is achieved with the use of various oral sedatives (triazolam, lorazepam, and/or hydroxyzine) or nitrous oxide (commonly called laughing gas).
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You will not be “knocked out”.
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Sedation allows you to be conscious and responsive.
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You will be very sleepy and relaxed.
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You will be able to verbalize your needs and wants.
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You will be monitored during your entire procedure with blood pressure and pulse oximetry.
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Someone will be with you at all times.
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The sedatives used are amnesic – you will have little to no memory of the experience.
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You will continue to relax the rest of the day and into the evening. A responsible companion should be with you the following day.​