Treatment

Ideal Candidates

Whether the result of a traumatic childhood experience, frequent panic attacks, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or a fear of needles, dental phobia  affects numerous individuals.  For patients frightened at the prospect of dental treatment, however, sedation presents an ideal remedy. Inducing an altered state of consciousness to minimize pain and discomfort, conscious sedation allows such individuals to receive dental treatment who might otherwise evade such procedures.

Sedatives should not be used in conjunction with alcohol or medicine producing a somnolent effect. Pregnant women should also avoid the use of benzodiazepines and their derivatives.

Oral Sedation

Extremely anxious patients as well those with a sensitive gag reflex or who have difficulty responding to anesthetic may benefit from oral sedation. During the appointment Dr. Larson will closely monitor the patient’s vital signs. This treatment differs from general anesthesia, however, which requires hospitalization. Some insurance providers may cover I.V. sedation.

Fibromyalgia patients often experience significant discomfort during dental procedures including jaw muscle strain, temporomandibular joint pain, and difficulty opening the mouth for an extended period of time. With oral sedation, however, fibromyalgia patients experience increased comfort and relaxation of both the mind and body during dental procedures.

Procedure

During an appointment prior to your sedation, Dr. Larson will review your medical history and speak with you about past dental experiences or fears. X-rays and a minimal examination may be necessary to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for the diagnosis.

The evening prior to the sedation visit, the patient consumes the oral sedative as instructed by Dr. Larson. The patient will experience drowsiness before and upon arrival to the dental office although most capably respond to the dentist’s verbal cues and inquiries during the procedure.

To the sedation appointment, patients are welcome to bring any items which might place them at greater ease. Our office also requests that you bring any current medications taken daily or in emergency situations, including asthma inhalers and supplemental oxygen.

Throughout the dental procedure, the dentist closely monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level, and alertness. These vital signs are compared to baseline readings taken during a previous appointment.

Most sedation patients recall very little of their dental procedures. The patient must arrange transportation to and from the dental office on the day of the appointment.

Post-Treatment

Although conscious sedation allows for quick recovery and a return to routine activities, many patients experience a brief period of amnesia following the procedure. Other infrequent side effects include hiccups, dry mouth, headache, and light-headedness. Patients occasionally experience drowsiness that extends throughout the day after the appointment and all should avoid driving, making important decisions, or operating heavy equipment for twenty-four hours following conscious sedation.

Although conscious sedation remains a necessity for many patients, insurance companies rarely cover such treatment.

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