Dr. Maria Vasilakis is a dentist, and has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Sedation Dentistry.
Q. What is sedation dentistry?
A. Nearly 50% of the population feels nervous or uncomfortable about going to the dentist or having dental procedures done.
Oral Conscious Sedation is a safe, effective, and relaxing way to make dental visits easier. It does not render you unconscious, but in a deeply relaxed state. You are given small pills to take the night before and an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office, and can return after the visit to pick you up. By the time you arrive, you will be drowsy.
When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, Dr. Maria and her experienced team will take care of your dental needs. We can do several visits worth of work all in one sedation visit, making it the most comfortable, convenient, and efficient way to have your dental care.
When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to sleep away the rest of the relaxing day.
Most patients remember nothing about their treatment. A few will remember a little, usually arriving to or the end of the appointment when we are getting them ready to go home.
Q. What will my dentist use as a sedative technique?
A. A combination of whichever oral medications we have determined are safe for each patient, combined with nitrous oxide. IV’s are not used to deliver sedation meds in our office
Q. Which patients benefit the most from sedation dentistry?
A. Any adult who:
Has dental anxiety
Would like several visits combined into one
Has a strong gag reflex
Has difficulty getting numb
Has had a traumatic prior dental experience
Hate the noises and smells associated with dental care
Q. Will I still need to receive anesthesia?
A. Yes, you weill receive anesthesia or numbing like a normal visit, because if you experience pain you will wake from a comfortable sleep. We have to be sure you will not have any pain during the procedure, this is why we still numb our sedation patients. However, you will be completely asleep and comfortable before any anesthesia is administered, and you will have no memory of the procedure.
Q. What are some side effects of sedative dentistry?
A. Drowsiness for the following day, and the inablility to drive or operate machinery for the next 24 hours. Patients who are deemed healthy enough for sedation will be able to safely metabolize any medications, and side effects are very unlikely.
Q. What types of dental procedures is sedation dentistry an option for?
A. For any procedure as simple and short as a cleaning and xrays if someone is anxious about doing these awake. Typically if the patient needs several procedures, like a few fillings or crowns, it is a very convenient way to do many visits worth of work in just one sedation visit.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Vasilakis if we have further questions?
A. Phone: 617 782 2267
maria@drmariadental.com
drmariadental.com
