Dr. Douglas Decker and Dr. Terry McClanahan are dentists, and have answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Sedation Dentistry.
Q. What is Sedation Dentistry?
A. Sedation dentistry is designed to help fearful, nervous and anxious patients have their dental treatment completed comfortably, safely and often in just one visit. Sedation dentistry requires the patent to take one or two small pills—oral sedation medication. Patients rest comfortably and are monitored closely during their dental procedures. Most patients experience little or no discomfort and often have little recollection of the dental visit. Sometimes, we’ll recommend a patient take medication the evening before dental treatment so that they can get a good night’s rest before treatment.
Our goal is to make our patients as relaxed as possible so that they can get the treatment they need as quickly and comfortably as possibly. Some people have been so traumatized by earlier dental experiences that they have a great fear of treatment and so have avoided dental visits, sometimes for years. We don’t believe that anyone needs to be made to feel badly about their fear and anxiety so we never lecture patients about dental neglect. We’re there to give them the help they need.
Q. What is used as a sedative technique?
A. Patients are given oral medication to take to help them relax before and during dental treatment. This is in the form of a small, easy to swallow pill or pills. Nitrous oxide sedation is also available for simple procedures and shorter appointments. We do not charge an extra fee for either oral sedation or nitrous oxide.
Q. Which patients benefit the most from sedation dentistry?
A. Sedation dentistry can benefit a great many patients particularly those who are fearful, anxious and worried about dental treatment. Patients who have a strong gag reflex or claustrophobia can also benefit from sedation dentistry. Those who’ve experienced trauma or had bad treatment at the hands of other practitioners do very well with sedation dentistry. It’s also recommended for people who need extensive treatment but don’t have the luxury of time for multiple dental visits. With sedation dentistry, we can usually complete a complicated treatment plan in one or two visits.
Q. Will I still need to receive local anesthesia?
A. Most patients do require local anesthesia, even with sedation dentistry. Local anesthesia is commonly used during most dental procedures, though with sedation dentistry, most patients do not experience discomfort from the injections.
Q. What are some side effects of sedative dentistry?
A. Side effects of sedation dentistry are fairly minor. Patients often experience grogginess after their treatment. We require that the patient have a responsible adult (family member or friend) bring them to our office and then drive them home after the appointment. We recommend that patients do not drive for 24 hours after a sedation appointment. Typically, the sedation mediation will create a short term amnesia-like effect but this can be a positive side effect.
Q. What types of dental procedures is sedation dentistry an option for?
A. Sedation dentistry is a good option for most kinds of dental treatments, especially more complex cases or procedures that require a longer time period. It is much easier for the patient, and the doctor, if the patient is relaxed and calm during treatment.
Q. How does sedation dentistry work?
A. If a patient has an early morning appointment, we will provide the sedation medication to be taken the night before treatment. For afternoon appointments, patents will take the oral sedative 45 minutes to an hour before their scheduled dental visit.
Upon arrival at our offices, the patient is evaluated and we determine if additional sedation is necessary and administer it if required.
During treatment, the patient is connected to medical equipment that monitors blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation.
Sometimes a patient will receive oxygen and nitrous oxide through a nasal mask.
At the conclusion of the dental visit, the patient will be offered a juice drink that will help them to become more alert for the ride home with a designated driver. Sedation patients are never permitted to drive themselves home after treatment.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Decker and Dr. McClanahan if we have further questions?
A. Dr. Decker and Dr. McClanahan can be reached at their office by telephone at 619-543-1588 during regular office hours and by mobile phone after hours. Their knowledgeable and helpful front office staff can usually answer most questions that patients have.
The office fax number is 619-543-9864.
The office address is : 2533 El Cajon Boulevard, near Texas Street, in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, minutes from Mission Valley. The office has free parking and is convenient to most major freeways.
The doctors’ website is www.sdsedationdentist.com and the email address is sedationdentist@sbcglobal.net.
