We asked Dr Pitts which patients can benefit the most from oral sedation dentistry, and how the whole process works. Here is what she told us:

Who Can Benefit the Most From Oral Sedation Dentistry?

1. •People with high dental anxiety and fear
   

2. •Those with a severe gag reflex
   

3. •Those with time constraints who need to get more dentistry done in fewer visits
   

4. •Patients with chronic or acute jaw soreness
   

5. •Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
   

6. •People who have difficulty getting numb
   

7. •Those who need extensive treatment
   

8. •And people with a desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed
   

Dr Pitts stated, “If you have ever been afraid to go to the dentist, you know the unbearable terror that comes with stepping foot into a dental office. You avoid receiving treatment at any cost, even if you are in pain or discomfort.

It is important to remember that dentistry has come a long way. Countless years of research have been dedicated to studying and finding methods to alleviate pain and anxiety. There are safe and time-tested options available today to ensure that patients have a positive and painless experience.

I invite you to experience dentistry like you have never experienced it before. Step out from under the shadow of fear and into the calm of sedation dentistry. Remember you are not alone and you no longer have to be afraid.”

So, exactly how does oral sedation dentistry work?

Dr Pitts recommends patients who suffer from fear and anxiety of going to the dentist adhere to the following plan:

STEP ONE:    Making Your First Appointment

This is difficult for many anxious people, so we try to make this as easy as possible.

Simply call our office. The Sedation Team will answer any questions you have and ask you some simple questions to help ensure you get the care you want and deserve. When you're ready, you can schedule a time that works for you.

STEP TWO:    Welcoming Visit

My team will gather information regarding your health and discuss with you your wants, needs and desires. If you're comfortable, we will take x-rays and look in your mouth. But you will never be judged or embarrassed.

Knowledge about oral sedation treatment is not only powerful – it is empowering. It is important to talk to me about your fears and concerns during your consultation before any dentistry is ever performed. It is critical that you provide us with an updated health history listing any medications you are on, including vitamins and supplements. Factors like smoking and alcohol consumption can alter the effectiveness of sedation medications, so be sure to tell me about any habits you may have. Even something as seemingly insignificant as drinking grapefruit juice can have an effect on sedation. The enzymes in grapefruit interfere with the systems that metabolize (break down) certain oral sedation medications in your body, so you should not consume grapefruit 72 hours prior to or immediately after a sedation procedure.

STEP THREE:    Preparing for Your Anxiety Free Visit

I will give you a prescription for a sedative to take the night before your first appointment to guarantee a good night's sleep and to make sure you wake up relaxed.

Oral sedation is a popular treatment option for many people because it does not require the use of additional needles. Medications can be swallowed whole and / or crushed and administered sublingually (under the tongue). Medications given sublingually are absorbed into the bloodstream quicker, so it is the preferred option. Both methods are safe however, and very effective.

The safety of sedation medications is measured by pharmacists and physicians on a scale called the therapeutic index. The larger the number is on the scale, the safer the drug. The sedation medications commonly used by my practice for oral sedation dentistry have the highest numbers possible on the therapeutic index, making them the least likely to cause an adverse reaction.

STEP FOUR:    Arriving for Treatment

Your companion will bring you to the office. Additional medications will be provided to create the ultimate in relaxation. Your experienced sedation team will monitor you throughout your entire visit.

I can perform a variety of protocols customized to your particular physiological and pharmacological needs. The medications are safe and have been used for decades. In fact, you’ve probably seen or heard some of their names before. Several have amnesic properties, meaning that you remember little to nothing of your time in the dental chair. Sometimes referred to as “comfort dentistry” or “relaxation dentistry,” it describes the feeling most patients have during their appointment.

While these methods and medications cannot make fear magically disappear, they can give you the confidence and peace-of-mind to experience dental procedures in a whole new way. Hours pass like mere minutes and more dentistry can be performed in a single visit because I am able to work more efficiently. It is a win-win for everyone!

STEP FIVE:    Going Home With Your New Smile

In addition to providing our office with a complete health history, you will need to choose a companion to drive you to and from your sedation appointment. You should not eat or drink six hours prior to your appointment unless otherwise directed to do so. Your health history can effect your before and after care plans, especially for diabetics and smokers, so make sure I know about any medical conditions your may have. For longer appointments, the remainder of the day should be taken off. For shorter appointments, only half a day may be necessary. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours.

STEP SIX:    The Next Day

Most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the dental visit and you'll be thrilled with all the compliments you will receive.

So, whether you need porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, crowns, or simply need to have years of neglect seen to, oral sedation dentistry can be the answer to your prayers!

More About Oral Sedation Dentistry