At The Gentle Dentist – Dr. Amit Sood is well aware that some patients all too frequently look upon their appointment with the dentist with a certain degree of dread and anxiety. This is commonly referred to as dental anxiety. Our
Jackson Heights sedation dentist knows that this is not unusual, and even somewhat natural for a person to be uncomfortable when placed in a vulnerable position, such as the dental chair. We encourage our patients to let us know if they have any dental anxiety related to their planned dental treatment. Once Dr. Sood is aware of your dental anxiety and fears, there are many ways in which he can address them. Highly effective and safe sedation techniques can be used by our
Jackson Heights sedation dentist to alleviate dental anxiety. If the technique involves the administration of a drug, it is termed conscious sedation dentistry. The most readily available routes of conscious sedation are: oral, inhalation, intravenous and intramuscular. In extreme cases of anxiety, general anesthesia may be necessary.
Dental Care Jackson Heights
Many dentists will prescribe a sedative drug to be taken by mouth before your scheduled treatment. If you have an even greater degree of dental anxiety, Dr. Sood may prescribe an oral conscious sedative to be taken at home, one hour prior to going to sleep on the evening before the appointment. Commonly administered oral conscious sedatives include: Valium, Halcion, Versed, and Dalmane. Our
Jackson Heights sedation dentist will explain that oral conscious sedation dentistry is most effective in managing milder degrees of dental anxiety. If you are prescribed a pill (Halcion) to take one hour prior to your scheduled dental visit, it is important that you have someone drive you to, and from your dental appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you will be awake and feeling very drowsy and relaxed. Once you arrive for your dental appointment, you will be escorted to the dental treatment area right away, and seated in the dental chair. You will be put on a monitor so we can carefully watch your vital signs during your entire appointment.
There is no analgesic or pain relieving qualities provided by oral sedatives. Local anesthetics will be used to prevent pain. Because you are so relaxed, and because of the use of painless injection techniques, you will most likely not remember when we actually "numbed" your teeth. When your treatment is finished, your friend or relative will drive you home, where you can take a relaxing nap. When you wake up, you will feel comfortable, relaxed and stress-free. You will most likely remember very little about your dental experience with our
Jackson Heights sedation dentist, and be left anxiety-free.
By The Gentle Dentist
July 17, 2014
