(217) 546-3333Sedation Dentistry – Springfield IL – What are the Benefits?
April 24, 2012
Sedation dentistry utilizes calming agents taken into the body that provide a sense of peace during your dental procedure. The calming agents used are called sedatives. These sedatives work in the body to create various levels of consciousness ranging from a low to heavy level of sedation. Most dental work done under sedation is performed while you are aware, but very relaxed. Administration of the sedative also varies, but is most likely given in the form of a pill or sometimes intravenously. There are different qualifications a dentist must obtain before they are able to induce the various levels of consciousness, but be assured that your dentist must be well qualified by the state to administer sedation dentistry.
Many people have a great deal of anxiety they relate to dental procedures, but sedation provides the patient with relief from these anxious feelings. Anxiety can also lead a patient to avoid the dentist and routine visits which often causes further complications with the teeth. This increases the likelihood that more dental work and longer dental procedures will be necessary only adding to your fears.
Sedation dental procedures are cost effective as well because it limits the number of dental visits. There are two ways you can limit visits. First, sedation allows for longer dental procedure to be completed in one visit instead of several visits that break up the dental work and cost more. This is also far more pleasant for you. Secondly, money is saved because you are not avoiding the dentist and creating further problems with your teeth which are very costly.
The best way to know whether you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry is by reviewing the many benefits. If you are someone that is very fearful of the dentist or requires a lengthy and complicated procedure, then sedation dentistry can be the answer to these problems. You can relax and rest assured knowing you will be well taken care of during your sedation dental procedure. For more information from Dr. VanderMolen on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry – Are there any negative side effects?
April 17, 2012
Few things are absolutely perfect and any medical procedure has some risks. This is also true with sedation dentistry. The American Dental Association states that sedation used in dentistry carries the same risk as sedation used in any other medical procedure. As long as sedation dentistry is performed by a skilled qualified dental professional there are seldom negative side effects.
An easily avoidable side effect is a negative interaction between the sedative and a medication the patient is taking. This can usually be prevented if the patient gives the dentist a complete medical history.
Amnesia surrounding the procedure does sometimes occur as a result of taking IV or oral sedation. Whether this is a positive or negative depends on the point of view of the patient. Some people don’t want to remember anything about the procedure. If a patient is at all concerned about safety during the procedure, they can ask a friend or relative to be present. Many dentists insist on this.
IV or Oral sedation takes some time to wear off and the patient will not be able to drive home. So a caregiver will need to accompany them.
Dr. VanderMolen has the experience and expertise in Sedation Dentistry you need for a successful procedure. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry – Springfield IL – Why is Sedation Dentistry an Important Advancement in Dental Technology?
April 10, 2012
Sedation dentistry has made a great deal of difference in the practice of dentistry, if for no other reason than patients who were afraid of the pain and discomfort of dental procedures are less anxious to pay a visit to the dentist. Since the first steps in sedation dentistry occur before the patient is even injected with a local anesthesia, it also works for patients who are afraid of needles.
Regular dental visits are crucial for the health of a patient’s gums, teeth and mouth. Delaying treatment until the problem becomes unbearable is not only costly but can be dangerous. An abscessed tooth that goes untreated can lead to an infection that can actually be fatal. A dentist can catch the early stages of oral cancer and treat it before it spreads. Some patients aren’t even aware that oral cancer exists, or what its signs and symptoms are. A patient with healthy teeth and gums and a bright smile tends to be more socially confident than a patient with loose, rotting or missing teeth or periodontal disease, or a patient whose oral problems cause them constant pain.
The first sage of sedation dentistry can take place a day or so before the dental procedure. A dentist can prescribe sedatives to their patients that allow them to relax the night before, so even when they walk into the dentist’s office they’re more tranquil than they would be. Then, the patient is given another sedative. If anesthesia needs to be injected, the patient will be in such a state of calm and relaxation that they don’t even register the prick of the needle. Indeed, they might not even remember the visit to the dentist’s office! Another benefit of sedation dentistry is that it allows the patient to be awake during their treatment. This is important because this removes the risks of the patient being unconscious. The patient can also follow the instructions that the dentist might give them.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and very useful development in the practice of dentistry and is highly recommend for patients with dental phobia. Dr. VanderMolen is the expert in sedation dentistry you need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry –Springfield IL – What types of procedures can be performed with Sedation?
April 4, 2012
Do you dread the thought of going to the dentist due to a fear or phobia? If so then you are not alone. There is a quick and easy solution to that problem to ensure that the health of your teeth does not suffer due to this fear. Sedation dentistry refers to calming and relaxing the patient before beginning any treatment. Sedation dentistry involves using pharmacological agents belonging to a class of drugs known as sedatives to reduce the anxiety of the patient. There are three types of sedation depending on the anxiety level or the complexity of the procedure:
• Minimal sedation (the patient is relaxed but can still respond to verbal or physical stimulation)
• Moderate sedation (the patient is highly relaxed & only responds when the dentist purposefully stimulates them)
• Deep sedation (the patient is not conscious during the procedure)
So, you may be asking yourself what types of procedure can be performed with sedation dentistry? Well, the answer to that is simple. There are many types of dental treatments that can use sedation dentistry. It can be used for both short and long procedures and for anything from basic fillings, to crowns, implants and extractions. Sedation dentistry is pretty much available for any patient who requires it, regardless of the procedure, as long as health issues do not get in the way.
There are endless benefits with sedation dentistry. It is the ideal solution to minimize the stress and pain of visiting your dentist. If you decide to go with deeper sedation you will not have any memory of your procedure being carried out at all. It also gives complete control to your dentist during the procedure and enables them to concentrate fully on the task in hand.
Dr. VanderMolen and Advanced Dental Care of Springfield are your experts in Sedation Dentistry in Springfield IL. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry in Springfield IL – Overview and Methods
February 22, 2012
When it comes to visiting a dentist, many patients hesitate because of the fear of suffering pain during treatment. But there is a solution and that is Sedation Dentistry. Many dentists are offering this service and there is no pain involved in this method of dentistry. Sedation Dentistry is sometimes called “sleep dentistry”; however patients do not actually sleep during the process.
Sedation dentistry involves a highly experienced dentist who can carry out the treatment process in a very relaxing manner and create a worry-free experience. It is especially for those people that worry a lot and are very anxious. One significant advantage of this procedure is that the patient feels the treatment process has gone on only for a short span of time when actually they are of full length. No anxiety or pain is felt by the patient and they have a wonderful experience with the dentist.
About 75% of people do not schedule regular dental checkups just because of fear. Due to this negligent behavior towards oral health care, they can develop various oral problems. If neglected, these problems can reach to such an extent that permanent removal of teeth is required.
Sedation Dentistry is a simple process through which the central nervous system of a patient is relaxed and disengaged. Sedation can be done using various types of drugs that can be given to the patients in different ways. A specialized dentist helps his patient in being relaxed and calm during the procedure. Actually patients are kept awake during the entire treatment process, but some may fall asleep.
Methods
There are number of ways in which sedation can be administered. Each method of sedation has plus points or benefits but the selection of any particular method of sedation depends upon the treatment procedure.
1. Local anesthesia- injected directly into the mouth of the patient. It leaves the patient totally conscious but the patient does not feel any pain.
2. Intravenous sedation- a more intense form given to the patient, it is felt immediately and makes the patient feel that the dental process lasted only for few minutes.
3. Inhalation analgesia or laughing gas- a form of Nitrous oxide which makes the patient feel light and induces a feeling of happiness and well being. Used for longer treatment procedures like dental implants and crowns.
4. Oral sedation- in pill form, given to reduce the patient’s ability to feel the pain and react to sound.
5. Intramuscular sedation- delivered using shots, fast acting.
6. General anesthesia- used only for major surgery, especially oral surgery.
If you have a fear of the dentist or the pain and discomfort associate with treatment, do not neglect your oral health, Sedation Dentistry may be right for you.
For more information about Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333.