We Want to Help You Relax!
Modern dentistry offers a variety of options to help patients relax, including nitrous
oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. When you share your feelings and
concerns with us, it becomes easier to adjust our treatment to meet your needs.
Types of Anesthesia
The different types of anesthesia are topical, local, and general. Topical anesthesia
is applied to the general area of the mouth to be treated, to numb the surface.
This kind of swab is often used to numb the gums in preparation for a local anesthetic
injection. Relieving the pain of bad mouth sores is another use for topical anesthetics.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthetic injections numb a specific area of the mouth, more focused and
more thoroughly than topical anesthetics. Local anesthesia is often used in such
treatments as filling cavities, crowns, and treating periodontal disease (gum disease).
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia involves nitrous oxide (sometimes referred to as “laughing gas”)
or sedative medications to help patients relax during treatment. General anesthetics
may be combined with topical and local anesthesia, depending on the individual receiving
treatment and the procedure(s) being performed. Sedatives vary in strength and duration,
as some are only meant to bring on what is called “minimal or moderate sedation.”
This refers to a relaxed state during which a patient feels relaxed but can still
respond to touch and the dentist or assistant talking.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation medications are measured and evaluated by pharmacists and
physicians on a safety scale called the therapeutic index, where the higher the
number on the scale, the better the safety rating of the drug. The sedation medications
used by Dr. Bulgerin have high numbers on this index.
Important Factors
When Dr. Bulgerin works with you to choose a drug protocol (primary sedation agent)
– because there are several – factors such as your level of dental anxiety and your
health history are important to share. This includes any medications (prescription,
over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements), and habits such as alcohol consumption
and smoking. Even certain fruit juices can affect the reaction of sedation medications
in the body. For example, patients should not drink grapefruit juice within 72 hours
before or after dental treatment with sedation. Prior to your sedation visit, Dr.
Bulgerin will go through the proper preparation steps, from diet adjustments and
possibly taking a sleep agent the night before, to having a companion drive you
to your appointment and what to expect after treatment.
Oral Sedation Pills
Oral sedation pills can be swallowed whole. For patients who have trouble swallowing
pills because of a strong gag reflex or whatever reason, the medication can be crushed
and taken under the tongue. This method actually quickens the absorption of the
sedative into the bloodstream, so many dentists prefer it. Dr. Bulgerin and his
assistant will monitor you throughout your conscious sedation, as it works to help
you feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. The purpose is to make hours
pass as if they were minutes, even though you can still respond to speech and touch
during that time.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort or remaining effects from a sedation
dentistry visit. Immediately after treatment, you might feel a little wobbly while
the medication wears off, but we will give you simple, helpful instructions for
the rest of your day.
Advantages to Oral Conscious Sedation
When you feel anxiety, your threshold for pain is lower and so dental treatment
feels more uncomfortable, stressful, and panic-causing than it otherwise would.
The most advantageous aspect of oral conscious sedation is that this can be eliminated!
The object is to enable you to relax your body and mind to be able to receive the
treatment you need and desire. Getting the dental care you need is essential to
maintaining good overall health.
Are There Risks?
Taking medication or undergoing any type of anesthesia involves a certain level
of inherent rest, so Dr. Bulgerin will consult with you about this. Also, patients’
bodies metabolize pills differently, so the calming effect of sedation medications
might take longer in some cases. Because of this, Dr. Bulgerin is cautious and attentive
as he administers sedation.
We have found that our combination of sedation dentistry techniques and compassionate
staff meets the personal and dental needs of the vast majority of patients.
We love changing lives one smile at a time!
|