Sleep Dentistry known as Conscious Sedation
I have been using Conscious Sedation in the office since 1984. However, in the past the application was limited to only those cases that were high risk. Most of those cases I felt that it was in the patients best interest to work with an MD Anesthesiologist. With the advancements of short acting high-tech drugs and reversal agents, a whole new dimension has been introduced to my profession and practice. The training was very demanding and the license is difficult to maintain but the results are very safe. I have a very efficient office and staff that is ready for all emergencies.
The reason that Conscious Sedation is so safe today is due to the new category of drugs called reversal agents. I only use drugs in the
dental office that can be totally reversed in less than a minute! Think about the brilliance behind this new category of drugs. I am able to give the patient enough medication that I can complete some or all of the patient’s dental work in one visit. If at any time I feel that there is something wrong or the monitors say the patient needs to be more awake, I am able to introduce the reversal drugs and within seconds the patient is fully alert and safe.
I have been in dentistry 27 years. I have been blessed with the gift of being able to provide all my patients with most all their dental needs. Now, I am able to even touch the lives of those patients that just fear going to the dentist. This fear is real and has been a problem in the past. Today, these patients that have
not been cared for properly in the past are able to have their dentistry completed while they are resting. There is absolutely no recall of the visit or any work that was completed. Personally, I feel these new drugs and their application in dentistry is one of the greatest advancements I have seen in my profession.
If you have had problems in the past with traumatic experiences in the dental office, let me show you how easy it is to save your smile while you “sleep” in our fully equipped state of the art private operating facility.
Sincerely
Gary R. O’Brien, D.D.S.
Sedation Methods:
There are different sedation methods used depending on the characteristics of the patient to be treated. Some of the methods are: intravenous sedation, nitrogen oxide sedation, oral medications and general anesthesia.
IV SEDATION
Intravenous sedation (IV Sedation) also known as sleep dentistry is a procedure in which the dentists use a proven, safe medication to keep the patient relaxed while he/she completes the dental procedure. This drug is injected with a thin needle into a vein; it can be injected in the arm or in the back of your hand. The patient will remain conscious and will be able to respond to the dentist at all times, but will be much more relaxed.
NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION
Nitrous oxide sedation is a non-toxic and colorless gas that helps people overcome their anxieties. This Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas; it is safe, doesn't irritate and it removes by itself. Dentists use this gas on patients that need to be relaxed while they execute the dental procedure, particularly children. The patient stays completely conscious and can respond to the dentist at all times.
ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Oral conscious sedation consists of taking one sedative pill one hour before the dental appointment. This drug makes the patients feel free of anxiety and fears, helping them to relax. This safe pill may last up to six or seven hours; the patient is completely conscious and can respond to the dentist's instructions. Common oral sedation medications are: Halcion, Valium, Dalmane and Versed.
