Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients with dental phobias, patients requiring large amounts of dental work, and patients who just prefer to sleep through their appointment. However, sedation is a powerful tool, and you don't want to entrust your safety to just anyone. These guidelines can help you choose the practitioner who's right for you.
1) Check the doctor's credentials. Unlike other dental specialties (oral surgery, orthodontics, ect.) sedation dentistry is not recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a specialty. However, sedation dentists receive certification through The University of the State of New York Education Department. The sedation dentist should also be licensed through the New York State Dental Board.
2) Investigate the doctor's training. The best sedation dentistry practitioners didn't just go to dental school; they also completed extensive post-graduate training programs that focus specifically on issues of sedation dentistry. In addition, the best dentists regularly attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on new procedures and materials. Is the dentist a member of professional organizations such as the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) which promotes quality continuing education courses to its members?
3) Start with a consultation. Going in for a consultation is a great way to learn more about a dentist and dental practice. Consultations are generally inexpensive, and are sometimes even offered for free. Talk to the dentist before you commit to anything. Remember, it's your job to make an educated decision.
4) Look for sedation experience. Sedation dentistry is as much an art as it is a science. In general, the more sedation dentistry that the dentist has performed, the more comfortable and safe will be your sedation dentistry experience. And sedation dentistry is more than just the health of your teeth; the dentist should also consider the health of your gums and supporting bone.
5) Communication is key. It's essential that you be able to talk to your dentist - and that your dentist will listen to you! There's a lot of dialogue that needs to go into an individual long-term treatment plan. If you feel bullied, pressured, or rushed, then that's probably not the right dentist for you.
6) Review before and after photos and testimonials. Take a look at the dentist's portfolio before you make up your mind. What do patients report about their experience? Pay specific attention to cases that are similar to yours. Make sure that the photos are of actual work done by the dentist, not just stock photos.
7) Don's pay too much - or too little. Some dentist charge more marketing themselves as high-end cosmetic dentists offering Hollywood smile makeovers. Other dentists try to make up for poor materials and shoddy work by offering low prices. Beware of extremes.
8) An honest dentist sets realistic expectations. Watch out for doctors who promise more that they can deliver. You want a dentist who will tell you what can and cannot be done for your smile. You need to know how long the process will take, any complications that could occur, expected longevity of the restoration, and cost. Get a written fee estimate.
9) Technology is cool, but it's not the only thing. A dentist with high-tech modern equipment like digital x-rays and intra-oral cameras is more likely to be up-to-date on modern techniques. At the same time, however, don't let yourself be dazzled by a dentist's fancy tools; what really matters is that the dentist knows how to use them properly.
10) A good lab technician is a valuable asset. The dentist might decide on the treatment plan, but it's the lab technician who'll actually fabricate the porcelain veneers, crowns or dentures used to restore your smile. Great dentists are proud of their lab technicians and the materials that they use.
We know that selecting a sedation dentist is not easy. Here at Adult Dentistry of Rochester, we want you to know that you can contact Dr. Dulski personally with any questions or concerns at http://www.dulski.com/contact.html.
Tags: Sedation Dentistry, Dental Phobias, Sedation Dentistry, Sedation Dentist
Cordiality, fair fees, insurance participation, technology - all have their proper place in making an educated decision as to where to go for your dental needs.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, the commitment and devotion, the intelligence and the skill of the individual with his/her hands in your mouth is what should be the number one priority on your list.
Dr. Dulski is committed to your health & well-being. You wouldn't want it any other way. Neither would we.
Sedation Dentistry - Who is a candidate?
ReplyDeleteAdults who:
* Have a high degree of fear of having dental treatment completed
* Are embarrassed about their mouth
* Hate needles
* Have a difficult time getting numb or gag easily
* Have very sensitive mouths
* Need to have their treatment completed in as few appointments as possible
* Just don't like coming to the dentist
What are the benefits?
You take a pill 30 minutes before treatment and bring the others with you. You do not have to have an IV started in your arm to give you the medication.
You can have treatment completed in fewer appointments. Some treatment plans that normally take 8 to 9 appointments can be completed in 1 to 2 appointments.
You are closely monitored with a heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter. These help us to very accurately know how you are doing at all times during your appointment. Someone will be with you all the time during your treatment.
The precise technology driven dentistry of today can be much more predictably and efficiently done when you are quiet and still.
What is the process?
* We give you a prescription that you take to your pharmacist and have filled.
* You have someone accompany you to your appointment.
* 30 minutes before your treatment you take the 1st pill - this will relax you well
* Your critical vital signs will be monitored
* We supplement you with oxygen and nitrous oxide as needed
* Your dental treatment will be completed while you are relaxed
* When your treatment is completed you will be driven home where you can relax.
The oral sedation was the best possible care I could receive. I am terrified of having dental work done but the sedation make it pleasant. I am actually willing to return for more work. Carol Brearley
ReplyDeleteMost dental phobia sufferers don't realize that many people are, or used to be, as terrified as themselves. It can be helpful to know that you're by no means the only one with this problem!
ReplyDeleteRead our success stories from patient just like yourself you have successfully received their needed dental care with sedation.
Here at Dr. Dulski office there is many ways that they give you information about what types of sedation they offer.
ReplyDeleteThey have the dvd's on nitrous oxide an oral conscious sedation.The success stories in the book and on you tube.They also fax you health history to your doctors office to make sure this will work for you.
Before your appointment the doctor will go over the treatment with you. This will show you what will be done and how long it will take. This will also tell you what you will expect for the end result.
With nitrous oxide you can drive yourself to and from the appointment but with oral conscious sedation you will have to have someone bring you to and from your appointment. They have to be willing to stay with you for the rest of the day till you fully recover.
Alot of people are happy with this because they are afraid of the dentist and this helps them relax.