Sedation Dentistry

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia - or Sedation Dentistry - is available in most cosmetic dental offices on an appointment basis. Sedation Dentistry bridges the gap between new technology and patient comfort. After an initial consultation, your Sedation Dentistry appointment will be scheduled. You are given a small pill or IV to make you snooze through your dental appointment. Even though you are not technically asleep, most patients describe the experience as seeming to be asleep. You will have little or no memory of the appointment. You will not even remember any sounds or smells.

With Sedation Dentistry - Sedation Dentistry, you will find that your treatment is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought possible. You will be drowsy and unaware of the time passing by. During the entire appointment you will be monitored continually by our specially trained team of professionals.

What this provides is a way for the very fearful or especially sensitive patient to benefit from complete dental care without having to deal with the actual drilling.

When a patient asks for Sedation Dentistry, they usually have to go thorough medical assessment; to be sure there are no complications that would put the patient at risk.

Then, the office will consult with the anesthesiologist regarding scheduling and fees. If everything is OK, the office will normally schedule the appointment.

Usually all the necessary dental treatment is done in one visit. Treatment durations can range from one to three hours, and require that the patient have a ride to and from the office. And most dentists have certain dietary restrictions for the Sedation Dentistry patient the morning of the treatment.

Other than that, the use of Sedation Dentistry can be very normal and uncomplicated.

As many dental patients can attest, dental phobia is paralyzing fear that keeps people from obtaining regular dental care. We know that an estimated 9-15% of all Americans avoid regular dental care due to fear surrounding the dental visit. Over 35 million Americans have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. But for many, it is more than being afraid. Some of our patients have had a traumatic experience in a dental chair; others come from a painful past. But regardless of your personal history, we are here to help. We understand that your fears may have kept you from a dentist, but there is no need to feel embarrassed. We are not here to judge you; we are here to help you and encourage you so that you can have the confidence a beautiful smile can bring.

If you or someone you love suffers from a dental phobia, you know that shame and embarrassment become very real issues affecting a person's quality-of-life, social life and self esteem. When the patient finally gathers the inner courage to make a call to the dentist, they must be able to reach out to a team that understands the very real nature of their fears.

A good Sedation Dentist supports the unique needs of phobic patients from the moment they make the first call. The dental office should ask the patient's dental history, his/her concerns, and any history of trauma to the mouth. Then the office should listen to the patient and fully understand the magnitude of the fear. Then they should discuss the easiest and safest way to bring comfort and care to the patient. If sedation dental procedure are still needed for the dental patient then they need a medical evaluation and possible seen by an anesthesiologist before treatment can be approved.

The dental office should have a full a treatment plan where all treatment can be completed in one comprehensive visit - utilizing optimal sedation options. When a dental patient chooses the option of I.V. sedation or general anesthesia, their sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by a physician anesthesiologist. Then the oral / cosmetic surgeon operates with a team approach and coordinates multiple specialties so that Periodontists, Endodontist, etc. complete all necessary work in one visit. Some dentist will give you a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive, you will be very drowsy.

When you arrive in the dental office, you should be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, the dental, oral or cosmetic surgeon and the experienced clinical team will take care of your dental needs.

When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation - Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation - Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:

Have high anxiety about dental visits
Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
Have difficulty getting numb
Have a strong gag reflex
Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
Are afraid of needles
Have sensitive teeth
Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
Simply do not have the time for multiple visits

Sedation Dentistry is only for adult patients. Dental offices should schedule a consultation appointment first to answer any questions and screen for any medical reasons you may not be eligible for Sedation - Sedation Dentistry.

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Dr Montrose DDS, Family Dentistry - Providing services in cosmetic and sedation dentistry to the areas of Beaverton and Portland, Oregon.