Physicians Blog
Sedation Dentistry
I recently gave a mini-lecture on sedation dentistry in my office. The slides are posted on this site. The audience was comprised of many dentist and their staff who wanted to know more about sedation dentistry and how it can play a part in their practice.
From my research before the lecture I discovered 5000 people a week search the internet about sedation dentistry. Thirty per cent of potential patients do not go to the dentist simply out of fear and anxiety! These findings are disturbing to me as a dental professional. Through sedation dentistry we have the means to treat these people yet they continue in poor oral health simply because of fear and anxiety. The origins of their fear and anxiety may stem from a bad experience with a dentist or trust issues or possibly poor coping skills. Whatever it may be through the wonders of modern pharmacology we, in the dental profession, can help these patients receive the quality oral health care they deserve.
Sedation dentistry is not for everyone or every dentist. Patients must accept the responsibility to have a chaperone with them for the duration of the procedure. They also must be prepared to accept the increased cost for this valuable service. The dentist must, in Georgia, complete 60 hours of sedation courses, be mentored in 20 clinical sedation cases, and make structural improvements to his office to obtain the necessary permits to deliver sedation dentistry to patients.
Sedation dentistry has its place in healthcare but it is not a panacea. The dental work of drilling and filling is still the same; but the way we experience if differs significantly. The sedated patient experiences the dental visit through rose colored glasses. The shots don’t hurt, the drill doesn’t make one anxious, and the entire visit can be like a first class trip to Paris.
Let’s face it, no one enjoys going to the dentist. Patients may not mind the shots and the drilling but I have yet to have a patient tell me they enjoy it. Through sedation those patients who are anxious or fearful can obtain the care they need without the anxiety and fear that drives them from good oral health.
If you have questions about sedation dentistry please give me a call.
