Sleep/Sedation Dentistry In Irving, Plano and Desoto, TX
Sleep or Sedation Dentistry
Many people have a natural fear of dentists and dental work, because they expect pain to be associated with whatever procedure is being undertaken. This is certainly not the case at Signature Smiles, where sedation dentistry is available for any patient who is unable to overcome their instinctive fears. If you reside in close proximity to our dental clinic in Texas and have searched for a “sedation dentist near me,” chances are you have come across our prominent listing for Signature Smiles clinic. Contact us today, and you’ll be able to approach any dental procedure confidently and fearlessly.
Credentials of Dr. Naren Mikkilineni
Dr. Naren Mikkilineni is your sedation dentist at Signature Smiles, and he is a highly-qualified practitioner in the field. He earned his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Florida International University, as well as a PhD in Dental Medicine from Nova South Eastern University. He is board-certified in both Florida and Texas, and is active in several industry associations. As a member of the American Association of Implant Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, he stays abreast of all industry developments. He has become a recognized specialist in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry, and offers a huge variety of dental procedures at his clinic.
What exactly is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients remain calm and relaxed during any dental procedure. They might even fall asleep, or doze off intermittently, so they’re unable to remember certain parts of the procedure. The medications used are generally tranquilizers, intravenous medications, or nitrous oxide, which is more commonly referred to as laughing gas.
Patients don’t feel any pain during whatever dental procedure is ongoing. For the most part, they will also remain conscious and will be able to respond to any questions posed by the dentist. Sedation dentistry is commonly used for patients who are normally fearful of going to the dentist, and are unable to relax during a procedure.
It is also sometimes used for children and adults who have special needs. These individuals sometimes have difficulty sitting still, or they may be frightened by the sound of dental equipment. Sedation dentistry can also be extremely helpful for patients who have a pronounced gag reflex, and find it difficult to keep their mouths open.
Sedation dentistry is also a very useful approach to take when several dental procedures are being undertaken all in one session. In order for any practitioner to make use of sedation dentistry, additional training is required. The American Dental Association requires that specific standards are met before a dentist is qualified to perform sedation dentistry.
It will be necessary for staff members at any dental clinic to be specially trained, so they are able to recognize any problems which might develop. The staff members are required to undergo training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While any patient has been sedated for a procedure, it will be necessary to monitor their blood pressure and oxygen level. This is a requirement which complies with ADA regulations regarding the practice of sedation dentistry.
What are the various types of sedation dentistry?
There are several different levels of sedation dentistry which are commonly practiced, all of which are entirely safe for the patient. With minimal sedation, the patient will always be awake, but will feel very relaxed. Under moderate sedation, a patient might sometimes slur their words when trying to speak. They might also forget certain segments of the procedure which was performed.
Under deep sedation, a patient is usually very close to the edge of consciousness, although it will still be possible to wake them up to complete consciousness if necessary. The heaviest form of sedation dentistry is general anesthesia, and this is only used in relatively severe cases. It calls for the patient to be completely unconscious throughout the entire procedure, and they typically won’t remember anything about the process. General anesthesia is only used if the patient has extreme fears about dentistry, and cannot be relaxed in any other way.
How is sedation accomplished?
One of the most commonly used forms of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, and this must be inhaled. A mask will be placed over the patient’s face, and the nitrous oxide will be combined with oxygen, so you can comfortably inhale it. This is a light form of sedation, and it’s the only type where you’d be able to drive yourself home after a dental procedure.
Oral sedation is another means by which patients can become relaxed enough to undergo any dental procedure. This usually involves taking a pill which will make you drowsy, but will leave you still awake. It may be necessary to administer larger doses of this type of pill for more difficult cases. Another way of accomplishing sedation dentistry is to administer an intravenous fluid through the patient’s vein. This will go to work more quickly than any pill would, and it also allows the dentist to control the sedation level.
General anesthesia will usually be addressed by delivering a medication to the patient that makes them completely unconscious. In this state, it will be difficult to awaken a patient, and the effects of anesthesia will not quickly wear off, unless reversed by another medication. It should be noted that under any of these types of sedation dentistry, a patient will usually receive a local anesthetic as well. This will ensure that no pain is felt by the patient, so that the sedation effects are not disturbed.
Sedation dentist in Irving, Plano and Desoto
Sedation dental procedures have a very definite value to a great number of patients. Individuals who are extremely fearful of dental procedures simply would be unable to undergo them without the aid of sedation dentistry. When you’ve decided that this is the right approach for you, all you’ll have to do is find a skilled dental practitioner whom you can trust.
For that, you need look no further than the well-trained staff and dental experts at Signature Smiles in Irving, Plano and Desoto, TX. Contact us today, and set up an initial consultation so we can explain anything which isn’t clear to you, and so we can answer all your questions. You will immediately start feeling more confident and more relieved about your future dental health.