Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a candidate if any of the following are true:
- If you have a fear of dental appointments because of traumatic experiences in a dental chair.
- If you have sensitive teeth.
- If you have extensive dental problems. Multiple procedures that would normally take several appointments can be condensed into one.
- If you have difficulty getting numb with Novocaine.
- If you have a strong gag reflex.
- If you have a fear of needles.
Why You Should Consider Sedation Dentistry
If the idea of going to the dentist gives you a sense of dread, you are not alone. There are many patients who are so terrified of the dentist that they’ve avoided cleanings and treatment for years. If you feel that way, we want to put your mind at ease. Dr. Potts and Dr. Mahmood have compassion for fearful patients. When you come to our office, you will not be judged or lectured, no matter how long it has been since your last visit with a dentist. In fact, our dentists have received special training in sedation dentistry to make a fearful patient’s appointments as easy as possible. Here is what one of our patients has to say:
“When I first came to Lake County Family Dental Care I nearly had to be dragged in. I have always had bad dental experiences since my youth and as a result probably neglected my dental health which lead to even more problems now. Since working with Dr. Potts and his team, I have moved from being dragged in by family for sedation visits to walking in happily on my own accord for regular dentistry appointments and cleanings! This is quite an accomplishment and I am thrilled!! THANKS!!” ~ Laura T.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
We offer two levels of sedation dentistry at our Libertyville office: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, will not put you to sleep. Instead, it is a mild relaxant. You’ll breathe the gas in through a mask. It will put you at ease during your treatment. When the procedure is over, we’ll give you pure oxygen for a couple of minutes and the effects will disappear. One of the benefits of this type of sedation is that the effects wear off quickly so that you can drive home or go back to work immediately.
Some patients desire a deeper level of sedation. With oral conscious sedation, you will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. You will be given a pill to take before your appointment. This medication does not knock you out. Your protective reflexes will be fully functional, and you will be able to breathe without assistance. But you will be in a relaxed and sleepy state that makes you unconcerned about your dental treatment. Most patients remember little or nothing from their sedation appointment. Not only will the dental experience be pleasant, but with sedation dentistry in our Libertyville office, you can often have a lot more work done in each appointment than would otherwise be possible.
One of the things we like about oral conscious sedation is our ability to use different medications and incremental dose protocols depending on the length of your appointment and your needs. So rather than using a single protocol as many offices do, we will sedate you to the level with which you are comfortable. This can be comparable to the level of sedation you would get with I.V. sedation, but without the need for needles. We will monitor your vital signs during the entire procedure.
What to Expect at My First Sedation Appointment
New experiences can be fun, but if you have dental anxiety visiting a new dentist can also be overwhelming. We want to make you feel comfortable and confident with coming to the dentist by describing what happens on your first visit to our office. Dr. Potts and Dr. Mahmood enjoy treating patients with dental anxiety and helping patients regain the beautiful smile and oral health they want and deserve.
Your first appointment will be a little longer than a typical visit so that we have the time to get to know you and evaluate your oral health. Before Dr. Potts or Dr. Mahmood can treat you, we must get a peek inside your mouth and perform an exam. Some patients choose to be sedated for cleanings and exams while other patients choose to be sedated only for dental procedures. Regardless of how you want to achieve your dental treatment, we are here to make you comfortable.
When you arrive at our office, our warm and friendly Patient Care Coordinators will greet you and help you take care of any paperwork. After that, one of our hygienists will interview and review your health history with you. If you are comfortable with having your cleaning done without sedation, the hygienist will perform an evaluation, cleaning, and take any necessary x-rays. From there, one of our caring dentists will come in to check your dental health and answer any questions you have.
May I be sedated for my first visit?
If you choose to be sedated for your exam, the doctor will still have to determine if you are a candidate for oral conscious sedation prior to treatment. You will have a consultation with the doctor and they will assess your eligibility for sedation. At this visit, you will not have to step one foot inside a treatment room. We understand that fear can make you feel overwhelmed and we will be with you every step of the journey in regaining control over your oral health.
Do I have to have any treatment done without sedation?
No. Any treatment done is completely done on your terms. We do need to assess that you are a candidate for oral conscious sedation prior to any treatment. We will never start any treatment that you have not authorized. If you choose to have your examinations done while you are sedated, we will gain your approval at a time you are not sedated for treatment or the approval of your trusted agent, such as your spouse, while you are sedated.
Sedation Dentistry Training
Dr. Potts and Dr. Mahmood have trained with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). Dr. Potts has taken extensive training with them and has been awarded a fellowship. This honor is awarded to leaders in the field of sedation dentistry who have demonstrated excellence in continuing education, patient care, as well as the support of professional peers.
Dr. Potts’ has been added to DOCS Community Digest’s “Best-in-the Nation Sedation Dentists” honor society. If you’d like to read more about why Dr. Potts’ received this honor, you may click here to read their article.
Click on the Lake County Journal image below to read an article they recently did on Dr. Potts and his work with fearful dental patients.
Click here to view some testimonials on sedation dentistry.
If you would like more information on sedation dentistry in Lake County, you may give our office a call at (847) 362-6540 or fill out the form below.