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Conscious sedation is often today's preferred method for patients with lengthy dental procedures or a fear of the dentist. It not only minimizes the anxiety typically associated with a visit to the dentist, but combined with advanced methods in local anesthesia, patients also enjoy a more comfortable, relaxing, and safer experience. Conscious sedation also allows multiple procedures to be completed during one visit. The stress and inconvenience of returning multiple times for treatment can be eliminated.
This especially appeals to people who are unable to make time in their busy schedules to have complex treatment done, which would normally take several appointments.
Sedated patients are in a safe "twilight sleep," and breathing on their own. They are aware of what is going on around them, can answer when spoken to, and move or adjust if need be, but when it is all said and done, the patient will usually have little recall of the dental experience. Recovery time is a lot faster than general anesthesia, and typically lasts 30-45 minutes after the procedure is complete, at which time the patient can be
discharged.
If you are one who has put off a visit to the dentist for a long time, or whose schedule simply will not accommodate multiple visits, you may wish to consider conscious sedation dentistry. A confidential call to a treatment coordinator can help you get the answers you need to decide.
Here is how it works:
Step 1 - Making your first appointment
The solution is a phone call away. You may be anxious or fearful. We can answer all your questions and help you feel more comfortable coming for your initial visit. We are to help you as we have many others successfully.
Step 2 - Welcoming visit
We welcome the opportunity to get to know you. We will do no more at this visit than you are comfortable with. If that means only discussing your wants, fears, and goals, that is as far as we will go. If sedation will be required to accomplish the diagnosis, we will schedule accordingly. You will never be judged or embarrassed.
Step 3 - Preparing for your sedation visit
We will give you a mild sedative to take the night before your first appointment to guarantee a restful night of sleep. This insures you wake up relaxed and peaceful about your visit.
Step 4 - Arriving for treatment
Your companion will bring you to the office. Additional medications will be provided to create a very comfortable and completely relaxed state. The latest in monitoring equipment tracks your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. We promise to never proceed unless you are totally relaxed and comfortably sedated. You will be amazed at how much can be accomplished in such a seemingly short period of time.
Step 5 - Going home
Because of the lingering relaxed state from the sedatives, you will need a companion to take you home. Post-treatment instructions and any necessary medications will be provided to you and your companion. This will ensure you continue to be comfortable after your care.
Step 6 - The next day
You are free to resume your normal activities. Most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the dental treatment. Fortunately, sedation medications have an amnesic effect. That means you will have very little memory of your visit.
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CONSCIOUS SEDATION
DENTISTRY 
