Sedation Dentistry at Goldstein Dental Group in Novi, Michigan
Many patients avoid necessary dental maintenance and treatment appointments due to extreme fear and anxiety. Failing to seek treatment for dental problems can result in much more serious problems including infection or loss of the tooth. Through sedation dentistry at Goldstein Dental Group, these fears and anxieties are calmed and managed so dental work can be completed as recommended.
Sedation dentistry is not only beneficial for those who fear the dentist, but also for those who have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair (such as children or developmentally disabled patients), who have an overactive gag reflex, who are not able to tolerate pain, and who have extensive dental work scheduled.
Minimal Sedation
For cleanings, fillings, and other light dental procedures on patients with moderate fear and anxiety, minimal sedation is used.
Patients are awake during the procedure but their anxiety is lessened and they most often not groggy or restricted following the appointment. The most common light sedation, nitrous oxide, is inhaled by the patient using a mask.
Moderate Sedation
Patients who have increased anxiety regarding dental procedures as well as small children may use moderate sedation administered orally or intravenously. While moderately sedated, the patient may be awake or even fall asleep during the procedure, but is easily wakened when necessary. Although awake, patients often do not remember the procedure following moderate sedation.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation maybe used for dental procedures. During deep sedation, the patient is in a deep sleep and not able to be wakened until the sedation wears off. The patient does not remember the procedure and may feel sluggish and groggy for one to two days following your visit.
Except during cleanings, a local anesthetic is almost always used with sedation of any kind to eliminate pain at the site of the procedure. Local anesthetics wear off after a few hours but most procedures do not result in lasting pain or soreness.
Patients should carefully review their medical history and concerns with their dentist before the procedure to determine the best kind of sedation in their unique situation. Discussing risks and what to expect is important.
Not every dentist can perform sedation dentistry. Trust the hospital-trained professionals at Goldstein Dental Group with your sedation dentistry needs.
Call 248.374.2273 to schedule an evaluation.