Sedation Dentistry

Are you delaying treatment you need or want? Terrified to pick up the phone to schedule because of painful procedures in the past? Have trouble gagging or getting numb? Overwhelmed by thoughts of repeated visits to the dentist? Experiencing dental pain? Looking to smile again with confidence? If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you are not alone. Fortunately, you have come to the right place in Phoenix for cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

For many in Arizona, going to the dentist is a needlessly frightening event, even though dentistry has changed dramatically in the past years. With modern technology, a visit to the dentist can now be relaxing and life changing. Unfortunately, this is not enough for over 100 million people who avoid the dentist due to fear. New sedation dentistry techniques can make treatment pain free, reducing what would take multiple sessions to a single visit.

Before becoming a Phoenix cosmetic dentist, Dr. Wilcox completed a hospital program following dental school which included training in general anesthesia, IV sedation, and oral sedation. Currently he is an active member of D.O.C.S. - the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. They provide ongoing education necessary to keep current with the latest, most effective, and safest techniques for oral sedation. With the use of oral medications, patients can now have their dental care accomplished while they are totally relaxed and absolutely comfortable. Sedation dentistry can give you back that confident smile you may have thought impossible.

Here is how it works:

Step 1 - Making your first appointment
The solution is a phone call away. You may be anxious or fearful but Shelley or Keely can answer all your questions and help yon 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 you are ok to take x-rays or have the Dr. Iook in your mouth, we will gently accomplish that. 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 insure 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 insure 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.

The dentist office does not have to be a place of fear and pain. Whether you are searching for the finest in cosmetic dentistry, permanent dentures, tooth whitening, or basic restorative care, Dr. Wilcox and his dedicated staff are there to ensure that you receive the very best in the most relaxed and comfortable setting available. Make that call today to begin your journey.

Frequently asked questions regarding sedation dentistry:

1.  Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
2.  What is the medication normally used?
3.  What are contraindications to sedation dentistry?
4.  Any special restrictions prior to sedation dentistry?
5.  How much does sedation dentistry cost?
6.  Why use a pill and not an IV or a general anesthetic?

1.  Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Adults who have high fear
Those who have had traumatic dental experiences and are afraid of having bad dental experiences again
People who have difficultly getting numb with local anesthetics
People with very sensitive teeth
People with busy lifestyles who need a lot of dentistry completed comfortably in one or two appointments
Adults who hate needles and shots
Adults who object to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
People who are afraid and embarrassed about their teeth and want a nice smile that looks professional and enhances their image.

2.  What is the medication normally used?

Our most commonly used sedative agent is Triazolam.  It is a sedative hypnotic pill in the same family as Valium.  It is the same medication that is prescribed hundreds of thousands of times a year by physicians as a very safe sleeping aid.  The drug enforcement agency has categorized it as a schedule IV substance, which means it is only one category higher than common aspirin.  In over one million dental sedations monitored by the DOCS organization, there has never been a severe emergency or death using this medication.

3.  What are contraindications to sedation dentistry?

Pregnancy
Nursing mothers
Acute narrow angle glycoma
Allergy or sensitivity to benzodiazepine medications
Severe medical conditions
Significant respiratory problems like severe asthma or emphysema
Psychosis
Taking a medication called a MAO inhibitor
Alcoholics
We estimate that 90-95% of the adult population are good candidates for oral sedation dentistry.

4.  Any special restrictions prior to sedation dentistry?

We will go over preoperative instructions in detail when you are scheduling your visit.  The highlights are:
Nothing to eat or drink 8 hrs prior
Reduce caffeine for 12 hrs prior
No alcohol or narcotic drugs
Take prescription drugs as you normally would unless otherwise directed
 No contact lenses
Wear light-weight comfortable clothing, preferably with short sleeves
It is absolutely essential that you have your escort drive you to your appointment and back home

5.  How much does sedation dentistry cost?

The fee is $225 per appointment for the sedation.

6.  Why use a pill and not an IV or general anesthetic?

We work with a dental anesthesiologist when necessary but we have found nearly 99%  of the time it is not necessary for restorative and cosmetic dentistry.  Deep sedation and general anesthesia carry increased risks and costs.  Costs can be 5 to 10 times greater.  The pill we use is placed under the tongue where it dissolves and is absorbed very quickly.  Not only is it safer and less costly, but oral sedation fits easier into most peoples

Click here to visit the DOCS testimonial page.

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