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Sedation dentistry has come a long way in recent years and is a very viable option for patients suffering from dental phobia. Oral sedation is the most commonly used sedation method and can help calm the fear and anxiety of patients with minimal to severe reactions to dental procedures. Any dentist is able to prescribe these medications as long as they follow the strict guidelines set by the American Dental Association. For longer procedures, or for the individual suffering from extreme dental phobia, IV sedation may be the right choice. This type of sedation can only be offered by dentists who are trained and licensed in their state and is very safe when administered properly and thoroughly monitored. If you’re researching your options for IV sedation with a local dentist, here are a few points to consider in the process.
- Licensure. Different levels of sedation require different qualifications. For IV sedation, each state has their own requirements for coursework and clinical time with patients. It is absolutely acceptable to discuss your dentist’s training and licensure, therefore ensuring they are legally permitted and highly qualified to administer such medications.
- Sedation methods. There are four basic methods for sedating a patient in an office setting: minimal sedation, conscious/moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. The general rule of thumb is to practice conservative sedating, only going as deep as absolutely necessary to complete the dental procedure.
- The experience. When administering IV sedation, it is often required that the dentist remain in the room at all times to monitor the patient. Once the procedure is completed, recovery time is typically needed to “come out” of the sedated state before a patient is discharged and free to go. Usually, a patient has to be completely awake, cognizant of the surroundings and able to answer basic questions. Discuss what your appointment will look like with your dentist and make sure you are comfortable with the plan.
At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, our staff is not only properly licensed but also highly trained in the practice of sedation dentistry. After graduating from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Luis Sanchez received advanced education in IV sedation from Dr. John A. Yagiela, chair of the Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences at UCLA, a worldwide authority on sedation. He has had articles published in the American Journal of Dentistry, Journal of the American Association of Dental Schools, and the Miami Herald. He is a past president of the Florida Hispanic Dental Association and is a current member of the Florida dental Society of Anesthesiology and the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Gabriel Vidal also graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has engaged in continuing education for IV sedation, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) and has attended the Nash Institute of Orlando, Florida. Dr. Vidal is a member of professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The Florida Academy of Anesthesiology, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.
Dental phobia is a paralyzing condition that can keep a person from achieving the oral health they deserve. Through safe, effective oral or IV sedation, negative effects of neglected dental health can often be restored in a calm and relaxing environment. If you are considering taking advantage of sedation dentistry we invite you to explore our website and contact us with any questions you might have.
ee this recent Dental Tribune article.
