Centre Family Dentistry. Sedation Dentistry Dentist in Fort Collins CO Larimer County Northern Colorado Dr Roger Northen Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation

Sedation Dentistry

IV Conscious Sedation (Pre-Appointment Instructions)
IV Conscious Sedation (Post-Appointment Instructions)

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is the most advanced medical procedure for the fearful dental patient. Sedation is more effective than nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" and leaves you remembering almost nothing of your visit. Most importantly, it's safe, comfortable and effective. If you experience fear and anxiety at the dentist, Sedation Dentistry enables you to get the top-notch dental treatment you need without the overwhelming fear. Sedation dentistry is ideal for someone with a busy schedule. We are able to combine several appointments into one to save you time. Dr. Geraets is specially trained and licensed to perform Sedation Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Be free from fear -- ask us how we can make your next dental visit "one you won't remember ".

Testimonials from our Patients

When I was a kid I had to have a baby tooth extracted, which was done with local anesthesia and laughing gas only. During that procedure, the local anesthesia wore off and I remember feeling pain. (This was done by another dentist).

Understandably, I was apprehensive at having all four wisdom teeth removed. However, when Dr. Northen administered the sedation, I had absolutely no worries and found that the extraction process for all four teeth was not only tolerable, but almost even pleasant. I experienced no anxiety, pain, or discomfort and left quite happy (although groggy). I also slept like a baby that night. After a week of no more than 2 hours of sleep, due to discomfort, that was a very welcome sleep!

Maya

The remembrance of my past dental history traumas quickly dissipated after meeting Dr. Northen and his kind and caring staff. Every need or concern I had regarding Conscious IV Sedation was thoroughly addressed before and during my experience. I wish to truly thank Dr. Northen, and his excellent staff for making my dental experience most pleasant one and, definitely, my dental procedure of choice.

Nan

>>> More Testimonials

moon Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:

Have high anxiety or fear about dental visits
Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
Need wisdom teeth removed
Have difficulty getting numb
Have strong gag reflex
Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
Are afraid of needles
Have sensitive teeth
Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
Have busy schedules and need dental visits combined into fewer appointments

Types of Sedation Dentistry:

moon Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral conscious sedation you will take one or more pills by mouth. You remain conscious and able to respond to simple requests made by the dentist. Oral conscious sedation medications are more effective than laughing gas alone. Sedation allows your fear and anxiety to disappear and leaves you with little memory of your visit.

moon IV Conscious Sedation

IV conscious sedation uses the same class of sedative medications as with Oral Conscious Sedation, but the medications are administered intravenously. This allows a faster response time for the medications and provides ability to better modify the level and length of sedation. As with oral sedation, IV sedation leaves you conscious and able to respond, but sedated so that you have little or no memory of your dental visit and none of the anxiety normally associated with that visit. Sedation patients often describe feeling like they "slept" through the appointment. IV conscious sedation is more effective than laughing gas alone and makes the visit easier for both you and your doctor. Doctor Northen is specially trained and licensed to perform IV Conscious Sedation.

moon Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry.

moon How do the sedation medication work?

Sedative medications reduce your brain's ability to feel anxiety or nervousness. At the same time, these medications have no significant effects on you heart or your ability to breathe. For these reasons, these medications have proven to be effective and safe.

moon Will I be unconscious or completely asleep while I am sedated?

You will remain conscious and able to respond to simple commands while you are sedated and relaxed. Complete unconsciousness requires a level of sedation called general anesthesia which is best performed in a hospital setting. Our goal is to sedate you comfortably and safely so that you have little or no memory of your visit.

moon Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. We carefully monitor all sedated patients with computerized monitoring equipment specifically designed for this purpose. We are constantly aware of your needs as we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and other signs of comfort. Dr. Geraets has received extensive training in conscious sedation. In fact, Dr. Geraets completed a mini residency in conscious sedation at the University of Alabama Dental School. Dr Northen's office has received a conscious sedation permit from the Board of Dental Examiners for the State of Colorado, the highest recognition of approval given to general dentists in the state. Dr. Northen has also trained with Doctors of Conscious Sedation (DOCS) where he is currently a member. He is also a member of the College of Conscious Sedation within the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, which is the highest level of achievement for general dentists within this premier organization.

moon Can you do multiple procedures while I'm sedated?

In a word: yes! Conscious sedation often makes your dental visit easier both for you and your dentist. While sedated, we can correct dental problems that might have been present for many years. This includes crowns, fillings, root canals, removal of wisdom teeth, treatment for gum disease and cosmetic dental procedures. Your appointment can be as short as an hour or two or can extend to several hours - whatever is necessary to meet your individual treatment plan. Some patients have found it to be easier and more convenient to accomplish multiple dental procedures during one dental visit using conscious sedation.

moon Is it OK to drink alcohol or take other drugs prior to my appointment?

No! Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs can cause serious problems when combined with the sedative medications we use. You must inform us of any medicines or drugs that you are taking, whether prescription, over-the -counter, or herbal, so that we can safely plan your sedation.

moon Do medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., affect my ability to be sedated for my dental care?

Such conditions are examined on a patient-by-patient basis. In most cases, we can complete your dental care utilizing the benefits of sedation. If necessary, we can contact your physician to clarify the extent and severity of any medical conditions you may have. We even have an attending anesthesiologist (a medical doctor who is an expert in sedation and anesthesia) to help us with more complicated sedations.

moon Will I feel sick as a result of the sedation after my appointment?

No, it is extremely unusual to experience sickness following sedation. The medications that we use to sedate you don't generally cause nausea or vomiting. We will monitor you and can administer additional medications if needed.

moon What is the best time of day to schedule my sedation appointment?

We recommend that you schedule your appointment as early in the day as possible if you are going to be sedated. You must avoid all eating and drinking for 8 hours prior to your appointment (unless you have been given special instructions from us). If your appointment is scheduled early, you will spend less time awake feeling hungry and thirsty.

moon Will my dental insurance cover the cost of my dental care and sedation?

It depends on the provisions of your individual policy, most insurance plans provide coverage for only minimal levels of dental care. In our experience, dental insurance will provide little or no coverage for dental care involving fillings, cosmetic changes, crowns, surgery, root canals and treatment of gum disease. Many companies provide no coverage for the sedation itself. Those dental procedures that are covered are often subject to deductibles and small annual benefits.

Quiz:

Scoring: Each question is scored from 1 (a) to 5 (e), and the total score is computed by summing the four items. Scores below 12 are normal., 13 and 14 suggest dental anxiety, and scores 15 or higher indicate high levels of dental anxiety.

1. If you had to go to the dentist tomorrow, how would you feel about it?
	a. I would look forward to it as a reasonably enjoyable experience.
	b. I wouldn't care one way or the other.
	c. I would be a little uneasy about it.
	d. I would be afraid that it would be unpleasant and painful.
	e. I would be very frightened of what the dentist might do.

2. When you are waiting in the dentist's office for your turn in the chair, how do you feel?
	a. Relaxed.
	b. A little uneasy.
	c. Tense.
	d. Anxious.
	e. So anxious that I sometimes break out in a sweat or almost feel physically sick.

3. When you are in the dentist's chair, waiting while he gets his drill ready to begin working on your teeth, how do you feel?
	a. Relaxed.
	b. A little uneasy.
	c. Tense.
	d. Anxious.
	e. So anxious that I sometimes break out in a sweat or almost feel physically sick.

4. You are in the dentist's chair to have your teeth cleaned. While you are waiting and the dentist is getting out the instruments which he will use to scrape your teeth around the gums, how do you feel?
	a. Relaxed.
	b. A little uneasy.
	c. Tense.
	d. Anxious.
	e. So anxious that I sometimes break out in a sweat or almost feel physically sick.

© Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Dr. Galen Geraets. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.