Houston, Texas dentist Ronald W. Konig advocates using oral sedation to help his patients overcome their fears of dental procedures. Most likely haunted by childhood experiences, millions of people in the U.S. dread a visit to the dentist. Out of fear, these individuals simply avoid dental visits. Dr. Konig, who has special interest in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, is now offering sedation dentistry to those anxiety-ridden individuals.
Sedation dentistry is an approach designed for fearful patients and possibly the only method for getting some patients to visit the dentist. As one of the fasting growing methods, sedation dentistry uses a variety of medications allowing the patient to achieve a relaxed state; patients are generally only drowsy or semi-aware of the procedure. Unlike nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” dentists trained in the practice claim oral sedatives do a better job at relieving anxiety. Last week the American Dental Association released a draft update of its guidelines pertaining to sedation and anesthesia.
Dr. Konig said, “This has been wonderful for patients who value their smiles and are just too fearful or uncomfortable to complete treatment without sedation, It is also nice for the patient not to have to be completely out and have a quick recovery from the sedation.”
Typically, a nervous patient will take a sedative the night before to reduce anxiety and aid with sleeping. Before leaving for an appointment, the patient takes another sedative and is driven to the dentist’s office by someone else. Upon arriving at the office, the patient may take an additional dose depending on the patient’s level of sedation.
Sedation works to calm a patient, but it is not an anesthetic. Local anesthetics like Novocain are used to control discomfort during the procedure.
Following the procedure, the patient will most likely remain sleepy for several hours and must be accompanied home.
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover sedation, but a pill generally costs anywhere from $5 – $10. Obviously, an individual with good health would be the best candidate for sedation dentistry. Individuals with heart conditions, asthma, or who are pregnant should first consult the dentist before scheduling an appointment.
The danger of over-sedation is the main obstacle to the effective spread and use of sedation dentistry. Over 20 states and the American Dental Association (ADA) have released new guidelines for the appropriate use of sedation in dentistry. This includes not only guidelines for maximum dosage based on the age, weight, and health of the patient, but recommendations that dentists be required to demonstrate competency prior to offering sedation dentistry.
Dentists adhere to ADA guidelines when administering anesthetics and sedatives to patients. Procedures using these anti-anxiety techniques are safely performed on millions of patients every year.
Paula Blackburn
http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dentist-advocates-oral-sedation-715875.html
