CONSCIOUS SEDATION

TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF DENTISTRY

I'll never forget the day my father told me he had broken a tooth. I knew he was in pain, but he kept making excuses as to why he couldn't come to the office. As I was looking forward to giving back to the man that had given so much to me, he was in sheer terror. My father finally told me that when he was a child, his dentist sat him in down, strapped his arms to the dental chair and went to work. The thought of entering a dental office, even with me, scared him to death. Another patient of mine explained how being the youngest of six kids in a poor neighborhood, the only dental care he even experienced was when he had a toothache and his dentist extracted it. He came to me at 35 years old with full upper dentures, and eight teeth on the bottom. Another patient told me that her recollection of dental care growing up was a pair of oversized hands coming at her (without gloves) and working in her mouth. It made her feel helpless and as if she couldn't breathe. To this day she becomes nervous when she sees hands moving towards her. What do these patients all have in common? They each have a tremendous fear of the dentist, dental care and the dental office. And, with help of oral sedation, they have all received the dental care they needed and wanted - comfortably. Oral sedation is also for patients that may have difficulty getting numb or have a fear of needles, as none are used. fear of the dentist, dental care and the dental office. And, with help of oral sedation, they have all received the dental care they needed and wanted - comfortably. Oral sedation is also for patients that may have difficulty getting numb or have a fear of needles, as none are used.

WHAT IS ORAL SEDATION?

Conscious sedation also referred to as oral sedation or ‘sleep dentistry’ is a great option for many individuals for most procedures, including for use with the laser. Conscious sedation is administered through a small oral pill that creates feelings of relaxation while eliminating anxiety. Some individuals may not remember their appointment and surely will not remember any discomfort or fear. The medication is administered an hour prior to the appointment and in some cases, again immediately proceeding the procedure. The patient can answer questions and follow direction, and is ‘awakened’ from the ‘sleep’ by juice or sugary food. A good night sleep should follow, with a feeling of rest and relaxation the next morning. Individuals with a history of medication or alcohol concerns should consult their physician prior to their treatment using conscious sedation.

conscious sedation, and has completed a three-part conscious sedation course through DOCS, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Smileboston is one of the first offices in Massachusetts to be a part of the Sedation Dentistry Network. SDN is a group of Massachusetts’s dentists that have specific training and licensure to treat clinically and personally individuals that have moderate to severe issues with fear of dentists and dental treatment.

In addition to conscious sedation, we offer a variety of options for those who are interested in seeking dental treatment from the basics of music to treatment within a local hospital using IV sedation.

Quiet Relaxation: Whether you choose to close your eyes to your favorite music or use our special glasses to watch a great movie, you’ll enjoy quiet relaxation. Smileboston boasts one of the best DVD collections in any dental office in Boston, from Blazing Saddles to Zenthura.

In-Office Medical Options: Along with Triazolam, we offer our patients nitrous oxide (sleeping gas) that dissipates immediately and pre-medications such as Valium to relieve anxiety prior to your appointment. Discussing your concerns and options with Dr. Spitz will allow you to choose the option that is right for you.

Hospital IV Sedation: If having the majority of your dental needs taken care of while under IV sedation is your choice, Dr. Spitz can schedule your visit and complete almost your entire treatment at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brookline. Franciscan Children’s Hospital has a treatment area specifically dedicated to dental needs. Dr. Spitz has full privileges at the hospital and has comfortably treated many of his patients there since 1997.