Posts for tag: dental sedation nashville
Is dental sedation right for you? The answer is YES if:
1. You have a fear of needles
2. You can't tolerate the sounds and smells of dentistry
3. You prefer to have no memory or recollection of the procedures that you require.
4. You are limited on time and prefer to get ALL work done in one visit
5. You have medical problems that complicate your ability to get the work done that you need.
6. You have issues with keeping your jaw open or have a bad gag reflex
While these are the common reasons for seeking sedation dentistry, there are others that patients seek Dr.Glasmeier for dental sedation in Nashville, TN. Visit Dr.Glasmeier to discuss your fears and concerns and see if the sedation is RIGHT for you!
Question: Why do dentists prescribe different sedatives for oral sedation procedures? My dentist prescribed Valium the night before and Triazolam the day of the procedure. Why two different sedatives?
Answer: Valium and Triazolam have different lengths of activity as well as time of onset. Likely the dentist prescribed the Valium the night before to help the patient sleep as well as promote some initial sedation that will linger due to its "half life" being much longer than Triazolam. Triazolam is short acting but works very quickly, therefore this is given the day of or 1 hour prior to procedure to help improve/deepen the level of sedation. The prescription of these sedatives is determined by: medical history, type of procedures involved as well as length, level of anxiety and others (e.g. gag reflex). Talk to Dr.Glasmeier about what sedatives are needed for oral sedation dentistry!
Question: Will I be unconscious for sedation dentistry?
Answer: No, being unconcious for sedation dentistry would imply general anesthesia. General anesthesia is not commonly used in dentistry for adults but more frequent in children in a hospital settings. Being unconscious implies not being able to maintain your airway. Most of the sedation dentistry techniques are designed to put the patient in very relaxed state yet the patient still has a patent airway. The patient can still breathe(ventilate), move their limbs, and respond to verbal command (i.e. yes or no answers). There are different levels of sedation that provide deeper relaxation as well as increasing the likelihood of amnesia following treatment. Talk to Dr.Glasmeier about how sedation dentistry can relax you!
Question: Will I be able to drive home after my sedation appointment?
Answer: Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you will likely not be able to drive home. With the exception of laughing gas, you will not be able to drive home on your own. For oral and IV sedation, are you required to have an escort accompany you to the appointment, drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. In addition to not being able to drive, you are restricted from going to work that day, operating heavy machinery, making major decisions while under the influence, and being alone. It is for these reasons that you must have a responsible escort be with you at all times for the duration of the day.
