ORAL SEDATION FOR A RELAXING DENTAL VISIT

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Dr. Guy M. Lewis

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6/18/2018

Do you get anxious or nervous about going to the dentist? Perhaps these negative emotions stem from a painful dental procedure, or maybe someone you know had a traumatic experience at the dentist. “Dental phobia,” or the fear of dental treatment, is so common among patients that dentists are using an anti-anxiety medication to help reduce dental fears. This “anxiolytic” (dissolve anxiety) treatment is known as oral sedation. Administered orally (by mouth), these calming sedatives allow nervous patients to relax so your dentist can work more efficiently. When you are apprehensive your body responds by tensing up, which reduces your pain tolerance and intensifies every sensation you feel. A simple prick or scrape can suddenly feel excruciating, complicating matters for your hygienist and/or dentist. But with the help of oral sedation, you can overcome your fear and feel comfortable without having to experience absolute dental torture.

Is Oral Sedation Safe?

Oral sedatives and anxiolytic medications used in dentistry are some of the safest treatments available in modern medicine. On the “therapeutic index,” a tool that measures safety for sedation medications, oral sedatives and anxiolytic medications rank the highest possible numbers on the scale, meaning they are the least likely to have a harmful effect. While oral sedation has been researched and tested for decades and has a successful track record of being safe, it’s important to give your dentist a complete history of your health to ensure its effectiveness. This includes talking to your dentist about:

  • your diet
  • any existing medical condition
  • lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption
  • all doctor-prescribed medications or over-the-counter drugs you’re taking (including aspirin, vitamins, or herbal supplements).

Benefits of Oral Sedation

Because patients can easily digest the sedatives, many patients prefer oral sedation treatment rather than intravenous sedation (administered by injection). This “painless” oral treatment is especially comforting for patients who fear needles. In some cases, oral sedation may even be cheaper to administer than intravenous sedation. Aside from its long safety record and high level of effectiveness, oral sedation also has amnesic characteristics, which means that most patients remember very little or sometimes nothing after receiving treatment.

I have been a cosmetic and medical patient of Dr. Lewis and his staff for over a decade. The level of customer care and service is unmatched, and the quality of the work is at the most exceptional level. My husband, also a patient, and I receive compliments on our beautiful smiles at least once a day. I would not trust anyone else with my smile other than Dr. Lewis.

S.V. Google

Dr. Lewis and his staff are very professional, kind and they always help me feel at ease. They also do great dental work!

S.S. Google

Always professional and always know what needs to be done. My search for a dentist is over.

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Absolutely top notch! Takes the time with patients , explains all options, & treats you like you are the ONLY patient

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This was my first visit, that was scheduled as a “consult” & it turned out they got started on my treatment! I have to say this office hands down was absolutely wonderful!!! From the front desk to chair side! Love love Dr Lewis!! He took time to sit with me without any rush & explained options to give me the smile I wanted. No pressure , & gave great detail to each treatment plan. Rachel was wonderful to me. They both made every effort to being the most comfortable! Loving my results on phase 1 of treatment !!!!!

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