Sedation Dentist

   Sedation dentists are dentists trained and certified in techniques of sedation dentistry. Dental sedation is considered for patients with a high level of fear and anxiety involving dental procedures - including cosmetic dental procedures. It is also considered for people with very sensitive teeth, those who have difficulty becoming numb for dental procedures, and anyone with a fear of needles or shots.

Dentists who wish to use conscious sedation must complete formal training in accordance with the educational guidelines of the American Dental Association (ADA). Oral conscious sedation is achieved by taking a sedative drug such as Valium, Halcion, Dalmane, etc. prior to treatment, while inhalation conscious sedation (nitrous oxide and oxygen) has been the mainstay of sedation techniques in dentistry for generations. Many dentists utilize these sedation techniques for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety.

Intravenous (IV) conscious sedation is a safe and highly effective technique for management of moderate to more severe levels of dental anxiety. Sedation dentists who employ IV conscious sedation have received specialized advanced training and certification by their state Board of Dental Examiners.

When conscious sedation techniques are insufficient, general anesthesia is used to relieve dental anxiety during treatment. When general anesthesia is used, the sedation dentist employs a person who is trained and certified in general anesthesia to manage the patient during dental treatment. This person may be a certified dental anesthesiologist, medical anesthesiologist or, in some cases, a nurse anesthetist whose sole responsibility is to ensure the safety of the sleeping (unconscious) patient during the dental procedure. Sedation dentists using general anesthesia have received a minimum of two years specialized advanced training and are certified by their state Board of Medical Examiners.