Mark J Connelly DDS MAGD |
| 911 East State Street Suite C = St Johns MI = 48879 = (517) 507-4332 |
| St Johns, MI St Johns Dental Care St Johns Sedation Dentist | ||||
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Answers to questions about sedation dentistry
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What does it feel like to be sedated for dental treatment? |
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You are not unconscious during sedation dentistry (this is why it is referred to as "conscious sedation"). The feeling is something like "sleeping”, or "daydreaming" through the treatment, in other words, you feel removed from what is going on, while still aware when you need to be aware. You can respond to questions, groan at a terrible joke, or laugh at a good joke or funny comment. What is taken away is the sense of fear and immediacy that so many people feel during treatment, since the medication helps you feel relaxed and "removed" from the treatment. The sensation is similar to having nitrous oxide, but is much more profound - people love it! |
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Is sedation dentistry safe? |
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Sedation dentistry, performed under the supervision of specially-trained dentists, has an admirable safety record. While any treatment has potential risks and benefits, the risks of properly administered sedation dentistry are quite low. The fewer medications that are used, the safer the treatment tends to be (and the easier it is to track any potential problems). For extra safety, a "reversing agent" is available that can counteract the sedation medication within a few minutes. |
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What are the drugs used in sedation dentistry? |
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Commonly used drugs include Versed and Demerol, either alone or in combinations selected by the doctor. . For oral medication, we use Triazolam or Ativan. |
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What will I feel like after my sedation visit? |
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The after effects of sedation
dentistry are surprisingly few. Some people feel tired and nap when
they get home. What most people report is little or no memory of the
actual dental treatment after the treatment is over (this is
especially true a few days later). For a dental phobic, this is an
amazingly powerful positive experience. |
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What special training is required to do sedation dentistry? |
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The American Dental Association required the completion of a 60-hour course. There are stringent requirements for course content, including practical experience sedating patients, as well as extensive "classroom" instruction. Dr. Connelly has completed a 90-hour program as well as advanced cardiac life support. In addition, he has become a member of the College of Conscious Sedation, which required extra training and passing a rigorous exam. Comparatively, few general dentists have fulfilled these requirements, so relatively few dentists can provide conscious sedation at this time. Safety-monitoring equipment is extremely expensive. Very few dentists are willing to invest the time and commitment to enable them to provide service to their patients. |
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Can I have sedation dentistry in your office if I have my own "regular dentist"? |
| Of course you can. Each dentist uses his own clinical judgment to determine what treatment you need and what is in your best interest. Dr. Connelly would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive examination to determine what treatment you need and if you are candidate for sedation dentistry. |
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