Thurm Dental

Sedation Safety: How to Choose a Sedation Dentist

Sedation safety is our primary concern. It has become fashionable for some general dentists to advertise and market themselves as Sedation or Sleep Dentists. The vast majority of these dentists are offering only oral medications and/or inhalation agents (such as nitrous oxide) to reduce anxiety. While these methods of sedation work well for some patients, they are often not appropriate for patients who can't physically or behaviorally cooperate with dentistry. You should also know that despite claims otherwise, patients are NOT asleep, nor should they be, when an oral medication and / or inhalation agent is used for sedation. Very often, patients treated with oral medications need to be referred to Dr. Thurm because the drugs did not receive the desired result. For many patients with complicated medical and physical problems, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia is actually safer to use because the desired level of sedation can be adequately maintained.

The Thurm Dental Group works with each patient individually to determine the most appropriate sedation approach. An experienced hospital trained anesthestist administers I.V. sedation and / or general anesthesia while we treat our patients' dental needs. Since we treat at-risk, medically and emotionally compromised patients, we take on the important responsibility of providing the greatest level of safety for everyone - at all times.

So many dentists these days are promoting and advertising their sedation services that finding a truly skilled practitioner can be challenging. The following questions will help you gain the information essential to making a smart and safe decision.

* Does the dentist offer the full range of services needed for YOUR dental treatment?
* What types of sedation are you offered? Can you work with the dentist to determine the appropriate course for you as an individual, or are you convinced that the one approach offered is right for you. Different people have different sedation requirements, due to medical conditions, disabilities, or personal desires. Not every sedation option is appropriate or safe for every person -or even for every type of dental procedure.
* Does the dentist have an association with specialists, such as endodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to ensure that all of your dental health needs are answered in one visit?
* Just as general dentists possess skills that address specific needs, so do other dental specialists. A good dentist will recognize when procedures such as root canals, extensive gum surgery, or complex oral surgery procedures should be referred to a specialist.
* If the dentist does use specialists, how does this process work?
* Find out if the dentist will coordinate this care for you. Can the procedures be coordinated into one appointment or will you need separate and multiple appointments to see your dentist and the appropriate specialists? At our practice, for example, you may receive sedation that enables you to sleep through your dentistry, in which a specialist can complete a root canal at the same time, so that you don't have to be put to sleep again on another day.
* Is the dentist experienced, and does he have the appropriate equipment?

Questions to ask:

* What is the dentist's training and experience?
* How many cases similar to yours has the dentist completed successfully?
* Does the dentist have the resources to provide the necessary safety equipment, adequate staffing, and treatment in the event of an emergency?
* If you are seeking intravenous (I.V. sedation), find out if the I.V. is administered by the dentist himself or a trained dental anesthesiologist.

Other questions you may want to consider for yourself:

* Are you comfortable traveling for expert care and then returning to a dentist in your community for continuing care?
* How will the dental office help you to coordinate your appointments and travel?
* Will the dentist work with your insurance plan?
* Does the dentist listen to you, treat you with respect, explain your treatment clearly, and encourage your questions?

If the answer you received to any of the above questions was "No," or if you were not completely comfortable with any of the answers you received, please feel free to call or email the Thurm Dental Group at our toll free number 1-800-858-2820. We would be happy to explain why we feel these issues are important, and help you find and receive the care you deserve.

Hear From Previously Fearful Patients Below About Their Experience at Thurm Dental