Sedation Dentistry

DENTAL SEDATION

Many times people avoid visiting the dentist because of fear or anxiety. If dental diseases are left untreated, they can adversely affect communication, nutrition, and general well-being. This may ultimately lower self-esteem along with a decrease in social activities. When people neglect their oral health, they often find themselves in a situation where dramatic measures are necessary, which can be scary for those with dental phobia. Sedation dentistry addresses this phobia. Ruder Hospital Dentistry, P.C. is pleased to offer you dental treatment under IV sedation and general anesthesia. We hope to provide an opportunity for you to receive dental treatment when it otherwise seems impossible.

SEDATION DENTISTRY MAY BE FOR YOU IF YOU:

HAVE SEVERE ANXIETY OR FEAR
REQUIRE PROCEDURES WHICH WOULD BE UNPLEASANT IF YOU WERE CONSCIOUS
HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING NUMB
HAVE VERY SENSITIVE TEETH
REQUIRE EXTENSIVE DENTAL WORK
HAVE A BAD GAG REFLEX
DO NOT LIKE THE EXPERIENCE OF DENTAL CARE (NOISES, SMELLS, ETC.)
HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS

SEDATION DENTISTRY MAY BE FOR CHILDREN IF THEY ARE:

VERY YOUNG
UNABLE TO COOPERATE
SPECIAL NEEDS
REQUIRE EXTENSIVE DENTAL WORK

We want you to know that your comfort and safety is our first priority.

IV SEDATION

IV sedation is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed. It will enable you to tolerate, as well as not remember, those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not be asleep, but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed.

IV sedation is administered by a thin needle which will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable (we may also administer medication to help with post-operative swelling and infection). With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary.

At Ruder Hospital Dentistry, P.C, all IV Sedation is performed by medical anesthesiologists or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) at Gilmore Memorial Hospital, Monroe Regional Hospital or Panola Medical Center.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

General anesthesia is a management technique that uses medications to cause a patient to become unconscious and asleep while receiving dental care. It is especially useful in treating children and uncooperative patients. It is also an excellent option for those patients who have anxiety towards receiving dental treatment, require extensive dental treatment and/or patients who are not good candidates for sedation.

At Ruder Hospital Dentistry, P.C., all general anesthesia is performed by medical anesthesiologists or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists at Gilmore Memorial Hospital, Monroe Regional Hospital or Panola Medical Center.

General anesthesia is usually accomplished by injecting medication into an IV (small plastic tube inserted into a vein in the hand or arm). The patient will be unconscious and unable to breathe on her/his own, therefore, a breathing tube will be inserted. All important body functions are closely monitored throughout the procedure and the anesthetist will remain with the patient for the entire appointment.

Once the procedure is completed, the anesthesiologist or CRNA will reverse the general anesthesia effect and take the patient to recovery. Recovery room nurses are trained to care for the patient while he/she returns to consciousness. All vital signs will be continuously monitored.

SAFETY

Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it is safe when administered by trained individuals in an appropriately equipped facility. Many precautions are taken to provide safety for the patient during general anesthesia. Patients are closely monitored by personnel who are trained to manage complications.

It is also your responsibility to follow all instructions closely. We require a pre-operative health history and physical examination prior to general anesthesia appointments. Patients and parents are instructed to report any illness that occurs prior to the general anesthesia appointment. It may be necessary to reschedule. It is very important to follow instructions regarding pre-operative fasting from fluids and foods. Patients must have an empty stomach before receiving general anesthesia. Normally the body has a mechanism that automatically prevents you from vomiting into your lungs, but this mechanism is suppressed during general anesthesia.

Sedation dentistry is also a great option for the elderly or the disabled.

Sedation Dentistry for the Elderly

As we age, our oral health becomes more important than ever. Periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss, which affects nearly every part of our daily lives. To lead full and active lives, we need our teeth and gums. They allow us to enjoy food, support speech and good conversation, and facilitate digestion. Dr. Ruder is dedicated to treating elderly patients with care and commitment to comfort and health.

Elderly patients as a group tend to avoid dental visits for a variety of reasons, including: more pressing medical concerns, anxiety about treatment, the hardship of transportation, or fixed incomes. Once their oral health has reached an unmanageable point, fear and embarrassment further keep these patients away from the dentist.

For elderly patients embarrassed or fearful of their current oral state, sedation dentistry provides the opportunity for Dr. Ruder to treat these conditions while the patient remains relaxed and unaware until “awaking” to an improved oral state!

Sedation Dentistry for the Disabled

It may be especially difficult for people with disabilities to obtain access to proper dental care. They must find a dentist who is skilled and compassionate, and who can provide services for which some dentists may not be qualified. At Ruder Hospital Dentistry, P.C. we provide the expertise, state-of-the-art-equipment, and dedication to assisting special-needs patients necessary to ensuring great oral care for our patients.

Disabled patients may face added challenges in maintaining their oral health. Their disability may make it difficult to brush or floss regularly; they may also suffer a severe gag reflex, or dry mouth as a result of medication. Dr. Ruder meets these challenges with sedation dentistry for the disabled.