What type of anesthesia/sedation is used in most dental offices?

Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation is the most common type of anesthesia used in dental offices. Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation is a safe and modern technique of anesthesia/sedation using intravenous medications. Patients are placed in a relaxed, comfortable state allowing dental care to be provided without fear or anxiety. There is little if any memory of the procedure.

Why do so many adults avoid going to the dentist and having necessary dental care?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 36 million Americans avoid dental care because of fear, pain, and anxiety. Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation has proven to be an excellent choice for dental patients wanting anesthesia/sedation. Fear of going to the dentist ranks second only to fear of public speaking. Now dentistry is in the forefront in the fight to avoid dental pain and anxiety.

Who provides Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation in your dentist's office?

Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation is provided by a trained dentist anesthesiologist who monitors you throughout the procedure. Medical monitoring equipment is similar to the type used in hospitals.

How closely are patients watched/monitored while under Conscious Sedation?

A close, continuous watch is kept on patient's vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc. Special care and continuous monitoring of patients under anesthesia/sedation enhances patients safety, especially for those patients who have special medical conditions.

Are patients able to respond during treatment with Conscious Sedation?

Yes. Unlike general anesthesia which renders patients unconscious, Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation... allows patients to respond to their dentist's directions. This enables completion of treatment in a very short amount of time.

Can children with dental needs have Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation?

Yes, children usually have no recall of the procedure. Conscious Sedation lessens the child's awareness of the dental procedure. A happier child maintains a more positive attitude about future dental care.

Does Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation improve recovery?

The majority of patients are pleasantly pleased and surprised because they have little discomfort after the procedure. Dentists often report patients who have Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation usually require much less postoperative pain medication after surgery. Many dentists report that patients seem to heal better and faster with Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation.

If a patient has a medical condition, is Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation in a dentist's office "a wise choice" of treatment?

Medically compromised patients actually benefit from Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation. Medical and dental experts agree people with: high blood pressure, a history of heart attacks, a hyperactive gag reflex, Parkinson's Disease and patients with "Novocaine" treatment problems or dental phobias, will benefit from Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation.

Could you explain the benefits of Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation?

Yes. Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation does the following:

• Increases the safety and effectiveness of local anesthesia.
• It is safely administered in your dentist's office.
• It reduces the need for hospitalization.
• It is safely administered by a trained professional.
• It reduces the stress of treatment especially for patients who easily gag.
• Appointments for your dental care may be coordinated in your own dentist's office to meet your scheduling needs.
• You can go home after dental treatment.

Could you tell me the types of dental procedures done with Sleep Dentistry/ Conscious Sedation?

Virtually all dental procedures and Cosmetic Dentistry can be done (in your dentist's office) with Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation. Procedures include:

Cleanings	Fillings	Periodontal surgery
Implants	Crowns	Root canals
Oral surgery	Bridges	Extractions

Should "Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation" be used on patients who cannot be "numbed" with "Novocaine"?

Yes. Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation has been proven successful, especially for the five (5%) percent of patients who are "difficult to numb."

How do I arrange to have Sleep Dentistry/ Conscious Sedation for my dental procedure?

It is very easy. A staff member from your dentist's office will call Dr. William MacDonnell, a dentist anesthesiologist and will arrange a convenient appointment.

What does Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation during a dental procedure cost?

Cost varies. Dr. MacDonnell's administrative professional will contact you in advance of your appointment to discuss your Sleep Dentistry/Conscious Sedation. Payment options are available. Coverage varies according to each patient's health insurance. It is important that patients contact their employees health benefit department. Patients should also contact their health insurance carrier in order to maximize their health insurance coverage.