Dr. Khullar helps you overcome your fear and take control of your health
The thought of going to the dentist doesn't often evoke cheering and high-fiving, but, unfortunately, many American's don't visit their dentist at all because they suffer from dental anxiety. The fact is, though, you need to see the dentist or you could end up with a variety of health concerns down the road. The answer to the dilemma? Sedation dentistry.
With sedation dentistry, you are aware of your treatment, but you’ll spend your appointment time in a fearless, anxiety-fee fog. Take control of your oral health without embarrassment, pain, or anxiety.
Dentalways quiet lasers and oral sedatives mean pain-free dentistry
With modern dental technology and techniques we have replaced noisy drills with painless lasers. Additionally, there is a variety of anesthetics available to eliminate your pain and reduce your anxiety, even during a routine appointment.
Most of the sedatives we offer at Dentalways in Little Rock and North Little Rock can be taken orally, translating to no injections, no anxiety and no pain. Some sedatives work so effectively, even the smells and details of the treatment can't be remembered afterwards.
Our modern treatments are less invasive, more gentle, and recovery is faster
If you suffer from a-little-to-a-lot of apprehension, with sedation dentistry at Dentalways you’ll be able to experience a safe, anxiety-free dental visit. As technology advances so does dentistry. The good news? You really have nothing to fear.
Modern dental treatments are more gentle and less invasive and, with sedation dentistry, several procedures can be combined so you have less recovery time. With Dentalways you can take control of your oral health. No more worry. No more pain. No more fear.
The truth about sedation dentistry
Mistakenly, a lot of people believe sedation dentistry induces sleep, while in fact, most sedatives we prescribe allow you to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, work on your brain to calm your anxiety and stop worry. You're fully aware of what's going on, sort of through a dream-like haze.
Most sedatives can be taken orally, translating to no injections, no anxiety and no pain. Some sedatives work so effectively, even the smells and details of the treatment can't be remembered afterwards.
Regardless the form of sedative, you need someone to be responsible for you after your treatment. In some cases too, sedatives are provided the night before the dental visit, so driving isn't recommended. You'll need transportation to-and-from your appointment.
Advantages of sedation dentistry
When you choose the sedation route here are the immediate benefits you'll experience.:
Anxiety is alleviated
Few side effects
More can be accomplished during each visit
No needles
No pain
Perfectly safe
Procedures seem to take less time
Available Sedatives
The most popular types of dental sedatives are nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Different levels of sedation (mild, moderate and deep) can be prescribed, dependent on your specific needs. Before any sedative is offered, sedation dentist Dr. Khullar needs to analyze your full medical history and noting any current medications.
Common types of dental sedatives
NITROUS OXIDE
Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” is used as a mild sedative. It is delivered through a nose hood and is administered throughout the entire procedure. Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure. In addition, some tingling and numbness may be felt. There are few side effects associated with nitrous oxide, and it has been safely used in dentistry for many years.
IV SEDATION
Intravenous sedation is a moderate type of sedation. Patients usually report feeling like they slept through the entire procedure. Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments in Little Rock. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn. This is why it is important to bring a designated driver for the drive home.
ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Oral conscious sedation is an excellent choice for people who fear needles. Oral medication is given prior to treatment in order to induce a moderate state of sedation. Though oral sedatives don't cause sleep, they usually dull the senses. This means that a lot of patients can't remember the pain, smells or noises associated with the procedure. Usually, a dose of medication is taken prior to the appointment, and then topped up during the procedure as required
Most of the drugs used by sedation dentist, Dr. Khullar, are classified as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and seizures. Each medication has a different half-life, meaning the effects last for varying amounts of time. The estimated length of the procedure determines which type of drug is going to be most effective.
VALIUM®
This sedative has amnesic properties and a long half-life. It is usually used for time-consuming, complex procedures.
HALCION®
Usually used to treat insomnia, Halcion is an effective sedative with amnesic properties. A short half-life makes this sedative useful for shorter procedures.
ATIVAN®
This sedative is best known for reducing anxiety. It has amnesic properties and a medium half-life. Ativan is typically used for treatments shorter than two hours.
VERSED®
This sedative has the shortest half-life and is therefore less commonly used. It alleviates anxiety in much the same way as nitrous oxide, and is used for visits that will take less than 30 minutes.
What to expect with your sedation appointment
Before the day of your actual surgery, you'll have the opportunity to talk about your concerns and go over the plan during your pre-op appointment in our Little Rock office. Bring any concerns, ask any questions, come prepared to talk about anything that's weighing on you with sedation dentist, Dr. Khullar. A priority on the day of the surgery is to ensure you're as relaxed, safe and comfortable as possible. The more you communicate with us the better we can accommodate you.
The following guidelines are meant to serve as reminders when preparing you for your surgery.
Leading up to the day of the surgery
Fasting must begin at midnight the night before surgery for patients with a morning appointment. If you have an afternoon appointment, do not eat anything 8 hours prior to your scheduled dental surgery.
While fasting, the patient may only drink clear fluids (Ex: water, apple juice, black coffee, and sports drinks). Beverages that are not allowed to be consumed are alcohol, orange juice, milk, creamer, and other opaque drinks. Patients should avoid drinking all fluids within 6 hours of their surgery.
Patients may continue taking the following medications with a small sip of water prior to surgery: cardiac medications, pulmonary medications, steroids, anti-seizure medications, anti-parkinson's medications
Medications that patients are prohibited from taking are: MAO inhibitors, anti-depressants, aspirin, anti-coagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs
Patients shouldn't drink or smoke 24-hours prior and following their appointment.
The day of surgery
If you are a minor, you must have a parent or guardian with you during your surgery.
All patients are required to have a licensed driver take them home after their appointment.
We prefer you are accompanied by someone for at least 12 hours after your surgery.
Brush your teeth as usual, but be sure not to swallow any water or toothpaste.
Do not wear any make up or nail polish.
If you regularly wear contact lenses, please remove them prior to surgery.
Jewelry and dentures will also need to be removed before surgery.
We prefer that you wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes. Shirts that have ¾ sleeve or shorter are ideal.
Immediately following...
After surgery you will not be fully aware, therefore you can't return to work or school, and you can't drive or operate other hazardous devices.
Please make sure that you have assistance when climbing stairs or attempting other difficult tasks.
If you have any change in health the morning of you appointment, please contact the practice immediately. A cold or fever with chest and sinus congestion may dangerously affect surgery so it is imperative that our practice is made aware of the situation. If it is necessary to reschedule your appointment, we will notify you.
Nothing to fear, you aren't alone in this
Making those first steps may seem overwhelming but we want to ensure you are comfortable every step of the way. The biggest benefit to you in terms of your oral care, is just knowing the facts. When you know what you're dealing with and know what your choices are, it seems a lot easier. At Dentalways in Little Rock, we are committed to supplying you with all the information you need to make healthy, informed decisions about your oral care. If, at any time you have questions or want further information, we're a phone call or visit away.
Sedation dentistry is far reaching
With sedation dentistry, you will not be under general anesthesia. You will simply spend the day under the effect of a drug, relaxed and free of anxiety and stress. With today's technology and pharmacology, there's simply no reason to experience pain or anxiety. Sedation dentist, Dr. Khullar and his Dentalways team, have intensive training and experience with sedation dentistry. Dr. Khullar uses sedation techniques for two reasons:
To overcome anxiety associated with a visit to the dentist.
To include more extensive treatment in less time.
