Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety may have debilitating effects for numerous people.

A new study by Case Western Reserve University showed that dental anxiety could cause a person to flinch even after a cotton swab makes minimal contact with his or her gums. Many other people don't even bother to visit the dentist based on their anxiety.

The only way to combat this issue, in many cases, is to come up with new methods of sedation. Moderate sedation allows the patient to be conscious by suppressing the brain's reaction to pain and stress while still enabling the person to communicate with the dentist.

Madhavi Setty, DDS, recently wanted to find out more about how dental specialties use sedation. The study appears in the Journal of Endodontics.

The information comes from a study of 84 people who received care and sedation during a visit to a Case Western Reserve dental clinic in endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery between 2010 and 2012. The patient's age, sex and other medical conditions were taken into account. The patients ranged between 8 and 88 and 63 percent were women.

More than half of the patients required moderation sedation to calm anxiety. The study also showed 15 percent feared needles, 15 percent feared local anesthesia failures and 8 percent feared an issue with a severe gag reflex and claustrophobia from the rubber dam.

An issue for sedating anxious patients is that not all endodontists are qualified to administer it. Many endodontic programs don't teach these procedures.

The Department of Endodontics at Case Western Reserve just introduced training for moderation sedation last year. The endodontic training abides by the guidelines of the Ohio State Dental Board and the American Dental Association. The rules and guidelines are required to qualify for the necessary certification to administer sedation.


Post Date: November 10, 2014

Feel Relaxed and Safe with Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ

If you ask most people what scares them the most, chances are that a number of those asked will specify that a trip to the dentist is what makes them apprehensive. In fact, for some people going to the dentist is more scary than public speaking. Fortunately, you don't have to worry because you can feel comfortable with Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ.

What is Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ? It is where you are given something to make yourself feel more relaxed. This can include a number of helpful sedatives such as:

  • Progressive relaxation
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Oral sedation
  • I.V. sedation (by special appointment)

Many other dentists do not offer sedation but Dr. Steve Poulos and Dr. Sid Stevens at My Scottsdale Dentist know that the patient's comfort is most important so they offer Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ for your convenience. What they do is work with each individual to come up with a sedation solution that is the perfect fit for your needs.

Another difference is that the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist do not try to put down the patient like many other places may do. It's subtle, but other dentists will sometimes scoff at the patient's need for sedation. However, at My Scottsdale Dentist, we know that your comfort and relaxation is important to having the best experience possible. We can perform all phases of dental care paired with Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ and every aspect is complimentary to the individual and their unique needs.

If you want to learn more about feeling more comfortable at the dentist, feel free to contact us or stop in for a consultation where all of your needs are given top priority.


Post Date: May 8, 2014

Forget Your Fears With Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ

If you've got dental problems, but you're afraid to be seen then Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ is the answer you've been looking for. Something that sets a great dental office apart from the good or even okay offices is their commitment to patient comfort. That means treating you as a whole person, not just another tooth to fill. So what should you look for when finding the right dentist to help you get over your fears? An office that goes out of their way to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

Consultations Are Important

Just like when you go in to tell your regular doctor what's wrong, you want to make sure you have the chance to talk to your dentist as well. That's why consultations are so important. When you go in for your first visit make sure you get time to talk to your dental team and let them know what issues you have, for example you're afraid of needles, or the smell of the room makes you anxious. Being honest about your fears will help them decide what type of sedation is best for you.

Sedation Options

Sedation Dentistry, in Scottsdale, AZ offers you a way to take care of dental pain, or cosmetic issues without having to suffer through the anxiety that the procedures can cause. There are many different types of sedation available including the well-known "laughing gas" professionally known as nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is used to help patients achieve an overall feeling of wellbeing and calm while the work is being done. Patients with more severe anxiety may require higher levels of sedation. Some of the more extensive sedation options include medication, such as Triazolam or even intravenous medications. When you are at your appointment the team will talk to you about all of the options available and help decide what will work best for you.

If you're ready to forget your fears, and get the smile you've always dreamed of, then it's time to reach out to a dedicated professional. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning Sedation Dentistry. Don't hide your smile for even another day, instead contact us, we're ready to help.


Post Date: April 18, 2014

Afraid of the Dentist? Let Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ qualm your fears

Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ

For those with a fear of dental work,sedation dentistry is the ideal solution. If you live in Scottsdale, AZ and find yourself with a fear of the dentist, we might be able to help. Dental phobias are one of the most common phobias out there, and you're not alone. Millions of people suffer when they see a needle or hear the whine of the dental drill. For some, the fear is overpowering, and the result might be years between dental visits. If this is you, don't worry. There are several methods of sedation dentistry available to help qualm your dental fears, and you might not even remember the procedure when all is said and done! Whether it's oral anti-anxiety meds, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation, there is a level of sedation dentistry in Scottsdale that fits everyone's comfort level.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can be used for sedation dentistry for patients who don't require much sedation, don't tolerate benzodiazepenes well, or are getting a simple procedure such as a cleaning or a filling. Nitrous oxide causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Nitrous oxide also makes time seem like it's going by faster, so the dental visit appears to take less time. Once the nitrous oxide is taken away, it usually wears off within ten to fifteen minutes, which means that patients spend less time recovering after the procedure.

If nitrous oxide doesn't relax you during a simple procedure or need a more in-depth procedure such as a crown, you may be given a pill called triazolam. Triazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepenes. These types of drugs are used to relax patients and put them in a state of ease, so the dentist can do their dental work. For many patients, this is all that is required, and the dental visit can be performed in comfort.

For more in-depth procedures, IV sedation might be used. For IV sedation, a catheter is placed into a vein in your arm or hand and a dental anesthesiologist will inject you with a drug that causes you to feel sleepy. Although you may still be awake, you won't be conscious and won't remember anything after the drug wears off.

If you experience dental phobia, the best thing to do is to talk to Dr. Steve Poulos. Sedation dentistry can make you more comfortable with the procedure, and the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist can work with you to find the level of sedation most comfortable for you and your needs. Don't be afraid to talk to the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist, because comfort might be just a conversation away.

For more information about sedation dentistry in Scottsdale,  contact us  today.


Post Date: February 14, 2014

Sedation Dentistry Scottsdale

Sedation Dentistry Scottsdale Puts Anxieties And Phobias To Rest, Literally

If you're one of the thousands of people in the Scottsdale area who are putting off having needed dental work done because of anxiety, or an outright phobia of going to the dentist, sedation dentistry Scottsdale is for you. Sedation dentistry Scottsdale uses sedation drugs to calm and relax a patient, or to sedate a patient to the point he or she slips into semi consciousness or outright unconsciousness. The goal of sedation dentistry is to provide patients with an anxiety free experience to counter the tendency of fearful patients to put off necessary dental treatment. There are basically three forms of sedation used in sedation dentistry Scottsdale. The first form is inhalation sedation, in which nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is inhaled. While under the influence of nitrous oxide it's virtually impossible to be anxious about anything. The next form of sedation is oral sedation, which requires a patient to swallow anti-anxiety pills or a liquid sedative. The third method of sedation is having drugs administered directly into the bloodstream via a vein, a procedure known as intravenous or IV. The choice of which form of sedation is used depends on the level of anxiety a patient suffers from, and thus the level of sedation necessary. Of course the choice of sedative and method of administering it are also the one the dentist and anesthesiologist deem to be the best and safest option for the specific patient. No matter which method of sedation is used, or what the level of sedation induced is, sedation dentistry Scottsdale will alleviate the anxiousness of Scottsdale patients, allowing them to undergo the treatment necessary to improve their oral health and hygiene, as well as brighten their smiles. My Scottsdale Dentist specializes in sedation dentistry Scottsdale. If you are afraid of the dentist, call us at +1 (480) 614-1122 or visit our website at myscottsdaledentist.com

Post Date: August 5, 2013

Sedation Dentistry Scottsdale AZ

What Is Sedation Dentistry & Is It Right For You?

Are you afraid to go to the dentist? If you are, and you are like many Americans, you may find that sedation dentistry is something that will make you feel much more at ease when going to the dentist. Going to the dentist for so many people is a very nerve-wracking experience. The fear of the unknown, and the fear of intense pain is simply too much for us to handle, and that causes a great deal of anxiety. Luckily though, there exists sedation dentistry and for so many people it is a life-saver. At My Scottsdale Dentist we offer sedation dentistry to our patients as a way to make sure they are as comfortable as possible during their office visits. Dr. Poluos will meet with you before your appoint to determine the best course of action for your appointment.  What Is Sedation Dentistry & How Will It Benefit Me? There are several forms of sedative that we can give you to make sure your dental appointment is a comfortable one. Sedatives come in pill form, elixir, IV injection and inhaled solutions. Depending on your specific needs certain pills may be given with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm you down, and reducing your memory of the procedure. What About Intravenous Sedation? Certain types of procedures will require more sedation than others will. For these tough cases our patients have I.V. or intravenous sedation methods available to them so that those implants or other cosmetic surgery is something that you can look forward to, and not fear. The best way to determine which method or methods may work best for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Poluos to get your customized sedation plan so that you can get your dental work done, without all of the worry. Having dental work done does not have to be a frightening experience for anyone.

Post Date: April 30, 2013

Sedation Dentist Scottsdale

Sedation Dentist Scottsdale

One of the most frightening thing to kids and adults alike is a trip to the dentist but dentistry is not what it used to be. If you suffer from dental fears, you should look for a sedation dentist Scottsdale.

Dr. Steve Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist sees patients on a daily basis with a wide array of fears. Some go way back from childhood and include memories of bad dental treatments.

It's estimated that upwards of 15% of the US population suffer from dental fears of some kind and for many that fall into this category, their fear is so intense that they just don't go the dentist ever.

Patients who avoid dental treatments all together due to anxiety and fear end up with serious dental health issues. Finding a sedation dentist Scottsdale, like Dr. Steve Poulos at My Scottsdale Dentist is the key to overcoming dental fears and restoring dental health.

A sedation dentist Scottsdale is trained in the various ways to use sedatives and other medical ways to ease a patient's emotional discomfort. Some of the options include:

Oral Sedatives:

A sedation dentist Scottsdale will use a variety of sedation medications such as tranquillizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, laughing gas, etc. This has become the most commonly used form of sedation for patient s with sever dental phobias.

Oral sedation relaxes the patent allowing them to be more comfortable yet still awake and aware during the dental procedures. They take the edge of the patient making the overall experience less stressful.

IV Sedation:

In some extremely severe cases, a sedation dentist Scottsdale will use IV sedation.This type of sedation is not only safe but also very effective but it must be administered by a trained medical professional. IV sedation puts the dental patient into a state of deep relaxation.IV sedation produces either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time that the patient is under.

For patients suffering from dental phobias, finding a sedation dentist Scottsdale is a life changing experience. My Scottsdale Dentist offers complete sedation dentistry services.

If you have been avoiding a trip to the dentist out of fear, give My Scottsdale Dentist a call and schedule a consultation to discuss how a sedation dentist Scottsdale can help you regain your dental health.


Post Date: December 11, 2012

Don’t be afraid of the dentist!

Are you afraid of the dentist? If you are, you are not alone. Here are some helpful tips for getting over your fear of the dentist: 1. Your Fears are Normal. Fear of dentists is very common. Let's face it -- going to the dentist is not fun; dentists do poke and prod a sensitive area of your body. Often an upsetting childhood dental experience has lasting effects into adulthood. Sometimes people "inherit" fears from parents, whose experiences with dentists may have been traumatic. But dentists are better trained today and have tools and techniques to minimize discomfort. 2.Find a Good Dentist for You. Dr. Steven Poulos specializes in patients with dental fear. He understands that you are anxious and will work with you will increase your comfort. My Scottsdale Dentist welcomes fearful dental patients and offer a variety of solutions that may include sedation, hypnosis, and lots of reassurance. Schedule an office visit to meet Dr. Poulos before you have any dental work done.  This will give you an opportunity to check out our office. 3.Sedation is an Option. Dr. Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist in Scottsdale,can provide a number of sedation options. They range from giving you a pill that you take an hour before coming to the office to calm you, to general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") is one option that can relax you. 4.Step by Step You don't have to do it all at once. Schedule an examination so you can meet the Dr. Poulos. Then come back for a cleaning. A couple of successful, low stress experiences, will help you cope.  

Post Date: July 2, 2012