Dental sedation can help patients to receive the dental care they need and achieve their oral health and cosmetic goals. Dr. Andrey Doroshenko is certified to administer oral conscious sedation.
Dr. Doroshenko utilizes dental sedation for patients who receive his cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry treatments.
He provides sedation dentistry services in Baltimore, MD. Our dentists can provide anxious and fearful patients with a solution. Sedation can help make dental visits more pleasant and relaxing.
What is oral conscious sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a type of dental sedation administered in pill form before treatment. This sedation will suppress a part of the nervous system associated with anxiety and pain.
While sedated, patients can feel relaxed and pain-free while still responsive and in control of their bodies. Conscious sedation is often referred to as “twilight” sedation.
In most cases, you will have little to no memory of your dental procedure after treatment. This type of sedation is safe for most patients. Dr. Doroshenko will discuss your medical history and physical health before recommending dental sedation as part of your overall treatment.
How does “sleep dentistry” work?
First, we will determine if an oral sedative is safe for you. We will not recommend sleep dentistry for patients with liver problems, metabolic disorders, or kidney problems. Patients with these problems may respond differently to their medication.
If you are a candidate for oral conscious sedation, Dr. Doroshenko will prescribe an at-home dose you will take before your visit. Oral sedatives require an hour or more to take effect so that you will need transportation to our office.
We will give you any additional instructions so that you can arrive relaxed. If needed, we may give you a second dose when you arrive.
Before your procedure, we will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free, relaxing in the dentist’s chair. When your treatment is complete, we will escort you to the waiting room, and you will leave with your designated driver.
It will take several hours for the sedative to wear off completely. Plan on spending the rest of the day relaxing at home or in a relative’s or friend’s care.
We offer the option of dental sedation for a range of reasons:
- Dental anxiety and fear: Sedation will help you feel comfortable if you experience anxiety, high levels of stress, or fear when visiting the dentist. Dental sedation can make it possible to receive dental care feeling stress-free.
- Complex dental procedures: We may offer sedation to keep you comfortable for an extended period if you have invasive or complex treatment. This will make it easier for our team to care for you efficiently.
- Restoring dental health: Sedation is an excellent option for patients who have not visited the dentist in a long time. We can provide care for complex dental probelms using dental sedation. Sedation can enable our dentist to perform several procedures in a single visit.
Sedation dentistry in our Baltimore, MD office is safe; we will monitor you throughout treatment.
Patient Review
What To Do Before Sedation Dentistry Treatment in Baltimore, MD
This section will cover what you should do to prepare for sedation at the dentist. You can follow these tips to make your visit more comfortable and help you get through the procedure without feeling any pain and anxiety:
- You should always be honest with your dentist about what medications you take. Some drugs can interact with sedatives and make them less effective. Medical conditions can make it harder to metabolize oral sedatives. Tell our office if you have medical conditions that can interact with sedation.
- Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before being sedated at the dentist. Avoid any foods that might cause gas or bloating before the appointment. These foods can impact the effectiveness of the dental sedative.
- We recommend drinking lots of water before undergoing dental sedation. Hydration is vital before any procedure. Patients can have water up until 2 hours before their appointment.
- Be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your procedure. We also recommend wearing loose clothing to your appointment to help you feel comfortable.
We will go over more specific instructions during your initial consultation. Everyone at our dental practice is unique. We will customize instructions for your case to make sedation work for you.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you want to know more about sedation dentistry? Below, we will answer your questions about dental sedation:
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is considered very safe when administered by trained professionals. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your well-being. Before sedation, your dentist will review your medical history to identify any potential risks. Thousands of patients receive dental sedation every day with excellent outcomes.
What happens during the sedation dentistry process?
Your dental team will begin by reviewing your medical history and explaining what to expect. Once sedation is administered, you will gradually become relaxed and less aware of your surroundings. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs are monitored continuously. After treatment, you will recover in the office until you are stable and comfortable.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for sedation. Some plans cover it if it is medically necessary, such as for lengthy procedures or certain medical conditions. Cosmetic procedures are less likely to qualify for coverage. We can help verify your benefits before treatment.
Are there any side effects of sedation dentistry?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as grogginess, dry mouth, or slight nausea. These effects typically resolve quickly once the medication wears off. Serious complications are rare, especially when administered by trained professionals. Pre-appointment screening and monitoring help minimize any potential risks.
Will I remember the procedure afterward?
Many patients who receive oral sedation recall very little about their procedure. This memory reduction helps alleviate anxiety about future visits. With nitrous oxide, you will remember more, but you will still feel relaxed and comfortable. The level of memory varies depending on the sedation method and dosage.
Can sedation dentistry be used for routine cleanings?
Yes, sedation can be used for cleanings if a patient experiences significant anxiety or has special circumstances. It is especially helpful for individuals who avoid routine care due to fear. Sedation helps make the experience more manageable and can improve overall oral health by encouraging regular visits. Your dentist will determine whether it is appropriate for your needs.
How does oral sedation work?
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you relax. The medication induces drowsiness and lowers anxiety levels. You remain awake but may feel detached from the details of the procedure. Oral sedation is effective, easy to use, and suitable for many patients.
Can sedation dentistry reduce treatment time?
Yes, sedation often allows dentists to complete more work in a single appointment. Since patients remain relaxed, the dentist can operate more efficiently without frequent breaks. This can shorten overall treatment timelines for patients needing multiple procedures. Sedation is a valuable tool for improving scheduling and productivity in dental care.
Will sedation dentistry stop pain completely?
Sedation reduces anxiety and discomfort, but local anesthesia is still used to numb the treatment area. Together, these methods create a painless and stress-free experience. Patients often report feeling little to no awareness of the procedure. Sedation enhances comfort while anesthesia blocks pain directly.
Can I return to work after sedation dentistry?
With nitrous oxide, you can typically return to work immediately. With oral sedation, however, you will likely need to rest for the remainder of the day. Your reflexes and coordination may be affected for several hours. Your dentist will provide guidance based on the sedation used.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with dental anxiety or a fear of dental procedures. It may also benefit individuals with a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or difficulty getting numb. Patients undergoing longer or more complex treatments often choose sedation. Your dentist will review your medical history to determine if sedation is appropriate.
Does sedation dentistry help with dental phobia long-term?
Sedation dentistry can improve long-term attitudes toward dental care. Positive, low-stress experiences help reduce fear over time. Many patients become more comfortable attending future appointments. This leads to improved consistency in oral health care.
Schedule a Worry-free Sedation Dentistry Consultation
Our office will help you make your next dental appointment for peace of mind. We are your comprehensive and patient-focused dentists in Baltimore, MD. Give Dr. Doroshenko a call today at (410) 697-6290. Let us know if you want to discuss your dental sedation options at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry.