Buffalo Sedation Dentist Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Does Dental Sedation Cause you to Lose Memories?

Posted on July 15, 2019 by writeradmin.

I have anxiety and was told dental sedation is the best option for me. However, my dental office also told me that I probably won’t remember much of my visit. I didn’t want to sound rude, but that scares me even more! I want to be relaxed, but I don’t want to forget. It’s not that I think they’d do anything or that anything bad would happen, and I’m afraid that’s how they’ll take it, as if I don’t trust them. I really do. It’s just that I’d feel so much better if I could remember it once it’s done. I know, it probably sounds weird since I get all worked up about treatment, but the idea of not knowing what happened or having gaps in my memory really freaks me out. Do all dental sedation medications remove memories and is there anything I can do in advance to minimize the effects?

Thanks,

Araya

Dear Araya,

OCS is sometimes called Sleep Dentistry

You have total control over this situation and the options available.

Yes, Most Medications Have the Potential to Leave You with Gaps

Each office offering dental sedation will have specific medications they prescribe, so without knowing what your dentist’s preferred options are, it’s impossible to say how you’ll be impacted. That said, most do try to put you in such a calm state that you feel quite drowsy. Many patients sleep through the procedure which is why it’s been dubbed sleep dentistry. People tend to fade in and out a bit. They’re able to engage with the dental team, answer questions, and be an active participant, but it can sometimes leave you with memory gaps too.

Be Honest with Your Doctor

If your dentist is offering sedation treatment, he understands the mindset of an anxious patient. Many people who prefer sedation treatment come from backgrounds in which they’ve had bad experiences in the chair or have experienced trauma in their lives. Because he should be accustomed to helping people in these situations, he will likely understand your concerns and respond in an appropriate and compassionate way. Just tell him that you’re personally uncomfortable with the possibility of having memory gaps. He can explore medication options that don’t have that side-effect and/or prescribe a lower dose than normal.

Consider Nitrous Oxide as an Alternative

You don’t have to go all in with sedatives. Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, can increase relaxation too. However, it doesn’t create the same drowsy state other medications do, and it wears off as soon as treatment is over. It’s often enough on its own to take the edge off and keep you comfortable throughout treatment. Especially considering that other medications may heighten your anxiety because you’re worried about memory gaps, nitrous oxide may actually make you more relaxed and comfortable going into treatment since it doesn’t have the side-effects you’re concerned about.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Dental Sedation Differences

Posted on April 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m doing it. I’m biting the bullet and going back to the dentist. It’s been about twelve years, so I’m sure I’ll need a lot of work. There seem to be a few choices when it comes to dental sedation and I want to make sure I pick the right one. I don’t want to get the wrong one and end up afraid to come back again. What are the differences?

Miriam

Miriam,

Congratulations on taking steps to get back to the dentist. I know dental anxiety can make sitting in that dental chair terrifying. It’s a brave thing that you’re doing.

In the book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg talks about keystone habits that make a huge difference in your life. This one will put you on the path to better overall health.

Often, patients who are returnees to dental care are shocked to find how much better they feel after getting their dental health back in line. Their whole body feels better and they have more energy. We suspect this is because it drags your body down to have to be fighting the extra bacteria in your teeth and gums.

Two Levels of Dental Sedation

Nitrous Oxide:

Almost every dentist has this level of dental sedation available. It’s most useful for those with mild anxiety. We’ve seen it especially help with those who have a little trouble getting numb because of nerves.

This used to be dubbed laughing gas, though it doesn’t really make you giggle. Instead, it gives you a floaty, relaxed feeling. It’s provided through a nose-piece. Your dentist will turn on the gas and you’ll start to relax as you breathe it in. When your procedure is completed, the dentist will turn off the gas and increase the oxygen. You’ll be back to yourself in minutes and ready to go on with your day.

Oral Conscious Sedation:

This is a much stronger level of dental sedation and dentists have to go through special training to administer it. You can find those who have it available by doing an internet search using the term “sedation dentist”.

It is administered with a simple pill. You’ll take it before your appointment. However, it is so strong, you will be in no condition to drive. A dentist will require you have someone drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll also need someone to stay with you for several hours after your appointment.

The medicine completey relaxes you. You’ll be a bit loopy and unsteady on your feet, hence the reason for supervision. You’ll want someone there to get the things you need so you walk as little as possible.

Sometimes patients call this sleep dentistry because it is so strong patients tend to sleep through their procedures.

This has an additional advantage of allowing you to get more work done in each sitting. Your dentist can fill cavities, provide dental crowns, repair broken teeth, even provide cosmetic work while you sleep. Most patients can catch up with years of neglected work in one to two appointments.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

PTSD and Dental Sedation

Posted on January 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m a 15-year veteran with some PTSD issues. I’m on medication for it and it is currently under control. I’d like to get my dental care under control too but am a little concerned how I’ll be in the chair. A buddy of mine who knows what I’ve been through suggested dental sedation. Is this something someone with PTSD can do? Will it interfere with the meds? Who do I talk to?

Carl

Dear Carl,

Your buddy is right. Dental sedation is a great solution for people in your situation. It will take one extra step, but you shouldn’t have any problems. Any sedation dentist who knows what he’s doing will require a consultation ahead of the appointment. This is so the two of you can go over what to expect along with your medical history and medications.

This is an important step because it protects you from having sedation which will interfere with your current medications. Most dentists have a sedation medication they prefer, but if they have a patient in a unique situation with meds, they will find something else. During this appointment, you’ll want to talk to the dentist about your PTSD.

Here’s where your extra step comes in. It’s important at this stage that you let your dentist know what your triggers are. For instance, if having a dental tool come at you is a problem he can let you know when he’s about to pick one up. Or, some veterans have trouble with people coming from behind them. The dentist can alert his staff to always announce themselves.

This type of treatment is quite strong. As a result you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Additionally, you’ll need someone to stay with you. Your buddy, who is already aware of your situation, will likely be a good candidate but that is completely up to you.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

How Do I Know Which Dental Sedation to Choose?

Posted on December 22, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve been having anxiety in the dental chair. I have absolutely no idea why. I’m proactive and didn’t want to just avoid the dentist. I want good teeth. So, I started researching sedation dentists. There are two in my area with good reviews. One only offers nitrous oxide. The other offers nitrous and oral conscious sedation. They both say they’re good for patients with dental anxiety but there must be differences. Can you help me figure out which is best for me?

Monica

Dear Monica,

I’m sorry for the anxiety you’ve been feeling lately. Though, I will say it’s great that you’re already looking for solutions instead of merely avoiding the dentist. Many anxious patients find dental sedation changes lives. Your teeth will return the favor by looking out for you as well.

Too many patients with dental anxiety just keep avoiding the dentist until there is a dental emergency. This makes the whole situation much worse, including the financial cost.

Dental Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

When you have mild anxiety, this is the best choice. It is a simple gas that you breathe in with a nose piece. It makes you feel relaxed and at ease. It’s sometimes called laughing gas because you’ll feel a bit “floaty”.

Once your procedure is over, your dentist will switch the gas to pure oxygen. You’ll feel back to normal and will be free to go and get on with your day.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This is for serious anxiety. You’ll take a pill before your procedure. It’s quite strong so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you at home until you are more lucid.

While you are conscious and can respond and answer questions, most patients simply sleep through the procedure. It will require a consultation with your dentist ahead of time. You’ll want to bring a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications. This is to ensure the sedation medication the dentist gives you won’t interfere with anything you are already taking.

Which Sedation is Right for You?

You know your level of anxiety better than anyone. If you think you just need something to relax you, then nitrous will be sufficient and won’t interfere with the remainder of your day.

If, however, your anxiety is strong, nitrous may not be enough. In that case, you’ll want the Oral Conscious Sedation. Just remember you’ll need someone to be with you. You’ll be loopy and don’t want to be on your own throughout the day while you recover.

This blog is brought to you by Buffalo Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Sleeping Pill Instead of Sedation Dentist

Posted on November 5, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have dental anxiety and need a procedure I am not comfortable with. My dentist doesn’t use any sedation. Is it okay to take some sleeping pills before the procedure so I can just sleep through it or do I need to see a sedation dentist for this?

Lucienne

Dear Lucienne,

This is tricky. With a sedation dentist, they do more than just administer sedation medications. They monitor your vital signs during the procedure and someone is with you at all times. Additionally, they’ve received special training for what is normal with a patient when they’re in sedation and what isn’t, as well as emergency protocols if something is off.

Your dentist may very well allow you to take something before your procedure, but he won’t have that specific training if your body reacts oddly. It’s imperative he knows ahead of time everything you take, even over-the-counter medication you’re taking. This way he doesn’t inadvertently use a medication or numbing agent which will interfere with what you’ve already taken.

Dental Sedation and Sleep

One difference between dental sedation and sleeping pills is your ability to respond. With the sedation a dentist gives you, you are not put asleep. Instead, you are completely relaxed. While it is true that many patients dose off and sleep during the procedure, it’s not the deep sleep you would get with sleeping pills.

Instead, you’ll be able to respond to requests from your dentist or let him know if something seems off.

The key for you will be to communicate with your dentist. He may agree to the sleeping pills. He may suggest an alternative.

If you can’t work out a solution you’re comfortable with you may have to see a different dentist for this one procedure.

What you don’t want to do is put off your treatment. This can blow up into a dental emergency quickly. It can also cost you a tooth, leading to the need to replace your tooth with dental implants or an alternative.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Get Rid of Dental Anxiety Forever

Posted on September 30, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I can’t seem to get to the dentist. I have pretty severe anxiety. I schedule an appointment, but always end up canceling a few days before in a panic. I’m sure that my teeth will need work. Is there any way to deal with this without expensive therapy?

Connie

Dear Connie,

Woman giving a thumbs up from a dental chair

Dental Sedation Can Rid You of Dental Anxiety Forever

You are not the only person to feel this way. I want you to know there is hope and a solution. For a bit, you will find that you’ll need to see a sedation dentist in order to deal with the anxiety and get your oral health back in order. Here’s how to approach it:

Consider What Level of Sedation You Need

With mild anxiety, I recommend nitrous oxide. This relaxes you, but you’re able to go on with your day as normal when the procedure is done. It’s commonly called laughing gas and will just put you at ease before you local anesthetic.

However, you seem to have severe anxiety. In those cases, I recommend oral conscious sedation. This is a pill you’ll take before your appointment. It completely relaxes you. In fact, it relaxes you so much you’ll be a tad loopy. Most patients end up sleeping through their appointment. You’ll have to have someone drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you after the procedure until you’re lucid again.

Choose a Sedation Dentist with Training

While dental sedation is perfectly safe, it’s always in the best interest of the patient to make sure they’re with a dentist who’s completely prepared. You want a dentist who’s been certified in sedation and knows the correct procedures in case of emergency.

Dr. Hadgis has gone above and beyond the ADA’s required training and is more than qualified to help patients with this type of work. That’s the type of dentist you want. Not just the one who does the bare minimum to offer a new service.

Always Consider the Type of Dental Work You’ll Need

Imagine finding a wonderful sedation dentist but then finding out he doesn’t know how to do some of the procedures you need for your particular dental health. Do you have particular needs? For instance, do you have a TMJ disorder? Then look for a sedation dentist who also has specialized training in treating that.

Do you need cosmetic work done? Then look for a dentist who is also an AACD accredited dentist so you can get a gorgeous smile.

One great advantage of dental sedation is the ability to get more work done in each sitting. This will enable you to get your oral health back on track sooner than would otherwise be possible.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can Sedation Dentists do Unapproved Work?

Posted on May 31, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I learned about dental sedation and became very excited. It sounded like a very easy way for me to finally deal with all the work I need but have been afraid to do. I was thrilled to finally get a healthy mouth. The dentist and I spoke carefully about what needs to be done. I couldn’t afford all of it at once, so I sat down with their business manager afterward and we set up a schedule to spread out the work in a way that allows me to work within my budget. We did the first group of work yesterday. I was thrilled because the appointment was completely painless. I slept through the whole thing. However, today, they called and said that the dentist was able to do extra work because everything went quickly. They told me they’ll send the extra bill in the mail because I was a bit out of it yesterday. Can they do that? I was so shocked they did something off our schedule without getting my permission first I forgot to ask what exactly they did. Now I’m afraid to trust them. How do I know if they’re going to do other things while I’m “Out of it”?

Delaney

Dear Delaney,

I can understand your concern. It’s not only unethical for them to do any work when you don’t consent, but he can get in serious trouble. I’d remind them that you’d only given consent to the original procedures and you shouldn’t be charged for the additional work. If they give you a hard time, tell them you’ll be speaking with the dental board.

I’d also never go back to that office again. They can’t be trusted. I don’t want you to think this is the experience you’d get at another office with sedation. There’s something wrong with the clinic you went to. That’s not your fault. Patients should be able to trust their medical practitioners.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

As you’ve already discovered, sedation dentistry is a wonderful way to get work done without any anxiety. It also allows the dentist to do more work then he or she would normally be able to do in one session because you’re so relaxed. However, only with your permission.

I’d go to another sedation dentist in your area and explain what happened at the last office you went to. It will probably save you time and money if you have the plan you’d already come up with. They can evaluate it and make sure the work was in a logical way.

Sometimes even though something isn’t technically the most urgent, it can save you a ton of money. For instance, if you catch decay fast enough and fill it, it’s not urgent but can prevent you from needing a root canal or dental crown.

Though, saving a tooth will be the first priority. You don’t want to have to get expensive tooth replacements.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Dental Sedation and Anxiety Meds

Posted on March 14, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I haven’t been to the dentist in a while because of anxiety. I think if I went to a dentist who uses sedation it would be easier. But, my dentist doesn’t use any form of sedation. When I asked him to recommend someone to me he said it would be almost impossible for me to find someone who’d do sedation on me given the amount of anxiety medication I’m on. Is that true? What if I didn’t tell them what I was on and check a medicine list to make sure the sedation and my meds were safe together?

Laura

Dear Laura,

Dental sedation is a great solution for patients with a high amount of anxiety

It seems your dentist gave you some misinformation. Dental sedation is the perfect solution for patients in your situation. I wouldn’t recommend hiding from any dentist medication you’re taking. That’s quite dangerous because you never know if something is going to come up that will require an unexpected medication. If he doesn’t know what you’re taking it can cause serious complications.

Another thing to consider is there isn’t just one sedation medication. Each sedation dentist uses a different medication so there’d be no way for you to know which specific meds he uses. But, you don’t need to worry. They won’t turn you away as your current dentist implied.

When it comes to dental sedation, they will always have a consultation with you first to go over things such as medical conditions and prescriptions. If he happens to use a sedation medication that is contraindicative with your medications, he will make sure to use a different one in your case.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

You Can Have an Anxiety-free and Stress-free Appointment
People who’ve avoided the dentist for years find they’re finally able to handle regular dental appointments.

You Can Get Much More Work Done in Each Appointment
You’ve avoided the dentist for years. Don’t feel guilty about that. Instead, you should feel proud that you’re finally taking steps to change that. Just be aware that you will likely need a lot of work when you first start back. The good news is sedation allows your dentist to get a lot more done in each appointment, while you relax in complete comfort. In fact, you’ll probably sleep through it!

Fewer Dental Emergencies
Many patients with dental fear end up only going to the dentist for dental emergencies. They seem to survive between guilt for not going and tolerating unnecessary pain until they can’t take it anymore and finally go in. Now that you’ll be able to go regularly, you’ll find yourself in a lot less pain. You’ll probably even feel better overall. Not many realize there’s a direct correlation between oral health and physical health.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.

If I Use a Sedation Dentist Do I Sleep there Until it Wears Off?

Posted on December 29, 2017 by iowasmiles.

I have to have quite a bit of dental work that needs to be done. I’m considering doing it all at once, which would require dental sedation. I’ve heard that makes you sleep. Do I sleep there until is wears off?

Sonya L.

Dear Sonya,

Every dentist uses a different type of sedation medication. Because of that, your first appointment with your sedation dentist will be a consultation to discuss the medication and what to expect. You’ll also go over all the medications you’re currently on to make sure there is nothing that would interfere with the medication your dentist currently uses. If it does interfere you can still have sedation, he’ll just work with another medication if yours can’t be postponed.

How Does Dental Sedation Affect You?

While each medication is different, they all tend to keep you sleepy for the remainder of the day. The dentist will expect you to have someone of adult age to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you throughout the day.

You will sleep some in the office after the procedures are ending, but when you’re able to function, you’ll be released to your caregiver. Expect to stay either in bed or on the couch for the day. You’ll be unsteady on your feet, so if you do need to get up for the restroom or something, make sure your helper is there to help you.

As you mentioned above, the benefit of sedation is it allows you to get more work done in each sitting. So, hopefully, you’ll only need one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Why Did My Dental Sedation Go Wrong?

Posted on November 16, 2017 by iowasmiles.

I’m concerned about something that happened to me recently and want to figure out the cause before doing this again. I’m in a very public line of work. As a result, I’m meticulous about my smile. I’ve had several dental procedures which required sedation and never had a problem until this week. I went in to have the procedure done. After I was home, I became nauseated and started vomiting. It became difficult to breathe. I was going to call 911 but couldn’t get to my phone. I ended up just lying down and trying to calm down. Eventually, it because easier to breathe. The nausea took all day to go away. What went wrong?
This has never happened to me before.

Marcus K.

Dear Marcus,

I’m quite concerned about the fact that you seem to be home alone after a sedation procedure. Most sedation dentists will check to make sure you not only have someone to drive you home, but to stay with you throughout the day for the very reasons you experienced. What would have happened if you were to stop breathing altogether?

The first thing I’d like you to do is report to your dentist what happened. If you’ve had this procedure before without any interactions it leads me to wonder if your denitst gave you a different sedation medication. Either way he needs to know about your interaction so this could be prevented in the future.

Some Things to Check When Things Go Wrong?

Make sure you don’t eat before the procedure. This increases your chances for nausea and puts you at risk for asperation.
Make sure your dentist knows about all medications you’re on, including over-the-counter and natural medications. They can sometimes interact with the sedation.

This blog is brough tto you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.