The Blende Dental Group Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers:

Learn more about Sleep and Sedation Dentistry.

Download the FREE Consumer's Guide to Sleep and Sedation Dentistry Here.

Q: What is Sedation Dentistry?

A: Sedation Dentistry refers to dental treatment combined with any sedation modality, and includes both conscious (awake) and unconscious (asleep) sedation options.

Q: What is Sleep Dentistry?

A: Sleep dentistry refers to dental treatment combined with only the sedation modalities that produce sleep (an unconscious state) – I.V. sedation and general anesthesia.

Q: What questions should I ask a Sedation/Sleep Dentist?

A: Click Here for a list of questions you should ask

Q: What types of anesthesia do you offer?

A: We are one of only a handful of dental groups in the nation offering the full array of sedation options, including:

nitrous oxide

oral conscious sedation (pills)

I.V. sedation

General anesthesia

The first three options are available in our office’s treatment rooms or I.V. suite. General anesthesia cases are treated at any one of several local hospitals, where our staff have privileges.

Q: Which sedation option is right for me?

A:The Blende Dental Group designs a course of treatment specific to each patient’s medical, emotional and safety needs. Many dentists offer some sedation options, such as oral medications and/or inhalation agents, to reduce fear. While these methods work well for some patients, they are often insufficient for patients who are unable to physically or behaviorally cooperate with dentistry. In addition, patients who are medically compromised could be placed at risk if they are not treated in a facility with the appropriate equipment, or if the dental team does not have the experience to deal with potential medical complications. For these patients, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia are safer sedation modalities. The Blende Dental Group works with each patient individually to determine the most appropriate sedation approach.

Q: Who administers the I.V. sedation or general anesthesia?

A: At the Blende Dental Group, an experienced anesthesiologist – not a dentist – administers I.V. sedation and/or general anesthesia. This safeguard sets us apart and allows our dental specialists to focus on the dentistry, instead of having to split their attention between monitoring the anesthesia and performing the delicate dental work.

Since we treat medically at-risk and emotionally compromised patients, we feel it is our responsibility to provide the greatest level of safety for everyone involved.

Q: Is general anesthesia safe?

A: General anesthesia is the most uniformly dependable of all modes of sedation because it enables medication to be accurately dosed and a patient’s response to be accurately monitored.

Q: How familiar is your office with general anesthesia?

A: The Blende Dental Group performs more definitive full mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia than any other practice in the country. We are in the operating room or in our I.V. suite many times each week.

Q: How long is the recovery from I.V. sedation or general anesthesia?

A: We advise that you go home and rest for the remainder of the day following your procedure. Most people will resume all their normal activities the following day. Patients who are medically compromised or have certain disabilities may be advised to spend one night in the hospital to monitor their health and comfortable recovery.

Q: I haven't been to the dentist in more than 10 years, how many appointments will I need?

A: Our proprietary The One-Sleep-Visit™ Total Dentistry Method (link) allows you to have your mouth fully restored in one comprehensive procedure while you are asleep and with no pain. Contact us to find out if this method is right for you.

Q: I don’t want to come to your office alone. May I bring someone with me?

A: Of course. We encourage you to bring a reassuring companion, spouse or parent to your consultation and/or for your treatment appointment.

Q: Will I need to have a ride home?

A: If you have treatment utilizing oral conscious sedation, I.V. sedation or general anesthesia, you will need to have a responsible person to drive you home.

Q: What dental specialists are part of your Team Approach?

A: The Blende Dental Group team consists of general dentists, endodontists (who specialize in performing root canals), periodontists (gum and tissues), oral surgeons (bone and supporting tooth structures) and pediatric dentists (children). We coordinate all the specialists for you. If you are having our One-Sleep-Visit™ Total Dentistry Method for your treatment, the specialists will be included.

Q: I don't live in California; can you recommend a dentist to me?

Q: What is involved if I have complex medical conditions or financial circumstances?

A: Our Coordinators are trained to help patients work through any and all potential barriers to their successful treatment. We coordinate on the patient’s behalf with their:

primary care physicians

medical specialists

social workers

conservators

trusts

nursing home coordinators

care-givers

language interpreters

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: We will assist you in maximizing your dental benefits through your dental insurance carrier, and we will work with you to create a payment plan or arrange financing that ensures your complete treatment.

Q: Does the Blende Dental Group accept Medicare/Medical?

A: No. These programs do not cover dental care.

Q: I don't live in California; can you recommend a dentist to me?

A:Many of our patients travel from across the country to receive treatment at our office in San Francisco. They do so because we are one of only a few dental practices that offers the full array of anesthesia, and that routinely performs extensive dental treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. For this reason, we can complete care in one day that might otherwise be spread out over multiple appointments.

Please call our office so we can discuss your dental anxieties or needs and figure out the best course of action with you. We're glad to make recommendations as appropriate, based on our familiarity with Dentists and Periodontists in your area.

Q: While researching dentistry using general anesthesia, I’ve found that the few other places that do offer it are usually dental schools. How does treatment at the Blende Dental Group differ from treatment at dental schools?

A: Dental schools are academic institutions, therefore students with limited clinical experience are providing a majority of the care. Most have a waiting list that is several months long. And limited financial resources often dictate the treatment plan, which may result in interim or temporary restorations which may oblige the patient to come back for multiple visits.

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