In part one of this article we discussed how finding the right sedation dentist for a special needs patient is always a daunting task. It’s made even more daunting these days by the number of practitioners who claim expertise in sedation dentistry, an emerging mode of dental treatment that can be very beneficial for medically compromised and disabled patients.
With this preliminary knowledge of sedation dentistry in mind, you can interview a dental practitioner and/or his staff about the specifics and ensure that your loved one is in good hands. Here is a list of questions that Dr. Blende recommends asking before you choose a sedation dentist:
Critical Questions To Ask About Sedation Dentistry
What sedation options does the dentist offer? Again, the vast majority of sedation dentists offer only two sedation options: the simple pill or “laughing gas.” Be wary of a dentist who claims that these two forms of sedation will enable a patient to sleep through treatment. Remember, the term “sleep dentistry” can be very misleading and its use is now illegal in several states.
If you want to choose from a full spectrum of sedation dentistry options, from mild sedatives to I.V. or general anesthesia, for your loved one, ask a special needs dentist for a recommendation, or call the Blende Dental Group at 1-800-575-3375, they can recommend a sedation dentist who works near to you.
- Is the dentist experienced? What safety measures are in place to protect your loved one? You should always inquire about a dentist’s training, licensure and accreditations, and experience. How many cases similar to that of your relative’s has the dentist completed successfully?
- Also ask about the dentist office’s safety record, and make sure the practice has adequate staffing, resuscitation and safety equipment in the event of an emergency. If you are seeking intravenous (I.V. sedation), Dr. Blende believes it is safer for a physician anesthesiologist rather than the dentist to administer the I.V. sedation since the dentist is also occupied performing complex dental procedures on your family member.
- Does the dentist routinely care for patients with special needs? If your daughter has cerebral palsy, for example, make sure the dentist you’re considering routinely treats patients with this condition and stays abreast of research developments that pertain to this condition. He or she should listen to and respect your concerns and requirements. Your family member’s needs for safety, both physically and emotionally, should be readily and empathetically addressed.
- Does the dentist offer the full range of services needed for dental treatment? What types of sedation are offered to you on behalf of your relative who has special needs? Can you work with the dentist to determine the appropriate course for your loved one, as an individual, or are you “forced” into a certain approach because other options are not offered? After all, different people have different sedation requirements, due to medical conditions, disabilities, or personal desires. Not every sedation option is appropriate or safe for every person — nor even for every type of dental procedure.
- Does the dentist work in partnership with specialists such as periodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons? If so, how does this process work? Find out if the dentist will coordinate this care for you. Can the procedures be easily coordinated into one appointment or will you need separate and multiple appointments to see your dentist and the appropriate specialists? At the Blende Dental Group, for example, a patient can receive sedation that enables him or her to sleep through all her dental work, in which a specialist can complete a root canal at the same time. That way, your relative does not have to be put to sleep again on another day.
More Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Sedation Dentist:
- Do you take our insurance plan? A good dental practice will try to optimize the amount of treatment covered under your health and dental insurance. The staff should also help you identify other resources for the financing of necessary dental work.
- Are you comfortable traveling for expert care and then returning to a dentist in your community for continuing care?
- How will the dental office help you to coordinate your appointments and travel?
- Is the dentist affiliated with any local hospitals?
- Does the dentist listen to you, treat you with respect, explain your treatment clearly, and encourage your questions?
Now that you’re a discerning, informed consumer, you can more easily make the right choice on behalf of your family. In the hands of a skilled sedation dentist in an office that cares deeply about people whose daily lives are complicated by illness or disability, transformations and compassionate, comfortable care can be achieved.
The Blende Dental Group offers Sleep and Sedation Dentistry for fearful, phobic, and special needs patients. To learn more about sedation dentistry, download a free copy of the The Consumer’s Guide To Sleep & Sedation Dentistry. To speak with a patient care coordinator or to schedule an appointment with a sedation dentist, call 1-800-575-3375.
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