Many dentists today are advertising sedation and sleep dentistry services, making it a daunting task to find a skilled practitioner. The following questions will help you gain the information essential to making a smart and safe decision in choosing a sedation or sleep dentist.
1. Does the dentist offer the full range of sedation or sleep dentistry services needed for YOUR dental treatment?
What types of sedation are you offered? Is sleep dentistry an option? Can you work with the dentist to determine the appropriate course for you as an individual, or are you “forced” into a certain approach because other options are not offered?
Why ask?
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 – or even for every type of dental procedure.
Why ask? Just as general dentists possess skills that address specific needs, so do other dental specialists, including sedation and sleep dentists. A good dentist will recognize when procedures such as root canals, extensive gum surgery, or complex oral surgery procedures should be referred to a specialist.
2. Does the dentist partner with specialists, such as endodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to ensure that all of your dental health needs are appropriately met?
3. If the dentist does use specialists, how does this process work?
Why ask? Find out if the dentist will coordinate this care for you. Can the procedures be coordinated into one appointment or will you need separate and multiple appointments to see your dentist and the appropriate specialists? For example, at the Blende Dental Group, while you are undergoing sleep dentistry, an endodontist will be scheduled to complete your root canals at the same time, so that you don’t have to be put to sleep again on another day.
4. What patient populations does the dentist treat routinely? Are they a match for your specific needs?
Why ask? If, for example, you are a patient with Cerebral Palsy, you will want to make sure that the dentist routinely treats other patients with your condition. They must be adequately prepared to meet your special needs and medical requirements – safely, both physically and emotionally. This is true of dental anxiety, disabilities, medical conditions, and other life circumstances.
5. Is the dentist experienced, and does he have the appropriate equipment?
Questions to ask:
- What is the dentist’s training and experience?
- How many cases similar to yours has the dentist completed successfully?
- Does the dentist have the resources to provide the necessary safety equipment, adequate staffing, and treatment in the event of an emergency?
- If you are seeking intravenous (I.V. sedation), find out if the I.V. is administered by the dentist himself or by a physician anesthesiologist.
Other questions you may want to consider for yourself:
- 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?
- Will the dentist work with your insurance plan?
- 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?
If the answer you received to any of the above questions was “No,” or if you were not completely comfortable with any of the answers you received, please feel free to contact the Blende Dental Group. We would be happy to explain why we feel these issues are important and help you find and receive the care you deserve.
The Blende Dental Group offers Sedation and Sleep Dentistry for fearful, phobic, and special needs patients. To learn more about sleep dentistry, download a free copy of the The Consumer’s Guide To Sedation & Sleep Dentistry. To speak with a patient care coordinator or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-575-3375.
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