Southdale Family Dentistry

Gerald Cook, D.D.S.

• American Dental Association
• Minnesota Dental Association
• Academy of General Dentistry

Top 10 Critical Things You Should Know
Before You Select a Sedation Dentist

Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients with dental phobias, patients requiring large amounts of dental work, patients with an active gag response, and patients who would just prefer to sleep through their appointment. However, sedation is a powerful tool, and you don't want to entrust your safety to just anyone. These guidelines can help you choose the practitioner who's right for you.

1. Check the doctor's credentials.

   If the dentist offers oral sedation, check to be sure that he or she has received training from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). For IV sedation, the dentist must be certified by the state as a specialist IV sedation dentist or oral surgeon.

2. Experience is critical.

   Much like other people, dentists get better at things the more they do them. You'll benefit from the experience of a dentist who has been performing sedation dentistry on a regular basis for years. Ask how frequently the dentist performs procedures such as the one you're considering.

3. Educate yourself on the various forms of sedation.

   Who you are and what you need done will determine which type of sedation dentistry is right for you. The more sedated you are, the greater the risks can be, and the more training a dentist needs to have. Sedation methods include inhalation anesthesia, which you may know as "laughing gas"; oral sedation, which involves taking a sedative pill; intravenous sedation; and general anesthesia, which is more typically done in a hospital setting.

4. Start with a consultation.

   Going in for a consultation is a great way to learn more about a dentist and dental practice. Make sure the dentist examines your whole mouth and inquires about your total health. Talk to the dentist before you commit to anything. Remember, it's your job to make an educated decision.

5. The dentist should care about your total health.

   Though you're seeking dental treatment, you want a dentist who will pay attention to your overall health. Sedation dentistry is not the right choice for everyone. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, your dentist will need to know that prior to treatment.

6. Communication is key.

   It's essential that you be able to talk to your dentist - and that your dentist will listen to you! There's a lot of dialogue that needs to go into an individual treatment plan. If you feel bullied, pressured, or rushed, then that's probably not the right dentist for you.

7. An honest dentist sets realistic expectations.

   Watch out for doctors who promise more than they can deliver. You want a dentist who will tell you what can and cannot be done for you with sedation dentistry. You need to know how long the process will take, what you'll have to do, and any complications that could occur.