At PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry -- No Lectures.... We Understand your Fear.
If, due to your fears and anxiety, you haven’t been to a dental office in a very long time…Don’t worry about a lecture or a scolding here at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry. Dr. Schlotz and his skilled Team understand and empathize with the powerful fear & phobias that affect so many patients. We absolutely love seeing the transformation that occurs when someone who comes to our office overridden with fear; who is treated with compassion and all the modern sedation techniques available, who then emerges, before our eyes, into a comfortable and fun-loving personality. Seeing the result of someone armed with enhanced confidence, enjoying excellent oral health, with the knowledge of sustainability is truly a gift. We change people's lives and, in so doing, we change our own!
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Oral Sedation* “Relaxation” Dentistry offered at Plaza Health Dentistry, St. Louis MO
As an experienced provider of Oral Sedation Dentistry (also known as “Relaxation Dentistry”) in St. Louis, Dr. Schlotz and his Team at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry have come to witness, time and time again, the almost magical powers of a tiny pill prior to complex dental treatment. They routinely see many patients, burdened with an immeasurable amount of fear and anxiety, lay comfortably in a deeply relaxed state as the years of dental avoidance become treated and corrected.
Amazingly, this astoundingly safe protocol*, also acts to suppress any memory of the treatment visit. The enjoyment of a newly enhanced, more optimal level of oral health, however, remains for years to come. In fact, if you see someone that just can’t stop Smiling on the way out of the PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry building, likely, it’s because of Sedation Dentistry!
Find out why so patients who have tried *Oral Sedation* say:
“Thank You! 'Relaxation Dentistry' has changed my life.”
Advantages to *Oral Sedation*:
- Easy to administer: Swallow a small pill
- It is extremely safe and easy to monitor
- Works well for most people
- Low Cost
Disadvantages of *Oral Sedation*:
- The level of Oral Sedation needs to be titrated (dosed) to you uniquely (1st Visit might take longer)
- Onset of action is somewhat delayed; meaning you'll spend more time resting in the chair prior to the procedure
- Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment
What does it feel like? Will I be asleep?
A lot of dental offices use terms such as "sleep dentistry" or "twilight sleep" when talking about *Oral Conscious Sedation*. This is confusing, and is not accurate, because it is suggestive of being put into a deep sleep. In reality, you remain conscious during oral sedation. You will also be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist.
However, you may not remember much about what went on because of two factors: firstly, in most people, Oral Sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what's going on. Secondly, the medication used for Oral Sedation Dentistry can produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much, or perhaps even nothing at all, of what happened. So it may, indeed, appear as if you were "asleep" during the procedure.
Is it safe?
*Oral Conscious Sedation* is EXTREMELY safe when carried out under the supervision of a specially-trained dentist following a very specific protocol (DOCS). Allergic response to the medication is virtually unheard of, which in contrast and purely statistically speaking, many experts feel separates itself from even Advil or local anesthetic!
With safety in mind, throughout the procedure, your pulse and oxygen levels are measured using a "pulse oximeter". This gadget clips onto a finger (like a clothes-line clip) and measures pulse and oxygen saturation. It gives a useful early warning sign if you're getting low on oxygen, although your dentist might even know it before the machine. Usually simply taking a few big breaths takes care of the momentary lack of oxygen.
What medications are used for *Oral Sedation*?
The most common medication is Triazolam. Triazolam provides a deep level of relaxation and a significant amnesia effect.
For children the most common medication is Versed (Medazolan) which is a liquid.
*Oral Conscious Sedation* is sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as "twilight sleep" or "sleep dentistry". These terms are more descriptive of a deeper level of sedation associated with IV or Inhalation Sedation.
Read More about the Differences of Sleep Dentistry vs *Oral Sedation* at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry in St. Louis, MO.... We Consider this education to be a valuable Informed Consent Discussion
Who is a Candidate for Sleep Dentistry vs *Oral Sedation* at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry in St. Louis, MO....
We Consider this education to be a valuable Informed Consent Discussion
Who should consider *Sedation Dentistry* at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry in St. Louis, MO....
We Consider this education to be a valuable Informed Consent Discussion
The above text is an endeavor to provide patient education and the initiation of a more complete INFORMED CONSENT of patient options for those who are considering complex dental treatment with oral sedation.
Oral Sedation protocol referred to above is from DOCS (Dental Organization for Oral Conscious Sedation). DOCS states that there has not been a single mortality associated with their oral sedation protocol when proper patient selection and medication administration is strictly followed. Incumbent on the safety of this protocol is a complete and accurate Medical History. Read Dr. Schlotz's Articles on Oral Sedation Dentistry.
*Standard Disclaimer and Patient Information per: Missouri State Board Regulations as pertaining to Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic, Sedation & Implant Dentistry*