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Dr. Karl Smith
Periodontics & Dental Implants
2500 N. Van Dorn St.
Suite 128
Alexandria VA 22302
(703) 894-4867
601 Post Office Rd.
Suite 1-B
Waldorf MD 20602
(301) 638-4867
Fear keeps a lot of dental patients from receiving care to save their natural teeth. Dr. Smith and his staff have special training in sedation techniques to help fearful patients. Most patients want to be relaxed and comfortable during treatment so Dr. Smith recommends Oral Conscious Sedation. The sedation technique is very simple and powerful yet safe for most people. The fees for sedation are very low compared to general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
First Dr. Smith interviews the patient to determine if they are a good candidate for sedation. All medical conditions and current medications are reviewed and a brief physical examination is performed including measurement of blood pressure and heart rate. If the patient is cleared for sedation, a pre-treatment checklist is completed and a small dose of Valium is dispensed (to be taken the night before treatment). The next morning, the patient is transported safely to the office by a friend or relative. Once in the office, more oral medication is taken by the patient and their relaxation usually begins within thirty minutes. It is like taking a short nap. Most patients have some temporary amnesia from the medications and they often forget some of the details of the treatment and local anesthesia. After periodontal treatment is completed the patient is returned home by their friend or relative. Most patients return to work the following day.
Sedation dentistry allows more dental treatment to be completed in fewer visits. Dr. Smith has been providing safe sedation for his patients since 1985. Every year he receives continuing education in dental anesthesia from national organizations like the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Every two years since 1985 he has been retrained and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
If fear has prevented you from receiving dental care in the past, sedation dentistry can help you move forward and get a fresh start for your dental health! Call today for an appointment to discuss how Dr. Smith can help you get healthy while you relax.