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Many of you have been asking about sedation dentistry, and we are proud to deliver on this popular request! In fact, at Downtown Dental Services, we offer a particularly versatile and easy way to support your mouth with comfortable visits, treatment, and dentistry the way it should be—fear-free! We encourage you to learn more about oral conscious sedation at our conveniently located office in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, courtesy of our answers to the following common questions about treatment with this relaxing aid.
Sedatives are medications that calm patients. This is a particularly beneficial service at the dental office because “dentophobia” is a very real and common fear. Dentists largely administer sedatives as either an inhaled gas (nitrous oxide), intravenously into the bloodstream, or via a pill that is taken orally (by mouth). Some methods are more appropriate for less intense fear and anxiety than others.
Also known as “conscious sedation,” the oral option is well-suited to many different types of patients. This is the case because the dosage of the pill and the type of medication can be tailored to the patient’s needs. Dr. Tony Lu considers everything from past medical history and comorbidities (other diagnosed diseases) to the intensity of dental fear or apprehension when selecting the right medication and dose for you. This feature makes oral or conscious sedation appropriate to ease mild cases of anxiety and more intense fears or phobias alike. The ability to prescribe different medications and varied dosing makes a difference in our ability to treat all sorts of patients with this method.
In short, because it doesn’t “put you under.” You remain conscious at every phase of your visit or treatment, albeit you may become so relaxed that you take a little catnap. Many of our patients cannot believe they were so comfortable at the dentist’s office that they dozed off during their procedure or service! But that is the true power of the oral/conscious sedation option.
As with all services at our office, it starts with a consultation. If Dr. Lu determines that you can benefit from sedation dentistry, you may be given a pill to take before your appointment. Taking your medication around an hour before your visit is generally advised. Or you may be able to take it once you are at our office. Dr. Lu can discuss the specifics with you before your appointment. It’s also a “must” to arrange for reliable transportation to and from our office. These sedatives can make you drowsy. So, it would be unsafe for you to get behind the wheel after your procedure.
Our downtown Cleveland, OH, team strives to lift any challenges or barriers to getting quality, efficient, comfortable, and stress-free care. Oral sedation overcomes many of these barriers – excessive fidgeting in the treatment chair, super-sensitive teeth, or a hypersensitive gag reflex. We can even incorporate sedation into those particularly long or complex procedures among patients without emotional or physical barriers to oral care otherwise. Share your specific concerns with us today by calling (216) 616-1155.
A loving father, husband, and dedicated professional – Dr. Tony Lu is a dentist of immense repute known for his skill, experience, and most importantly his vocation-oriented care and patient-centered ethic. He is a proud alumnus of the Case Western Reserve University where his work and commitment earned him the prestigious recognition of the Dean’s Award.
As a dental professional Dr. Lu takes great interest in patients. He provides individualized care and practices with the view that oral health care should be made available for everyone irrespective of their financial backgrounds. Dr. Lu works hard to enrich patient lives with his dental services.