Sedation Dentistry Appointments
The First Appointment
The first visit is probably the most difficult part for new patients even though it is basically a "get to know us" consultation. Of course, we will make the visit as stress and anxiety free as possible.
Just call our office: 947-7202. Talk to a Northwood Dental team member; they will answer your basic sedation questions. Then, they will schedule your first visit: when you are ready.
Learn more about your visit below. To find what our patients say, click the following links.
The Examination
Our team will do a general oral health assessment and discuss your needs and wants. When you are comfortable, we'll take x-rays and look in your mouth.
Talk with Dr. Klym and any Northwood Dental team member about your fears and concerns before any dentistry is performed. You will learn more about oral sedation treatment and the knowledge gained will empower you.
Provide us with an updated health history including any medications you take, which includes prescriptions, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Alcohol consumption and smoking can change how well sedation medications work, so be sure to tell us about your habits.
Sedation Visit Preparation
The night before your first appointment, most patients will take a sedative, which Dr. Klym will prescribe for a complete night's sleep to wake up relaxed.
The sedative/pill can be swallowed whole and/or crushed and placed under the tongue. Medications absorbed under the tongue get into the bloodstream quicker, so it is preferred by many dentists including Dr. Klym. Either method is safe and effective.
The medications used by Dr. Klym for oral sedation dentistry have the highest "therapeutic index" numbers possible, which means they are unlikely to have any adverse reaction. Pharmacists and physicians measure sedation medication safety on the therapeutic index scale.
One more thing: drinking grapefruit juice can affect sedation. Grapefruit enzymes break down certain oral sedation medication so do not have any grapefruit 72 hours prior to or just after a sedation procedure.
Arriving for Your Sedation Appointment
No matter what type of sedation dentistry you receive, it is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you during the visit. Your caregiver should drive you there if you must take oral medication before arriving at our dental office. They will need to drive you home after your treatment is completed and stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.
After your caregiver brings you to our office, other medications are given to achieve total relaxation. Our experienced dental team will monitor your vital signs throughout your treatment and visit. You are not rushed into treatment; we make sure you are comfortable first.
Because of his training in dentistry sedation, Dr. Klym can perform a variety of protocols customized to your particular needs with safe medications that have been used for decades, and you've most likely heard of before. Several medications have amnesic properties, which means you will remember little to nothing about your time in the dental chair.
While nothing we do or provide magically make fears or worries disappear, these approaches offer confidence and peace-of-mind so our patients renew dental health and enhance smile appearance. Dr. Klym can do complete, rejuvenating dentistry in one visit. You can achieve more than you ever thought possible – taking what will seem like only a "few minutes" of your time.
After Your Sedation Visit
Once again, make sure you have provided our Northwood Dental team with a complete health history, since it can have affect your care before and after. Let us know about any medical conditions your may have – diabetics and smokers are especially vulnerable.
Your companion should drive you home after the sedation appointment. You should not eat or drink six hours prior to your appointment unless otherwise directed by Dr. Klym. If you have a longer appointment, take the rest of the day off. Only taking half a day may be necessary if your sedation visit is shorter. Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Don't drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours.
The Sedation Appointment: The Day After
First, get ready to be swamped with compliments about your wonderful smile makeover. Additionally, most Northwood Dental patients feel no discomfort or aftereffects from their sedation visit, whether it includes restorative, implant or cosmetic dentistry.
Expect significant comfort and exceptinal results with sedation dentistry from Northwood Dental in Traverse City. Email us or Call (231) 947-7202
Patient Forms
To speed up your first visit to Northwood Dental, download our Patient Information & Health History form
Why You'll Smile More!
