Sedation

How does it work?
You are given a small pill to take one hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. You will be under our supervision.

When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into a comfortable room, covered with a blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable Dr. Hopkin and the experienced clinical team will take care of your dental needs.

When your treatment is completed your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.

Facts About Sedation

1. It Really Works! You really can rest comfortably through your dental appointment.

2. It Is Safe! You take a small pill prior to treatment. You can decide if you want only oral sedation or more profound sedation with IV medications.

3.You will probably have little or no memory of the experience. You probably won't even remember any sounds or smells.

4. You often times may catnap for up to five to six hours after taking the pill. The time and degree you are asleep you are sedated will vary depending on your needed treatment.

5. Complex dental treatments that often require prolonged appointments can be done comfortably and efficiently reducing lost time, fear and anxiety of multiple visits.

6. People who have difficulty getting numb will probably have no problem when relaxed.

Commonly Asked Questions About Sedation

Q. Will I feel any pain?
A. No. You will feel nothing!

Q. Will I be unconscious?
A. No, you are in a deeply relaxed state, but you are responsive and maintain all your body’s natural safety reflexes.

Q. Will I be monitored?
A. Yes, one of our team is always with you and all your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

Q. How long will I be asleep sedated?
A. Depending on your needs, from two to six hours.

Q. Will someone need to accompany me?
A. Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.

Who Is a Candidate For Sedation

People who have...
-high fear.
-had traumatic dental experiences.
-difficulty getting numb.
-a bad gag reflex.
-very sensitive teeth.
-limited time to complete their dental care.
-complex dental problems.

People who...
-hate needles and shots!
-hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care.
-are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth.

Dr. Hopkin has just completed an update to the Sedation Residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School. In addition to the hundreds of hours of initial training and patient experience he has the latest information on medications, strategies, patient comfort and safety.