A: To put it simply, sedation / sleep dentistry is a way of using a combination of techniques that safely and comfortably allow you to virtually "snooze" through your dental visit. Not only that, most patients have no memory of their dental procedures being done.

A: It allows you to comfortably undergo everything from a simple cleaning to extensive concerns. One of the additional benefits is that the medicine has an amnesia quality, which for most patients, tends to prevent almost any memory of the visit. The Sedation also allows for most treatments to be provided in a shorter time which often results in a decrease of necessary visits. The medicine itself enhances the effectiveness of the anesthetic, decreases gagging and decreases joint and muscle soreness so that you are as comfortable as possible.

A: There are many types of sedation readily available. General anesthesia is the most common and the one most people think of. This type of sedation requires a machine to help you breathe. IV sedation is used in oral surgeons' offices and most out-patient procedures. It is wonderful for short appointments. We use oral sedation - a pill. It's a simple, safe medication with wonderful properties.

A: If you have…

  •  Fear or anxiety of the dentist
  •  Had a traumatic dental experience
  •  Bad gag reflex
  •  Very sensitive teeth

Adults who…

  •  Hate needles and shots
  •  Cringe at noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
  •  Are embarrassed about their teeth
  •  Haven't seen a dentist in many years

A: Our sedation /sleep counselors are the in office "support partners" for our sedation clients. These sedation counselors are trained to meet the needs of people like yourself who have not been to a dentist in quite some time. Our sedation counselors are sensitive to the various concerns that our sedation clients might have.

A: Dr. Malik will give you a sedative pill to take on the day, one hour prior, to your dental procedure. This medication does cause drowsiness, so, you will need a companion to drive you to and from the sedation procedure. This medication will allow you to reach a relaxed state during your dental procedure.

A: Experience says no. In fact, many of our sedation clients remember very little or almost nothing of their dental appointment. Many patients that are fearful or anxious really appreciate not remembering the procedure.

A: No. Many of our sedation clients elect to have an extensive portion of their treatment done the first time with little or no discomfort the day after.

A: The majority of sedation clients return to work the day following their appointment. We recommend that you do not return to work the same day as the sedation appointment.

A: The most common side effect is drowsiness. Several of our sedation clients have felt slightly nauseated, generally due to not eating the morning of the appointment. Patients feel much better after eating and taking in some liquids.

A: Our sedation clients are instructed not to drive or operate a vehicle until 24 hours after your appointment. Dr Malik and your sedation counselor require all sedation clients to bring a companion to drive you to and from the appointment.

A: Dr. Malik and his trained staff closely monitor all sedation clients. Dr. Malik and your sedation counselor will be with you at all times. A blood pressure machine and or a pulse oxymeter monitor patients throughout the procedure. The safety of all patients is our first priority.

A: Dr. Malik has been comprehensively trained on the use of sedation in dentistry. Dr. Malik has successfully treated patients with sedation / sleep dentistry throughout his 10-year career. The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety.

A: 99% of patients say they feel nothing.

A: No. Although you are in a deep state of sedation.

A: Mostly, patients do tend to fall asleep, however they can still respond to verbal commands. Even the most apprehensive patients have been ecstatic with the results, allows them to have dental work that would normally require 5-10 office visits.

A: You’ll receive just enough sedation so that you’ll be completely unaware of the treatment, as you would if you were asleep.

A: Depending on your dental needs, your dental work will be completed in as little as one office visit.

A: You will feel just fine. For most patients, the effects last between 2-4 hours. Therefore, for your safety, we do require that you have a family member or friend drive you home.

A: We’ll review your insurance coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements to insure you get the dental care you need.