Dentistry in Chesapeake, VA

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Sedation Dentistry

Helping You Relax at the Dentist’s Office

Sedation dentistry has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of patients. Some people know Dr. Simmons as "The Comfort Dentist" because it was what they heard about sedation that brought them to our practice in the first place. As a Master in the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology’s College of Sedation, Dr. Simmons has completed advanced training as well as continuing education in sedation dentistry every year. This progressive instruction allows Dr. Simmons to provide an unprecedented level of control and relaxation.

Here are some common questions we get about sedation dentistry:

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective technique that helps patients be completely relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments. There are a number of sedation options at our practice. We'll discuss the options with you and help you decide what's right for you.

Who is sedation dentistry for?

Sedation dentistry is right for anyone who wants a comfortable and relaxing dental experience. It is especially useful if you:

• have dental fears which make you delay or avoid dental treatment
• have had a bad experience at the dentist in the past
• can't get comfortable at the dental office
• can't stand the sights, sounds or smells of a dental office
• can't sit still during a dental appointment
• have problems getting numb, making appointment very painful
• need a lot of work done, and don't have time for several appointments
• are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth.
• have a bad gag reflex
• have extremely sensitive teeth
• hate needles and shots

What if I am embarrassed?

You don't need to be embarrassed anymore. We see patients like you every day. Some of our patients haven't been to the dentist in ten or twenty years or more. We will never criticize you or make you feel bad about the condition of your mouth. We are here to help.

What does sedation feel like?

You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were snoozing. In fact people tell us the whole experience feels like a dream. When it's over you'll feel refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is a great option for many healthy adults. Dr. Simmons uses some very safe, gentle medication in the form of a small pill. Often patients can be comfortably sedated with just one small pill!

What is an oral conscious sedation appointment like?

Your sedation dentist, Dr. Simmons, will give you a small pill to take an hour before your appointment. Your companion will bring you to the office, where we will start monitoring your vital signs. Then we will assess whether you need any more medication. Once you are relaxing comfortably in the dental chair, we'll cover you with a warm blanket. We'll begin the dentistry once you are totally relaxed. Before you know it, the appointment will be over!

What is IV Sedation?

IV sedation uses an IV line in your arm or hand to administer the sedative medications directly into the bloodstream, where it is more effective than medication taken orally. It allows Dr. Simmons to more precisely administer the amount of needed medication for sedation. It reduces the amount of time needed before treatment can begin. The level of sedation can be immediately increased if the patient is not sedated enough.

IV sedation is great for the patient who experiences moderate to severe dental anxiety and wants treatment in the most comfortable manner possible with little or no memory of the experience.

It requires more advanced training than that required for oral conscious sedation, and requires training through a certified hospital or university type of setting.

Which method of sedation is best for me?

Becauses of Dr. Simmons' broad range of training as a sedation dentist, we have the ability to offer a broad scope of sedation options. After evaluating each patient on an individual level we can determine together which treatment option would be best for you.

What qualifications does Dr. Simmons have?

Dr. Simmons has accumulated over 300 hours of certified education in sedation dentistry. He obtained his advanced training in IV sedation and was certified at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. He is qualified in the Commonwealth of Virginia to administer both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, and in December 2010 he passed the comprehensive four-hour exam needed to obtain a Masters from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

What happens after the appointment?

You may still feel a little sleepy. We'll keep you in the office until you're ready for your companion to take you home. For safety reasons, your companion will be responsible for driving you home, and staying with you for the rest of the day. It's best to just take it easy. We do encourage you to eat and drink, because this will help you feel better. The next day will just be a normal day except for one thing - you'll probably remember little or nothing about your dental visit!

Is it safe?

Sedation is very safe, and we monitor your vital signs during the whole appointment. Our whole team has been trained to care for sedated patients to ensure both safety and comfort. Dr. Simmons is a proud member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, a group of doctors dedicated to the advancement of the safe and effective use of sedation in dentistry.

Read Our Patients' Testimonials Here!

Call today to reserve your consultation with sedation dentist Dr. Robert A. Simmons. Our dental office is conveniently located in the Great Bridge Hickory area in Chesapeake, Virginia just north of the North Carolina border. We serve patients from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Moyock, Elizabeth City, Currituck, Outer Banks and beyond with personalized dental care.       

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