We do our best to ensure that you have a good experience during your visit. We can assure you that you are in good hands.
It is normal to fear the unknown
Dr. Hoffmeyer encourages you not to let dental anxiety and fear get in the way of optimal periodontal care. She will help and advice you, so you can reach your goal of periodontal health and smile.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Modern equipment and techniques, topical and local anesthetics and medications improves your comfort. Dr. Hoffmeyer will help you achieve a visit suited to your individual needs.
Topical and Local Anesthesia
A gel is placed on your gum to numb the area prior anesthesia. During the whole procedure, Dr. Hoffmeyer is very gentle and careful and responds immediately to any of your concerns.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is only for adult patients. Dr. Hoffmeyer will first of all schedule a consultation appointment to clarify questions and medical conditions to see if you are eligible for Oral Sedation.
At your oral sedation dental appointment you are given a small pill 1 hour prior to treatment to make you relax through your dental appointment. You can either come to the office and take the pill there or you can take the pill prior to arriving at the dental office. You will need to have a companion drive you to the office since you will not be able to drive yourself. Your will feel very drowsy, your reflexes are highly reduced and you are therefore not safe in e.g. trafik situations.
At the dental office you will be escorted to a comfortable dental chair. A sensor allows Dr. Hoffmeyer to monitor your vital signs during the entire procedure. When you are snoozing comfortably, your dental care will begin. When treatment is finished, your companion will get your post treatment instructions and drive you home.
Even though you are not technically asleep, most patients describe the experience as seeming to be asleep. You will be drowsy, unaware of the time passing by and have little memory of the appointment, the sounds or smells. Your treatment is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought possible.
Who is a good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:
- Have high anxiety about dental visits
- Have memory of previous traumatic dental experiences
- Have difficulty getting numb
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
- Are afraid of needles
- Have sensitive teeth
- Dislike the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
- Do not have the time for multiple visits
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I be unconscious? No, you will be very relaxed, but you will be able to respond. You will probably not remember very much of your visit.
- Will I have an IV? No tubes or needles are necessary. You just swallow a pill.
- Does my companion have to stay at the office? Your companion must drive you to and from the dental office and your home. During the actual procedure your companion is free to stay or leave.
- Will I feel anything? No, you will feel no discomfort.
- How long will I be snoozing? You will be sedated for 2 to 6 hours.
- Is there an age limit? Recommended for adults age 18 to 80.
- Medical conditions may prevent you from being a candidate.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation, IV Sedation and Deep Sedation
Commonly known as “laughing gas” and “put completely to sleep” are currently not offered.
Over The Counter Pain Medication
For your comfort you can use over the counter pain medication before and after certain types of treatment.
Please let Dr. Hoffmeyer know what you are planning to take as this may affect surgical treatment.
Feel free to ask any questions.
Music
You are welcome to listen to our ipod with a variety of music (classical, relaxing, jazz, pop or rock). If you prefer to bring your own music feel free to do so.