Brockley Dental Blog, Full Mouth Reconstruction, Sedation Dentistry

A Sedation Dentist Can Provide a Comfortable, Calm Experience

Sedation Dentist in Butler, PA | Dental Phobia | Dr. Brockley

Dental visits can evoke anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be this way. At Brockley Dental Center in Butler, PA, we offer sedation dentistry, a calm and comfortable solution for those who dread dental appointments. If you are anxious about seeking dental treatment or have a complicated procedure scheduled, a sedation dentist can help you feel at ease!

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, administered by an experienced dentist like Dr. Brockley or Dr. Gildersleeve, uses medicine to maintain patient comfort during dental procedures. Common sedation methods include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and conscious oral sedation.

These options are ideal for anyone with dental phobia, providing a calm yet conscious state throughout the treatment. We can also use sedation for patients undergoing longer and more invasive procedures or for those with special needs. Whatever the reason, sedation dentistry makes it easier for both the patient and the dentist to complete necessary dental procedures.

Why See a Sedation Dentist?

Sedation Dentist in Butler, PA | Dental Phobia | Dr. BrockleyDid you know that approximately 36% of people in the U.S. have dental phobia?

After practicing dentistry for many years, Dr. Brockley found that fear is the biggest reason most people avoid the dentist’s office. Even widely used sedation methods, such as IV sedation, still involve needles, which can make anxious patients nervous. So, in 1996, he underwent training in Conscious Oral Sedation, a form of sedation dentistry that involves taking a pill before the procedure to feel at ease. This sedation method makes the experience more comfortable and alleviates anxiety, allowing more people to pursue the dental care they need.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Most people consider sedation dentistry in the context of fear or anxiety. However, it has many applications. Sedation can be useful if you have the following:

  • Intense dental phobia
  • A reduced response to local anesthesia
  • Fear of needles
  • High tooth sensitivity
  • Claustrophobia in dental environments
  • Special healthcare requirements
  • An overactive gag reflex
  • Difficulty staying still during procedures
  • A long or particularly invasive procedure

Anxiety-Reducing Options at Brockley Dental Center

At Brockley Dental Center, we recognize that our patients have diverse needs and preferences. That’s why we offer a variety of anxiety-reducing methods, including:

  1. Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this medication is administered by knowledgeable and caring staff through a mask. This gas quickly relaxes patients, and its effects wear off soon after the procedure. After a brief recovery period, the patient can drive themselves home.
  2. Conscious oral sedation: This is a pill that is taken 60-90 minutes before your procedure and induces a state of relaxed drowsiness. Some patients even fall asleep (our staff gently wakes them after the procedure!). Others may stay awake and even have full conversations but won’t remember much of the procedure afterward. The medication will remain in the system for a few hours, so patients will need someone to drive them home.
  3. Emotional support animals: To aid those with dental phobia, we have therapy dogs available to offer comfort and reduce anxiety. Our therapy dogs are here for everyone but are especially effective for children!

An Eye on Safety

At Brockley Dental Center, sedation dentistry begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Brockley or Dr. Gildersleeve will review your medical history, discuss sedation options, and guide you through the preparatory steps for your procedure. Post-treatment transportation plans are crucial, as some sedatives may impair driving abilities.

During the procedure, our experienced and professional staff will carefully monitor your sedation level to ensure a safe, comfortable environment. At the end of the procedure, we will provide specific instructions about any after-effects and instructions for the next few hours and days. The safety and health of our patients is and always will be our #1 concern.

The Benefits of Working With a Sedation Dentist

Here are some key advantages of choosing sedation dentistry for your dental care:

  • Efficiency: Patients are relaxed, allowing us to work more effectively and potentially reducing the number of visits needed.
  • Accessibility: Sedation dentistry makes dental care accessible for those with severe anxiety, preventing the escalation of oral health issues.
  • Safety: Sedation helps control a sensitive gag reflex, reducing the risk of procedural injuries.
  • Comfort: Sedatives provide additional relief from discomfort, working in conjunction with local anesthesia.

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

We recognize the impact of financial constraints, which can be another roadblock to accessing dental care. Our team will work diligently to maximize your insurance benefits through reimbursement claims. We also provide CareCredit financing, ensuring our sedation dentistry services are accessible to all who need them.

Make a Consultation With a Sedation Dentist Today

If you’ve been avoiding dental care due to anxiety, sedation dentistry can change your perception of dental visits. Serving Butler, PA, and the surrounding areas, our Brockley Dental Center team is dedicated to providing our patients with a calm, pain-free dental experience. Contact us to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation today and take the first step towards overcoming dental phobia.

Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

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