Sleep Dentistry

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry & General Anesthesia Services?

Many patients benefit from the dental anesthesia services that go hand in hand with sedation dentistry.

At Dr. Lichtenstein's dental office, we have worked with a number of dental patients from New Jersey and elsewhere with different histories and backgrounds. The list of those who benefit from sedation dentistry continues to grow. As there are often many questions about the general anesthesia services we perform, we have compiled a list of questions and answers about our dental services for your convenience. If you fit into any of the following categories, or have more questions about our sedation dentistry and dental anesthesia services, please contact us in Holmdel, New Jersey today.

Patients with:

Autism or Other Special Needs
Our sedation dentistry practices are a solution for patients with physical or mental challenges, and for individuals emotionally uncomfortable in the traditional dental office setting. Dental anesthesia services can provide a way to accomplish complete dental care in a more pleasant experience.

Cancer
Patients dealing with cancer have enough to worry about without the added stress of dental care. Treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy often call for dental care that not all dentists are willing or qualified to perform. When you need a dentist who understands the complexities of cancer treatment, you can turn to Dr. Lee Lichtenstein and staff.

Fear and Anxiety
Sedation dentistry is a great alternative for those who suffer from fear, anxiety and phobias stemming from dental appointments. According to American Dental Association surveys, more than 10% of Americans are so highly nervous and anxious about dental treatment that they totally avoid the dentist! Another 20% find treatment so uncomfortable that they are unable to follow through with treatment. In fact, nearly half of the people with dental insurance still avoid dental care because of their fears and anxiety. With sedation dentistry, modern, safe general anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures done without the anxiety.

Low Pain Threshold
Many people perceive pain differently than others, or at a much smaller stimulus. Sometimes a dentist may have difficulty in obtaining the tooth "numbness" necessary to perform painless treatment. There are many different reasons for inadequate numbness with local anesthesia, but with general anesthesia and sedation dentistry techniques, these patients will have their own personal perception of pain altered and will be virtually pain free during the dental treatment.

Active Gag Reflexes
Some patients will gag before the smallest X-ray film is even placed in their mouth, or before they have a simple impression taken. Using sedation, services even for the simplest dental procedures can eliminate the problems caused by gagging.

Extensive Treatment
Sedation dentistry is great for sophisticated procedures such as implant dentistry, or full mouth rehabilitation. Patients having extended procedures such as periodontal surgery and root canal therapy are more comfortable when these dental procedures are done with our anesthesia services.