Fewer than 50 percent of all people in the United States see a dentist regularly. Putting off dental care only makes the situation worse—and more expensive to fix. While some people are just too busy for multiple dental appointments, most people who avoid the dentist do so out of fear. But now a revolutionary new option is available to help fearful patients overcome their anxiety—sleep dentistry.

The dental professionals and specialists at The Smile Center understand the unique needs of the fearful or anxious patient. That’s why our practice utilizes oral (pill or liquid) or IV sedation dentistry when requested. Our board certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Jeff Sklar, administers anesthesia intravenously in our fully equipped, state board inspected and certified dental suite. While your dental work is performed, you are in a complete state of relaxation. Most patients experience no pain and have little memory of the actual procedure.

Sedation dentistry allows our oral surgeon, Dr. Mendel Markowitz, to complete multiple dental surgical procedures often in just one visit. Most phases of general and cosmetic makeovers and full mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction can be accomplished while you are lightly or deeply sedated or asleep by our prothodontist, general dentist and/or dental hygienist. Most dental procedures can also be completed, such as crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, fillings, periodontics (gum treatment), bonding, porcelain veneers, and cleanings. Even wisdom teeth can be removed while you rest comfortably with IV sedation. After treatment, you are gently awakened and the next day have little or no recollection of any work done and feel minimal discomfort.

Don’t let your fear or your busy schedule keep you from getting the dental work that you need. A healthy mouth and beautiful smile can be yours quickly and virtually painlessly with light sedation or deep sleep dentistry, your choice. Contact the specialists at The Smile Center today to find out more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment with the doctor. No work is ever done on the first visit unless you are in pain and request relief. We do take emergencies the same day you call.

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Q: What is sedation dentistry?
A: Sedation, or sleep, dentistry is an exciting treatment for minimizing anxiety and discomfort during your dental appointment and helping you actually look forward to finally taking care of your mouth. For some people, a pill or liquid medication taken orally before your appointment will be all you need to relax. For others, deeper oral sedation, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is a better option. Our board certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Jeff Sklar, administers anesthesia in our fully equipped, state board inspected and certified dental suite. While your dental work is performed, you are in a complete state of relaxation.

Q: Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
A: If your fear keeps you from visiting the dentist, are too busy for multiple dental appointments, have extremely sensitive teeth, have a strong gag reflex, have difficulty in getting numb, or are extremely anxious about the sounds and smells associated with the dental office, then sedation or sleep dentistry might be a good option for you.

Q: How can sedation dentistry help me?
A: With sedation dentistry, you can snooze comfortably while we perfect your smile or simply fix what pains you. Your dental work is performed quickly while you relax. Usually, all the dental work you need can be accomplished in one or two easy visits. After treatment, most patients have little or no memory of the procedures or any discomfort.

Q: Will I need someone to come with me to my appointment?
A: Yes. Whether you have opted to take a pill before your scheduled visit or chosen to have anesthesia administered, you will need to have someone accompany you to your dental appointment who can drive you home afterwards. It is not necessary for them to wait for you the entire time of your visit.

Q: I hate dentists and am embarrassed to smile. Will you yell at me?
A: Never – since we know no one really likes going to us. We know that a dentist or dentistry may have left a very fearful and unpleasant memory, but we always respect our patients and offer them a very pleasant and accepting environment. Look at our testimonials.

Q: What happens at my first visit?
A: You call Alexis for your very own personalized care at 201-991-2111 ext.14. She will set you up to visit with either Dr. “H” or Dr. “E” at your convenience. Together with Alexis, the doctor will get a chance to meet you and listen to your concerns. Then together, you and the doctor will come up with a treatment plan, including all financials and method of sedation, that is agreeable to all. No work will be done on the first visit unless you are in pain and request something be done.

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