Before Treatment

Your procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide or sedative drugs are available for anxiety relief. If you're fearful and want oral sedation please let us know as soon as possible to help expedite your treatment.  You'll need a trusted friend to drive you from your appointment.  Oral sedation (triazolam) works extremely well for dental anxiety (claustrophobia and dental phobia from traumatic experiences). The onset takes about an hour for maximum benefit.  Typically, you'll see the doctor for exam, diagnosis, treatment plan, and scheduling. The sedative is administered and treatment an hour later.  There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work unless, of course, you get sedated.  Plan on the entire day off of work or normal activities if you sedate with triazolam.  A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable if not sedating.  This helps reduce anxiety and keeps you comfortable. Please eat half portions prior to your appointment if using oral sedation (triazolam). Anxiety and pain relief is significantly reduced with oral sedation and a rather empty stomach.

If you've been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Take ibuprofen (Advil) 800 mg or naproxen sodium (Aleve) to help onset of anesthetics and to reduce post-operative inflammation if your medical history or doctor allows. For profound local anesthesia and post-op pain relief take 800 mg ibuprofen along with 500 mg acetaminophen an hour prior to your procedure (only if your medical history allows).