You can relax with us! We are committed to ensuring your personal comfort and confidence. That is why Dr. Schillinger in one of only two dentists in Southern Illinois to have undergone the proper training to provide sedation in the dental office. Many claim to be sedation dentists, but do not hold a certification by the state. We offer several different types of sedation. We utilize nitrous oxide, oral sedation as well as intravenous sedation. We understand that visiting the dentist is a source of much anxiety for many people. Many have not had dental care for years and years. We have had patients inform us that they have been lectured about their teeth and gums and have had dental treatment literally forced upon them. As a result, few return due to fear and embarrassment. Dr. Schillinger puts his patients at ease by meeting with them first in a non-treatment area to have conversation free of judgment. He prefers a low volume practice atmosphere; one in which he can spend time with each patient, get to know them and understand their fears and their desires. He will never impose treatment on anyone and instead will present possibilities only after learning what the patient would like to achieve. Each patient is unique with unique requirements. Sometimes one or two visits is all that is necessary. One of the most compelling benefits of IV sedation is the fact that you can get multiple appointments completed in just one or two.
The Three Kinds of Sedation:
1) IV sedation, also known as deep conscious sedation, is usually used by oral surgeons and dentists with specialized training and special certification. With this type of sedation, medications are administered directly into the blood stream. The greatest advantage of IV sedation is that if someone is not sedated enough, the doctor can administer additional medication until the desired effect is achieved. IV sedation is not commonly used in most dental offices because of the specialized advanced training required and the requirements that must be met by the State Board. It is our experience that this type of sedation is more effective and the amnesia is more profound.
2) Oral sedation is administered by taking a pill. All body functions remain normal and the patient is able to breathe unassisted. Patients will commonly dose off. It is not as predictable as IV sedation and the amnesia or "forgetting you had treatment" is less profound. The State of Illinois is currently writing legislation that may require dentists to discontinue this unless they have the training that Dr. Schillinger has.
3)Nitrous Oxide(laughing gas). This is probably the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It allows the patient to drive themselves home after treatment. It relaxes, but offers little amnesia and patients rarely sleep. Nitrous Oxide is just a means of relaxation.
If you feel that having your dentistry performed under sedation by one who is certified to do so, please call our office to meet with Dr. Schillinger.