Frequently Asked Questions

What is sedation and anesthesia?

During dental and oral surgical procedures, we administer local anesthesia (Novocain) to block pain. If patients have high anxiety, we may also administer sedative drugs such as Valium. A sedated patient will feel completely relaxed, and some patients do not even remember their dental treatment after sedation wears off. We sometimes use additional medications such as versed, which places the patient in a deeper sleep. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medicine you need.

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How is the medication administered?

We typically administer sedative and anesthetic medications orally or intravenously (IV). Because of the rapid effect with this administration, the doctor can give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed and comfortable. If you need more medication during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration.

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How am I monitored during the procedure?

Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic, as well as your own medical conditions, we utilize different monitoring devices. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs to pulse oximeters, which use a light sensor to measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. If necessary, an EKG may also be used.

The doctor, along with at least one trained member of the staff, will remain with patients to provide close observation throughout treatment. You can feel confident that we will make your health and safety our top priority.

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Is anesthesia safe?

The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a creditable safety record. Dr. Goldsmith has advanced training, and remains committed to your overall health. Remember to advise your doctor of all medications that you take, as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.

In Colorado, you must obtain a special permit to administer intravenous medications. To qualify, Dr. Goldsmith had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and undergo a site visit. The state also requires dentists to have the capability to handle emergency situations, as well as specific emergency medications and equipment on hand.

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Who will perform my procedure?

Dr. Goldsmith, a former chief resident and clinical instructor at the University of Colorado Hospital Dental Residency program, has performed numerous patient sedations. He received board certification from the state of Colorado to administer IV-conscious sedation and is a member in good standing of the ADSA. Our trained staff utilizes advanced techniques along with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and emergency medications to provide a safe, comfortable dental experience.

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What is the ADSA?

The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology is a group of dentists committed to the task of making dental care more pleasant through a variety of advanced pain and anxiety control techniques. Membership in this organization demonstrates the dentist’s concern for patient comfort and health. To read more, visit www.adsahome.org (link here).

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What are dental implants?

Dental implants work as substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth, crown, or a set of replacement teeth. With dental implants, patients can achieve a more natural looking replacement for missing or damaged teeth.

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Why should I consider dental implants for tooth replacement?

Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Replacing missing teeth improves your general health and the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability with a lost tooth, but missing teeth can cause more tooth loss, tipping, crowding, and other problems.

For over 50 years, dentists have replaced lost teeth using dental implants, giving patients a safe, effective treatment choice. Often, this treatment offers a more predictable outcome than bridging and endodontic treatment. We want our patients to have the best and healthiest restorations available.

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Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay should consider dental implants. They work especially well for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.

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Are there different kinds of dental implants?

Dental implants come in many shapes, sizes, and brands. Your dentist will evaluate which implants will best fit your mouth.

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Do I have enough bone for a dental implant?

Patients need to have enough bone to support the dental implant. If you do not have sufficient bone, many safe and effective techniques exist to correct bone deficiency. Dr. Winkler and Dr. Goldsmith will assess the condition of your mouth and let you know if you need any supplemental bone material.

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Will this take a long time?

Treatment time can vary greatly depending on your needs. After an individual evaluation, Dr. Winkler and Dr. Goldsmith will have a better idea of the approximate timetable.

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How will I pay for it?

We want your dental costs to stay as reasonable as possible. We accept all insurance and will happily process the claims for you; however, patients bear responsibility for charges not covered by insurance. We offer a cash discount of five percent on the day of service on invoices over $500; for payment by major credits card, we offer a two-percent discount. Financing is also available through CapitalOne Healthcare. Please contact our Colorado Springs dental office if you have any questions or concerns about your bill.

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What will I look like?

Digital imaging enables us to give you an accurate representation of the improvements to your mouth. The computer generated picture will help you visualize your beautiful, new smile.

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What is laser dentistry?

Dental lasers are used for a number of procedures. At Esthetic Family Dentistry, we perform many soft tissue procedures with our PerioLase® dental laser. Whether you need Laser Periodontal Therapy™, cosmetic gum recontouring, crown lengthening, or cold sore treatment, Dr. Winkler and Dr. Goldsmith will be happy to introduce you to PerioLase as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery.

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