FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Dr. Clements a specialist or general dentist?
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- I’m nervous. What can you do to help me relax during my visit?
- Can you do anything to help my jaw pain and frequent headaches?
- What payment methods do you accept?
Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry
- Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
- Is it safe?
- Will I be unconscious?
- Are there needles involved?
- How long will it take?
- Must I bring someone to the appointment with me?
- Will my insurance cover it?
- Have more questions? Looking to get started?
Is Dr. Clements a specialist or general dentist?
Dr. Clements is a general dentist with postgraduate studies in cosmetic, neuromuscular, and implant dentistry. He can perform sedation dentistry, as well. Our office offers the most common dental procedures, in their entirety, in one familiar, convenient location. Explore our services here.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
We can whiten you teeth in our office in just an hour, and we can also create custom trays for you to touch-up your white teeth at home. Read about teeth whitening here. Patients whose tooth enamel does not respond to whitening can consider bonding or porcelain veneers to reclaim a brilliant smile that will never fade or tarnish.
I’m nervous. What can you do to help me relax during my visit?
For your comfort, we provide blankets to make you cozy and personal headphones, so you can listen to music during treatment. If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Clements will recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation so you can receive the dental care you need and deserve. Talk with us about your concerns, and we’ll make every effort to create a pleasant experience.
Can you do anything to help my jaw pain and frequent headaches?
You may suffer from TMJ disorder, or misalignment of the jaw joints. As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Clements will work with you to create a plan of action that restores total oral harmony and comfortable function. Learn more about TMJ disorder and neuromuscular dentistry here.
What payment methods do you accept?
Your entire dental experience, including the front-office issues, will be catered to your needs. We don’t want anything to stand between you and your healthy, attractive smile. Dr. Clements accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards. We also work with CareCredit, Chase Health Advance, and Springstone Financial, three reputable third party financing institutions.
Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:
- Have high anxiety about dental visits
- Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Have difficulty getting numb
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
- Are afraid of needles
- Have sensitive teeth
- Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
- Simply do not have the time for multiple visits
During your sedation, your vitals will be monitored by Dr. Clements and staff. In accordance with GA Board of Dentistry rule §150- 13-.01, Dr. Clements and his staff have completed many hours of instructive classroom training, and hundreds of clinical patient experiences. Dr. Clements has also obtained a permit that allows him to provide his adult patients with moderate sedation using oral sedatives. Dr. Clements and his staff are also certified in ACLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Dr. Clements does not practice unconscious sedation. However, with Conscious Sedation, you will remain in a state of deep relaxation while still being able to speak and respond to questions. You won’t be anxious or restless. There is zero discomfort or pain, and many patients don’t remember a thing. You will come out with a beautiful smile, and it will feel like you never even went to the dentist!
This depends of the type of sedation you receive. Dr. Clements offers gentle anesthesia administration for local numbing through the form of a nearly-painless injection. However, Dr. Clements does have injection-free options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral sedation, which is administered in the form of a small pill. Call our office today to find out which option is best for you!
Depending on your dental care needs, your sedation will last between 2 and 8 hours.
Chances are you’ll need a friend or spouse to drive you to and from your appointment. Even though you will feel recharged after your appointment, you will still be under the effects of the sedative. If your companion chooses to leave during your appointment and come back to pick you up, we will be happy to help you contact him/her when your appointment is over.
Almost all sedation and painless dentists will review your coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements so you get the care you need.
Contact our office today, and Dr. Clements and his staff will be happy to assist you in setting up an appointment as well as answering all of your questions! Don’t wait! Call our office today! (229)-242-5511
For over 30 years, Dr. Clements has provided quality general and cosmetic dentistry to patients from Valdosta, Lakeland, Tifton, Adel, and surrounding areas. Call our Valdosta dental office today to reserve your personal consultation or preventive checkup with Dr. Clements. We’ll treat you like family and give you an unforgettable smile.