Torrance, CA–When visiting the dentist, many people are not sure what to expect when preparing for procedures such as root canals or dental implants. They may be anxious and fearful about the pain associated with dental procedures and might procrastinate their much- needed dentist appointments due to these emotions. To help patients overcome their fears of dental treatment, Dr. Michael Fulbright, a cosmetic dentist in Torrance, provides patients with a comfortable, relaxing environment at his practice using sedation dentistry procedures.

Sedation dentistry can help comfort patients with the proper dental care they need without the anxiety. Dr. Fulbright enhances a number of procedures using sedation dentistry, including a routine cleaning and a combination of procedures known as the smile makeover. According to Dr. Fulbright, sedation dentistry is extremely beneficial for patients who:

• Have complex dental issues requiring multiple treatments
• Experience a high level of anxiety when visiting the dentist
• Have a highly sensitive gag reflex and have difficulty becoming numb

Dr. Fulbright uses a medical software system called Lexi-Comp to help enhance patient safety and ensure compliance. He inputs patients’ current medications into the system to ensure there are no contradictions with their medications and the oral sedation pill prior to the procedure. In terms of safety, Dr. Fulbright says the oral sedation pill is safer than an IV and also helps to eliminate a patient’s fear of needles. When he consults with a patient who wants to proceed with sedation dentistry, his goal is to condense their treatment into one visit. Usually the visits are five to six hours, and after taking the sedation pill, patients are able to remain alert to respond to the dentist’s requests. Dr. Fulbright says patients often feel as if they were only in the chair for ten minutes due to the amnesic effect of the pill.

Patients should research dentists who are certified and licensed in sedation dentistry, according to Dr. Fulbright. He says it is important for sedation dentists to be a part of the DOCS program, a seminar series occurring several times a year that educates dentists on the importance of continued education as well as the latest in sedation dentistry. The program enables dentists to offer the highest standard of care to their patients. Dr. Fulbright and his Torrance cosmetic dentistry practice encourage patients who are fearful and anxious about visiting the dentist to contact him for a consultation on sedation dentistry. With each patient, he says he creates a unique treatment plan to assure all of his patients’ worries are alleviated as they work to achieve their common dental goals.

About Dr. Michael Fulbright, DDS

Dr. Michael Fulbrightearned a degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine in 1991. Additionally, he earned a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern California in 1996 and then earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from the School of Dentistry at USC. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Fulbright practiced dentistry in Beverly Hills and completed post-graduate training from UCLA to supplement his expertise in cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of a variety of professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Every year, Dr. Fulbright attends more than 100 hours of advanced continuing dental education.

Located at 1815 Via El Prado Suite 200 in Redondo Beach, CA, Dr. Fulbright can be reached at (310) 593-2137. He can also be contacted online via the website fulbrightdental.com or at www.facebook.com/FulbrightDental.