The foundation for any relationship, trust is an earned virtue essential for a successful patient-dentist relationship. By engendering feelings of ease and confidence in his or her abilities, a highly experienced dentist will thoroughly explain treatment options, create a relaxing environment, focus on each patient as an individual. Trust also accelerates results - particularly when your individual needs are delivered upon with each visit.
At Southern California Family Dentistry, Dr. Hossein Jahangiri, DDS (“Dr. J”, as his patients know him) and his team of highly skilled dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and office managers pride themselves on taking a patient-centered approach to providing exceptional general, cosmetic and restorative dentalcare for patients of all ages.
Dr. J has been a member of the local community for 45 years. A graduate of Laguna Hills High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree at University of California Irvine (UCI), a doctorate from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia before returning to his native Southern California.
A member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Dr. J took over an existing dental practice in 2005 that has now been serving the local community for over 50 years.
Oral health is more than just a pretty smile, and comprehensive care encompassing different practice areas can be challenging to find under one roof - a hallmark that distinguishes Southern California Family Dentistry.
One of the aspects that truly sets this multi-specialty practice apart from many others in the industry is Dr. J’s commitment to utilizing the latest dental techniques, procedures and technologies including digital x-rays, CT scan, and intraoral cameras to provide accurate and efficient diagnosis. He is among the 5% of all dentists to carry the license needed to provide IV conscious sedation with his own laboratory on site to ensure 100% control over case outcomes.
In this, the first of an ongoing series, Dr. J addresses common questions and concerns regarding dental implants and IV conscious sedation.
South County Magazine: Are dental implants safe?
Dr. J: Dental implants are extremely safe. They have been around for decades now and there have not been any issues with biocompatibility or rejections due to allergic reactions that I know of or that have been reported.
The only thing unsafe about implants is “inexperience”! An implant procedure is an invasive surgical procedure and must be placed by a trained and experienced dentist and the procedure must be supported with proper diagnostic protocols and equipment. Otherwise, it can be risky and potentially harmful.
SCM: As someone who experiences dental anxiety, I’m keenly interested in the idea of sedation dentistry. I am personally fearful of the risks associated with general anesthesia. I see that you are licensed to provide IV conscious sedation. What does that entail and how is it different from general anesthesia (i.e. will I experience pain during the procedure, will I remember the procedure, is it safe)?
Dr. J: I’ve been doing dentistry for almost 30 years now and in my experience the biggest reason patients stay away from the dentist is fear and anxiety. Now, I’m saying this not just as a dentist, but also as a patient … I have teeth as well. In order to help allay our patients anxiety, we strive to provide a safe environment so they are comfortable and pain free during their visit. In my experience for some of the patients that I have treated with IV conscious sedation, we have reduced or eliminated their anxieties associated with the dentist altogether.
IV conscious sedation is an extremely safe way to treat patients with anxiety. During the procedure we attach an IV line to the patient and anti-anxiety medication is slowly administered and only in the amount necessary for each individual patient until they are comfortable. One of the effects of this anti-anxiety medication is that the patient will have very little or no memory of the procedure during or after they are treated.
The procedure also has an additional security safety feature where the sedation and the effects of the drug can be reversed almost immediately in case of any issues that the patient may have at any time during the sedation process. So an added advantages of having an IV line running during the entire procedure is that we can add or reverse medication as needed to keep the patient comfortable and safe.
IV conscious sedation is also much safer than “white knuckling it” during any dental visit – particularly surgical procedures – for those class of patients who are at a higher risk. For patients with high blood pressure or a history of heart problems, heart attacks or strokes, reducing their anxiety level will make the entire process much easier and safer, thereby reducing the risk of any cardiovascular events.
Again the main reason for IV conscious sedation is to minimize, if not eliminate, the patient’s anxieties during a surgical procedure. The difference between general anesthesia and sedation is that in general anesthesia the patient is fully unconscious and is assisted for breathing. General anesthesia is used for extensive procedures and in a hospital setting. It is very important to know that during IV conscious sedation, you will be breathing on your own and responsive to verbal commands, but are very, very relaxed and will have very little, if any, memory of the entire procedure.
It always circles back to trust though: in the quality of care, longevity of results. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, you can trust that you are in the best of hands at Southern California Family Dentistry.
23361 El Toro Road #117
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(in the El Muirlands Office Plaza)
(949) 830-3743
SCFamilyDentistry.com
