The Hygienists Dr. Smith takes great pride in his hygiene department. It is a very personal relationship between the patient and the hygienist, especially for our patients that do not love going to the dentist. These five women, Lisa, Bobette, Aong, Ashley and Kathy have a professionalism and passion for their work that is unmatched. And like everyone that works at Smith Sedation Dentistry, they are committed to always making sure that you are comfortable and relaxed.
Sedation Coordinator Melissa hates going to dentist as much as any of Dr. Smith's sedation patients so she is perfect for talking to patients about sedation dentistry. She has a very warm and comfortable way of talking to people about their fears and helping them get over them. So if you are scared of the dentist and just want to talk to someone who can make you feel better, call and ask for her. She really can help .
Dental Assistants Our team of dental assistants consists of Rosa, Nicole, Desiree, Charlyn, Cassie and Tracie. This group of ladies is dedicated to keeping you as comfortable as possible. All of them are excellent care givers and will make your visit as calm as possible.
Extended Functions Assistant Joni Biggerstaff is basically like a nurse practitioner for dentists. She has taken over 800 hours of training to help Dr. Smith with many of his procedures. Joni specializes in dentures and fillings. She has a very caring manner that soothes anxious patients.
Nurse Anesthetist Heather has been performing general anesthesia and conscious sedation for over 30 years. Her focus is on special needs patients, patients with substance abuse issues, and medically compromised patients. She is an expert in her field and we are very lucky to have her.
Dr. Smith realizes that there are many different procedures that require many different levels of sedation. Many patients will use one type of sedation for one procedure and a different type of sedation for another. This is why it is so important to explain everything in the initial visit. That way we make sure that the patient is properly relaxed and prepared for everything we are doing. Here are the different ways that each type of sedation in administered.
This is a mild form of sedation that makes the patient feel as though they had a couple glasses of wine during the procedure. Every operatory is equipped with a simple hookup for nitrous oxide, even the hygiene rooms. The patient merely breathes the gas to get the desired effect. The level of the gas is easily adjusted to make the patient as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, there is no lingering after effect. The patient is able to legally drive home making this a very convenient and popular form of sedation.
The patient will usually take a pill about an hour before the procedure to get them into a relaxed state. They come back to the dental chair and they are greeted by warm blankets. Dr. Montgomery or Dr. Son are both experienced anesthesiologists who are here to take care of you and make sure you are completely safe. They will call you before the procedure to check your medical history and to figure out what drugs will work best in your situation. There are many advantages to having an anesthesiologist. Not only are they highly qualified to keep you safe, but they also have the ability to choose drugs that will reduce post operative issues such as nausea and sickness. After your procedure, both Dr. Smith and the anesthesiologist will call you to answer any questions and make sure you are doing well.
Although Dr. Smith does not use this option often, there are been some patients who require a hospital environment to have their dental work done. Dr. Smith has privileges at the Northpoint Surgery Center for those patients that require general anesthesia for their dental work. Here they are intubated and put under general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist. Dr. Smith performs the needed dental work right there in the operating room.
In Fresno, there are only a few dentists who are licensed to perform Intravenous Sedation. The training and licensing required to do IV sedation are extensive, so most dentists who advertise Sedation Dentistry are only using a pill to mildly sedate or relax people.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 159 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestShane Ronemus
a year ago
I have pretty severe anxiety disorder and it took years for me to find the courage to visit a dentist.. Dr. Smith and his entire staff have been both very supportive, helpful and encouraging in my recovery. I've never felt any shame or humiliation when having a teeth cleaning or exam. All the crowns and fillings I've had over the years have been both painless and smooth. Everyone is very open and will always explain things step by step if you have any questions or concerns. To anyone reading this no matter how afraid or embarrassed you may be by your teeth, Dr. Smith and his entire staff will help you in any way they can. There is no need to be scared like I once was. Melissa, Audrey and everybody everyone else (both past and present) - thank you. Seriously, I have never felt more comfortable in any environment than being in your office. You've made my life better because of it and it has returned a smile that I believed I had long forgotten.
Angel L
a year ago
They were above great. Not once did they make me feel ashamed of my mouth. They took their time and explained everything in great detail. Michelle was very nice and understanding. I still have a fear of going to the dentist but if I have to go ill b sure to go here. Thanks for making my first visit less stressful. You guys rock!!!!
David May
a year ago
Our 27 year old daughter has down syndrome, is mentally like a child, is mostly deaf, and communication is very basic. We cannot express how happy we are with the service we received. All the staff was very kind and caring, and Dr. Smith exceptionally so. During the full sedation and dental work with our daughter, both staff and Dr. Smith communicated with us several times. And the Dr. doing the sedation was equally as caring! It almost seems unbelievable, but it is true. Without doubt, It was well worth the drive from Visalia to Fresno for this kind of care!
Karen Smith
a year ago
My experience with Dr Smith and sedation dentistry has been nothing less than amazing. I am in the process of multiple implant surgeries and since the first phone call, first visit, the staff and Dr Smith have been compassionate, comforting, welcoming, and make you feel like family. All the work that's been done to this point has been perfect. It's not often you look forward to future dental visits, but the staff and Dr Smith make it so comfortable and they make you feel that you're in great hands. Thank you Dr Smith, Melissa, Joanie, and staff!
Kendalyn Mack Franklin
2 years ago
This has been by far the most holistic approach to supporting oral health that I've experienced in my life. Dr. Smith and his whole team provide exceptional-able customer service that is centered around patient relationship. I came seeking a safe space to address my traumatic childhood experiences at the dentist and Dr. Smith and his team has helped me to overcome one of my greatest fears. The sedation service is empowering. It helped me get though my first extraction last year as well as the wisdom teeth extraction and implant placement I'll be provided today. I am so happy I found this wonderful dentist and I hope that you find what you're looking for too. If you're wanting a dentist that will take time to get to know you and your needs and your history that is heavy in providing comfortable, safe environments, this is the place for you. If you have anxiety around dental care, you will find refuge here. As long as Dr. Smith is practicing, I will be a patient here.
Kylie Wheelock
2 years ago
As someone who deals extreme anxiety, Dr. Smith and his entire office eased my experience with needing dental work completed. I would not have been able to go through with the procedure without Dr. Smith and his office. Will be highly recommending his office to others.
Bethany Davis
2 years ago
Doctor Smith and his entire staff are absolutely wonderful. He's very good at treating exactly what you need him to. He didn't pressure me for additional or more expensive procedures. Very professional. I will refer him to everyone I know.
Hilario Ybarra
2 years ago
Very respectful doctor. he took the time and actually reached out to me on the phone and talked to me personally. the procedure was very comfortable.i will definitely be back. Thank you Dr Rob Smith.
Tammy Moraga
2 years ago
Exceptional experience doesn't come close to explaining the wonderful service we received all the way around. My son is special needs, non-verbal, sensory sensitive and has several dental needs. Dr Smith, Melissa and Dr Milne were able from the moment I stepped into their office put my heart and my mind at ease that they will care for my child as their own and they have done just that. Dr Smith was very thorough explaining where all his dental needs were and the steps it will take to make sure my son continues to have the beautiful smile we've always loved. The sedation was gentle and Dr Milne was very attentive during the procedure and monitoring my son. Dr Smith said he felt we would become a part of his dental family for a very long time and I couldn't agree more.
Jennifer San Nicolas
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Smith. I suffer from TMJ, and Dr. Smith and his staff are very patient with me. I love Melissa she takes the time to explain every option and procedure. I recently had 3 crowns and 1 extraction, and if you are familiar with TMJ you know it can be very painful, Dr Smith's office offers sedation, and I'm happy to say everything went well, the anesthesiologist did an amazing job considering I have horrible veins, the IV was in on the first attempt. I highly recommend sedation, for those that suffer from TMJ, or just afraid of the dentist. I'm happy to say I now have a new dentist, in Dr. Smith.
Joseph Tuttle
2 years ago
The office is always clean, and the staff is very nice and helpful. There are no long wait times, and Dr Smith always goes over everything and answers any questions you may have.
Leonard Williams
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Smith's office, I had gone many years without seeing a dentist as I get severe anxiety and just can't tolerate any dental work. My wife found his office after doing research on sedation dentists in the area. He and his staff are very patient and understanding. They were able to come up with a plan to get my teeth fixed and were upfront on cost and gave me all the available options on how I could treat certain problems with my teeth, all on the first visit. I had my dental work done under sedation and everything went great.
Bekah Wilson
2 years ago
Not sure how he has such great reviews. I grew up going to him and he always over charges. I had the worst experiences with him. Always painful. Always judgmental. I woke up during the middle of my wisdom teeth appointment years ago. And I switched dentists and pay a QUARTER of what they charge here. They just care about money & Dr Smith is not friendly. Don't go here
Hannah Lee
2 years ago
I really love the entire staff at the office of Rob Smith! After having a baby during the initial pandemic shutdown in early 2020 I really let my dental work go and was in need of multiple fillings as well as a tricky root canal. It was a really scary thing for me to go in and get in done due to having really bad dental experiences in the past and struggling with overall anxiety. The entire office really made me feel comfortable and validated and Rob Smith as a really kind and calm bedside manner that I really appreciate. I am so glad I took the time to find them and get back to good dental health again!
Lola Mercado
2 years ago
As the mother of a special needs child I was super anxious about my son needing a root canal. After an extensive search I came across Dr Robert Smith. Upon reviewing his website I felt very good about making an appointment and seeing about our options. Melissa is absolutely amazing. She explained everything to not only my husband and myself, but to my son as well. We were informed of all our options for sedated dentistry. My son had his root canal 3 weeks ago. It was the best experience we could have asked for. Caring, considerate, knowledgeable staff that took his needs into account while performing the work that was so needed. If you've been looking for a sedated dentistry you owe it to yourself to make an appointment for a consultation. Dentistry doesn't have to cause anxiety, worry, there are other ways. I will forever be grateful that this is an option.
AMC
2 years ago
Dr. Smith is amazing! The sedation process was smooth and easy. We love Melissa she goes over everything and so helpful. Thank you guys for everything you do.
Richard Ornelas
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Smith dental office. They are very friendly and patient with you. His office also can do sedation if you need that to get all your work done at one time. He dies fabulous work.
Hunter Smith
2 years ago
I LOVE Dr. Smith's office and the option of sedation dentistry. I am a very nervous patient at the dentist but the sedation options make it so much easier! I recommend this office to everyone I know.
taylor
2 years ago
I came to Dr. Smith needing sedation dentistry because novocain wasn't working for me. The staff was extremely helpful and kind and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. Every appointment is amazing and I no longer am afraid to go to the dentist.
FunLifeOnABudget
2 years ago
I'm terrified of dentists and was looking for years trying to find someone I could trust. I look no more! I take a 2 hour drive to go see Dr. Smith because I know that I'm in good hands. I had a tooth pulled, a root canal done and a crown set in one procedure which was performed under general anastasia. I have no recollection other than everyone being super nice and accommodating to me before and after the procedure. Dr. Smith called me at home to make sure that I'm alright and I can call the practice any time with any question or concern I have. I like the service, the staff and Dr. Smith and encourage everyone, especially those who are terrified of dentists to visit Dr. Smith and see for yourself. Irina
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