If you’ve been avoiding necessary dental work or cleanings because you’re afraid of the dentist or you previously had a bad experience, sedation dentistry might be a good option.
Sedation dentistry can provide different levels of pain relief and relaxation at the dentist. To find out more, read our FAQs below.
You can also call us with questions at [phone] or email us at [email].
Is sedation dentistry right for You?
If any of the following sound familiar, sedation dentistry is probably a good option for you:
- You feel anxious and afraid when faced with an upcoming dental appointment.
- You’ve had bad experiences with dentists in the past that make you hesitant to seek out care.
- You have teeth that are extremely sensitive or a gag reflex that’s strong.
- You have difficulty becoming comfortably numb through normal means.
- You find it very difficult to sit still for long periods of time.
- You’re in need of several, complex dental procedures that need to be completed as soon as possible.
To find out more about your options or book your first appointment with us, give us a call at [phone] or email us at [email].
What are the types of sedation dentistry?
In [state], we can offer the options below, if properly trained. At [practice name], we are happy to provide all the options to our patients so they can comfortably get their dental work completed:
- Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as “laughing gas,” and it’s a great choice for patients who need just a little extra help with feeling comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Patients inhale the gas through a mask that fits over the nose, and once it’s removed, the effects go away within minutes. This means you can even drive yourself home from your appointment!
- Oral conscious sedation is a more moderate sedation where patients are provided with a prescription and instructed to take it at a certain time before their appointment. Once the effects take hold, you should enter a deep state of relaxation while still remaining aware enough to respond to Dr. [last name]’s requests.
- IV sedation is a more advanced form of sedation that’s administered intravenously. This allows our team to control the dosage amount more easily and ensure that you’re completely at ease. Dr. [last name] has undergone advanced training in dental anesthesiology, and she’s fully licensed and certified to provide IV sedation and the rest of these helpful techniques in [state].
Can any dentist do sedation dentistry?
All dentists are trained in minimal sedation but moderate sedation methods to IV sedation require additional training.
At [practice name] we are qualified to offer [sedationoptions].
Why use sedation dentistry?
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist and need a little extra help feeling comfortable, sedation dentistry is a great option! The sedation options are designed to relieve negative emotions and create a sense of genuine relaxation, allowing your treatment to go as smoothly as possible.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
As with all surgical procedures, there is some risk but it is minimal. Sedation dentistry techniques are safely and effectively used for thousands of dental procedures each year.
To minimize your risk when using sedation dentistry:
- Confirm that your dentist is qualified to provide the level of sedation recommended for you and the procedure you’re having.
- Follow any pre- and post-sedation instructions provided by your dentist.
- Provide your dentist with a detailed medical update before your treatment including any changes to your health; or recent health concerns (such as dizziness, difficulty breathing); and a full list of any medications you’re taking.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, your dentist may also consult with your physician in advance of your dental treatment.
- Let your dentist know about any previous experiences with sedation.
What are the effects of sedation?
Depending on the level of sedation, you may experience no effects to feeling drowsy with limited recollection of your appointment.
For all types of sedation, it is expected that your coordination and reasoning skills may be impacted for up to 24 hours following treatment. Your dental office may request that you have a friend or family member pick you up from the appointment, and that you not drive.
Talk to your dentist before treatment about any expected side-effects for the level of sedation that you will have.
Are you interested in sedation dentistry?
If you want to learn more about sedation dentistry, start by going to here to learn if sedation dentistry might be right for you > [sedationdentistryquiz]
Dr. [last name] has extensive training in sedation dentistry and can help you determine if it’s a good option for you.