Sedation Dentistry: Is It For Me?
Do any of these sound familiar: sweaty hands, racing heart, feeling as if you’ll hyperventilate, profuse perspiration, jitters, canceling appointments or never scheduling them because it is easier to suffer with the pain than face the anxiety. If so, continue reading to discover how we can help you!
Oral Sedation Dentistry is safe, economical, and convenient. It can deliver a deeper relaxation state than nitrous and provide some amnesic effects. After an initial consultation to determine if you need anxiety relief or just need to complete extensive treatment in one visit, we will take baseline vital signs and write a prescription. An oral sedative agent will be taken about an hour before your dental appointment, so you will be relaxed before we start. Although awake, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. During your treatment, we will monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation rate, and your blood pressure with state of the art patient monitors. We never leave your side. So, don’t let anxiety prevent you from having the confident smile or healthy mouth you have always wanted. Take the time to come in and meet us so we can decide together what is best for you. If you would like a first appointment to simply talk about your anxieties and fears, we will do that and no dental exam would be done.
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
If you…
• Are afraid of dental visits
• Have traumatic or painful dental experiences in your past
• Feel as though you’re never “numb enough” for dental work
• Have a sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening your mouth
• Have sensitive teeth or gums
• Are on a tight schedule and need dental work completed quickly
• Have complex dental issues or are in need of surgery
• Have not undergone dental treatment for a prolonged period of time
• Experience discomfort in the dentist chair
then yes, you are a candidate for sedation dentistry!
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
No. You will be in a relaxed, tranquil state – but not asleep.
Will I be able to drive to or from my dentist appointment?
No. You will be taking a tranquilizing medication beforehand, and such drugs may impede your ability to drive. To be safe, ask a friend or family member to give you a ride to your appointment and a ride home after the appointment.
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
Absolutely. You will be monitored at all times by dental assistants to make sure that you are not in any danger. You will never be alone and the procedure is completely safe.