We employ advanced technology and state-of-the-technology to offer treatment with comfort and precision. But we also offer sedation! Even if you have dental anxiety or special needs that impact treatment, our team can offer a comfortable experience with dental sedation. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about sedation dentistry, and how we use special medications to help you stay calm, comfortable, and relaxed when you undergo treatment, whether you’re having a tooth replaced or a dental implant placed.
The Reasons We Prescribe Dental Sedation
When do you need an option like dental sedation? This could help patients enter a deep state of calm and relaxation if they are undergoing more extensive treatments, such as dental implant placement or tooth extraction. If they have an overactive gag reflex, this can help them relax and stay comfortable. This is also beneficial for those with special needs that make undergoing even minor procedures a difficult process. If you have dental anxiety, this can help calm you. We want you to be able to receive the care you need to enjoy optimal oral health, so you can smile with confidence.
How Choose the Right One for You
We have three different options available for our patients. But which one is the right choice? We will look at a number of factors before we make a decision. For example, we will take your age, weight, and medical history into account. We also look at any medications you are taking, as well as your anxiety levels and any dental phobia you may have. During your treatment, a trained anesthesiologist will be on hand to monitor you and ensure your health and safety. We follow extensive guidelines throughout the process!
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a very common option, one that is safe for kids and adults of all ages. This is a mild form of calming that is administered through a mask over the nose. You breathe in a gas and then you enter a state of deep clean and euphoria. You remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist if necessary, but have little memory of the procedure at all. The effects can be adjusted during treatment, but will wear off almost immediately once the procure ends. Which means patients can return to work or school afterward, and can even drive themselves in some cases.
Oral Conscious
Whether due to a more involved procedure or a higher level of anxiety, you may need a deeper cleaning agent than nitrous oxide. If so, we can offer oral conscious sedation, which is offered through a pill or liquid prior to the procedure you are undergoing. You enter a deeper state of calm and have no memory of the procedure in most cases. The effects don’t wear off right away, so you need to have someone on hand to bring you home afterward.
IV
The deepest form of sedation available is IV, and as the name implies, is administered intravenously. A trained anesthesiologist is of course on hand to monitor the process, the effects are much deeper than the previous ones we discussed. You will have little to no memory of the procedure at all, and again, the effects take time to wear off so be sure you have someone available to take you home.
If you need aftercare instructions or prescriptions for medications to help facilitate the healing process and keep you comfortable, we can send these home with you. We want to ensure that not only is the procedure itself a comfortable experience, but that the healing process is as well. We may schedule a follow-up visit in the days to come too. If you have any questions about how we help keep patients with anxiety relaxed, and ensure your treatment experience is a positive one, then contact our team today to learn more. You deserve a positive office experience, so you can always look forward to your next appointment!
Do You Have Any Questions About Enjoying a Calm Visit?
Our team wants to help you receive the care you need while staying comfortable, so you don’t dread the dentist and will be more likely to attend future appointments to monitor your oral health and keep your smile bright and strong. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling (913)681-5500 to learn more about ensuring you enjoy a comfortable visit. We will answer any questions or address any concerns you have, so you can start your journey to an even and healthy smile.
