If you have dental anxiety or are undergoing a more extensive treatment, you may feel a bit nervous about your visit. We don’t want your phobia to stand between you and the smile you deserve, and we will never minimize your discomfort. Instead, we will offer a comfortable visit with dental sedation. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about sedation dentistry, which can help make your treatment experience a comfortable one, and ensure you can enjoy the results that make you feel confident in your smile again!
When You May Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
When do we recommend dental sedation for our patients? We could offer this if someone is undergoing a more extensive treatment, such as dental implant placement or tooth extraction, which may be more involved than a simple filling or crown placement. If someone has a phobia of the dentist, this can help them remain calm and relaxed, so they enjoy their time in the office and receive care necessary to enjoy better oral health. If a patient has special needs or an overactive gag reflex, this could also make the treatment experience a more positive one. We want people to enjoy their time in the office and look forward to seeing us, so they can obtain better oral health and a more attractive smile!
How We Choose the Right Treatment Option
We have three different calming options available, but how do we choose the right option for you? We take a number of different factors into account. For example, we want to know what medications you are currently taking, and we will look at your recent medical history. Our team will also consider your anxiety levels, and look at your age and weight. We have team members trained in the administration of anesthesia, who will monitor you throughout the process and make any adjustments as needed. Your health and safety are always our top priority when you see us for treatment!
A Look at Three Different Dental Sedations
The first option is the most mild and common: nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, we administer this through a mask over your nose. You breathe in the gas and enter a state of euphoria and calm. Our team can adjust levels during treatment, and you remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist as needed. However, you will likely have little to no memory of the procedure. Once the treatment ends, the effects do too, so you can return to work or school, or even drive yourself home.
If you need a more substantial state of calm, we could offer oral sedation. This is taken in a pill or liquid form prior to the procedure. You enter a deeper state of calm, and will have no memory of the procedure, despite being conscious. The effects take time to wear off, so you need to have a friend or a family member on hand to take you home.
The deepest state of calm is made possible through IV sedation. We administer the calming medication intravenously, and you enter a sleep-like state with no memory of the procedure. We will monitor you throughout the procedure, and again you will need someone to take you home afterward as the effects take time to wear off.
When you arrive for treatment, be sure you wear loose and comfortable clothing, and we may suggest you avoid food and drink for a few hours before the procedure. Which is why we typically schedule these in the morning when possible. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a visit with our team for treatment, then please reach out to our office today. If you have ante about the dentist due to not seeing one or a bad prior experience, please let us know. We will talk to you about your fears and make a plan to ensure you feel calm and relaxed. You deserve a healthy and bright smile, and we want to make that possible, so reach out soon to learn more.
Do You Have Any Questions About Sedation Dentistry?
Our team wants to offer treatments to help you stay calm and enjoy your time in the office! With sedation, your treatment experience is a comfortable one, even if you have anxiety or special needs that could complicate treatment otherwise. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling (913)681-5500 to learn more and to schedule your visit. We look forward to hearing from you!
