Our team understands that some people have serious phobias of the dentist, or that they may have special needs that make undergoing care a difficult process, even if it is just a simple cleaning. To ensure that patients of all ages can enjoy a positive experience in our office, we provide calming medications. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about sedation dentistry and when we may recommend this for our patients, and what you can expect from each of our three options. Even if you have serious anxiety, we can make your dental treatment experience a calm and comfortable one.
When a Patient Needs Sedation
When do we prescribe sedation for our patients? We may recommend this if they have special needs or an overactive gag reflex that makes receiving even minor treatments like cleanings a difficult process. This could also be helpful for those with dental anxiety. We never want to minimize your fears, but we want to make sure you can obtain the care you need with comfort and calm. We could also provide sedatives for people undergoing more extensive treatments, such as tooth extraction or dental implant placement. Our goal is for you and your family to enjoy a positive experience in our office, and we work hard to make that possible, so talk to our team today about our calming treatment options!
How We Choose an Option for You
We have three different options, so how do we choose which one is right for you? To begin, we will look at your age, weight, medical history, and look closely at any medications you are currently taking. Next, our team will take anxiety levels into account, as well as any special needs. In some cases, we may even combine options, like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, to ensure you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, often with no memory of the procedure at all!
Nitrous Oxide
The most mild and common option is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This is administered to the patient through a mask over the nose. The patient breathes in a gas and enters a deep state of calm, often with no memory of the procedure. But you remain conscious and can respond to the dentist as needed, even if you have no memory of the process. The effects wear off once the procedure ends, so you can return to school or even drive yourself back to work. We often recommend this option for our younger patients.
Oral Conscious
Oral conscious is a much deeper form of calming. You still remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist as needed, but will likely have no memory of the procedure. The medication is given in a pill or liquid form prior to the procedure, and you enter a deep state of relaxation. The effects take time to wear off, so you need to have a friend or family member on hand to take you home afterward.
IV
The deepest state of calm and one reserved for extensive treatments and/or serious anxiety, is IV. The sedation is administered intravenously, and you enter a deep sleep-like state with no memory of the procedure at all. The effects don’t wear off right away, so you need someone on hand to take you home afterward. We will provide any necessary aftercare instructions or prescriptions related to your treatment and recovery too.
If you have any questions about our approach to sedation dentistry, or if you have anxiety but need to undergo dental care to ensure a healthy and whole smile, then contact our team. We look forward to answering your questions and addressing your concerns. A visit now means we can see you and address your concerns before the holiday season gets too hectic, and before your 2024 dental insurance benefits and health savings account funds expire at midnight on December 31st. Let’s work together to start a new year with a stunning new smile, reach out to our team today!
Do You Have Any Questions About Our Calming Treatments?
Our team wants to make sure you enjoy a positive experience in our office, even if you are undergoing more extensive treatments. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling (913)681-5500 to learn more. You deserve good oral health and a smile that makes you feel confident, so please reach out to our team today to discuss your options and schedule an examination. Let’s make 2025 the year you enjoy your best possible smile!
