Do you have any anxiety or possibly a fear about seeing the dentist? We understand that for many, these fears are very real, and we will never minimize them. Instead, we will talk to you and choose calming medications to help ensure a positive experience. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about helping patients enjoy comfortable care with dental sedation.
When Smiles Need Dental Sedation
When do we prescribe our sedation options for our patients? As we mentioned in the opening, we may suggest these for people with dental anxiety or a phobia of the dentist, as this could make undergoing even minor cleanings a difficult process. We want even people with a fear of the dentist to enjoy a positive experience in our office, and we will strive to make that happen. We also suggest this for people undergoing more extensive restorative treatments or oral surgery, such as wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or jawbone grafting. If a patient has special needs that could complicate the ability to receive care, these calming solutions could be beneficial too.
How We Choose Which Option is Right for You
Our team offers three different sedation options. How do we select the right one for each patient? Our team will take a number of different factors into account. We will assess your age, weight, and your overall medical history. We look at any medications you are currently taking, and will assess your anxiety levels too. With this information, our team can provide the best plan moving forward, so you enjoy your time in our office and hopefully, look forward to seeing us again for routine preventive treatment down the line!
Dental Anesthesia
Our team could provide a local anesthesia to numb certain areas directly, so you can stay comfortable when undergoing minor procedures like a filling placement or receiving a crown. This could also be used in conjunction with our dental sedation options.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the mildest form available and one that is often perfect for children. This is administered in a gas form through a mask over the nose. The patient breathes in the gas and enters a deep state of calm, but stays conscious and able to respond to the dentist as needed. We can adjust the sedation levels during the procedure, and the effects wear off once the procedure ends. In fact, you could drive yourself home or even return to work or school as needed.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you need a more substantial calming solution, we could offer oral conscious sedation. With this option, you take a pill or drink prior to the procedure, and enter a very deep state of calm, with little to no memory of the procedure, despite staying conscious and able to respond to the dentist as needed. You may need to avoid food and drink in the hours before the procedure, and will likely schedule an appointment in the morning. The effects take time to wear off fully, so you need to have someone available to take you home afterward.
IV Sedation
The deepest form available is IV, and is administered intravenously. You enter a deep and sleep-like state, with no memory of the process at all. This is helpful for people with a severe phobia of the dentist, one that cannot be remedied with discussion and other calming solutions. You will be monitored through the procedure by a trained anesthesiologist, and when you wake you will be a bit groggy so you will need someone available to take you home afterward.
With all options, we will provide any aftercare instructions, as these are suggested for oral surgeries, and you may need to take certain medications or follow instructions as the area heals. If you have any questions about how we offer a calm and positive experience with dental sedation, then please contact our team today to learn more. You deserve to enjoy your time in the office and obtain the results that make you feel confident, so reach out to our office to learn more and get started!
Schedule a Visit and Receive Comfortable Dental Care
We are ready to help you enjoy a positive experience in our office, which is why we offer calming options for our patients and their families. Don’t let your anxiety or bad previous experiences stand between you and the smile you deserve, talk to our team about possible options and start enjoying your best possible smile! To learn more about our calming treatment options, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913)681-5500.
