If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, Dr. Nathan Owens can provide you with IV sedation to help you feel more comfortable at our office. Please contact Owens Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (931) 277-4666 if you would like to receive IV sedation dentistry in Pulaski, Tennessee.
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful choice for patients who feel anxious or nervous about their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative medication to help you feel more relaxed and calm during your dental visit. There are several types of sedation dentistry available based on your individual needs and preferences:
Nitrous oxide, (laughing gas), which is a sedative gas that is mixed with oxygen. You simply inhale the gas during your treatment to help you feel more relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off within just a few minutes after we stop the flow of gas.
Oral sedation, which involves taking an oral medication before your treatment. By the time of your appointment, you will feel calm and at ease.
IV sedation, which involves administering the medication intravenously (through the veins). This type of sedation enables our dentist to provide the sedation more quickly, and we can also easily control the level of sedation to ensure that you stay comfortable. IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, meaning that it will not make you unconscious, but you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep during your treatment. You may also not remember all of the details of your visit.
Sedation dentistry will help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. Our experienced dentist and dental team will ensure that your entire treatment is safe. Each member of our team is highly trained, and we will carefully monitor you during your visit. If you have chosen oral or IV sedation, please be sure to have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, if you have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past, or if you simply feel nervous about your treatment, sedation dentistry can help you feel more at ease. Sedation dentistry is also a good choice for patients who have difficulty getting numb or who have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
For more information on sedation dentistry and how it can make your dental experience more pleasant, we welcome you to contact us today.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is when we use medication to calm patients' anxieties. This could be done orally or through IV. The medication we use is called an anxiolytic, which is designed to kill anxiety.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, it's much safer than general anesthesia. The sedation we use doesn't require intubation or affect your respiratory system. You can breathe on your own and all your bodily functions work normally, except for the brain which is relaxed to eliminate fear.
Types of sedation
We use IV sedation and oral sedation. IV sedation is more common and safer as it delivers the medication directly into a vein. Oral sedation is less predictable and less potent, and hence we use it less frequently.
What can a patient expect after being sedated?
The patient can expect to feel relaxed. The sedation causes retrograde amnesia, so the patient probably won't remember the procedure or even coming to the office. But they will still be able to respond to commands.
Is sedation necessary for all dental procedures?
Not necessarily. It depends on the type of procedure and the patient. Some patients can have a difficult procedure without any sedation, while others may need IV sedation for a simple procedure.
Is the sedation painful?
There's no pain involved with it besides maybe getting the IV, which is pretty much painless. The medication goes in painlessly, and next thing you know, you're awake and the procedure's over.
Side effects or risks with sedation dentistry
There's always a risk involved when we're giving medications into your body. Some people may experience nausea when they wake up or it may take them longer to wake up, depending on the amount of sedation needed. In very rare cases, there can be more severe risks, but it's very safe overall.
How to know if sedation is needed
During the treatment plan, we can assess if you're anxious and might need sedation. But you should also let us know about any fears you have and we can discuss the possibility of sedation.
What if I have more questions or concerns about sedation dentistry?
If you have any more questions or concerns, kindly reach out to us. You can make an appointment to sit down with us and ask your questions. We'll be happy to put your mind at ease and let you know what we can do for you.