Mastering Comfort: Our Specialized Approach to Sedation Dentistry

Many adults suffer from anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures. Sometimes, these anxieties can lead a patient to avoid the dentist all together. This can result in tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, jaw and mouth issues, and trouble speaking or chewing.

To prevent this outcome, our practice specializes in sedation dentistry and utilize advanced sedation techniques to help our patients feel comfortable, calm, and relaxed throughout their dental visit.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry

Some patients have experienced traumatic or negative dental visits in the past and are afraid of being in a similar situation at their next appointment. This can mean they wait until they are in pain or have experienced a dental emergency before seeking dental treatment again.

Other patients struggle with generalized anxiety issues that can make it difficult to sit still or relax throughout their appointment. Additional problems that can lead to dental worries include sensitive teeth, a sensitive gag reflex, fear of needles or dental tools, special needs, and a concern about undergoing a long dental procedure.  

All of these patients will benefit from pain-free dental procedures and their ability to provide a safe and peaceful experience from start to finish.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Here at Family Dental Care, a Jackson area dental comfort practice, we use three different types of sedation dentistry. These are:

• Nitrous Oxide

• Oral sedation

• IV sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Often called “laughing gas,” this type of sedation is inhaled through the nose and provides a mild sedative effect. You will remain completely conscious throughout the procedure though you will be in a more relaxed state.  

This type of sedation helps to calm anxiety and reduce fear, leading to a more peaceful and less stressful dental visit. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the procedure, so you will be safe to drive home and resume your normal activities.

Oral Sedation

This type of sedation is deeper than nitrous oxide and is administered by swallowing an anxiety medication about an hour prior to your appointment. Though you will remain conscious during the procedure, you will be in a more relaxed state than that obtained through laughing gas, and you may not remember much of your appointment once the sedation has worn off.

This method also allows you to relax throughout your appointment, but since its effects are longer lasting, you will need someone to drive you home from your visit.  

IV Sedation

IV sedation is the deepest form of sedation we use at our practice. The medication is delivered intravenously (or through an IV) and is administered by an anesthesiologist who monitors the sedation process throughout your appointment. While you will be in a semi-conscious state throughout your procedure and will be able to respond to the dentist if needed, you will not remember the procedure afterward and will need someone to be a designated driver.  

This type of sedation is an excellent option for those with special needs, severe anxiety issues, who are undergoing a long dental treatment, or who are being treated for several dental concerns at once.  

Types of procedures that require dental sedation

There are certain dental procedures that almost always require some form of oral or IV dental sedation. These include:  

• Tooth extractions

• Root canals

• Wisdom teeth removals

• Dental implants

• Periodontal surgery

• Some emergency dental procedures

Milder forms of sedation such as nitrous oxide may be used for fillings and for some root canals. Nitrous oxide may also be appropriate if you suffer from dental anxiety or are worried about being able to remain still during your procedure.  

During your visit, our compassionate and skilled team will discuss your concerns with you and help you choose the right option for you.  

Contact us

If you are experiencing dental anxiety but would like to come in for dental care, call us today to talk about our options. We are incredibly focused on providing comfortable solutions in a safe environment so that you can maintain good oral health without going through all the fear and worry. We offer general dental care, cosmetic dental treatments, and smile restoration options that can keep your teeth bright and healthy.  

Call Family Dental Care today to schedule your appointment. Our dentists will help you choose the right form of sedation for your dental treatment so you can smile without fear!

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