Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety and health conditions can make people put off going to the dentist.
Sedation dentistry helps patients of Jackson and Flowood, MS, relax and receive the dental treatment they need for a healthy smile.
Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his team have nearly 100 years of combined experience making dental patients feel comfortable during treatment.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry aims to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for those who struggle with dental visits. Sedation options can vary depending on the patient's needs.
Benefit From a Relaxing Dental Experience—Request an Appointment
Which Problems Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Anxiety
Dental anxiety is a common condition in the United States. According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), 50%-80% of adults have anxiety surrounding the dentistry office. This fear results in irregular dental visits and more significant oral wellness problems. Sedation dentistry can help calm your nerves around treatments and get you into our Flowood dental office sooner.
Trouble Sitting Still
Sitting still can be difficult for people with cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, and other medical conditions. However, certain procedures may require you to stay in the same chair at the dentist for quite some time. Sedation options can help patients remain comfortable when seated for this extended period.
Sensitive Gag Reflex
Patients with a sensitive gag reflex can find the dentistry office an uncomfortable experience. Patients can find comfort with sedation dentistry.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth and gums can make going to the dentist a painful and uncomfortable experience. We make dental appointments at our Flowood, MS, dental office a virtually painless experience with sedation dentistry.
Long Dental Procedures
If you're getting a ton of dental work done in one sitting, such as a smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction, the process can take a while. Sedation dentistry can help the time pass quickly.
Comfort Is Always Our Priority
During Dr. Danny O'Keefe's time in the military, he saw many servicemen have difficult experiences with dentistry. This showed him the importance of a gentle touch—and sedation options to ease pain and concerns. Our Flowood, MS, dental practice proudly features multiple sedation options so patients with anxiety, especially sensitive teeth, and other common worries can receive the care they need without fear.
Sedation Options Offered
Different sedation options can work for you depending on the severity of your dental phobia or health condition. Family Dental Care has one of the most comprehensive sedation dentistry programs in all of Mississippi. After a consultation, we can determine which type of sedation is right for you:
Nitrous Oxide
Sedation
Otherwise known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that patients inhale through a mask placed over the nose. It usually takes effect in minutes and will keep you relaxed in a state of near-sleep throughout your procedure. Patients will remain alert to their surroundings, follow instructions, and answer questions.
Oral Conscious
Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescription drug one to three hours before treatment. The sedative will keep you calm yet conscious throughout the treatment. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, the dentist may give you one oral sedation pill to take at home the night before and another oral sedation pill to take before the procedure.
Intravenous Sedation
IV sedation involves administering a sedative medication via the bloodstream. This type of anesthesia does not put you to sleep or render you unconscious. Since it enters your bloodstream directly, it will take effect quickly, and the anesthesiologist can adjust the amount of sedation throughout treatment to keep you comfortable.
Don't Delay Your Dental Appointment Any Longer
If you've put off going to the dentist out of fear, sensitivity, or any of the problems above, take back control of your oral wellness with sedation dentistry. Drs. O'Keefe and Belote at Family Dental Care in Flowood, MS, make going to the dentist a comfortable process. Request an appointment and say yes to dental care by calling us at:
(601) 936-2526
Easing Anxiety and Making Dental Care Easier 5-Star Reviews From Patients at Our Flowood, MS, Dentistry Office
DT McNair
Flowood, MS
2023
Family Dental & Dr Belote are awesome! I have extreme anxiety issues but after going to this great dental office I am so much better. Without their kindness I don’t know where I would be. Thank you! Dr Belote & your wonderful staff! God bless each of you! Love y’all ❤️ View on Google
Tommie Blauer
Flowood, MS
2023
My first time to visit and everyone was great! They explained everything as they took their time with me. I felt comfortable and at ease. Wish I would have found them many years ago. I assure anyone you will not go wrong by choosing them, glad I did! View on Google
"You're going to feel right at home."
When Tammy's relative referred her to Family Dental Care for help with some tooth pain, she knew she had found the dental practice for her. Our friendly staff made her feel like a friend, and Dr. O'Keefe Belote's care has boosted her confidence in her smile. Thank you, Tammy—we can't wait for your next visit!
We Have the Wand for Virtually Painless Anesthesia
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Our dentists have a computer-guided anesthesia delivery system known as the Wand® which can be used to anesthetize a single tooth with a comfortable digital injection, allowing patients to feel less pain.
Jackson Knows to Trust Us
Patients come to our Flowood practice for sedation dentistry to make a vast array of procedures painless and effective. Some of the reasons we have earned Jackson's trust include:
Vast Experience
Dr. Danny O'Keefe earned his DDS from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1966. He now has more than half a century of dental experience. During his career, he has provided highly personalized sedation for a vast array of patients. Dr. Belote graduated first in her class at the University of Mississippi Dental School in 1990, serving as the editor of the school's journal and earning many awards and scholarships. She has practiced dentistry in the Jackson area ever since, giving her more than three decades of experience.
Industry Leadership
Each of our dentists has played leading roles in the dental industry here in Mississippi. Dr. O'Keefe's extensive knowledge and reputation have made him a valued educator—he has spent significant time serving as a clinical instructor for senior dental students at the University of Mississippi Dental School. Dr. Belote has also become a valued leader among the state's dental experts, having been an alternate to the Mississippi Dental Association's Board of Trustees.
Sedation Dentistry Can Make Procedures More Effective
While much of the focus of sedation dentistry revolves around eliminating patient anxiety and pain, it is important to also note that the use of sedatives can help our expert dentists carry out even more effective procedures.
When our Jackson patients are calm and relaxed after receiving their sedatives, they become easier to operate on. As the tension of a dental appointment is removed, our dentists can carry out more precise procedures.
Sedation can be especially effective for longer procedures since it can make a procedure that takes hours feel like it went by in minutes. Without having to worry about an uncomfortable patient, our dentists can take the time they need to perfect your smile.
Sedation Dentistry Is Just the Beginning Using the Latest Tech for Smile-Transforming Procedures
The relaxation of sedation dentistry is made even better when it is followed by the joyful feeling of seeing a newly enhanced smile. Our dentists use a variety of cutting-edge technologies to make sure our dental results are as stellar as possible.
For example, we have the ultramodern CEREC® system that allows us to craft customized dental crowns in-house without needing to spend time sending scans to a dental lab. Our other advanced technology includes low-radiation digital X-rays and fiber-optic lighting systems. We have even invested in technology to make procedures that don't necessarily require sedation more painless, like our air abrasion for gentle cavity removal.
Call or write to us today for effective, anxiety-free dentistry.
(601) 936-2526
I'm Ready to Reap the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Making Patients Comfortable in the Dental Chair More 5-Star Reviews From Happy Jackson, MS, Patients
Minnie Abdu
Flowood, MS
2023
made me feel comfortable and at ease... Thank you Family Dental for such excellent services and professional care workers. View on Google
Joe Germany
Flowood, MS
2023
This is an amazing group of professionals. They make going to the dentist a positive experience. Keep up the great work and wonderful atmosphere. View on Google
Who Is Not a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Our dentistry team offers several sedation options to help cater to various Jackson patients' needs. However, one or more sedation options may not be suitable for you.
Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas sedation is safe for almost all patients, including children and the elderly, because it is non-allergenic. However, nitrous oxide is not recommended for patients with the following conditions:
- Pregnant women in their first trimester
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Middle ear infections
- Chronic asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
Oral Conscious Sedation and IV Sedation
By reviewing your medical history and current medication list, your dentist can determine if oral conscious sedation is right for you. Patients may not qualify for oral conscious sedation or IV sedation if on a particular medication or with certain health conditions, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Blood pressure medication
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Our doctors prioritize your safety before, during, and after a dental procedure.
Before your procedure, we analyze your medical history to ensure dental sedation is safe for you. We cater to each of our patients as individuals and take the time to listen and address their concerns.
On the day of the procedure, Dr. O’Keefe and his staff, including an anesthesiologist, will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. If you start to have problems, Dr. O’Keefe and his staff are trained to assist you immediately.
After your procedure, our doctors will call to see how you're recovering. We're with you every step of the way.
The Effects of Sedatives
Here's what to expect once your appointment is complete and if you need to plan for transportation home:
Nitrous Oxide
Once Dr. O’Keefe completes your treatment, the flow of nitrous oxide will stop, and the effects will subside quickly, so you can safely drive yourself home following your procedure. This is a huge benefit that's not available with the other forms of sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation may make you feel tired or disoriented, so you need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment. You can return to work and regular activities the day after treatment.
IV Sedation
Though you are still conscious with IV sedation, the sedative will leave you drowsy and not fully alert. As with oral conscious sedation, you will need to arrange a ride to and from our office, and you should plan on taking the entire day off work.
Changing How Patients Feel About Dentistry More Great Reviews From Jackson
Sherman
Flowood, MS
2023
I love this place, everyone is very friendly and kind. I have had bad experiences with dentist in the past, but safe to say the staff is amazing and caring and I believe that I have found my dental home. View on Google
Kim Watson
Flowood, MS
2023
If you have dental anxiety, you NEED to go to Family Dental Care!... Not only do they listen, they remember all my quirks, making each visit easier than the last. They treat you as an individual and don’t just look for $$$. They will do everything they can to save your teeth and even if they can’t save them they can do implants too! View on Google