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Sedation Dentistry
SRD on Helton Drive in Florence, AL
 For some, the thought of visiting the dentist triggers uncomfortable feelings. If you find yourself postponing dental appointments due to fear or anxiety, you're not alone. Dental anxiety and dental phobia affect millions of people, and unfortunately, these fears may lead to poor oral health.
However, at Singing River Dentistry, we have helped many of our patients overcome their dental anxiety and dental phobia with the help of sedation dentistry. This innovative, patient-first approach helps our patients relax during dental procedures so they can maintain great oral health without stress or anxiety.
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Understanding Dental Anxiety and Phobia
Dental anxiety refers to feelings of unease or worry about dental procedures. It can range from mild nerves to severe distress. Dental phobia, on the other hand, is an intense, irrational fear of dentists or dental procedures that can be debilitating. Both conditions prevent people from receiving the dental care necessary to maintain good oral health. This often leads to serious dental issues that could have been prevented.
What Causes Dental Anxiety or Dental Phobia?
Common causes of dental anxiety and phobia stem from past dental experiences, fear of pain, loss of control, embarrassment about oral health, or fear of needles or drills. Sedation dentistry helps our patients to overcome their anxieties, regardless of the cause.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is also sometimes called sleep dentistry. This practice uses medication to alleviate dental anxiety and dental phobia, which helps our patients relax and overcome their fear of dental procedures. Dental sedation is an excellent option for those with fear of dentist experiences, or those undergoing lengthy or complex treatments. Dental sedation transforms a potentially stressful experience into a comfortable visit.
Dental Sedation Options: Finding the Right Fit for Each Patient
There are several sedation options available that range from mild relaxation to deep sedation. Our team works with patients to determine the most appropriate method based on their level of anxiety, medical history, and the complexity of the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide or Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation administered through a mask placed over the patient's nose. The gas takes effect in just a few seconds, and induces a state of relaxation and mild euphoria.
Nitrous oxide has been used for dental sedation for decades because the effects wear off quickly. This allows patients to drive themselves home shortly after a procedure is completed. In addition, the strength of sedation is easily adjusted during the procedure to keep patients completely comfortable, but still aware of their surroundings.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is very easy to administer. Our patients simply take a prescribed pill before their dental appointment. This method produces a moderate level of sedation. Oral sedation may cause some drowsiness along with relaxation, and relief of anxiety.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation or IV sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, which creates a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide or oral sedation methods.
IV sedation is easily adjusted during the procedure to maximize our patient's comfort. IV sedation is primarily used for more complex procedures, or for patients with severe dental phobias.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a state of relaxation where a patient remains awake but feels calm and detached from their surroundings. Patients are still capable of communicating, and movement, but their anxiety is contained. Conscious sedation can be achieved through various methods such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or a very light IV sedation.
The Sedation Dentistry Experience
When a patient chooses dental sedation, their visit follows a few steps.
Consultation
At the initial consultation, our team reviews the patient's medical history, discusses their concerns, and recommends the best sedation option after considering the procedure, our patient's preferences, and their level of anxiety.
Preparation
Before the procedure is scheduled, we provide guidelines on eating, drinking, and medication use to follow in the hours leading up to the appointment. These guidelines are to keep our patients safe during sedation.
Procedure
Upon arrival, as long as the guidelines have been followed, the chosen form of sedation is administered before, or during the procedure. Throughout the procedure, we closely monitor the patient's vital signs to ensure your safety.
Once the patient is sedated, our team performs the necessary dental work while they remain relaxed and comfortable.
Aftercare
After the procedure, we monitor the patient until the sedation wears off sufficiently. Many sedation methods require that the patient have someone drive them home to ensure their safety.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
Dental sedation is beneficial to patients who experience severe dental anxiety or dental phobias, have a low pain threshold, have sensitive teeth or gums, or patients who need extensive dental work. Dental sedation is also beneficial for patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods, or who have a very strong gag reflex.
However, it's important to note that sedation is not suitable for everyone. Factors such as pregnancy, certain medical conditions, or specific medications make patients ineligible for dental sedation. Please discuss your complete medical history and current medication with our team to ensure that you are treated safely.
Overcoming Fear and Improving Oral Health
Sedation dentistry helps our patients overcome their fear of dentist appointments by making their visits more comfortable, and stress free. This leads to improved outcomes because patients are able to overcome their anxiety, and seek the dental treatments that they need to maintain great oral health.
Regular dental check ups, professional cleanings, and timely interventions are crucial to everyone's oral health, and to prevent more serious issues. With sedation dentistry, even our patients with severe dental phobias are able to receive the care that they need without experiencing unnecessary stress or discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation with Us in Florence, AL on Helton Drive!
Dental anxiety and dental phobia don't have to stand in the way of a healthy, beautiful smile. Sedation dentistry offers a range of options to help every patient feel relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. From mild relaxation with nitrous oxide to deeper sedation methods, there's a solution for every level of dental fear. Call us at
(256) 904-4220 when you're ready!
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