Sedation Dentistry in Loudon, Tennessee
It is a well-known fact that many people truly fear going to the dentist and getting their teeth worked on. Fear of the dentist is a real phobia for some. Many people will suffer pain rather than seek the help and comfort of a dentist. A solution to this problem is sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is utilized to assist many areas of dentistry, from complex oral procedures to routine cleanings. As your Loudon sedation dentists, we can help with all forms of sedation services.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
The practice of sedation dentistry is to put patients at ease when receiving dental treatment. There are many sedation methods that are used to help a patient relax and receive a procedure. These methods include:
- Minor sedation – the patient is awake but in a peaceful, relaxed state.
- Moderate sedation – patient is a little more sedated, awake but may not have much memory of the experience.
- Deep sedation – the patient is somewhat conscious but needs to be awakened.
- Anesthetic sedation – patient is unconscious during the procedure
Different Forms of Sedation
Minor sedation involves nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”. When the gas is combined with oxygen, it is administered through a mask over the nose. The gas puts the patient right at ease and allows the dentist to slowly administer it throughout the procedure as needed. You may even be able to drive after your treatment, it’s such a mild formula of sedation.
Sedation through pills is another method that is minor to moderate and can help a fearful patient. The pill is usually from the pharmacological family of Valium and is administered an hour beforehand. You may be conscious but also tired while on the pill. Some patients even fall sleep but can be awakened easily. Taking a pill form of sedation is the most common form of sedation dentistry that is administered.
Another method that allows the dentist to adjust the various levels of sedation is through an IV. A sedative drug is administered into the vein to work fast and sedate the patient quickly but also allows the dentist to adjust levels throughout the procedure.
General anesthesia is also popular for those who don’t want to be awake or remember anything about the procedure experience. The medication that is administered will render you unconscious. You will be sound asleep during the procedure. The anesthesia has to wear off before the patient can be awakened into a fully conscious state.
In addition to all the sedation methods available to patients, a numbing anesthetic will also need to be given to increase comfort and alleviate pain in the area where the procedure will be taking place.
Who Qualifies for Sedation Dentistry?
Patients who qualify for sedation dentistry are those with the following:
- Dental fears and anxieties
- Sensitive teeth
- Low pain threshold
- Gag reflux
- Inability to relax
- Complicated cases
On occasion, children can be sedated for dental treatments. Many children are terrified of the dentist. In most child cases, nitrous oxide can be administered safely.
How Safe is it?
Anesthesia always has a rare and minor risk element but in the majority of cases it is perfectly safe, especially when given by qualified dentists. There are some patients who may not be able to obtain sedation dentistry or who fail as candidates. Those with obesity or even sleep apnea will be evaluated before considering sedation.
A dentist will review full medical history and review medications before even considering you for dentistry sedation.
Almost all dentists can perform sedation procedures and apply minimal amounts of sedation. Loudon, TN sedation dentistry is handled at the utmost professional level at our practice. In order to perform deep sedation or general anesthesia, your dentist must have a Commission on Dental Accreditation and have a lot of experience with oral surgery. You can put your confidence and trust in us that we are accredited and have years of experience.
To see if you qualify for sedation techniques review your health background with us and discuss what options are available to you. Find out what sedative is age appropriate and what dosage you would receive. Drs. Michael and Jason Bowman will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure as well as have reversing drugs and oxygen available.
All patients should review the small percentage of risks involved in sedation dentistry and review all guidelines before considering this option. Again, sedation dentistry is a great opportunity for those who fear pain and the dental chair. It is important to maintain dental health and to make your routine visits so that you can stay on top of any future issues. Nowadays, with sedation dentistry methods available to many patients, those who would otherwise not visit their dentist are seeking dental care!
Contact our friendly and professional staff today for more information.
