A comfortable experience with your dentist is important, but unfortunately, many patients feel fearful of visiting the dentist. Regardless of your familiarity with your dentist, extensive dental work is uncomfortable as well. For these reasons, Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS, offer sedation dentistry for our patients.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication so that patients may relax during their dental procedure. This is also sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although patients typically do not require general anesthesia, meaning that they are awake for the duration of their procedure. Sedation dentistry is used for patients who feel especially nervous or fearful at the dentist and so that procedures are more comfortable.
What are My Sedation Dentistry Options at Fennell, Yoxthimer & Associates?
There are several options available for patients who require or opt for sedation dentistry. They include:
IV Moderate Sedation
IV Moderate Sedation is medication administered directly to the bloodstream through an IV. This allows the sedative effects to work more quickly, and your dentist can adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a minimally sedative medication in the form of a pill, typically Halcion, which is comparable to Valium. Your dentist will ask you to take this pill about an hour before your procedure, and you will be drowsy throughout the procedure but should remain awake.
Inhaled Minimal Sedation
Using this method, your dentist will administer nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” which you breathe in through a mask. This produces a relaxing effect which quickly wears off. Unlike the types of sedation listed above, patients who receive inhaled minimal sedation may drive themselves home after their procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
The most common reason a patient seeks sedation dentistry is because they feel significant fear or anxiety about their dental appointment. It can also be used for patients who have a low pain threshold, are unable to sit still, have sensitive teeth, require extensive dental work, or have a sensitive gag reflex. It may not be suitable for patients who have certain health concerns, such as sleep apnea or obesity. Your dentist will determine whether sedation dentistry is a good option for you.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about sedation dentistry and to schedule your first appointment, call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request an appointment online.
