Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is extremely common. Some patients avoid crucial care simply because of nerves, fear, or past experiences. At Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS in Cincinnati, sedation dentistry offers a gentle solution for adults who want comfortable, stress-free dental visits. Dr. Rob Yoxthimer, Dr. Nate Fennell, and Dr. Casey Chanatry bring years of expertise and compassionate care to people seeking a more relaxing approach to dental treatment.
Understanding Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. This approach is especially helpful for people who experience dental anxiety, have sensitive teeth or gag reflexes, require extensive treatment, or just dread sitting in the dental chair. The goal is not to put you fully to sleep but to make dental care as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.
When Can You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a good choice if you have dental anxiety, fear of needles, a sensitive gag reflex, or need multiple or lengthy procedures. Patients who have delayed dental care because of worries or past trauma often find it transformative. Many adults appreciate the ability to undergo treatment without the stress and discomfort they expected.
- If you are nervous before or during dental visits, sedation can help you feel at ease.
- If you have experienced past dental trauma, sedation may help you regain trust in dental care.
- If you have trouble getting numb, have sensitive teeth, or need complex dental work, sedation dentistry is especially useful.
Types of Sedation Available in Our Office
Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS, provides three main forms of sedation dentistry in Cincinnati. Each option is tailored to your comfort level, procedure needs, and medical history:
- IV Moderate Sedation – Administered intravenously by trained providers such as Dr. Yoxthimer and Dr. Fennell. This deeper level of relaxation allows for extensive procedures and is ideal for those with significant dental anxiety. Most patients remain awake but feel detached from the procedure, with limited memory of the appointment. Recovery is usually a few hours, and a companion should drive you home.
- Oral Sedation – Medication taken by mouth before your appointment. It helps patients feel calm and reduces anxiety, but allows you to remain responsive. Recovery often takes a few hours, but many patients report feeling rested with little memory of the procedure.
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation – Known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, this option provides mild relaxation and takes effect quickly. It is safe, wears off rapidly, and patients usually feel back to normal within minutes after their procedure.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery time for sedation dentistry varies depending on the method used. Inhaled sedation wears off within minutes, so you can often return to your day right away. Oral and IV sedation may leave you feeling drowsy for a few hours, and you should have someone available to help get you home safely. Most patients can resume their usual routine later the same day.
Why Trust Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS
Our providers bring exceptional training and compassion to each appointment. Dr. Rob Yoxthimer and Dr. Nate Fennell hold certifications to administer IV sedation safely and effectively, while Dr. Casey Chanatry has deep experience with medically complex patients and a passion for patient satisfaction.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have postponed dental treatment due to anxiety, or you’re simply hoping for a more relaxed experience, sedation dentistry for dental anxiety may be the answer. Discover how our team can help you overcome your fears and make dental health a priority by scheduling a consultation online today. Your comfort matters to us, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
