Albertville and Gadsden, Alabama
Anxiety and fear are the most common reasons why people put off getting the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry helps you relax, and many patients do not even remember most of their visit. Sedation dentistry can also help if you have a strong gag reflex, are resistant to numbing, or want to have multiple procedures performed at once.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Albertville sedation dentists Dr. Jonathan Renfroe and Dr. Josh Conley offer sedation dentistry to all of their adult patients. Anyone can benefit from the relaxing effects. However, some patients have a greater need for sedation than others. Sedation dentistry can make dental care possible for those who might otherwise avoid it due to:
- Fear or anxiety about dental procedures
- Anxiousness or agitation caused by the sounds and smells associated with dental care
- Strong gag reflex
- Difficulty swallowing
- Neck or back pain
- Need for extensive procedures or multiple procedures in one sitting – sedation dentistry is great for a smile makeover
- Traumatic past experience with dental care
- Resistant to numbing
- Very sensitive teeth
- Jaw pain
- Medical conditions such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s that make it difficult to control movement
Conscious Oral Sedation
During conscious oral sedation, you will be conscious, responsive, and breathing on your own, but you may be relaxed enough to fall asleep. Our Albertville sedation dentists have extensive training in oral conscious sedation and will tailor it to your unique needs. You will take a sedative, in pill form, about thirty minutes to an hour before your procedure. You may also be given a pill to take the night before so you will not be up all night worrying about your procedure.
The type of sedative you take will depend on your needs. Some patients take a sleeping pill, such as Halcion, to put them in a very relaxed state. Others benefit more from anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax.
Depending on the type of sedative you use, you may need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Those who take anti-anxiety medication can usually drive themselves. If you require a strong sleeping pill, you will need someone to drive you home. You will want to take a nap and rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
You are probably familiar with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It is the mildest form of sedation we offer, and most patients who do not need heavier sedation will use it to make their visit more comfortable. In some cases, nitrous oxide can eliminate the need for local anesthetic. It is fast-acting and very fast to wear off. This means we can easily adjust your level of sedation to meet your needs, and you will be able to drive yourself home with no problem after your office visit. As an additional benefit, you will have no hang-over effect.
Please contact our Albertville sedation dentists today to schedule your initial appointment. Wall Street Dentistry serves sedation dentistry patients in the Albertville and Gadsden, Alabama area. If you have dental anxiety, contact us today.
