Many people feel anxious before and during dental procedures. It's okay to feel nervous or even fearful when anticipating an appointment. We understand that our patients aren't all the same, and we have great news: you have options! You can experience dental treatment in a comfortable, customized approach with several different methods of sedation. The most common forms of sedation used in dentistry are inhalation, oral, and intravenous sedation. While making dentistry much easier for you, it is important to understand that they are not pain-killers, and regular numbing medications still prove essential. But sedation will make every part of your treatment more enjoyable if you're anxious. IVSedation - IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation, is a form of conscious sedation administered through a small IV line in your arm. This method allows for deep relaxation while you remain responsive to verbal cues. Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation keeps you in a semi-conscious state, meaning you can still breathe on your own without the need for a ventilator. This type of sedation is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing lengthy procedures. Inhalation Sedation - Inhalation Sedation is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The sedation is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years. Oral Sedation - Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. It is simply taken in pill or liquid form and ingested at a set time before treatment. The drug produces a calming effect to make the visit to our office a much less stressful experience. Oral sedation is simple, safe and has very few side effects. Concerns? Questions? We are happy to provide you with the options that may work best for you! We want you to feel safe and confident through every step of your dental care. Call our office today!
"Dr Lovelace did a fantastic gum graft on me. He and his assistant made me feel relaxed and that I was their main concern. I would recommend them to anyone."