Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or who want to accomplish more in one dental visit while remaining relaxed. At Parrish Childs Dental, we offer several different types of dental sedation techniques to help take the edge off at your next appointment, and we offer financing options to qualified patients.

What does sedation dentistry offer?

Do you break out in a cold sweat over the thought of a trip to the dentist? Do you find yourself getting queasy at the mere thought of needles? Do you have a decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia (such as Novocain)? If so, then sedation dentistry may offer you the perfect opportunity to attain great dental care while you avoid the fears sometimes associated with a trip to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry allows your oral healthcare professional to ease your fears and phobias. And it’s use – which comes in multiple forms – allows you to remain calm and comfortable during dental procedures. It also enables your dentist (or other oral health professional) to do more within the timeframe of your visit. How? Because when you are sedated, your dentist is able to do exactly what they need without having to move at a slower pace in order to accommodate your concerns. This reality also means that you need fewer appointments over the course of a year. It also ensures that you go to the dentist at all – as some people have such big dental phobias that they do not seek professional care at all.

And, because sedation dentistry features a moderate level of sedation, patients are able to handle it easily, avoiding pain while staying in a relative state of consciousness.

Sedation dentistry is also available to patients of all ages and needs.

Types of Sedation Dentistry Available to You

Our team is trained and knowledgeable in administering three types of sedation dentistry:

•      Oral sedation – In this method of sedation dentistry, you simply ingest a small pill prior to your dental appointment. This pill will calm your nerves and help you relax during your appointment. The effects of the pill wear off a few hours later with little to no side effects.
•      I.V. sedation – This form of sedation is administered intravenously and is fully customizable to the patient and length of the procedure. You will have little to no memory of your dental visit, but you will still be able to respond to verbal commands or to light touch. This is the most comprehensive form of sedation dentistry and may require a few hours to fully recover from, however, you can expect an easy and full recovery each time
•       Nitrous oxide – Another common name for nitrous oxide is “laughing gas.” It is an odorless gas that you inhale through a small mask during your appointment. While the calming effects are almost instant, it can be flushed out of your system in just a matter of minutes once the gas is turned off.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

If you’re overwhelmed by anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist, then dental sedation might be a viable solution. Apart from anxiety, sedation dentistry might also be the right solution for you if you experience any of the following:

•       An overly sensitive gag reflex
•      A fear of needles (aichmophobia)
•       Extreme teeth sensitivity
•       Feelings of claustrophobia while in the dental chair
•       Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
•      Difficulty controlling movements
•      Special needs (including physical, cognitive or behavioral)

Our professionals are happy to talk with you in order to help you determine what type of sedation offers the best solution for you and your particular situation.

Other factors in sedation dentistry

If you are pregnant, sedation dentistry is generally not recommended, as some sedatives can affect fetal development. However, nitrous oxide can be used during some instances of pregnancy. And it is best to talk with a dental professional to determine what options might be available to you.

Recovery times from sedation can vary. Mostly, recovery depends on the method of sedation you choose and how your body responds to the particular sedation. In general, people who have nitrous oxide recover within 15 to 30 minutes and can drive themselves home following their appointment. Those who choose oral conscious sedation or IV sedation typically need about 24 hours for full recovery. This may mean that you need a ride to and from the dentist – and we recommend that you do not operate a vehicle within 24 hours of the procedure.

Contact us today to learn which type of sedation dentistry is best for you. Our caring professionals have been using sedation dentistry for years and are adept at making you feel at ease while providing the absolute best in dental care. You can also view our financing options below.

Related Services

•        Cosmetic Dentistry
•        General Dentistry
•        Family Dentistry

Financing Options

CareCredit is here to help you pay for treatments and procedures your insurance doesn’t cover. They offer No Interest* financing or low minimum monthly payment options so you can get what you want, when you want it. You can even use CareCredit for your family.

With three simple steps, including an instant approval process, it’s easy to apply for CareCredit. After you’re approved, you’re free to use CareCredit for the dental services you choose.

CareCredit is endorsed by some of the most credible organizations in the healthcare field. CareCredit is a GE Money Company, so you know you can count on them to come through for you. For more than 20 years, they’ve helped over five million cardholders get the healthcare treatments they want and need.

Now you don’t have to worry about saving up for the procedures you want and need. With CareCredit, the decision is in your hands to get what you want, when you want it. For more information or to apply online, visit the CareCredit website.