Total Dental Care of Lake Norman in Mooreseville, NC is proud to offer our patients the ability to be completely relaxed through their dental appointments through the practice of sedation dentistry.
Depending on the extent of your anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized. Our dentists offer Intravenous (IV) Sedation, Inhalation Nitrous Oxide Sedation and Oral Conscious Sedation. Each of our dentists is trained and licensed for conscious sedation.
What You Should Know About Sedation Dentistry at Total Dental Care of Lake Norman
— It works and it is safe, allowing several appointments to be completed in one.
— People who have difficulty getting numb have no problem when relaxed.
— It is safely used to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatments that require long visits.
How Does IV Sedation Work?
Intravenous sedation is the answer for many patients. This form of pain and anxiety control involves injecting a sedative into a vein of a patient’s arm or hand. Our dentists are trained in conscious IV sedation and administers relaxant drugs intravenously to the patient, using specific protocols. Our dentists use medical equipment to monitor the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and respiratory rates continuously to ensure that the patient is completely comfortable and reacting normally throughout the procedure.
While sedated, patients are able to respond to verbal commands but they are so relaxed that they do not experience any pain, discomfort or anxiety. In fact, patients usually report not remembering much of the procedure and actually believe they were asleep throughout their appointment.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
A small mask will be placed over the patient’s nose and adjusted so that the patient is comfortable. At this time, the patient will be breathing 100% oxygen.
Once the patient is comfortable breathing oxygen, the dentist gradually will introduce nitrous oxide. When the patient is feeling completely relaxed, the procedure can begin.
At the conclusion of the sedation dentistry treatment, the patient will once again receive 100% oxygen (for a minimum of three to five minutes).
At the end of this time, the person should feel absolutely back to normal.
How Does Oral Sedation Work?
You are given a pill to take one hour prior to your dental appointment. A companion will accompany you to the office. When you arrive, you will be very drowsy. You will relax into a very comfortable chair, covered with a thick, warm, cozy blanket. Your vital signs will be monitored. After you are comfortable, our experienced clinical team will take care of your dental needs. When your treatment is completed your companion will return you home to finish your relaxing sleep.
Who Is A Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not for everyone and is mainly for adults with the following:
— have high levels of fear or anxiety
— have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
— have difficulty getting numb
— have a bad gag reflex
— have very sensitive teeth
— have limited time to complete their dental care
— have complex dental problems
— hate needles and shots
— hate noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
— are afraid and embarrassed about their teeth
Do you have a fear of the dentist? Contact us to discuss our sedation dentistry treatment options! Call us today at our Mooresville dentist office 704-663-1800 to schedule your next appointment!
