You’ve never been a big fan of going to the dentist, but you promised yourself that you would finally make an appointment in 2017. For patients just like you, doctors have been using a new approach called sedation dentistry. This enables them to ease the minds of their most anxious and fearful patients while protecting them from any pain. This might sound perfect for you, but you’re probably asking yourself, “How does this actually work? Will I still be able to feel anything?” Today, Dr. Parnam Mohanna, your sedation dentist in Glenpool, OK, is going to discuss how sedation helps people finally get the care that they need, and how it works.
How Sedation Helps
Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Mohanna to perform a variety of procedures without causing you any physical pain. This is to help curtail the fear that can prevent someone from getting the care that they need. It is also able to calm a person’s nervous mind. While it can’t completely eliminate anxious thoughts, sedation makes them much easier to manage.
Sedation has another benefit: it allows a patient to have a lot of dental work done in one visit. This is ideal for people who haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, and helps dental care fit into anyone’s busy schedule.
Oral Sedation
A patient who needs a treatment such as a filling or crown might benefit from oral sedation, which would involve you taking a prescribed pill the day of your visit. You will take it at home so that by the time you reach the office, you will be completely mentally and physically relaxed. Oral sedation eliminates any discomfort you might feel and helps time fly by quickly. It is strong enough, however, that it is required that a friend or family member drive you to and from the office on the day of your treatment. They need to keep an eye on you the rest of the day as well. You should feel completely normal by the next morning.
IV Sedation
For patients who need procedures such as extractions and root canals, we also offer IV sedation. This is our deepest form of sedation, and is administered via a painless injection in your arm. IV sedation allows Dr. Mohanna to adjust your sedation level as the procedure progresses, meaning that your comfort will be ensured the entire time. While it is not guaranteed, many patients completely fall asleep or have no memory of their treatment afterward. This approach allows us to treat even the most sensitive of patients safely and comfortably. As with oral sedation, you need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the office, as well as stay with you afterward. The sedative should be completely worn off by the next morning.
Which One Is Right For Me?
This is a choice best left up to your dentist in Glenpool, OK. When you come to see Dr. Mohanna, he will choose your method of sedation based on the procedure you need as well as your comfort level. Each approach can be fine-tuned to your specific needs, and you can be confident in whichever he chooses will help provide you a positive, painless experience.
Still Have Questions?
Dr. Mohanna and the team at Complete Cosmetic Care Dentistry understand that you might be nervous to visit the dentist. You are far from alone. That is why we will always take the time to listen to your concerns and make sure you know exactly what to expect when you come visit us. We’re here to take care of you mentally as well as physically, and you can trust that your comfort and safety are always our top priorities.
If you’d like to know more about our different methods of sedation, or want to schedule a consultation, please give us a call today.