Scared of the Dentist? Sedation Makes It Easy.

Dental anxieties are quite common, and certainly no reason to be ashamed. They can be associated with the dental clinic setting itself, or with specific triggers like needles, drills, or white coat syndrome. There are various reasons these anxieties develop, including previous negative experiences with a dentist, extreme sensitivity, or resistance to local anesthetics.

We offer a couple of options, depending on what is the right fit for you. Oral conscious sedation is a prescription for sedative pills catered to you by the doctor, typically given the night before to help you sleep and again the morning of your procedure. IV sedation is the intravenous administration of sedatives that puts you in a diminished state of consciousness throughout the entire procedure, and it also has benefits for reducing swelling and pain after the procedure.

IV sedation dentistry is very safe. Before you receive it, Dr. Thompson conducts a preliminary consultation and checks your previous medical and oral history, the medications you are taking, and your allergies to determine your eligibility. Some medical conditions, like hypertension, may require permission from your doctor first. Dr. Thompson also monitors your vital signs using state-of-the-art monitoring equipment throughout the treatment and while you are in the recovery room.

We use medication that provides comfort during the procedure and also creates a partially amnesic effect, which makes the whole experience a fuzzy memory. The sedative puts you in a semi-conscious state, so you are unaware and unable to remember the events happening around you, although you can still respond to your dentist's requests.

Avoid eating or drinking for 10 hours before your appointment. Take your normal medication with a sip of water, unless Dr. Thompson instructs you otherwise. Do not smoke for 24 hours before your procedure. Wear comfortable clothing, but no jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses. Brush your teeth before your procedure.

No. After your appointment there is a short recovery period, and you must be fully alert before you are released to your companion. Your companion is responsible for driving you home. You may feel a little drowsy, so take it easy for the rest of the day. It can take 24 hours for the medication to leave your body, so avoid alcohol, take any prescribed medication as directed, and avoid driving and strenuous activities for the rest of the day.