Have you ever felt anxious or stressed at the mere thought of visiting the dentist? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common concern that prevents many from seeking necessary dental care. At Dentistry by Design of Spring Hill, we understand visiting the dentist can evoke feelings of fear and anxiety. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry, a specialized approach to dental care, for a relaxed and comfortable experience.
Our Spring Hill dentist, Dr. Richard Robinette, offers several types of sedation to help patients feel calm no matter their treatment. From routine dental checkups and cleanings to root canals and dental implants, we’re here to make your experience comfortable and relaxed.
Sedation dentistry involves medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with dental phobia, sensitive gag reflexes, or those requiring extensive dental work. By offering varying levels of sedation, Dr. Robinette can tailor the experience to each patient’s needs, ensuring a smooth visit.
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a nasal mask. You will feel drowsy, but you’ll remain awake throughout your procedure. The gas will begin to work within minutes, allowing you to stay relaxed from beginning to end. When we’re finished with your treatment, we’ll turn off the nitrous oxide. The effects wear off within a few minutes, so you can drive home safely.
We also offer IV sedation, where medication is administered through a line directly into a vein. This option is useful for procedures that may take more time, such as wisdom teeth extractions or dental implant placement. However, we can also use this option for extreme dental anxiety. IV sedation is a popular option for its many benefits, which include quick recovery time, reduction of gag reflex, and the ability to remain conscious throughout the procedure.
General anesthesia combines gases and IV medications to ensure patients remain unconscious for the entirety of the procedure. You’ll be under the care of an experienced anesthesiologist while you are sedated. For very extreme dental anxiety and extensive dental procedures, like entirely impacted wisdom teeth extraction, general anesthesia is an option.
Absolutely! Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a qualified, experienced dentist like Dr. Robinette. Before undergoing any sedation procedure, we’ll review your medical history and ensure you’re a suitable candidate for sedation. Our team will also monitor your vital signs throughout your procedure for your safety.
Yes, sedation dentistry can work for children who experience dental anxiety or require extensive dental work. However, it’s important to consult your child’s doctor before considering sedation dentistry.Â
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The duration of sedation varies depending on the type of sedation used. Laughing gas wears off quickly, while oral sedatives may leave you drowsy for a few hours after the procedure. Your dentist will provide a timeline for recovery before your sedation procedure.
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Side effects are minimal and temporary. They may include drowsiness, dizziness, and in some cases, nausea. Your dentist will provide post-procedure care instructions to ensure your comfort.
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If you undergo oral or IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as the effects take time to wear off. Those who choose nitrous oxide sedation can drive home when the effects wear off, which may only take a few minutes.Â
Sedation dentistry offers a path to stress-free dental experiences for people who have long avoided necessary procedures due to anxiety. With its various levels of sedation, this innovative approach ensures your comfort and relaxation throughout the treatment process. Don’t let dental fear hold you back any longer — consider sedation dentistry for a more pleasant, anxiety-free dental journey.
Contact our Spring Hill dental office today by calling 931-486-0700 or filling out our online contact form. Dr. Robinette and our team look forward to meeting new and returning patients from Spring Hill and its surrounding communities, such as Jameson, Thompson’s Station, and Bethesda, TN.
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