16
Jun
Patients in Lakewood area ask, “What is sedation dentistry?”
An estimated 75 percent of adults in this country have some level of “odontophobia” ranging from mild apprehension about seeing a dentist to extreme anxiety that resembles posttraumatic stress disorder. It is so prevalent that it keeps hundreds of residents of the Lakewood area from enjoying the wellness and appearance benefits of a healthy mouth. Others simply seek a more restful, convenient dental experience.
In Dr. Scott Stewart’s capable hands, sedation dentistry makes healthy oral care a reality for these patients.
What is sedation dentistry?
Dental sedation is typically the administration of medications to calm a patient prior to and during treatment. South Lakewood Dental also offers advanced, non-narcotic options that do not depress the central nervous system.
When is sedation dentistry appropriate?
Sedation gives the nervous patient who has put off regular dental visits a chance to get oral care caught up and develop confidence in pleasant visits. It allows the patient with a busy schedule to have an extensive or multiple procedures completed with the convenience of a single visit. Dr. Stewart takes time to understand your dental needs, frame of mind, age, and current medical condition to determine if you are a good candidate for sedation.
What are the sedation options offered at South Lakewood Dental?
- AlphaStim™ is an exciting non-pharmacological option utilizing microcurrent electrical therapy. Small pads placed on the earlobes deliver pulses of electrical “Alpha” current below the sensation threshold. Within about two minutes, these pulses control anxiety and discomfort and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.
- Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a facemask. Within just a few minutes, it induces a sense of relaxed euphoria with some analgesic effect. You are awake and able to respond to verbal cues, just carefree. The flow can be adjusted minute by minute to maintain the desired level of sedation. Oxygen is used to “flush” the nitrous oxide out of your system after the procedure. You may drive and return to normal activities right away.
- Oral conscious sedation is a sedative in the form of a pill, usually one dose the night before and one the morning of your appointment. Again, you are conscious, just calm, and unconcerned about dental treatment. You will need a driver to and from the office, and you should expect to feel groggy for a few hours. Most patients report that they have little recollection of the visit afterward.
- For those who need a bit more, we can arrange for a private anesthetist to assist with your needs. IV sedation offers complete general anesthesia with no “memories” of the treatment completed that appointment.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
At South Lakewood Dental, sedation is very safe. It is administered under Dr. Stewart’s supervision, and our staff has special training. Your medical situation is evaluated prior to treatment. Sedation patients are monitored constantly throughout their appointments.
How do I learn more?
Just call (855) 233-0023 to become a South Lakewood Dental patient. Dr. Stewart will be happy to discuss sedation dentistry in more detail.
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