Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Dr. Shouhed and his team at Smile Perfector Dental Group offer sedation dentistry as a solution for people who struggle with dental anxiety or dental phobia. Dental phobia is characterized by extreme anxiety reactions before and during a dental visit.

You may have dental phobia if you experience anxiety reactions such as:

• Increased agitation as you sit in the waiting area
• Struggling to sleep the night before your visit
• Becoming physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist
• Wanting to cry at the thought of anything dental-related
• Panic when someone places a dental tool in your mouth

Sedation dentistry helps you overcome your dental anxiety by calming both your body and your mind, so that you can comfortably receive dental care. To help you relax, Dr. Shouhed sedates you before he begins work on your mouth. 

What types of sedation dentistry can I try?

Dr. Shouhed offers numerous types of sedation dentistry, varying in levels of intensity. These include:

Nitrous oxide

Commonly called laughing gas, nitrous oxide makes you feel very relaxed and comfortable. To administer laughing gas, your dental team instructs you to breathe it in through a mask. The effect is gradual and very safe.

Your team can also administer low doses of laughing gas to anxious children.

Oral-conscious sedation

Dr. Shouhed administers oral-conscious sedation through oral medications just before your appointment begins to help you reach an extreme state of relaxation. He can also administer this type of medication intravenously. 

Oral-conscious sedation doesn’t necessarily make you fall asleep, but you may doze off during your procedure because it makes you so calm and relaxed. Oral-conscious sedation allows your team to perform multiple procedures during one visit.

IV numbing sedation

Smile Perfector Dental Group also offers IV numbing sedation intravenously. By administering numbing through an IV, your team delivers an overall higher level of sedation to your body. 

This option is popular among people who want to make sure that they don’t feel anything at all during their procedure.

IV sedation typically wears off quickly, but Dr. Shouhed still recommends that you arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.

Total sedation

If you plan to undergo oral surgery, Dr. Shouhed typically recommends total sedation, sometimes called sleep dentistry. During total sedation, your team sedates you so that you fall asleep. 

Total sedation not only ensures that you won’t remember anything during your procedure, but it also allows your team to perform longer procedures without you getting uncomfortable or tired.

During your procedure, they closely monitor you. Afterward, you’re kept in-office until the team is sure that the anesthesia is wearing off properly. If you choose total sedation, make sure you have a ride home because you’ll likely feel groggy and tired for the rest of the day.

How do I book sedation dentistry?

If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, speak up. Share your anxiety when you schedule your dental appointment, so that your Smile Perfector Dental Group team can plan ahead of time.

If you have a low pain tolerance, and you’re nervous that your procedure will hurt, make sure to also communicate this detail to your dental team. 

To determine which sedation dentistry treatment option is best for you, your team considers the severity, nature, and origins of your dental anxiety, as well as the type of procedure scheduled. 

Don’t let dental anxiety or dental phobia get in the way of your oral health. Instead, empower yourself with sedation dentistry. To learn more, reach out to Dr. Shouhed at Smile Perfector Dental Group online or over the phone today.