Did you know there was a stress-free way to receive the dental services you need? Dr. Joseph Thompson is a caring dentist who serves patients from Loveland, CO, who avoid the dentist. He offers various sedation dentistry methods to help patients remain relaxed and anxiety-free during their appointments.
Get Care If You Avoid the Dentist
There are actually many reasons people avoid the dentist. The most common reason we hear is fear. People who fear the dentist, and everything involved with dental appointments, will go years without seeking the care they need. For this reason, Dr. Thompson has three different sedation methods available. The one that you will work for you will depend on a few factors that will be discussed before your upcoming treatment. Dr. Thompson encourages patients who suffer from the following problems to call our Loveland, CO area office to inquire about sedation dentistry.
- Gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- Complex dental issues
- Sensitive teeth
- Fear of needles
- Fear of dental drills
- Fear of dentist
- Dental phobia
- Traumatizing past dental experience
Dental Sedation Methods in Loveland, CO
Nitrous Oxide
This gas is considered safe when administered by a dental professional. It is more commonly known as “laughing gas”. When inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose, nitrous oxide will put the patient in a relaxed, euphoric state. It is considered a mild sedative so it will reduce the amount of anxiety you will feel. The effects are immediate when you begin breathing in the gas. And once the mask is removed, the effects quickly wear off.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a sedative drug in pill form. It may take up to an hour for you to feel the effects of the drug. Therefore, you will take a dose at home before the appointment. This means you will need to have transportation to and from your dentist appointment. While this is the most affordable form of dental sedation, the drug may not work for some people.
IV Sedation
IV sedation involves administering an anti-anxiety drug directly into your blood stream intravenously. In doing so, the effects are felt rather quickly. This type of dental sedation is typically stronger than nitrous oxide and oral sedation medication. While under sedation, we will closely monitor all your vitals. Once the IV is removed, the effects will wear off quickly.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
No matter what your reason is for avoiding the dentist, dental sedation can help you obtain optimal oral health minus the fear and anxiety. People who avoid the dentist risk major complications. These complications can result in severe pain, tooth loss, bone loss, and major infections that can affect your overall health. Being sedated during your dentist appointments has many advantages. These include:
- Zero anxiety felt during appointment
- Decrease in gag reflex
- No tensing up means you will not be sore afterwards
- More treatments can be completed in one visit
- Dentist can be more focused on treatment
- Increase effectiveness of anesthetic
- And best of all, you won’t remember much of anything from the appointment
What to Expect During Your Sedation Appointment
Step 1: Consultation. Before your procedure, Dr. Thompson will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and recommend the best sedation option for you. We’ll answer all your questions so you feel confident in your choice.
Step 2: Preparation. You’ll receive detailed instructions before your appointment. For oral or IV sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You may also need to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before your appointment.
Step 3: Monitoring. On the day of your procedure, we’ll monitor your vital signs throughout your treatment. Your safety is our top priority.
Step 4: Recovery. After your procedure, you’ll rest until the sedation wears off. Most patients feel back to normal within a few hours, though you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day. You’ll need someone to drive you home.
FAQs About Sedation in Loveland
Is sedation dentistry right for everyone?
Most people are good candidates, but a thorough health assessment is necessary. Some medical conditions or medications may affect which sedation option is safest for you. Dr. Thompson will review your medical history and recommend the best approach.
Will I remember anything from my appointment?
With nitrous oxide, you’ll remember your appointment. With oral and IV sedation, you may not remember much. Many patients report feeling like the appointment flew by.
What if I have a sensitive gag reflex?
Sedation can help calm your gag reflex, making treatment more comfortable. If your gag reflex has made dental visits difficult in the past, talk to us about sedation options.
Schedule Your Sedation Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about dental sedation, call our Loveland, CO area dentist office today. We work with each patient on an individual basis to help them get the care they need. Dr. Thompson will look at your medical history and discuss your issues to better determine which type of sedation will work best for you.