Oral Sedation Dentistry
Our number one priority at our practice is to ensure that you receive the treatment you need – without the anxiety. Sedation dentistry allows us to treat our more fearful patients in a safe and comfortable way. Patients who receive oral sedation won’t experience discomfort or stress – and best of all, the next day, they usually won’t remember the appointment at all. Oral Sedation Dentistry is great for many reasons, one of which is fear.
The other reasons to have sedation in our practice are:
- High ‘Fear and Anxiety’
- Severe ‘GAG reflex’
- People with ‘time constraints’ (where they need to get more dentistry done in fewer visits)
- Chronic or Acute Jaw Tenderness (TMJ)
- Physical Limitations (like back and/or neck pain)
- Difficulty getting and staying numb (local anesthetic resistant)
- A history of reluctance to complete treatment
- Extensive/complex restorative treatment needs
- A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while fully relaxed
- A patient that typically has post-operative pain sensitivity
We closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels with a pulseoximeter throughout the entire appointment. Before you know it, you will be heading home with a healthy mouth and bright smile!
Dentistry Without Fear
Oral sedation dentistry utilizes medication to help patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental procedures. While you will remain entirely conscious during the procedure, you will experience drowsiness. Another side effect may include partial memory loss, which is not uncommon for patients to experience after being sedated. Oral sedation dentistry can help with mild to severe dental fear. The medications used actually start the night before your appointment and continue during the appointment. Patients will be able to talk with our staff during their procedure, and vitals will be monitored at all times. Due to the grogginess caused by oral sedation, patients must have transportation to and from their appointment.
Common causes of dental fear and anxiety include:
- Fear of dental instruments such as needles, scalpels, or drills
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Fear or hatred of the sounds, smells, and tastes associated with dental work
- Strong gag reflex
- Previous dental trauma
Patients who have dental issues that require a lengthy treatment or require several procedures are great candidates for sedation dentistry as well. With our patients in such a deeply relaxed state, we can perform procedures with reduced discomfort and enhanced speed and accuracy. Sedation dentistry allows us to treat our patients to the care they need without fear or anxiety. Whether you need a simple cleaning or multiple procedures, we are here to treat you to your most relaxing dental visit yet.
If fear or anxiety has been keeping you from a healthy smile, visit us today. Sedation dentistry will make your next appointment a comfortable and pleasant experience, and our compassionate and caring team will ensure that your next dental visit is a positive one! Dr. Michelle Metcalf and her talented team are committed to providing effective treatments for a healthy smile. Contact our pratice at (509) 747-4242 today to learn even more about how our conscious oral sedation in Spokane, Washington, can help you!