The single most effective way to maintain your oral health is through regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, many people forgo dental treatment due to fear and anxiety. At Clarksville Smiles, we want everyone to enjoy sound oral health and a beautiful smile, and don’t want anyone to put off dental care due to fear, stress, or anxiety. For that reason, we happily offer both IV Sedation and Oral sedation dentistry at our Clarksville practice.
People with excessive gagging, sensitive teeth, dental phobia or anxiety, as well as those undergoing multiple procedures or seeking a comfortable and relaxing environment are all ideal candidates for sedation dentistry. If you fear or worry about dental care, don’t. Our team is here to help. To schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office today.
Does it work?
Yes, sedation dentistry works! After the sedative has been administered, you will experience a sleep-like state that calms anxieties and eases your nerves, yet leaves you conscious to answer any questions that may be asked by our dentist, Dr. Richard Ribeiro. For our patients’ benefit, we offer both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation. The treatment that is utilized during your procedure will depend on a variety of factors. With oral conscious sedation, you will take one pill the night before the procedure to get a good night’s rest and be relaxed for the appointment – then roughly one hour before the treatment you will take a small sedative. This will put you in a relaxed state throughout the duration of your treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation, commonly referred to as laughing gas due to the euphoric state that most people experience, is administered immediately prior to treatment and can be adjusted as necessary.
Is it safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe. At our Clarksville dental practice, our team has extensive training, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment, are well trained, and have a wealth of experience administering sedatives safely. You will not be unconscious during treatment; rather, you will remain in an awake yet calm and relaxed state.
Will I feel pain?
No, you will not feel any pain. To calm patients’ nerves, we utilize sedation dentistry. To eliminate pain, we utilize local anesthetic. Though you may feel some pressure, you will not experience any pain or discomfort. Through local anesthesia, we can numb the area being treated.
Will I be unconscious?
No, you will remain conscious throughout your treatment. While under the effects of anesthesia, you may experience drowsiness or a sleep-like state, but you will remain conscious so that you can answer any questions that may be asked of you and respond to commands.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, you will be monitored. Throughout the duration of your treatment, our dental professionals will remain in the room to ensure that the effects of the sedative are holding and that your procedure is proceeding according to plans. If nitrous oxide sedation is employed, the level of sedative can be adjusted in real time during the course of your treatment, depending on your needs.
Will I be alone?
No, you will not be left alone while under sedation. A member of our dental team will be with you throughout the duration of your treatment to monitor your progress.
Will I need an escort?
It depends on the type of sedative and anesthesia that is used.
- Yes, an escort is required to and from the office, if IV or oral conscious sedation (OCS) is used.
- No, you can drive yourself if nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation is used. This makes it a popular sedation dentistry option with our Clarksville patients.
How long will I snooze?
It depends on the type of sedative that is used. With IV and oral conscious sedation, you may experience a sleep-like state for as long as four or five hours. Once the sedative wears off, you will have little to no memory of the procedure, as the sedative provides a sort of localized amnesia effect. With nitrous oxide sedation, the effects last only as long as needed for treatment; once administered, nitrous oxide takes effect in as little as 20 seconds and typically wears off five minutes after the applicator is removed.