Sedation Dentistry – Marion, IN
No Need to Fear
Visiting the dentist is one of the most common phobias among American adults, and it can be so severe that patients avoid necessary check-ups and allow oral health to fall into disarray. Here at Bruner Dental, Dr. Bruner, Dr. Root, Dr. Sneed, and Dr. Tinsley are all dedicated to helping you feel safe and relaxed throughout your procedure. For patients who suffer from moderate to severe dental-related anxiety, we make this goal a reality with sedation dentistry.
Why Choose Bruner Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Options Available
- Patients of All Ages Welcome
- Warm, Welcoming Environment
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
First, contact our Marion, IN dental office right away to discuss sedation options with our team and decide the best course of action. We determine if you’re the right candidate by taking factors like medical history and any current prescriptions, and how strong sedation should be to accommodate your needs into account. Once this process is complete, we provide a prescription for a sedative you’ll take at a pre-determined time before your appointment.
Once you’ve arrived at our dental office (escorted by a trusted family member or friend) and are completely sedated, it’s possible you’ll drift off to sleep. This is fine, and our team monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure. Once we’ve completed your care, your escort takes you home and keeps an eye on you until the sedation has worn off completely.
There are a few side-effects associated with sedation dentistry, including post-operative soreness, retrograde partial or full amnesia (meaning that you can’t remember anything about the procedure itself), hiccups, and dry mouth. In general, oral sedatives are very safe and serious incidents are rare.
Your comfort and satisfaction are always top priorities for our team. Contact Bruner Dental if you have any questions about our services, or if you’re ready to schedule your first appointment. We’re located in Marion, IN, and we also welcome patients from Jonesboro, Gas City, and beyond.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Do you often feel mildly anxious or even moderately fearful about undergoing dental treatments? Though being afraid of visiting your dentist isn’t entirely a bad thing, it can lead to complications if it prevents you from getting the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile. That’s why our team provides oral conscious sedation to help relax the body and mind, that way you can have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience while getting your teeth treated. Keep reading to learn more about this sedation method so that you know what to expect during your appointment.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Unlike other forms of sedation that might involve using needles or a face mask, oral conscious sedation simply requires you to take a prescribed pill before your procedure or treatment. Of course, our team will need to assess your medical history to determine if you’re qualified for this method prior to prescribing you the medication. The sedative comes in a small pill that’ll put you in a state of calm and relaxation. Since the effects will be much stronger and last longer than nitrous oxide, you will need to have a trusted family member or friend to take you to and from your appointment.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
When you ask for oral conscious sedation to be used during your treatment, you’ll be given a pill to take at some point before your appointment. You may have to take it before you get to our dental office, so make sure someone else is on hand to drive you. During your visit, you’ll remain in a state of deep relaxation while we work on your teeth and gums. You might even feel like you’ve dozed off, but you’ll still be awake to answer our questions and respond to any requests we have. After finishing your procedure, you’ll likely feel the effects of the sedative for a couple of hours before they wear off, so it’s best to go home and rest. To be completely safe, you might consider waiting a full day before going back to your typical daily routine.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
With modern dentistry, you’re bound to come across various sedation methods that you can choose from to help you have a more comfortable and pleasant experience at the dentist’s office. Even so, this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be eligible for each treatment option. In most cases, however, you might be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if you:
- Struggle with dental-related anxiety, nervousness, or fear
- Are undergoing multiple treatments or one extensive procedure
- Have trouble getting numb from local anesthesia
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Typically skip dental appointments due to nerves
- Struggle with keeping your mouth open or sitting still in the examination chair
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide helps calm the body and keeps you feeling relaxed and happy during your treatment. It is useful for stopping pain and reducing anxiety. It takes effect much quicker than the medication used for oral conscious sedation, and it also wears off sooner, meaning you can drive yourself to and from your appointment with no trouble. This form of sedation is regularly used to help our fearful patients get through their normal dental checkups.
