Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry Bismarck, Garrison – North Dakota
What is Sedation Dentistry?
If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you tremble, you are not alone. Many people who often have to make a trip to the dentist visit their dentist, in fear. However, because your teeth and mouth are a vital part of your overall health, dental treatments are very important. At Deeter Dental, we know that many patients are uncomfortable undergoing dental work, so we offer sedation dentistry for virtually any dental procedure.
Candidates For Sedation Dentistry
Sedation and pain relief are not the same things. At Deeter Dental we offer sedation to help patients deal with strong feelings of fear and anxiety that arise when they visit the dentist. After receiving sedation and successfully completing their appointment, patients often change the entire way they view dental appointments going forward. Sedation could be a great option if you have:
- Difficulty overcoming anxiety about the dentist
- A low pain threshold
- Very sensitive teeth
- A very strong gag reflex
- To get a large amount of work done
Once you are sedated and comfortable, we then properly numb, or anesthetize, the area we are working on, ensuring that your procedure is pain-free. If you are interested in sedation dentistry, you can simply let Dr. Terry, Dr. Matt or Dr. Lucas know when you are discussing your treatment plan. Sedation dentistry can be combined with almost any procedure we offer.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Terry Deeter has been performing sedation dentistry since 2003, allowing thousands of patients to undergo dental procedures in a semi-conscious state. Dr. Terry, Dr. Matt, and Dr. Luke offer two types of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral (pill)
Oral Sedation
We have found the oral sedative is best for the more anxious patient. Our dentists will provide you with an oral sedative to take an hour before your appointment. You should plan to have someone else drive you to and from our office if you are given an oral sedative for your dental care.
Nitrous oxide
This is very helpful for the patient who taking the edge off of being in a dental setting is enough. Nitrous can be used with young patients with amazing results. Nitrous oxide is often referred to as laughing gas, but in reality, it makes most patients feel very relaxed and talkative.
Patient Testimonial
Got me in quick! Like next day quick. Very good doctor! Nice enough staff. A one page form to fill out! (I hate paper work). Doctor and i discussed options and moved on and got my problems solved quick and boom bam boom. Thank you deter dental! I’ll definitely go back – Jeffrey Brown
Sedation Dentistry vs. Sleep Dentistry
You may have heard sedation dentistry called “sleep dentistry.” This is a misnomer; for our procedures patients are almost always awake, but they are sedated. We usually need patients to be totally relaxed and at ease, but still able to respond to requests. Few procedures call for general anesthesia, which would merit the “sleep” moniker.
Expectations During Sleep Dentistry
What to expect depends on whether you’re receiving nitrous oxide or an oral sedative. Nitrous oxide is given through a mask that’s placed over your nose, and your reaction is immediate. Oral sedatives are given to you about one hour before your procedure is to begin. The pill will make you drowsy, but you’ll still be awake.
If you receive nitrous oxide, you’ll be able to drive yourself home, as the effects wear off almost instantly when the mask is removed. With oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as the effects will last from two to four hours after your appointment and you’re not supposed to drive a car for at least 12 hours.
Will there be any pain during a procedure With Sedation Dentistry?
Your sedation relaxes you. Local anesthetic numbs the area we are working on. Modern anesthetics are so effective you can be assured your procedure will be pain-free.
side effects Of Sedation Dentistry
Oral sedation has an amnestic effect. While technically a side effect, most patients love this benefit because they have no recollection of their visit to our office or of their procedure. Oral sedatives can also cause:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Occasional nausea
but these side effects tend to pass quickly and you will be feeling better in no time.
Nitrous oxide can create pressure changes in the middle ear and in the intestines. This can lead to short-term pain, but this is a very rare reaction. In the vast majority of cases, nitrous oxide is very safe and very effective for alleviating your anxiety.
Schedule a Consultation
To make your sedation dentistry appointment, please contact our Bismarck sedation dentists today, serving patients from Bismarck, and the surrounding areas of North Dakota. Call our Bismarck office at 701.222.1800 or our Garrison office at 701.463.2884.