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Avoiding the dentist has serious consequences, but for those with dental fears and phobias, the nervousness associated with treatment can be too much to overcome. Other patients may simply have trouble staying still for a long time. Sedation dentistry offers a solution that will allow the most fearful or restless patient to get the care they need.
The Dentists offer twilight sleep sedation administered by IV at our Hillsborough location. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of receiving IV sedation during dental treatment, please call one of our offices in Omaha, Nebraska at Hillsborough: 402-445-4647 Ralston: 402-733-4441 Village Pointe: 402-505-7474 Dundee: 402-502-5593.
What is IV or Twilight Sleep Sedation?
IV sedation is a safe and trusted type of sedation used in dentistry. It is also called twilight sleep sedation or conscious sedation.
A sedative drug is administered intravenously and starts working within minutes. It puts you in a deeply relaxed and drowsy state. Emotions such as stress or anxiety will gradually disappear. Unlike with general sedation, you will remain conscious and breathe on your own.
We bring in a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to perform IV sedation. The Nurse Anesthetist will administer the sedative and monitor you during your dental work. Partnering with a Nurse Anesthetist helps us to ensure your safety and comfort.
Be aware that recovery from moderate sedation may take several hours. You should arrange for a companion to drive you home.
Oral Sedation
Oral Sedation (or minimal to moderate sedation) is a great option for patients that have anxiety or extreme fear of the dentist. It’s also a good option for patients that have a strong gag reflex, have a hard time sitting still or relaxing in the dental chair or simply need a large amount of dental work done.
With Oral Sedation the patient has prescribed a pill to take about an hour before their scheduled dental appointment. The medication will make them relaxed and sleepy but they’ll still be awake and responsive.
While the patient is awake and responsive the medication does provide a level of impairment. A driver is required to bring them to their appointment and drive them home after the appointment is completed.
Oral Sedatives are regulated by the FDA so risk of side effects is very minimal.
Not all dentists can prescribe Oral Sedation. The Nebraska State Dental Board requires prescribing dentists to obtain additional comprehensive training and a permit in addition to their dental license. Ongoing continuing education is also a state requirement.
If a patient is interested in sedation the dentist will review their medical history, current medications and overall health to determine if they are an appropriate candidate.
Once a sedation option is chosen the dentist will go over all pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
What Dental Work Can Be Done Under Sedation?
IV sedation is often used to make patients comfortable during involved dental work. Common examples of procedures that are done under sedation include extractions and emergency dental procedures.
You may be interested in sedation for basic oral care and regular dental visits if you have dental phobia. We can perform any procedures under sedation at your request.
How to know if Sedation Dentistry is right for you
Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for many people because it creates more comfortable and relaxed dental visits. You may benefit from dental sedation if you:
- Feel anxious or fearful about dental treatment
- Have an extensive dental issue
- Plan to have multiple procedures performed in one visit
- Have sensitive gums or teeth
- Suffer from a strong gag reflex
- Have trouble getting numb for dental work
Our dentists can determine if sedation dentistry makes sense for your unique situation. Ask about IV sedation today.
Understanding Dental Phobia
You are not alone if you fear going to the dentist. The American Dental Association reports that 22% of adults forgo dental care for this exact reason.
People with dental anxiety or dental phobia may experience symptoms such as sweating, a racing heartbeat, and visible distress leading up to an appointment. Some anxious patients will regularly miss scheduled visits and may have a hard time undergoing treatment at all.
Dental anxiety can be caused by a traumatic dental or other healthcare experience in the past. It may also stem from a fear of loss of control, personal space issues, or a fear of judgment.
Avoiding the dentist can cause dental problems to get worse and result in the need for complex treatment or emergency care. This often creates a vicious cycle of dental anxiety.
Dental sedation can help you have a positive experience, which may encourage you to attend future appointments. Many people find that sedation dentistry helps them regain control of their oral health.
Trouble Getting Numb
Our dentists often use a local anesthetic to numb the area around a tooth. In most cases, the local anesthetic is enough to make patients comfortable throughout the procedure. However, you may have found that you had trouble getting numb in the past.
Several factors can contribute to inadequate numbing during dental treatment. If you know that this is an issue for you, sedation dentistry can be an excellent solution.
Our dentists take great care to ensure that you are numb for dental work. We will monitor the effectiveness of the anesthetic and check-in with you through the procedure. Even so, sedation can help you feel more comfortable.
Our Commitment to You
We know how hard it can be to take care of your oral health when you are nervous about dental treatments and procedures. That is why we are committed to providing you with exceptional dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
At The Dentists, we are known for our patient-centered approach. It is what has earned us Omaha Magazine’s “Best Family Dentist” for 14 years running. We will make sure that your dental and emotional health are looked after.
Contact Our Omaha Dentists For Sedation Dentistry!
IV sedation can help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Request that dental sedation be used during your next appointment. Call one of our offices in Omaha, Nebraska at Hillsborough: 402-445-4647 Ralston: 402-733-4441 Village Pointe: 402-505-7474 Dundee: 402-502-5593. We serve patients in and around Bellevue, Lincoln, and nearby areas of Nebraska.