Sedation Dentistry in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Sedation dentistry can be used to provide you a relaxing and stress-free experience when you are receiving dental treatment. It allows you to receive the dental treatment you need even if you are anxious about visiting the dentist, avoiding a dental phobia. The different levels and forms of sedation all have specific benefits and are appropriate for different situations.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety often creates obstacles when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Almost 22 percent of adults often skip their dental appointments because of their fear of a dentist, according to the American Dental Association. Modern dentistry now provides several solutions for finding peace of mind and relaxation in the dental chair. Sedation dentistry is a successful option for easing your dental anxiety.
The benefits of sedation dentistry can be quite significant. The single most obvious benefit from sedation dentistry is the reduction of your anxiety during your procedure. Sedation dentistry is certainly beneficial when it comes to helping reduce anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a very simple way to alleviate anxiety concerns. Sedation dentistry will also reduce or remove tooth and gum sensitivity, which will reduce your gag reflexes.
One of the primary benefits of sedation dentistry is that you may think that your dental procedure lasted only a few minutes, when in fact it may have taken considerably longer. Sedation dentistry also allows us to work more effectively, which translates into a win-win situation, because you will be finished quicker.
The Levels of Sedation
Sedation dentistry is a simple process we use to establish a relaxed and calm state with the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs, depressants, tranquillizers, anti-anxiety medications, and nitrous oxide, can all be administered in a variety of ways. Our goal at PerioImplant Associates is to implement everything necessary to ensure that your visit to see us is a calm and comfortable experience. We will discuss your range of sedation options.
There are several options we can choose from, which include: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. The best option for you will be based on the procedure being performed, and you will be given several choices to help you feel comfortable and less anxious during your treatment.
- Mild Sedation- If our goal at PerioImplant Associates is to just relieve your anxiety, then this is the preferred choice. Mild sedation reduces your anxiety level and will also decrease the level of any discomfort experienced. In some cases, it can eliminate any pain all together.
- Moderate Sedation- Moderate sedation will be the better option if the scheduled procedure is more intense or invasive. During moderate sedation, you will be in a much deeper state of relaxation. You could experience amnesia from this sedation, so you will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Types of Dental Sedation Available
The sedation options PerioImplant Associates will offer are classified as one of two types: conscious sedation and general anesthesia. During your procedure with conscious sedation, your consciousness is simply depressed. General anesthesia, on the other hand, means that you are completely unconscious for the entire procedure. You will not feel anything during your procedure and will have no memory of the procedure.
The methods for the delivery of the sedation include:
- Nitrous Oxide- Nitrous oxide is the most common and the mildest sedation option. The method for administering nitrous oxide is by using a mouthpiece. As you inhale the nitrous oxide, you will enter a relaxed state. This process reduces any anxiety and discomfort which might be associated with your procedure.
- Oral Sedation- A more intensive form of sedation is oral sedation. Oral sedation has become the most common technique used in the United States and Canada to stymie your anxiety. This just involves you taking an anxiety medication by mouth to induce a state of deeper calm. This effect can last for several hours following your procedure so you will need a ride home.
- IV Sedation: Intravenous Sedation, or IV, is the most intensive form of sedation we offer. During IV Sedation, you are in a state of unconsciousness. It is common to experience amnesia both before and after the procedure. As with the oral sedation procedure, you will not be allowed to drive after your procedure.
Procedures that Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
Certain dental procedures, such as surgical tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, root canal treatment, and implant placement, might benefit from sedation dentistry. Along with these, the use of sedation for other treatment is oftentimes decided at the discretion of PerioImplant Associates. We could suggest sedation for procedures that will be more intensive, or we may offer sedation for you if you are extremely anxious.
Dental Sedation Costs
The cost of your dental sedation will depend on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your dental sedation treatment, insurance coverage, and available payment options before we begin, so that you can make an informed choice to proceed with your treatment.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to take care of your oral health. It is quite common to be apprehensive or anxious about visiting the dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding anxiety, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the treatment that is being proposed for you. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are trained to address all issues related to anxiety concerns. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our team, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for dental sedation for you. Each of us will greet you with a calming smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own.