Sedation

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, as the name implies, is a technique used by a trained dentist to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for people receiving dental treatment.  A major benefit to the sedation technique is that people often feel the procedure lasts only a few minutes when in fact, it might have taken hours to perform.  In addition, patients may also experience an “amnesic effect”, where parts of the procedure will not be remembered, even though they could be awake and talking.  This not only helps the day of the procedure, but it always helps patients adjust positively toward future dental appointments, helping control their overall anxiety reduction.  Most people rarely feel any discomfort after the procedure.

Many people avoid visiting the dentist because of the common dental phobia.  Avoiding regular dental treatment often results in neglect of oral health and appearance, up to and beyond the point when drastic measures become necessary.  Sedation dentistry addresses this phobia, allowing people to undergo dental work while avoiding this common apprehension.  Additionally, sedation dentistry is such that complex dental procedures normally requiring numerous visits can often be performed in just one or two sittings.

What is Sedation?

Sedation is a technique that aims to pharmacologically alter your central nervous system (CNS) to produce an overall deeper calm and relaxed (sedated) sensation.  Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, etc.) are used to induce sedation and can be administered by taking a small pill 1 hour before your scheduled appointment.  Nitrous oxide is also usually administered to achieve an overall maximum effect.

Seeking the advice of Dr. Luther experienced in sedation dentistry, rather than foregoing treatment because of fear and potential pain, gives people the opportunity to undergo critical procedures that they would have otherwise avoided.  Ask one of Dr. Luther’s highly trained staff for specific details.

In related topics addressing anxiety and apprehension reduction, we also offer movie video glasses and radio headphones if requested.  Come watch a sitcom like “Friends” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, or a drama such as “CSI:” or “House, M.D.” while you get your treatment complete.  They both do an excellent job distracting your brain from any built up anticipation, overall reduction your fear anxiety!!