What is Sedation Dentistry?
If you’re a Gahanna resident and the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety, but with our sedation dentistry in Gahanna, Ohio, you can enjoy a calm, comfortable visit. Sedation dentistry is a technique that uses medication to help you relax during dental procedures because we know visiting the dentist, especially when you need a surgical procedure, can cause anxiety. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to being asleep for the procedure, depending on your needs and the type of sedation.
At our Gahanna office, we offer various types of sedation to fit your needs so that every patient feels calm and comfortable during their treatment. Sedation makes your dental visit stress-free.
Sedation Options at Our Gahanna Office
We offer several types of sedation to fit your comfort level and the complexity of your procedure. Each type of sedation is designed to ease your anxiety and make the experience pain-free. Our dentist in Gahanna will go through these options on your visit to suit your preferences.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask. It works fast to help you relax, and the effects wear off just as fast, so you can go about your day as usual after your appointment. This is good for patients with mild anxiety or shorter procedures.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment. This type of sedation allows you to be awake but very relaxed during the procedure. It’s good for patients with moderate anxiety or more extensive dental work. You may feel drowsy, and transportation arrangements will be necessary after your appointment.
IV Sedation
Twilight Sleep, or intravenous (IV) sedation, offers a deeper level of relaxation for patients with dental anxiety or undergoing longer procedures. Administered through a small IV line, this sedation helps you enter a sleep-like state while remaining responsive to instructions. The effects take hold quickly, ensuring you feel calm and comfortable throughout your treatment. Our team monitors you closely during the procedure to maintain your safety and ensure the experience is as stress-free as possible.
How Sedation Dentistry Can Benefit You
Sedation dentistry has many benefits, making it perfect for patients who get anxious or uncomfortable during dental visits.
- Reduced Anxiety: Sedation is especially good for patients with dental phobia or anxiety. It helps you stay calm and stress-free so you can get the care you need without fear.
- Comfort During Long Procedures: For patients getting long treatments, sedation makes time pass more quickly, and you’ll be comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. This is especially good for more complex dental work.
- Easier for Patients with Gag Reflex: For patients with a sensitive gag reflex, sedation can minimize discomfort and make procedures smoother and more manageable.
- Less Pain and Discomfort: Sedation can reduce pain sensitivity a lot, so you’ll be more comfortable during any dental procedure.
Sedation dentistry can be life-altering for patients with severe dental phobia. Many patients avoid dental care because of fear, which can lead to bigger oral health problems later on. Sedation helps to get rid of those fears so you can have regular dental visits and a healthier smile.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Safety is our number one concern with all sedation dentistry in Gahanna, Ohio. Sedation dentistry is a proven and safe practice when done by trained professionals. At our office we follow strict protocols to make sure every patient receives the best care.
Before we recommend sedation, we review each patient’s medical history, current health, and any medications they are taking. This thorough assessment helps us determine the best sedation for each patient. During the procedure, we monitor your vital signs – heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels – to make sure you are safe at all times.
Dr. Van Huffel has been doing sedation dentistry for years and is certified to do multiple types of sedation. Her advanced training allows her to customize sedation for each patient. She has helped hundreds of patients in Gahanna get anxiety-free dentistry through sedation.
By following strict safety protocols and using Dr. Van Huffel’s expertise, we make sedation dentistry a safe and comfortable option for our patients.
Experience Stress-Free Dental Care with Sedation Dentistry in Gahanna
At Dr. Van Huffel’s office, we understand that dental anxiety can prevent you from getting the care you need. With our sedation dentistry options, you can experience a relaxed, pain-free visit no matter the procedure. Dr. Van Huffel and her experienced team are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn how sedation dentistry can make your next dental visit stress-free and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you completely asleep during sedation dentistry?
Not always. It depends on the level of sedation used. With minimal or moderate sedation, you’ll remain conscious but deeply relaxed. Only with general anesthesia are you completely unconscious.
What are the four levels of sedation in dentistry?
- Minimal sedation – Relaxed but fully awake and alert
- Moderate sedation – Drowsy, may slur words, likely won’t remember much
- Deep sedation – On the edge of consciousness, but can still be awakened
- General anesthesia – Completely unconscious
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover sedation dentistry, as it’s often considered elective. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t receive it—you may simply pay out-of-pocket.
