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Sedation Dentistry

Use of Nitrous Oxide in Sedation Dentistry

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It is recommended as a sedative for children who are anxious or nervous about having a dental procedure.

Sedation Dentist St. Louis

A routine visit to the dentist may be quite uneventful. It may involve a simple cleaning and polishing procedure to remove the plaque and stains on the teeth. You may even get a small gift like a free toothbrush and floss, which may be an incentive for your next visit after six months.

But if you have a serious dental problem and have to undergo a complicated procedure it may not be very pleasant. Things can be worse if you have a dental phobia. In such situations, it is advisable to visit a St. Louis sedation dentist.

Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide

Sedation dentists use nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, for local sedation. It is odorless and colorless. Laughing gas acts as a sedative and makes the patient feel relaxed. It works quickly and its effects can be reversed. So it is widely used for sedation dentistry.

Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide

Generally, nitrous oxide does not have side effects. But a few patients may experience some negative effects if the nitrous level is very high or if it is inhaled too fast. In such cases, the patients may exhibit symptoms like shivering, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, fatigue, and headaches.

After Using Nitrous Oxide – Post-Op

When nitrous oxide is used for sedation the patient should eat light before the procedure. He should not consume a big meal for three hours after the treatment. Besides this, he should not drive after the procedure until his St. Louis sedation dentist permits him to do so.

After nitrous oxide is turned off the patient has to receive oxygen for a minimum of five minutes to prevent a headache. The oxygen removes the remnant gas from the lungs and helps the patient to become alert once again.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Children

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is safe for children. In fact, it is recommended as a sedative for children who are anxious or nervous about having a dental procedure. But some children suffer from nausea and have difficulty in wearing the mask required to inhale it. So parents can discuss with their child’s dentist beforehand, and choose the most suitable sedation method.

Conditions Under Which Nitrous Oxide Should Not Be Used

Nitrous oxide is an effective sedative and can be administered easily. But it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is not suitable for people who:

  • Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Suffer from methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
  • Have cobalamin deficiency.
  • Possess a history of drug addiction or emotional issues.
  • Are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Are receiving a treatment in which bleomycin sulfate is used.

Everyone has to undergo a complex dental procedure at some time or the other. The laughing gas sedation method may prove to be very useful in such situations.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

If you or a loved one suffer from dental anxiety, call us today at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your appointment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We look forward to meeting you!

IV Sedation to Ease Severe Dental Anxiety

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The purpose of IV sedation is to make the anxious patient feel comfortable while they undergo a dental procedure.

IV sedation dentist st. Louis

A smile can go miles and make the world a wonderful place. A good set of teeth is a great asset and can make a person’s smile charming and attractive. The paradox is that though everyone wants to have beautiful teeth and the best smile, many find the dentist’s chair terrifying.

However, modern techniques seek to improve the situation. Sedation dentistry enables the patient to be absolutely calm during the treatment. Moreover, the patient can undergo extensive treatment and get back a healthy smile painlessly. In this article, we will discuss how IV sedation can help patients with extreme anxiety.

Understanding IV Sedation

The purpose of IV sedation is to make the anxious patient feel comfortable while they undergo a dental procedure. It also aims at helping those who have to go through extensive dental procedures and oral surgeries.

IV sedation is administered intravenously. This is more suitable because the dentist can control the level of sedation and customize it according to the patient’s need for comfort.

People sometimes have the impression that IV sedation is like anesthesia, that it makes the patient unconscious. But this is not true. In fact, the patient is conscious and completely relaxed. He can respond to questions and even feel the touch slightly. But he does not experience any pain. Often, he does not remember anything about the procedure. He is awake throughout so there is no fear of lung or heart complications.

The IV sedation dentists have to acquire the necessary qualifications and undergo extensive training before they take up the job. They also need to be trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Things to do Before and After the Procedure

A person who opts for sedation dentistry treatment must find someone to escort him home after the procedure because the influence of sedation remains for quite some time. He should not drink or eat anything for 12 hours before the treatment. He should wear comfortable clothes, should not wear contacts and oral appliances when he visits the dentist. If he uses some medicines he must consult his doctor and the dentist about it before undergoing the procedure.

The IV medication is administered by inserting an IV into a vein prior to the procedure. The medication has a quick effect. The dental staff uses electronic equipment to keep a watch on the heart function of the patient during the treatment. After completing the procedure the IV is removed and the patient is permitted to go home.

The patient may feel dazed for some hours. After the procedure, he must not use heavy machinery or drive for 24 hours. He can get back to his normal activities on the following day.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you.

Sedation Dentistry to Ease Feelings of Anxiety

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Sedation dentistry is used to help patients undergo their dental procedures comfortably.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

A large number of people suffer from dental anxiety. The fear of sitting in a vulnerable position in the dental chair is quite common and is found in people of all age groups. But it is so disturbing for some people that they become panicky even when they have to make a routine visit to the dentist.

Modern medicine and techniques have been developed to free the people from the anxiety associated with dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is used to help the patients to undergo the dental procedures comfortably.

Different Methods Used in Sedation Dentistry

The sedation dentist uses some medications to make the patient feel relaxed and drowsy while they perform the dental procedure. But sedation and pain medication are not the same, sometimes the patient may need local anesthesia as well.

Some of the most common methods of sedation are as follows:

  • Inhaled Sedation – The patient inhales a mixture of nitrous oxide or laughing gas and oxygen. Within a few minutes, he becomes relaxed and does not feel any pain during the treatment.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation – The patient is given oral medicines one hour prior to the procedure so that he feels numbed but remains conscious.
  • Intravenous Sedation – It is a very strong type of sedation which is suitable for patients who are extremely nervous.

Common Concerns Which Can be Overcome by Using Sedation Dentistry

Our dentists are specially trained to administer different levels of sedation to relieve the patient from anxiety. It is a very effective and safe technique which can be used for fearful patients. Here are some situations in which sedation dentistry is very suitable.

  • When the patient is scared of needles and dental injections – If the person is given a sedative he will not be so anxious about it. He may not even be aware that needles are being used.
  • If a patient cannot bear the sight, sound, and smell of the dentist’s office – Such a person can be given oral conscious sedation on the previous night so that his mind is calm and relaxed when he goes to the dentist’s office and does not find these things to be repulsive.
  • In case, a patient experiences gagging and choking – Sedation can make him feel comfortable so that he does not have an urge to gag or choke when the dentist works in his mouth.
  • The patient who has a panic attack cries or shakes uncontrollably – Oral sedation given on the previous night can help such a patient and eliminate his anxiety.
  • The patient who is restless – Sedation can help such a person to feel relaxed so that he can sit peacefully in the dentist’s chair.

Dental Anesthesia St. Louis

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

To schedule an appointment, call us at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

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Four Reasons to Chose Sedation Dentistry

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When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level of sedation is best for you.

st louis sedation dentistry

Going to the dentist is one of the scariest and most dreaded experiences for many people. This is because dentists typically don’t sedate you unless you are undergoing some kind of major procedure, and even then it might not be very strong sedation. What many people don’t realize, however, is that you don’t have to go to a regular dentist, you can go to a sedation dentist.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

At a sedation dentist, you will be sedated with a special medication that both lowers your levels of pain and your level of anxiety. This allows you to remain awake during the procedure, but with zero worries of what’s going on, and with the ability to still respond to verbal cues from the dentist. Obviously, this is a far more effective method of dentistry for those with anxiety issues related to dentist visits.

Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why you should use a sedation dentist if you have dental anxiety:

  1. Safety -One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that it is extremely safe. you are still conscious and able to breathe on your own, while also retaining the ability to follow commands that the dentist gives you. Your natural reflexes are unaffected so you can let the dentist know if anything is causing you pain. Because of the lowered amount of stress you will feel during a visit to the sedation dentist, you are also less likely to experience any stress-related health issues, especially heart problems.
  2. Comfort -Dentist visits often last a long time with much of it being spent in a chair. If you are prone to feeling stiff and uncomfortable, sedation can help prevent this. Because of the sedative, you won’t likely feel any soreness in your neck or back from sitting for a long time, and your mental and emotional state will also be much more relaxed than normal.
  3. Quality Care -Just like a barber can’t cut your hair right if you keep jerking around, a dentist can’t work on your teeth right if you keep moving around. Sedation will keep you much more still which will allow your dentist to work much more efficiently.
  4. Efficiency – Procedures are often put off by patients because they don’t have the time to sit in the office for hours. With sedation dentistry, you can block your sessions together and set aside one or 2 full days to sit down and get it done. The sedatives allow you to sit much longer than you normally would be able to and you might even feel like it took mere minutes to complete an hours-long procedure.

Sedation Dentistry St. Louis

Sedation dentistry is far superior to normal dentistry for many reasons. If you are someone who can handle the sedatives with no health problems, you will benefit from less pain, more efficiency, fewer dentist visits, and more comfort during your dentist appointments.

When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you or simply make an appointment online.

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IV Sedation can help Relax Patients with Acute Dental Visit Anxiety

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To ease anxiety, dentistry has developed sedation methods that help patients relax during dental treatment.

Did you know 50% of people admit to some form of anxiety visiting the dentist, with roughly 1 in 6 avoiding dental care altogether because of it? To ease anxiety, dentistry has developed sedation methods that help patients relax during dental treatment.

Sedation Dentist in St Louis

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Many can achieve relaxation with an oral sedative taken about an hour before a visit. Some with acute anxiety, though, may need deeper sedation through an intravenous (IV) injection of medication. Unlike general anesthesia which achieves complete unconsciousness to block pain, IV sedation reduces consciousness to a controllable level. Patients aren’t so much “asleep” as in a “semi-awake” state that’s safe and effective for reducing anxiety.

While there are a variety of IV medications, the most popular for dental offices are the benzodiazepines, most often Midazolam (Versed). Benzodiazepines act quickly and wear off faster than similar drugs, and have a good amnesic effect (you won’t recall details while under its influence). While relatively safe, they shouldn’t be used with individuals with poor liver function because of their adverse interaction with liver enzymes.

Other drugs or substances are often used in conjunction with IV sedation. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) may be introduced initially to help with anxiety over the IV needle stick. Sometimes pain-reducing drugs like Fentanyl may be added to the IV solution to boost the sedative effect and to reduce the amount of the main drug.

If we recommend IV sedation for your dental treatment, there are some things you should do to help the procedure go smoothly and safely. Because the after effects of sedation may impair your driving ability, be sure you have someone with you to take you home. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your appointment, and consult with both your physician and dentist about taking any prescription medication beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and don’t wear contact lenses, oral appliances like dentures or retainers, watches or other jewelry.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

Our top priority is safety — we follow strict standards and protocols regarding IV sedation and you’ll be carefully monitored before, during and after your procedure. Performed with the utmost care, IV sedation could make your next dental procedure pleasant and uneventful, and impact your oral health for the better.

If you would like more information on IV and other forms of sedation, please contact us at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!