Sedation Dentistry
At Dr. Kelley Fisher, DDS, we believe everyone deserves a comfortable dental experience. If you can relate to anxious feelings when imagining a trip to the dentist, Dr. Fisher has great news for you. It’s called oral sedation dentistry, and it’s quickly becoming a preferred form of dental care for those with dental fear or anxiety
Limited time
Complex dental problems
A very sensitive gag reflex
Difficulty in becoming or maintaining numbness
A strong aversion to dental noises, smells, and tastes
Apprehension that keeps them from visiting the dentist
An inability to sit still for long periods of time
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Do you keep putting off that dental procedure due to fear? If the thought of going to a dentist puts you in a panic, sedation may be a good solution for you. Sedation dentistry is focused on the comfort of the patient. It involves the use of different types of sedation to help the patient feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. The level of sedation used will depend on the needs of the patient. Moderate sedation for example, allows the patient to be awake during the procedure but helps to keep them calm. Some patients however, prefer not to be awake during the procedure. Dr. Kelley Fisher, DDS offers sedation dentistry Sammamish residents trust for their comfort during dental procedures.
Dr. Kelley Fisher Offers Two Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are various different types of sedation dentistry. Dr. Kelly Fisher offers the following types for your comfort:
IV Sedation
Our IV sedation dentistry services in Sammamish are available for those that prefer to be unconscious during the dental procedure. This is ideal for those with extreme dental phobia. It involves the insertion of an IV line into the vein in the crook of the arm. The sedative is passed into the bloodstream through the IV line. Your breathing and other vital signs will be monitored closely throughout the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide Gas
This is a popular type of sedation and is quite safe for use with adults and children. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide gas allows you to relax. A local anesthetic will be needed to prevent pain. You will however, be awake during the procedure. This form of sedation has lower risks compared to other types. Its effects also wear off quite quickly. It is often used for procedures ranging from simply teeth cleaning to more complex procedures such as root canals.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Our sedation dentistry Sammamish services offer many benefits.
It will help reduce anxiety
More than 60 percent of the world’s population fears dentists. While most of the fears associated with dentists are unfounded, they still make visits to the dentists unpleasant. If you’re anxious about visiting the dentist, having a sedative administered to you can help keep you calm before, during and after your treatment. It will help ensure you get the treatment you need.
It will help to ease discomfort
Some patients have a low threshold for pain. Others have sensitive gag reflexes. If you’re anxious about your dental treatment, you may tense up and this may make the experience more unpleasant than it really is. A sedative will help you relax and thus reduce your overall discomfort from the procedure.
Procedures can be completed faster
When the patient is under sedation, the dentist can work more efficiently. They can focus on the procedure and get it done more quickly.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. It is completely safe when it is performed by a trained and licensed medical profession. You can trust Dr. Kelley Fisher to put your safety first and ensure close monitoring of your condition through the procedure.
How long does sedation dentistry last?
It depends on your procedure. In most cases, it can last between 1 and 6 hours.
Will I Remember Anything About My Treatment?
This depends on the type of sedation used. For example with our IV sedation dentistry services in Sammamish you will not remember anything about your procedure.
Are There Side Effects Related to Sedation?
The side effects of sedation are often minor. They include:
Dry mouth after the procedure
Headache
Nausea
Brief amnesia upon awakening
Grogginess
What Should I Do After Sedation?
It is important to have someone accompany you to your appointment. You should not drive or operate heavy or dangerous equipment for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Get plenty of rest and ensure there is someone with you to look after you.
SAFE, EFFECTIVE, ANXIETY-FREE
Fully certified to perform oral sedation dentistry, our practice can provide you with the safe, effective, and anxiety-free treatment you deserve. Prior to administering sedation, we screen you for a variety of risks factors to ensure your safety. During sedation, your safety and comfort is our top priority; we continuously monitor your vital signs and oxygen saturation levels throughout your treatment. While sedated, you can swallow and speak like normal but in most cases, you simply won’t remember your procedure. The best part about sedation dentistry is that you can comfortably receive the vital dental treatment you need, but in a relaxed state. Once your procedure ends, we require you to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment.
At Dr. Kelley Fisher, DDS, we also offer nitrous oxide in conjunction with sedation as an analgesic pain reliever. While alert enough to answer and ask questions during the entire procedure, you will feel totally relaxed and comfortable during your treatment.
Your teeth are yours for a lifetime. Don’t let fear or anxiety prevent you from keeping them in tip-top shape. Call Dr. Kelley Fisher today and learn how sedation dentistry can dramatically improve your dental experience.