It may come as a surprise to you, but research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults suffer from dental anxiety. Whether it’s fear of pain, traumatic dental experiences in the past, difficulty giving up control, embarrassment about their teeth and gums, or being scared of needles, it’s no wonder so many people avoid going to the dentist.
If this sounds all too familiar to you, the good news is that sedation dentistry can help you get the comfortable dental care you deserve, and at Hite Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping every patient achieve the best oral health possible.
So, let’s take a look at how IV and oral sedation can make even the most complex cases stress-free.
How Dental Sedation Works
At our Edwardsville dental office, we offer three types of dental sedation: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is commonly used for routine procedures, but if you need numerous dental procedures or have severe anxiety, we may recommend one of our other options:
- Oral sedation — For this type of sedation, you’ll take a prescription medication before your appointment. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from our dental office, and you’ll arrive feeling relaxed and at ease. If necessary, we may give you another dose of medication before we begin treatment. You will be awake and able to respond, but there’s a high likelihood you won’t remember your procedure.
- IV sedation — IV sedation is ideal for those with severe dental anxiety because it puts you in a semi-conscious state. Medication is delivered intravenously when you arrive at our office. During your treatment, you’ll be able to communicate with us, but you won’t be aware of your procedures taking place. Our dentists are specially trained in IV sedation, and a nurse will monitor your vital signs throughout your visit, keeping you safe and comfortable. Again, you’ll need a driver on the day of your visit.
Questions About Sedation Dentistry in Edwardsville, IL?
If you’d like to learn more about our sedation options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced dental team! We strive to put your mind at ease, answer your questions, and help you choose the sedation option that suits your needs.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please give us a call at (618) 844-9873.