Sedation Dentistry in Churubusco, IN
Reduce Dental Anxiety
If you are someone who feels nervous about the thought of a dental exam, preventive cleaning, or other necessary dental treatments, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the safe sedation dentistry methods at Turtle Town Dental can help ease your dental anxiety.
Dr. Bixler and the rest of our skilled dental team are experienced in safely administering sedation, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good care. Read on to learn if dental sedation can help you feel more at ease during your appointment.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation will allow you to relax or even sleep during your exam, cleaning, or procedure. Our safe sedation methods will help you enter a relaxed state that will keep your mind off of your appointment, or even let you enter a state of sleep while Dr. Bixler works on your mouth.
One of our dental team members will monitor you throughout your appointment to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. By the end of the visit, you will be fully awake and ready to carry on with the rest of your day.
When is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
If you experience any of the following situations, then dental sedation may be ideal for you.
- Bad gag reflex
- Fear of dental work
- Difficulty getting numb with a local anesthetic (such as Novocaine)
- Sensitive teeth
- Dislike of noises, smells, or tastes associated with dental care
- Discomfort with needles and shots
Dr. Bixler will determine if dental sedation is the best option for you at your initial consultation. He’ll also go over your other options if necessary.
Our Safe Sedation Methods
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is dispensed orally and doesn’t involve the use of any dental tools. This option is ideal for patients with a fear of needles, as patients simply take a prescribed dose of medication about an hour before their appointment.
This method of sedation allows you to fully relax for the duration of your appointment. In fact, many patients are so relaxed that they remember little to nothing about their time spent at our office. Since the sedative effect typically lasts for several hours after administration, you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home from our office after your dental procedure is over.
Inhaled Minimal Sedation
Inhaled minimal sedation involves breathing in colorless, odorless nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” This classic type of sedation is effective because it relaxes patients quickly, but also wears off rapidly once the mask is removed.
This method of sedation is administered through a mask placed over your nose, so it’s another ideal option for patients afraid of needles. Nitrous oxide is completely safe, even for use in children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
At Turtle Town Dental, we ensure that all sedation methods are administered in a safe and controlled environment. Dr. Bixler is an experienced dental professional, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands during your procedure. You’ll be continuously monitored by a member of our dental team to ensure your comfort and safety.
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
How long the sedation takes to wear off depends on the type of sedation you received during your procedure. It’s typically best to allow at least 24 hours for the sedation to completely wear off.
During this time, it’s best to have someone drive you home from your procedure and perform any tasks for you that may otherwise be dangerous in your current state. Following sedation, you may experience:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Difficult remembering the procedure
It’s best to follow any and all instructions given to you by Dr. Bixler, such as staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
Will I feel any pain during my procedure?
With dental sedation, patients typically won’t feel any pain during their procedures. No matter the type of sedation administered, you’ll feel calm and comfortable throughout your treatment.
Any pain you may feel will likely occur at the end of your procedure once the sedation has worn off. Even then, it’s typically only mild soreness that can be managed with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can anyone undergo dental sedation?
While dental sedation is a great way to ease your anxiety about going to the dentist, it isn’t for everyone. You may be ineligible for dental sedation if you have:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Conflicting medications
- Liver or kidney diseases
- Respiratory problems
At your initial consultation, Dr. Bixler will determine if you’re a good candidate for dental sedation and discuss your other options if necessary. He’ll help ensure you’re at ease during your procedure no matter your current situation.
Feel At Ease During Your Appointment
Don’t let your fear of going to the dentist prevent you from getting the care you need. If left untreated, many dental problems could evolve into serious complications.
We offer safe sedation dentistry methods at our Churubusco office to ensure you’re at ease during your appointment. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Bixler, contact us at (260) 693-9300 or fill out a contact form. A helpful team member will get back to you shortly.
As one of the premier dental practices for sedation dentistry serving the northern Fort Wayne area, our Turtle Town Dental also provides exceptional dental & orthodontic care to patients from Churubusco, Albion, Columbia City, Avilla, Kendallville, Garrett & Ligonier.