A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Sedation Dentistry

Be Relaxed and Comfortable for Every Type of Treatment

We are compassionate with our dentally challenged patients and those who are anxious just sitting in a dental chair. We are pleased to be able to help these patients with conscious sedation dentistry that will allow them to be comfortable and relaxed for their dental care.

By simply taking one pill about an hour prior to your appointment, you will begin to relax and feel calm. As you sit in the dental chair, your relaxation progresses to a deeper level. You are not completely unconscious, just unaware of the procedure taking place. You can still answer questions that the doctor may ask. All vital signs are monitored throughout your treatment, and after your work is completed, someone drives you back home. In about an hour, you are completely alert again.

Some patients have an even greater fear of becoming unconscious. It is important to know you are not completely out as for surgery. You are just unaware of the work being performed. Conscious sedation provides a happy medium of feeling calm while still being in control.

This also works well for those who have difficulty becoming numb with regular anesthesia. And for those who don't have the time to return for multiple visits to complete all the necessary dental work, this allows them to have all their treatments in one visit.

We also offer the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for those who just need lighter sedation. (Coming Soon!)

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com