Sedation Dentistry Information

White Wolf Dental Group offers a variety of sedation dentistry options to help our patients experience a stress-free and pleasant dental visit. Sedation dentistry can be administered either orally or intravenously. Dr. Valenzi and his support team are trained and licensed to administer both forms.

Sedation dentistry enables dentists to perform multiple procedures in just one sitting. Patients can undergo extensive dental procedures and reverse years of damage in one or two visits. Sedation dentistry relaxes the patient to the point where he or she will not feel anything during the procedure. In most instances, patients do not recall any
details of their dental visit.

One of the most common forms of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide; better known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose using an oxygen mask. Laughing gas produces a feeling of euphoria; as if you are floating on a cloud. Nitrous oxide has been used safely for nearly a century to alleviate pain and
reduce anxiety.

Oral sedation medications are available which allow patients to remain conscious, but in an altered state. Typically, medication is administered an hour before your dental appointment. Many patients state they feel as if time stops and report a sense of temporary amnesia. Effects of oral sedations medications generally wear off within a few
hours.

Intravenous dentistry sedation involves administering medications directly into the bloodstream through a tube inserted into your arm. IV sedation is used when patients require lengthy or complicated dental procedures. When IV sedation is used at White Wolf Dental, patients are continuously monitored by a licensed healthcare practitioner.

When receiving sedation dentistry, it is imperative to have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment. It is also important to have someone stay with you for two to four hours after returning home from dental treatments when sedation therapy is used.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding Sedation Dentistry. Should you have further questions, feel free to contact us at 386-304-1181. We will be happy to arrange an appointment for a personal consultation.

The primary goal of sedation dentistry is to provide patients with a relaxing and stress-free dental experience. Studies reveal more than 30-percent of Americans resist going to the dentist because of overwhelming fear. Sedation dentistry can help even the biggest "chicken" obtain necessary dental work without anxiety, fear or stress.

Sedation therapy involves the use of FDA-approved, prescription medications that produce a relaxed, calm state within the body. These medications can be administered orally (pill form), intravenously (IV), or inhaled (nitrous oxide).

Dental sedation therapies do not render the patient unconscious. Instead, the patient is extremely relaxed; will not feel anything during the procedure; and likely will not remember anything about their dental treatment.

Prior to your dental procedure you will be given a sedative medication in pill form. This medication will help you become very relaxed. You will be taken into one of our treatment rooms where your vital signs can be monitored. If you and Dr. Valenzi have chosen IV sedation, additional medications will be administered. IV medications allow continuous adjustment of your degree of relaxation.

Sedation dentistry can significantly reduce the fear and anxiety associated with dental visits. It can be beneficial for a number of patients including:

> Those who have had bad dental experiences in the past

> People with a sensitive gag reflex

> Anyone who has high levels of fear or anxiety about dental procedures

> Individuals who have difficulty getting numb

> People with sensitive teeth

> People with compromised medical conditions

Oftentimes, sedation dentistry provides a safer way for people with medical problems to obtain dental treatments. Sedation therapy relaxes the body and reduces stress. This is particularly beneficial for patients with heart problems and high blood pressure.

When IV sedation dentistry is used to treat complex dental issues, we work with a nurse anesthetist to monitor vital signs. This adds yet another degree of safety.

There is a possibility you may not be a candidate for any elective medical procedure if you have a severe medical condition. Dr. Valenzi will discuss all sedation and dental treatment options during your initial evaluation.

No. Although you may not remember anything about your treatment, sedation dentistry does not involve being unconscious. Instead, you will be in a state of extreme relaxation and comfort.

The length of time you will be sedated depends on the length of your dental procedures. We control the dosage so you are relaxed for about an hour. However, sedation dentistry can be administered to last up to six hours, if necessary. We monitor patients throughout the duration of dental treatments to ensure a safe and virtually pain-free
experience.

To learn more about Sedation Dentistry, contact us at 386-304-1181 to arrange a consultation appointment.