Sedation Dentistry for Multiple Treatment Appointments
Trips to the dentist can be stressful for some patients, which is why we do our best to make each visit as relaxing as possible. Dr. Burton Gooch offers patients at his Birmingham, AL practice sedation dentistry options, which help reduce anxiety while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
Dental sedation can be used for just a single visit, but it has excellent applications when multiple trips to the dentist are required. Let’s discuss sedation dentistry for multiple dentist appointments, with a focus on the benefits and why it may be necessary.
About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry refers to different methods dentists have to help patients achieve a relaxed state. Patients will be conscious and responsive during sedation dentistry treatment, but they will not be worried or stressed during their visit.
We offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation and oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation
Nitrous oxide is inhaled while at the office for your visit. The nitrous oxide will help you achieve a euphoric state. It’s ideal for comparatively minor dental treatment needs.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking an oral sedative before your visit. Once the medication kicks in, you will be relaxed and free from anxiety while visiting your dentist.
Complicated and Involved Dental Procedures
Sedation dentistry is a great option for people who are undergoing complicated dental procedures that require lots of procedures over multiple visits. These can seem stressful to patients, and it’s imperative that these patients be calm and in a good state of mind during treatment.
Smile Makeovers and Sedation Dentistry
When performing a smile makeover, it can take some time for our Birmingham team to implement all of the cosmetic dentistry procedures a patient needs. Over the course of a few weeks or possibly a few months, patients will return to our office multiple times. Different sedation methods may be used to make the treatment process more tolerable.
Full Mouth Reconstruction and and Sedation Dentistry
Full mouth reconstructions tend to be more involved than smile makeovers. These procedures use multiple restorative dentistry procedures to rehabilitate the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. Restoring these structures can be a lengthy process and require multiple visits, which is why sedation dentistry may be recommended.
What Type of Sedation Will Be Used?
That depends on the type of work being done and the level of anxiety a patient faces. We will tailor treatment to your needs.
The Dental Work Required
For major dental procedures, oral conscious sedation may be recommended. Gum grafting, prepping for crowns, and oral surgery can take time, and sedation will help patients feel relaxed while this necessary work is being done. Minor procedures like teeth whitening or placing common dental restorations may just require some nitrous oxide sedation.
The Needs of the Patient
If a patient suffers from serious anxiety about dental visits, oral conscious sedation is typically best since the effects begin before sitting in the dentist chair. For lower levels of dental phobia and other issues, nitrous oxide will often suffice. The consultation process helps us gauge the needs of the patient and create a custom treatment plan.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
If you live in the Birmingham area and would like more information about advanced dental care that puts patient comfort and satisfaction first, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach Gooch Family Dental by phone at (205) 545-8001.