Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, but for many the thought of going brings on extreme anxiety and fear. The dental appointment is something to avoid. But as we know, avoiding dental care can lead to big problems. To ensure our patients will be able to have the treatment they need, we have sedation options they need to be comfortable throughout the process. These include:
Topical Anesthetic
IV Conscious Sedation
When a patient is having minor procedures done and has no unusual fear, we are able to numb the area with a topical anesthetic. This is administered using a needle and a topical anesthetic (usually Septocaine). We place the injections in and around the site to ensure it is completely numb before we start. For some periodontal procedures and simple extractions, this method is ideal. The patient is not impaired and the numbness wears off in a short time.
When your dental visit will include complex periodontal treatments, surgery or implants many patients opt for IV Conscious Sedation. IV Conscious Sedation is administered with an IV needle directly into the blood stream. This method of sedation works very quickly and the dentist can control the level of sedation during longer procedures. IV Sedation also wears off quickly after the procedure is complete with less after effect. IV Sedation requires special training and licensing for the dentist so not all dental practices offer it. Our Dr. Hameroff is licensed and has been providing IV Sedation for our patients for many years. Our staff is fully trained to assist him. Our patients' comfort is a top priority here and our team will work with you to make sure we use the best method of sedation for your specific needs. For more information call today at 352.596.1771.