Sedation Dentistry in Jasper, AL
Many people who need dental care avoid doing so because of anxiety, often stemming from bad prior dental experiences or fear of the unknown. At Bivona Family Dentistry, our goal is to eliminate these barriers to quality dental care by easing anxiety and stress. By focusing on replacing negative dental experiences with positive ones, we create a safe and welcoming environment for those who feel fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist. In fact, we treat individuals with dental anxiety or phobia about three or four times a day. While we work hard to build trusting relationships with our patients to help reduce their anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry to calm our patients when needed.
Establishing Trust With Our Patients
At Bivona Family Dentistry, we take a systematic approach to help our patients overcome dental anxiety. Our goal is to build trust through consistent, positive experiences. With each visit, as you have more comfortable and reassuring appointments, we establish a strong rapport—even a friendship—that helps ease your anxiety. It’s all about making you feel safe and comfortable in our office. Over time, as we get to know each other better, the stress of dental visits gradually fades away.
Here are some of the techniques we use to build a trusting relationship with our patients:
- Person-centered care: We personalize our approach to each patient’s needs, ensuring that they feel valued and respected. Our patient-centric approach means that you have more control over your appointment. If you need us to stop, we’ll do so safely.
- Clear communication: We take the time to clarify procedures, answer questions, and discuss concerns so our patients understand their treatment options.
- Active listening: Our team members listen attentively to patients’ concerns, validating their feelings and adjusting our care to meet their needs.
- Empathy and compassion: We never shame our patients for their fears or anxieties. Instead, we provide emotional support and reassurance throughout their visit.
These techniques intertwine to help build a trusting relationship that becomes stronger with each visit. Our ultimate goal is to empower you to take control of your oral health with confidence.
However, some patients come to us with pressing issues, and we don’t have the time to really build that rapport the way we’d normally like to. In those cases, we provide medications to ease anxiety so patients can get the care they need.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. For those who experience dental anxiety or phobia, these sedatives make it possible to receive essential care they might otherwise avoid. At Bivona Family Dentistry, our sedation options keep patients calm and comfortable while allowing them to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure.
When Is Sedation Dentistry Needed?
Sedation may be needed for various reasons and for different circumstances. For instance, while many people associate sedation dentistry with individuals who have a fear of the dentist or dental anxiety, we can also use sedatives for individuals with a low pain tolerance or sensitive gag reflex, children who may have trouble cooperating, patients with special needs, individuals with traumatic past experiences, and those who have difficulty getting numb from local anesthesia alone.
Additionally, patients undergoing more complicated or lengthy procedures may also benefit from the comfort that sedation provides. For instance, while root canals and conventional dental implants only require local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, additional sedation can help ensure a more relaxed overall experience.
Types of Sedation at Bivona Family Dentistry
We work hard to make sure that fear and anxiety are not obstacles to getting the care that you need. It’s important that we are aware of your concerns so we can help you manage your anxiety and choose the right sedation method for your needs.
Conscious Oral Sedation
The most common sedation technique our patients use is conscious oral sedation. We’ll give you a prescription for a strong medication that you take before your appointment. Having someone you trust to drive you to and from your appointment is key when you opt for this sedation method, as the effects do linger. We also recommend having your trusted driver with you when you take the pill in case you become drowsy.
When you arrive for your procedure, the sedative will have taken effect, and you’ll be on cloud nine. You can expect your anxiety to be gone and to feel an overall sense of calm. The oral sedative allows you to relax throughout your visit but still be awake and alert. If we ask you to stick out your tongue or bite a certain way, you’ll be fully able to respond to us.
We ensure your safety throughout your visit by measuring your oxygen content, blood pressure, and heart rate. It’s a very safe way to manage your anxiety and get the care you need.
Plus, after two or three appointments, patients find that they don’t need the oral sedation anymore since there have been enough anxiety-free appointments to build that trust and positive relationship.
Nitrous Oxide
At Bivona Family Dentistry, we also offer minimal sedation with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. You inhale the gas through a nosepiece and feel a sense of euphoria that eclipses your anxiety.
The beauty of nitrous oxide is in its temporary effect. When your procedure is complete, we run oxygen through the mask to reverse the effects of the sedative. Because there are no lingering effects, you can safely return to work or continue your day as usual.
Experience Anxiety-Free Dental Care
At Bivona Family Dentistry, our approach to sedation dentistry is centered around building strong, trusting relationships with our patients. By fostering positive experiences, we help you associate dental care with feelings of comfort and ease, ultimately reducing any anxiety you may have. We also offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide to ensure your visits are as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
If you’re ready to experience compassionate dental care that prioritizes your comfort, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us. Call Bivona Family Dentistry or use our convenient online form to book your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long the effects of the sedative last depends on the type of sedation chosen. For laughing gas, we can quickly flush the sedative out of your system using oxygen. By the end of your appointment, you will no longer be sedated, allowing you to go about your day as planned.
For oral conscious sedation, the drowsiness or grogginess may linger for a few hours after your appointment. You won’t be able to drive yourself home safely, so having someone drive you to and from your appointment is essential. While the effects last longer than nitrous oxide, the total duration depends on the specific medication and dosage and how quickly your body metabolizes the medication.
Dental sedation can make you feel drowsy, but it rarely makes you fall asleep fully. Minimal sedation, like nitrous oxide, causes relaxation, but you will stay fully awake. Moderate sedation, such as oral conscious sedation, can make you very drowsy but still conscious. Some patients may drift asleep during the procedure but can still be gently awakened and respond to instructions.
No, you shouldn’t feel any pain when you are sedated for your dental procedure. Even with sedation, we will administer local anesthesia to fully numb the nerves around the treatment area. The anesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain during or immediately after the procedure.
Additionally, conscious sedation techniques minimize pain and discomfort while helping you stay calm and relaxed. They make dental treatments much more pleasant for those with phobias or anxiety.
While there is typically a fee for nitrous oxide, there is generally no fee for oral conscious sedation. We provide this option purely because we want to eliminate treatment obstacles for our patients.