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Oct
Some people would never believe they could ever relax in a dental chair. Past experiences may contribute to great anxiety in anticipation of dental procedures. A negative to being fearful of the dentist is that care may be postponed or avoided altogether. This is not a valid solution not attending necessary appointments can lead to more severe dental problems in the future. Worsening conditions may lead to pain or more invasive dental procedures, heightening anxiety.
Patients of Dr. Steven L. Hatcher and Dr. Sona J. Isharani in and around Greensboro, NC, have access to their extensive training and compassionate care, combined with sedation services when necessary, to make any dental procedure more comfortable. Both doctors are certified to discuss and administer sedation of varying degrees and our practice serves patients of all ages. Each time sedation is employed, it is tailored to the specifics of the treatment being performed – age of the patient, degree of patient fear, length of the procedure, and other factors. Listed from most to least sedating, the types of sedation dentistry available to patients of Dr. Hatcher or Dr. Isharani are IV sedation, oral sedation, and inhalation sedation.
IV sedation is safe and effective as administered in our dental practice. It is used for the most severely fearful patients, or for very long or complicated procedures to make the therapy bearable for the patient. Another form of sedation available is oral sedation. As the name implies, it is prescribed and taken orally. This is a popular form that serves to dispel patient fears, making the patient very relaxed; however, the patient is still able to comply with the requests of the dentist for ease of procedure. Inhalation sedation is a longstanding, well-received option for mild sedation. Most often nitrous oxide is administered via a breathable gas, resulting in the patient feeling more relaxed while receiving care. The amount administered is adjustable throughout the course of a procedure as determined by the dental professional. When therapy is complete and the gas is no longer being inhaled, the patient is immediately free from any lingering effects.
In most cases, local anesthesia will still be used by the provider in combination with the above methods to ensure there is no cause for patient discomfort. Though administered by a needle to the treatment site, sedation methods mentioned will already be in use, making this part of a procedure trouble-free, as well.
If dental visits are a strong source of dread or fear, call us today to schedule your next appointment. When you call, let us know of your interest in our sedation dentistry options. We take special care to get to know our patients and make recommendations best suited to each person’s individual needs.