Fairhope Sedation Dentistry

Choose

Sedation Dentistry
at Living Oaks

It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. Dr. Brabston knows that finding a dentist that you feel comfortable with is the first step in overcoming any anxiety you may feel about visiting the dentist. At Living Oaks Dental, Dr. Brabston and his staff are friendly and inviting, and we offer many services that will make your experience painless and anxiety-free.

Why Might I

Need Sedation Dentistry?

The most common reason that patients opt for sedation dentistry is dental anxiety. This issue is surprisingly common and can prevent patients from getting the treatment they need to protect their teeth and gums.

At Living Oaks Dental, we offer sedation dentistry to help treat anxiety and make you comfortable enough to receive the dental treatment you need to maintain a healthy smile. Sedation can also help to mitigate the fear of needles, which can make it difficult for Dr. Brabston to use numbing agents to prepare your mouth for your procedure.

Sedation can also suppress the gag reflex, which is very useful for patients who are undergoing treatment on their rear molars. Many patients also opt for sedation simply because they wish to be as comfortable as possible during a longer dental treatment, or if they are having multiple procedures done at the same time. Sedation makes it easier to sit still and stay comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

Am I A

Candidate for Sedation?

Dental sedation is a great option for patients with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, low pain tolerance, restlessness, or difficulty sitting for long treatments. However, you need to inform us of your medical history and any medications you are taking so we can determine if you are a good candidate for sedation.

Not everyone is a good candidate, especially those of advanced age, with certain medical conditions or allergies, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and patients taking certain medications. Medical conditions that put you at higher risk for complications during dental sedation include diabetes, sleep apnea, bronchitis, respiratory problems, thyroid disorders, and liver or kidney disease.

During your consultation, we will review your medical history to ensure that you’re in good overall health, aren’t allergic to the sedative, and don’t have any medical issues that can put your health in jeopardy.

What Are

The Side Effects of Oral Conscious Sedation?

You will feel very relaxed and at ease under oral conscious sedation. For those with dental anxiety, you’ll notice that worry, anxiety, and stress suddenly melt away. Other side effects of oral conscious sedation include sleepiness, sluggishness, memory loss (of the procedure), delayed reflexes, and tingling sensations.

Possible negative side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. During the procedure, you will feel very sleepy but will remain fully conscious and able to respond to questions or follow instructions. It will also suppress a sensitive gag reflex and reduce the sensation of pain.

Some patients may fall asleep but can be easily woken up with a light shake. Oral conscious sedation has an amnesic effect, causing patients to forget what happened during the appointment. This can help to reduce future anxiety in anticipation of dental treatment.

How Long

Do the Effects of Sedation Last?

The effects of oral conscious sedation usually last between 2-8 hours but you should allow a full 24 hours for the effects of dental sedation to wear off, as different people metabolize it at different rates.

We may need to monitor you for up to an hour after the procedure and you will need to arrange for a ride to and from the appointment, as you won’t be able to drive yourself. You may feel drowsy and sluggish for the rest of the day so you rest and avoid strenuous activity.

Someone should be around to monitor you for the rest of the day and help you get around. You should avoid activity, driving, and operating heavy machinery for the next 24 hours. We recommend drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious meal after your appointment. Do not drink any alcohol or do anything dangerous, such as trying to cook a meal, while under sedation.

Understanding

The Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation, consisting of a pill-based or liquid sedative which you take before your appointment, is one of the most popular types of sedation dentistry. Benefits include:

• You’ll forget most of the procedure – Most patients don’t remember much about their procedure, which means that you’ll avoid painful memories and relax during the process.
• You will feel relaxed – You may feel a bit confused and groggy, and you’ll likely start to feel sleepy and relaxed shortly after you take your sedative. Some patients even fall asleep during the procedure!
• Few side effects – The sedatives used for oral conscious sedation have few side effects. Headaches and minor nausea are common, but that’s about it. However, the sedative will last for a few hours, and during this time, you should not drive. This means you’ll need to make alternative transportation arrangements to get to and from your appointment.
• Completely safe – Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe, and the risk of any serious side effects or complications is very low. You can trust Dr. Brabston and Living Oaks Dental to provide great care.

Understanding Your Options

Can You Have Sedation During Your Treatment?

If you are a healthy adult, you can be sedated during almost any treatment at Living Oaks Dental. From minor treatments like oral exams and cleanings to more invasive procedures like extractions and the placement of dental implants, we’re always happy to offer sedation dentistry services.

If you would like to be sedated during your treatment, just let us know before your procedure. Dr. Brabston will consult with you and confirm that you can be sedated, and then we’ll take care of everything else, allowing you to truly relax in the dentist’s chair.

Discover

Your options

Living Oaks Dental offers conscious sedation for patients who suffer from dental phobia or anxiety. The sedation induces a deep state of relaxation, and with the capable hands of our dentists you truly will have nothing to worry about. Sedation is also an option for patients who worry about pain or have heightened oral sensitivity. Our promise is to make your appointment with us as painless as possible. 

Have

Questions?

We understand that many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and that’s why we’ll always take the time to make sure that our patients are as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to find out more about sedation dentistry and whether this is a good option for you.