Sedation Can Help Patients Relax during Dental Treatment

Sedation allows phobic or nervous patients to receive necessary care in complete comfort. Under its influence, patients can achieve a relaxed, sleep-like state, unaware of what is going on around them. Dr. Lifferth offers two sedation options—nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) medications—to help patients relax during oral surgery at our Park City, UT, practice. Sedation is also beneficial for patients who require extensive dental work or have difficulty sitting still for long periods due to certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy. In addition, patients at Park City Oral Surgery can undergo treatment at our private state-of-the-art surgical facility which features the most advanced dental technology.

Sedation not only ensures your comfort but can also allow your dentist to work more efficiently.

How Can Sedation Benefit Patients?

Dental phobia and anxiety affect nearly 40 million Americans. Unfortunately, this fear can prevent people from seeking the important care they need. People who suffer from dental phobia generally have a fear of pain that stems from a past dental experience. Because of this, sedation provides patients the opportunity to receive essential care and develop a healthier relationship with their dentist at the same time.

You may benefit from sedation if you:

• Have difficulty sitting still or controlling body movements
• Continually cancel dental appointments
• Avoid the dentist even when experiencing dental pain
• Have a fear of dental tools, x-rays, or needles
• Have trouble numbing with only local anesthesia
• Require significant dental work, such as dental implants or wisdom tooth extraction
• Have a sensitive gag reflex

Health Requirements for Sedation Dentistry

Those who wish to undergo sedation in the dental office must be in good overall health. During a consultation at our practice, your medical history will be reviewed in detail. Dr. Lifferth will also talk with you about any medications you are currently taking. This helps ensure that sedation is right for you, and that we administer the proper dose for your age and health.

Dental phobia and anxiety affect nearly 40 million Americans.

Medical clearance is required for those with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac disease, and respiratory disease. If any of these issues are present, we may work in conjunction with your medical doctor to resolve or treat them prior to your dental procedure. Together, you and Dr. Lifferth can determine which type of sedation is most appropriate for you.

In some instances, patients may not qualify for sedation dentistry due to certain health conditions. Furthermore, it is not advisable for pregnant women to undergo nitrous oxide during their first trimester; oral or IV sedation is not recommended at any point.

Types of Sedation We Provide

As a board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Lifferth prioritizes ongoing education in order to stay up-to-date with emerging techniques. Rest assured when you choose our practice, you will be receiving the highest level of care available.

Dr. Lifferth offers two different types of sedation for his patients. The type recommended will depend on the patient’s level of anxiety as well as the complexity of their treatment.

Nitrous oxide is one of several sedation options from which patients with dental phobia can benefit.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a type of conscious inhaled sedation that helps patients relax and feel comfortable. It is administered through a nose mask that remains in place throughout the entire treatment. A local anesthetic is also administered to the area being treated. Under the effects of nitrous oxide, patients will be able to respond to Dr. Lifferth’ commands but will be in a state of deep relaxation, unaware of what is going on around them. Shortly after the nose mask is removed, the effects of the gas wear off and patients have little or no memory of the procedure. Patients can generally drive themselves home.

IV Sedation

Like nitrous oxide, IV sedation is another type of conscious sedation. However, IV sedation is administered directly to the bloodstream, allowing for greater control. As with nitrous oxide sedation, a local anesthetic will be administered in combination with IV sedation for maximum comfort. Patients who undergo IV sedation at our Park City office will achieve a deeper, more relaxed state, but will still be able to respond to simple commands from our team. This type of sedation is generally recommended for patients who require extensive dental work or who have higher levels of anxiety. Because the aftereffects are stronger and you will feel groggy and disoriented for several hours afterward, you will need to arrange for transportation home.

Cost of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is an elective procedure. This means it is typically not covered by dental insurance. The cost of sedation depends on which type you choose. Nitrous oxide is generally the most affordable option, while IV sedation can cost significantly more. Those who avoid seeing the dentist due to severe anxiety can expect costlier treatment, as a higher level of sedation will likely be required.

At Park City Oral Surgery, we believe that cost should never become a barrier between you and the treatment you deserve. That is why we offer CareCredit® financing, which allows patients to pay for their treatment in low monthly installments.

Other Means of Addressing Anxiety

Sedation is an excellent option for those with dental anxiety. But there are other anti-anxiety techniques that can help ease stress and induce relaxation as well:

• Patient education: Our Park City team takes time to explain what patients can expect before, during, and after their procedure. Knowing what to expect can help individuals have a more comfortable dental experience.
• A kind and compassionate staff: When your dental team truly cares about you and your comfort, it puts you at ease. At our patient-centric practice, we strive to foster an atmosphere of trust, compassion, and relaxation. You will be well taken care of from the moment you walk through our door.
• Cutting-edge technology: Advanced technology allows us to provide more accurate care. Our 3-D imaging system allows us to visualize oral structures with great precision. As a result, we can achieve optimal results with less-invasive treatment, minimizing risk and discomfort in the process.
• A private, modern facility: Because we are a one-doctor private oral surgery practice, we can set aside plenty of time with each patient. When you choose our practice, you will never feel rushed through the appointment process. Furthermore, our modern, comfortable facilities will make you feel right at home.

When sedation is combined with these anti-anxiety techniques, we can help to virtually eliminate stress in the dental office. As a result, individuals can receive the care they require for optimal oral health.

Learn More during an Appointment

If you are one of the millions of Americans who avoid visiting the dentist each year as a result of dental phobia, you may enjoy the benefits that sedation can provide for you. Contact Park City Oral Surgery today online or call (435) 222-0450 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lifferth.