Sedation Dentistry to Take Away the Pain, Fear, and Anxiety

Whether you will be having a potentially painful dental procedure, or if you just suffer from fear and anxiety over going to the dentist, sedation dentistry may be the answer you need. But before you choose sedation, you want to be sure the doctor administering it is properly educated, trained, and experienced.

Dr. Karl Jobst completed a post-graduate program in anesthesiology, so he is well-qualified and experienced to provide sedation dentistry for those who choose it. This is important, as not many dentists go through the rigorous training required to be able to offer this service in a safe, effective manner.

In addition, Dr. Jobst and his team at Grand Lake Dental are committed to making sure their patients enjoy a positive, comfortable, relaxed experience. They understand the concept of gentle dentistry and will never shame a patient who experiences fear or anxiety.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the administration of medication to enhance comfort, reduce anxiety, and provide a state of relaxation. This allows Dr. Jobst to provide comprehensive treatment while you remain in a continuous state of tranquility and comfort.

Depending on the level of sedation, you will experience anything from relaxation to being asleep during treatment.

Dr. Jobst and his team will discuss all the risks and benefits of each level of sedation with you before the date of your treatment. We will answer all your questions and let you know of any specific instructions, such as having a driver, the need to fast, and if there are any medications you should avoid.

What sedation dentistry options are available?

Dr. Jobst offers four options to keep you comfortable while in the dental chair.

Option #1: Local Anesthesia

Not really a sedation option, but used in conjunction with sedation, local anesthesia numbs the affected area. This medication is highly effective in reducing or eliminating the sensation of pain. Instead, you will experience feelings like pressure, tugging, or pulling.

Option #2: Oral Sedation

Oral medications, usually taken half an hour before treatment, reduce anxiety and fear related to dental treatment and procedures. This medication does not put you to sleep, but it does produce a generalized feeling of relaxation. It does not eliminate the pain, but it does produce an effect that makes you not really care about the pain.

While under the effects of oral sedation, you are not safe to drive. Therefore, if you choose this option, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Option #3: Nitrous Oxide

Better known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an excellent option for anxiety and fear, as well as for procedures that can be mildly or moderately painful. It is also a great choice for children who have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair. 

Nitrous does not put you to sleep, but it can produce a pleasant, dreamlike state. It is a colorless, odorless gas that you inhale through a mask placed over your nose. The effects, which often produces the giggles, remain as long as you continue to breathe in the gas.

When the procedure is completed, we will administer 100 percent oxygen for a few minutes to help eliminate the gas from your system. Most patients are safe to drive home after receiving nitrous.   

Option #4: IV (Intravenous) Sedation

Intravenous sedation requires an IV line. For your safety, you will also need to fast for at least eight hours before receiving the sedation. This means nothing to eat or drink. You must also have someone with you during the procedure who can drive you home. It is also wise to have someone with you for 24 hours afterward.

Dr. Jobst will give you the safest, most effective medications and sedate you to the best level depending on your procedure, needs, and response to the medications.

Our team will continuously monitor you to keep you safe and comfortable. At any point during the treatment, we can give medications to reduce discomfort or restore alertness if needed. For long, complex procedures, we can maintain a state of tranquility for many hours.

A bonus effect of at least one medication is that it offers an “amnesiac effect.” So, even if you are somewhat aware of the procedure and experience pain, your mind will forget about it.

If you don’t remember it, did it happen?

Most patients will receive moderate sedation. At this level, you will be very relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy. You may fall asleep but will arouse easily, and you will maintain the ability to breathe on your own. While you may experience some pain, you will not care due to the euphoric effects of the medications.

 

Some patients, such as those undergoing certain oral surgery , may require deep sedation. At this level, you are asleep but arousable and will have little to no awareness of the procedure. You will continue to breathe on your own but may need some assistance with your airway. You can rest assured our team will keep you safe and make sure you continue to breathe.

Do you need sedation dentistry?

If you will be undergoing a long, complex, or potentially painful procedure, or if you suffer from dental fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry is an excellent option.

Be sure you can trust the dental team you choose.

At Grand Lake Dental, Dr. Jobst and his team are trained, qualified, and experienced. You can rest assured you are in caring, capable hands.

Call us at (918) 787-5800 today to speak with a team member and schedule your appointment.