Sedation

Fear. Anxiety. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference. Fear tends to be a short-lived phenomenon that disappears once the threat or danger passes. Anxiety, however, is more of an internal emotional response, one learned from either personal negative experiences or second hand via the recounts of others. Both of these ignite your sympathetic nervous system, the "Fight or Flight" control center, once the threat presents or anticipation becomes overwhelming. Presto. You feel like a mess. You become mad at yourself for the way you are feeling and the inability to control it. Do any of these sound familiar: sweaty hands, racing heart, feeling a s if you'll hyperventilate, profuse perspiration, jitters, canceling appointments or never scheduling them because it is easier to suffer with the pain than face the anxiety. Whether the threat is real (fear) or perceived or anticipated (anxiety) does not make a difference, you will soon learn that we will treat you with the same compassion and care.

If you're still with me, you identify with these descriptions and are looking for someone who will give your fears and anxieties the same diagnostic attention as your cavities. Exhale, relax, you have come to the right place. We want to be your "light at the end of the tunnel" of dental anxiety. You see, here at Hamblin Dental Implant & Aesthetic we believe in treating you first, your mouth second.

Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas"

This is one of the safest forms of sedation available and can take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures to include cleanings. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most feel the onset effects within minutes and these effects are completely reversed within about 5 minutes of gas termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely drive home or go to work right after your appointment!

Almost anyone can have nitrous oxide treatment. We can vary the depth of sedation depending on your level of anxiety. The gas also tends to reduce gag reflexes and saliva flow. Most importantly, you will bask in a feeling of relaxation as we care for you.

The gas is administered through a simple rubber hood that rests on your nose providing a feeling of numbness, security, and warmth. If you are known to be claustrophobic, this might not be the choice for you. At or near the end of your treatment, we will provide you with 100% oxygen so you will feel completely normal within 5-10 minutes. At that point, you are 100% ready to independently carry on your life.

Oral Sedation or Sleep Dentistry

This technique utilizes the oldest of all routes of drug administration, the mouth. Safe, economical, and convenient, oral sedation when properly used can deliver a deeper relaxation state than nitrous and provide some amnesic effects. If you suffer more from the thought of coming in than actually being here, this may be the choice for you. After an initial consultation to determine if you need anxiety relief or just need to complete extensive treatment in one visit, we will take baseline vital signs and write a prescription. Halcion (Triazolam) will be taken about an hour before your dental appointment, so you will be relaxed before we start. Although awake, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. During your treatment, we will monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation rate, and your blood pressure with state of the art patient monitors. We never leave your side. The same medication can also be given to you the night before to help you sleep. So, don't let anxiety prevent you from having the confident smile or healthy mouth you have always wanted. Take the time to come in and meet us so we can decide together what is best for you. If you would like a first appointment to simply talk about your anxieties and fears, we will do that and no dental exam would be done.

How Sedation Dentistry Helps Guests Overcome Fears and Anxieties

The answer is simple: because a guest really can snooze through a sedation dentistry appointment! After the pill is ingested prior to treatment, there are no intravenous tubes or needles. The procedure is totally safe! Guests have little or no memory of procedures performed while undergoing sedation dentistry. There is no recollection of any sounds or smells either. A guest may snooze for up to five to six hours after ingesting the medication. Time will vary depending on the treatment required. Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments can be done in as little as one when utilizing sedation dentistry techniques ­ all while a guest is snoozing!

How Sedation Dentistry Works

A guest is given oral medication to take, such as Valium and/or Halcion, an hour prior to the scheduled procedure. A companion will accompany the guest to the office. Normally, a guest will be very drowsy by the time they arrive. After the guest is comfortable, Dr. Hamblin and his experienced clinical team will perform the sedation dentistry and take care of the guest's dental needs. Why is sedation dentistry also called, "nap dentistry?"

Sedation dentistry can be a combination of several anxiety-reducing factors. Oral medications such as a Valium can be used to help a guest relax and feel more comfortable, especially during long procedures. Sedation dentistry may also involve intravenous or even general anesthesia for guests who can't or won't have dental procedures any other way. Some guests that have a very sensitive gag reflex or have difficulty getting numb with dental injections can also benefit from intravenous sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is another form of sedation dentistry that provides pain relief and distraction.

Sedation dentistry is the answer to over 35 million Americans' fears and anxieties over visiting a dentist. A person may be a likely candidate for sedation dentistry who has had a traumatic experience in a dental chair or just comes from a painful past.