Do you postpone dental visits because you experience anxiety, squeamishness, or fear of pain? If so, your feelings do not need to make you feel ashamed, but it’s important to maintain good oral health because your mouth is a portal to your body–what’s in your mouth goes into your body. If your mouth is filled with decay, disease, bad bacteria, and damaged teeth, Dr. Brown and our Naperville, IL, dental team want to help you comfortably receive the dental care you need. The solution is sedation dentistry, and we offer various levels of sedation for our anxious patients.
If sedation could help you get through dental appointments without anxiety, let’s discuss the options. Schedule your appointment by calling (630) 296-9186, or schedule your appointment online. We will take time to listen to your concerns, gently conduct an oral examination and take images, then create a practical treatment plan to restore your oral health. From there, we’ll partner with you to ensure comfortable checkups and cleanings in the future. Our goal is to restore your oral health and comfortable function, without causing you stress or anxiety–and we achieve this goal with current patients every single day.
Dental Anxiety Is Common–and It Has Real Consequences
About 36% of American adults suffer from dental anxiety. Up to 15% avoid professional dental care altogether. Issues like traumatic dental experiences, a feeling of not being in control, and fear of pain contribute to dental anxiety and phobia. But dental visits are imperative for maintaining good oral and overall health.
The two main problems that lead to the destruction of oral health and function:
- Cavities are an infection; left untreated, cavities can grow and spread to neighboring teeth. About 90% of American adults have had at least one cavity. About 20% of us have an untreated cavity.
- Gum disease is also an infection; left untreated, gingivitis (early stage) can progress to advanced or acute periodontitis, which involves tooth loss and death of gum and bone tissue. Nearly half of American adults over 30 years of age have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease. As we age, the chronic condition becomes more likely. Approximately 70% of people over 65 in the USA have gum disease. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to many overall health risks.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Our Naperville dentists use oral conscious and IV sedation to help patients overcome anxiety and receive the dental care they need. While sedation is often used to reduce or avoid pain, it also mitigates anxiety. Rest assured, when we administer any sedation, we closely monitor the patient for optimal safety, and we always provide highly personalized care.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With this form of dental sedation, you’ll take a pill prior to your appointment and have someone drive you to and from your appointment. In 30 minutes or so, you’ll become very relaxed. You’ll remain awake during the appointment, but you’ll feel calm mentally and physically. Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients who suffer with anxiety, who have a sensitive gag reflex, or who become physically uncomfortable during longer procedures. The effects subside over 12 to 24 hours, so plan to stay home for the day after your appointment.
IV Sedation
Dr. Brown has certification to provide IV sedation in our Naperville, IL, dental office. Through an intravenous (IV) method, sedation is administered and monitored throughout treatment. IV sedation is deeper than oral sedation. It’s perfect for patients who need tooth extractions, complex procedures, or full mouth restoration. Effects of IV sedation wear off within 8 hours after treatment, but some people feel groggy for up to 24 hours, so you’ll need a ride home. It’s best to take the day off and rest following your visit.
When We Use Sedation
When is sedation used? Most often, we administer oral or IV sedation for:
- Extractions
- Implant procedures
- Long or multiple procedures in one visit
- Full mouth restoration
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Physical discomfort sitting in the dental chair or holding the mouth open
- Special needs patients
- Extremely phobic patients
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Absolutely! Sedation dentistry, administered by a trained and certified professional like Dr. Brown, is safe and effective. We ensure patient safety by completing a thorough oral exam, taking X-rays and intra-oral photos, and fully understanding the patient’s dental and medical health, including current medications, diagnoses, and medical treatments. Then, we monitor vital statistics during treatment and provide clear instructions for recovery at home following procedures.
A Comfortable Dental Experience Awaits You
If you’re ready to take control of your oral health and influence good overall health, we want to help. Everyone on our team looks forward to creating your peaceful, rewarding dental appointments. Call us today at (630) 296-9186, or schedule your appointment online. We can’t wait to introduce you to dentistry without anxiety. It will change your life!