Sedation dentistry allows patients with dental anxiety to receive essential dental care in a stress-reduced environment. Many of our patients rely on sedation dentistry for dental care at Conover Family Dental.
Sedation Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH
What is Sedation Dentistry?
For patients who avoid essential dental care because of anxiety, nervousness, or fear of needles, sedation dentistry can be a game changer. In general, sedation dentistry uses medication to induce relaxation and relieve pain during a procedure. With several options available, sedation dentistry is suitable for any procedure and most patients with mild to severe dental anxiety. At Conover Family Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH, we have three sedation dentistry options:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a clear, odorless gas you breathe in through your nose during a dental appointment. As you continue to breathe it in, you will feel less anxious and more comfortable. Nitrous oxide is the lightest level of sedation, perfect for patients with mild dental anxiety undergoing routine dental procedures. One of the main benefits of nitrous oxide is that it wears off quickly, so you can drive yourself home or return to work shortly after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation provides mild sedation through a pill. You will take a dose of a prescribed medication about an hour before your appointment. We often combine oral sedation with nitrous oxide for greater relaxation and comfort. This type of sedation is deeper than nitrous oxide alone and also suitable for moderate anxiety. Many of our patients choose oral sedation because it is easy and very economical.
With oral conscious sedation, you will need a reliable family member or friend to drive you to and from the appointment, as the effects can last for some time afterward. We highly recommend staying home and resting until the sedation effects have dissipated. It is also best that you do not plan to return to work after undergoing oral conscious sedation.
IV Sedation in Cincinnati, OH
IV sedation allows your dental team to complete complex or lengthy procedures while you stay completely relaxed. As the deepest level of sedation we can provide, IV sedation is the most effective way to ensure comfort and relaxation during a dental procedure. With IV sedation, your dental team can complete complex or lengthy procedures while you stay completely relaxed. First, you will take a pill about one hour before your appointment to help you relax before arriving at the office. At the beginning of the appointment, your doctor will place an IV (intravenous) line to allow for quick delivery of the sedation medication. Your doctor will continue administering the medicine throughout the appointment to help you remain calm and comfortable. Most patients fall asleep during the appointment and have little memory of the procedure.
The effects of IV sedation can take several hours to dissipate. You will not be able to drive yourself to or from the appointment, nor will you be able to return to work the same day. We encourage you to have a trusted family member or friend stay with you until the effects wear off completely to ensure you remain safe.
FAQ
Will I still be numb?
Yes, we still use local anesthesia to numb your teeth and mouth before starting any procedure.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes! In fact, for many patients, sedation makes dental care even SAFER. The fear and stress they associate with dental care can put them at greater risk for medical emergencies. Relaxation through sedation can reduce these risks and ensure the safest possible care.
Dr. Jon Conover has advanced training in sedation dentistry and is certified by the Ohio State Dental Board to perform sedation dentistry. He maintains Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification through the American Heart Association and trains in emergency preparedness. He has successfully practiced sedation dentistry on hundreds of patients since 2009. Our office has advanced monitoring equipment, and our clinical staff is certified in Basic Life Support for medical providers.
Does someone have to drive me to my appointment?
With oral and IV sedation, you will need an escort. With nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself after a brief recovery period in the office.
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Almost everyone is a candidate for some type of sedation dentistry. Dr. Jon Conover will review your medical history and discuss your options to determine which type of sedation dentistry is right for you.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation you choose and the length of the procedure we perform. Please call our office to request an appointment so we can assess your dental needs.
Sedation dentistry is available in our office to patients throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, including Finneytown, Deer Park, Springfield Township, Sycamore Township, Blue Ash, Evendale, Reading, Montgomery, Sharonville, Glendale, Wyoming, West Chester, Spring Grove Village, Northside, Pleasant Ridge, Silverton, Symmes Township, Forest Park, Springdale, Greenhills, North College Hill, Colerain, Mount Healthy, Hyde Park, Oakley, and Kennedy Heights.