Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?

If you’re a parent, you may have spent many years trying to relieve your child’s fears about going to the dentist – but what about your own? Dental anxiety affects countless adults, with some studies showing that adults are actually more nervous about the dentist than children are! When facing a more invasive or extensive dental treatment, dental anxiety can be even worse, making the experience challenging for both the patient and the provider. At The Dentist of Allen, Dr. Robert Kim & Dr. Kristopher Koelker are committed to ensuring the most comfortable, enjoyable, and successful experience possible for his patients. Dr. Kim offers nitrous oxide sedation while Dr. Koelker performs intravenous (IV) conscious sedation & nitrous oxide sedation for patients. Even with extreme care and a gentle hand, Dr. Kim & Dr. Koelker understand that some men and women may need assistance relaxing at the dentist, and our office is proud to offer multiple options for sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) conscious sedation. Wondering if sedation dentistry may be right for you? Keep reading to find out.

What can I do if I’m scared to go to the dentist?

If you are nervous or anxious about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Dental fears are extremely common, with many patients being hesitant about the simplest of visits, like dental exams and cleanings. In fact, many people skip their appointments or stop going to the dentist due to dental anxiety. However, this can lead to a long list of problems, including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and more serious complications. If you are delaying a dental visit or procedure due to fear or anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact our office so that we can discuss your options for sedation dentistry, which can help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable during your treatment.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can be used to provide additional comfort and relaxation during dental treatments and procedures, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently and greatly enhancing the patient’s overall experience. At The Dentist of Allen, we offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for minor treatments and procedures, and intravenous (IV) conscious sedation for more extensive dental work.

Dr. Robert Kim - Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

With nitrous oxide dental sedation, a specialized apparatus is placed over the patient’s nose. Oxygen will begin flowing to allow the patient to get used to the feeling of breathing deeply through their nose, and then nitrous oxide gas will be introduced. The flow of the nitrous is closely monitored and controlled to ensure the patient remains comfortable but alert.

Dr. Kristopher Koelker - Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation Dentistry & Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

With intravenous (IV) conscious sedation, a fine needle is inserted into a vein in the patient’s arm, and a gentle sedative is then administered via the IV drip. Like nitrous oxide, intravenous (IV) conscious sedation is closely monitored for the duration of the treatment or procedure to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort. With intravenous (IV) conscious sedationdentistry, patients typically report extreme relaxation and short-term memory loss, which make it feel like they slept through the procedure – though they are not actually “put to sleep” in the way that general anesthesia works. At the conclusion of the case, patients will need a trusted friend or loved one to drive them home.

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Patients who may benefit from sedation dentistry are those who:

• Have extreme fear or anxiety about going to the dentist
• Experience excessive pain with dental treatments and procedures
• Are unable to relax or sit still through a dental treatment or procedure
• Are facing a lengthy, extensive, and/or invasive dental procedure

During your consultation and pre-treatment appointments, both Dr. Kim & Dr. Koelker will thoroughly discuss the details of your upcoming case, listen to any concerns or anxieties you may have, and explain how sedation dentistry may be beneficial for helping calm your nerves and make your procedure more tolerable and enjoyable overall.

Nervous about the dentist? Consider sedation dentistry in Allen, TX

At The Dentist of Allen, our caring team fully understands the normal fears and hesitation that many patients experience during dental visits. To learn more about if you may be a candidate for sedation during dental treatments, call The Dentist of Allen to schedule your consultation for sedation dentistry with top Allen, TX board-certified dentists Dr. Robert Kim or Dr. Kristopher Koelker today.