sedation-dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

When Dr. Gillum founded his practice, he had one specific goal in mind: He would provide a superior quality of service by giving his full attention to each individual patient ensuring that they were fully comfortable during the entire procedure. That goal remains the foundation of Gillum Family Dentistry even today. Nowhere else in the entire state of Indiana will you find a staff more dedicated to patient comfort than here at Gillum Family Dentistry in Greenwood, IN.

We have learned a lot about what helps patients relax over the years.  One thing we realized quickly was that some patients have more anxiety about visiting the dentist than others. Similarly, some of our procedures provoke much more anxiety than others. Therefore, through our comforting atmosphere and two-step Comfortable Dental Injections Technique relaxing treatment may be enough to keep some patients at ease for their visit, we also provide sedation dentistry options for those with higher anxiety or longer procedures.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry is a fantastic option for patients undergoing long procedures with mild anxiety. Patients remain alert and responsive during the entire treatment, but they may be very sleepy. Those who have undergone oral sedation dentistry report that it is a very comfortable and relaxing treatment that makes it easier to sit comfortably still for as long as necessary. Patients who take this mild oral sedative may have difficulty remembering the treatment the next day.

Oral sedation dentistry is not right for everyone, however. It may take a few hours after treatment for the sedative to wear off. Therefore, it should not be taken by anyone who has to drive or return to work after their treatment.

Inhaled Sedation

Inhaled sedation dentistry is often called “laughing gas,” or Nitrous Oxide. It is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. It is the perfect option for those with mild to moderate anxiety as well as patients who need to drive or return to work immediately after treatment. Inhaled sedation increases patients’ pain threshold and tolerance, helps them relax, and may even make the procedure seem to take less time than usual. After the treatment is done, “laughing gas” wears off almost immediately and patients are free to resume normal activities.