Most commonly, there are three different options of sleep dentistry. These include: inhalation sedation, oral sedation, or IV sedation. Typically at Indianapolis Dentistry, IV sedation method is the preferred as it allows for a deeper, safer, and more consistent response to the sedation drugs utilized. During sedation dentistry, the patient receive sedative agents that cause them to fall into a state of deep relaxation often the same agents used in bronchoscopy or colonoscopy procedures in the hospital . While it is commonly advertised as "sleep dentistry," the patient is never "put to sleep" during sedation, but into a controlled state of amnesia and relaxation.
Inhalation sedation, or "laughing gas," is nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen that the patient inhales. This is a preferred option for moderate to mild anxiety of dental procedures. The big advantage of nitrous oxide is the ability of the patient or recipient to drive themselves to the office, experience an uneventful, relaxing dental appointment, then return to fully alert state and drive themselves home.
Oral sedation is the process of sedating a person through the use of a pill. If the patient chooses this method, they must insure they have a ride to and from the appointment. Oral sedation is typically combined with the use of Nitrous Oxide to deepen the level of sedation from the pill alone.
IV sedation requires a small needle to be inserted. Typically, a patient does not even feel the needle. From that point on, sedatives slowly enter the bloodstream. After a patient is under, Dr. Reese will begin whatever surgery or procedure is scheduled and then revive the patient once completed. Over the past years, sedation dentistry has become an exceedingly popular method among phobic patients, those with extreme gagging problems, and for the potentially pain-inducing surgeries. If you think sedation dentistry is a good option for you but have some questions and concerns, feel free to contact the office or speak with Dr. Reese at your next appointment. Dr. Reese has been thoroughly trained in all aspects of sedation dentistry, and has been providing IV sedation since 1985. He was one of the first non specialized, non limited comprehensive dentists to provide this service when licensure first became mandatory in Indiana.
He also has staff hospital privileges at the St. Francis hospital network for those needing true general anesthesia for complicated health reasons. If you're thinking about having oral surgery and like the idea of IV sedation, call our staff at 317-882-0228 to talk about setting up an initial consultation appointment.