Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Dentistry is a unique experience, and each individual feels differently about time in the dentist’s chair. For some, it may be a quiet and relaxing time away from outside responsibilities. Yet for others, it is a scary and anxiety-ridden experience. If you fall into the latter group, your negative encounters may be keeping you from seeking out the important dental care you need. Whether it’s because of a gag reflex, physical discomfort, resistance to numbing agents, self-consciousness, or simply a deep-seated aversion, there’s no need to avoid those routine checkups or put off important dental care. Sedation dentistry can relieve these issues and help you put a positive spin on your appointments.

What if I’m anxious about my appointment?

Keep in mind Perkins Dental Care has looked into the mouths of countless patients. Some patients are diligent about keeping up on their dental appointments, while for others it may be many years between appointments. Perkins’ patients can require anything from a quick cleaning to complex and lengthy treatments. For whatever ails you, rest assured the dental team has seen it all and is ready to tailor your experience to your personal needs and comfort level.
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Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Unless sedation dentistry is not recommended for you due to medical reasons, it’s highly likely you’re a good candidate. Sedation dentistry helps Perkins work with you to accomplish much during a single visit. Plenty of patients opt for sedation to help them receive the care they need in a comfortable, anxiety-free atmosphere.

Depending on the extent of treatment, sedation can take from two to six hours. During that time, the highly specialized clinical team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure to keep an eye on your vital signs and ensure you’re safe and comfortable during the time you’re in the chair. Because sedation treatment is so relaxing, Perkins can often successfully manage even the most severe issues during a single visit.

Will I be awake during my appointment?

The amount of sedation you receive during your visit is up to you. Perkins provides customized consultation to help you decide just how much sedation is right for you. During sedation, you’ll remain conscious but deeply relaxed. You won’t remember the procedure afterward, nor will you be aware of sounds or smells during this time. Sedation not only helps you relax throughout the procedure but leaves you feeling as if the time elapsed was no more than just a few moments.

Do I need a chaperone to receive sedation?

Yes. You must have a trusted acquaintance to accompany you to and from your appointment. The effects of sedation will persist for some time after your appointment, although they may be unnoticeable to you. For your safety, you must have someone with you to help you get home safely.

How do I schedule my appointment?

For a pleasant, professional, and anxiety-free dentistry experience under the care of a team you can trust, call (225) 398-3282 to schedule your next appointment with Perkins Dental Care.

​​​​​​​The staff at Perkins will gather information such as your dental and health history and will work with you to outline a plan of treatment that best serves you and your individual needs. Once the staff collects the appropriate information and answers any additional questions you may have, you can start the procedure knowing your sedation is in the works.