Sedation / Stress Reduction

Patients who are referred to our office can be a little nervous. This is completely normal, however, some patients are extremely anxious with respect to periodontal treatment.

Unfortunately, like heart disease, periodontal disease is silent and does not resolve on its own. Thus, periodontal disease must be treated and there are many ways to offer this treatment comfortably.

Many patients with dental anxiety wish to be sedated and choose intravenous sedation to totally relax them during their dental visit. Intravenous sedation is a technique that helps to significantly relax the patient and makes it feel like the dental appointment goes extremely quickly. It is recommended for anxious patients who prefer not to remember the procedure.

If you feel that you could benefit from sedative dentistry, please contact us or ask us about the different options we can offer you to better accommodate your needs.

Treatment Options

NITROUS OXIDE

We offer nitrous oxide, better known as "laughing gas" so you can receive the treatments without anxiety/discomfort.

ORAL SEDATION

Oral sedation involves administration of sedative drugs via pill form to reduce patients anxiety.

Nitrous Oxide, or “Laughing gas” is the most commonly used sedative approach to reduce mild to moderate dental anxiety. Nitrous is a reversible anxiety-reducing form of medication that you breathe. It is not intended to put you to sleep, but relaxes you so that treatment is made easier. As a patient, you will still be able to follow directions, and protective reflexes such as coughing or gagging are protected. The effects wear off once the gas is removed so you can leave the office unescorted and immediately resume normal activities immediately.

Oral sedation is an extremely common and easy technique that does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription (pill) that will be taken about an hour prior to your appointment, so that by the time you arrive at our office, you’ll feel fully relaxed and in the right state-of-mind to begin your dental treatment. The prescription is usually a form of anti-anxiety medication, that helps to eliminate any anxiety you may feel about your visit to Lawrence Periodontics. The dosage may be altered upon your arrival to our office, but due to the sedative nature of the medication, you will need someone to accompany you to your appointment as you will not be able to drive following the procedure.

Food and Beverages:

Unless directed by Dr. Shelby, you must have absolutely NOTHING to eat or drink for EIGHT (8) HOURS prior to your appointment as food in the stomach may cause vomiting during the anesthesia. It is essential to discuss with Dr. Shelby when you should take medication(s) that you normally take on a regular basis.

Clothing:

Small stickers will be placed on your collar bone and hip to monitor your vital signs during the procedure. For this reason, we ask that you wear loose and comfortable clothing to the appointment. Please do not wear nail polish or artificial (gel) nails as they interfere with the monitoring equipment. Do not wear contact lenses or make-up, as it can contaminate the surgical site.

Accompaniment:

You must arrange for someone such as a responsible family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment. You must not drive yourself and a taxi driver does not count as an escort. That person must be present on premises throughout the entirety of the procedure.

Upon discharge from the office, most patients feel sleepy and relaxed. You should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day and a responsible family member or friend should stay with you.

You must not operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, power tools or machinery for 24 hours or longer if drowsiness/dizziness persists after your surgery. Also, you should not sign or enter into any legal contracts until you have fully recovered from the effects of the sedation. Do not exercise or do any intensive physical activities for 4-5 days after the procedure.

Diet:

We encourage you to start drinking cool liquids such as smoothies and protein shakes initially and then increase to soup or pasta consistency as tolerated. You should plan on a soft diet of food such as cottage cheese, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pasta, canned tuna or salmon for 7 to 10 days post-surgery. You should not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

Avoid smoking and do not drink through a straw to prevent dislodgement of the blood clot in your surgical site!