Dr. Johnny Shanks is Crossville’s sedation dentistry expert and will happily guide you to choose the best option for you at your FREE Sedation Consultation. We offer three effective types of sedation, all of which are good options depending on your specific needs.
IV Sedation: With IV sedation, Dr. Shanks will set up an IV drip which will keep you continuously sedated during your treatment. As a result, you will be asleep during the entire procedure but retain all normal reflexes and breathing throughout the treatment. Because this type of sedation doesn’t wear off immediately, it’s important to arrange a ride home from your appointment.
Oral Sedation: With oral sedation, you will be given a small pill to take 1 hour before coming to your appointment. You will be feeling very drowsy by the time you arrive, so it’s crucial to arrange a ride to and from our office.
Nitrous: With Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas, a mask is placed over your face, allowing you to breathe a mixture of oxygen and gas, which relaxes you for the procedure. Since the effects quickly wear off, you can drive yourself home after using this type of sedation.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Dr. Shanks takes your comfort and safety very seriously and will closely monitor the dosages and sedation of his patients before, during, and after your treatment. Sedation dentistry is entirely safe, especially in the skilled hands of Dr. Shanks and his professional team.
What type of sedation is offered at Northside Family Dentistry?
Dr. Shanks offers three types of sedation. IV Sedation, Oral Sedation, and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Depending on your anxiety level or the treatment performed, Dr. Shanks will advise a specific type of sedation to suit your needs.
Oral and IV sedation delivers a similar relaxation and a twilight sleep experience where you’re awake but feel deeply relaxed. However, it is normal for patients to experience an amnesia effect afterward and not recall much of their appointment.
Oral sedation is a perfect option for patients who don’t want to use an IV. Before starting the procedure, Dr. Shanks will give you a small sedative to help put you at ease. After that, patients will become very drowsy but will still be awake and responsive to directions. It is possible to increase the dosage for patients who desire more sedation.
How long does the sedation effect last?
For most patients, the effects of oral sedation when getting treatment from Dr. Shanks will last from 2-4 hours after the appointment. Some patients with IV sedation will come out of sedation virtually immediately while others will remain in a state of sedation for a few hours after the appointment. Due to the relaxing effects, the patient will need to secure a ride to and from the appointment. After that, the patient shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for an additional 12 hours for oral sedation and up to 24 hours with IV sedation.
Are there risks with sedation?
Dr. Shanks is a certified sedation expert and will make sure you are safe and comfortable the whole time. Oral and IV sedation has similar effects to amnesia, and most patients can’t remember their dental appointment. In addition, oral medications can cause headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and occasionally nausea, but these side effects typically pass quickly.
How does sedation dentistry differ from sleep dentistry?
Patients think they’re “under” as they are when they’re in the hospital during traditional surgery. Still, with both Oral and IV sedation, you’ll be awake but relaxed.
Can sedation allow me to get more dentistry done at once?
Since the patient is comfortably sedated, Dr. Shanks can complete procedures that used to take several appointments to complete. This will save you time and money since a single longer appointment is less costly than several short appointments.
Can sedation be used with any procedure or just oral surgery?
Dr. Johnny Shanks can provide sedation for any procedure the patient is uncomfortable proceeding with. From standard dental cleaning to implant placement, just simply ask for sedation, and our team will make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Can sedation be used for anyone?
While sedation benefits many people, it’s not right for everyone. Depending on your medical history, Dr. Shanks may not recommend sedation. In addition, some chronic conditions may make sedation risky. Finally, if the patient’s medications conflict with the sedation effects, sedation will not be recommended. Request your Free sedation consultation with Dr. Shanks today to learn how sedation may be your best choice for pain-free dentistry.
