Simple & Advanced Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis
If you're one of the many individuals who suffer from dental anxiety, you understand how challenging it can be to give your smile the professional care it deserves. At St. Louis Smile Center, we're dedicated to fostering healthy and comfortable dental experiences through sedation dentistry. Our comprehensive options range from nitrous oxide sedation to full sedation.
You can rest assured that we have options for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Dr. Derek J. Vadnal will sit down with you to discuss your fears and anxieties and determine which type of sedation meets your needs best. Reach out to us today to schedule your next appointment and take the first step toward getting the dental care needed through our St. Louis sedation dentistry!
CALL US: (314) 298-7772 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
3 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
It's normal to question whether our St. Louis sedation dentistry services are right for you. Although many people have heard of sedation types, they may not understand what they entail. That's why our knowledgeable and personable dental staff is here to break down what our services include and address any concerns you may have. Our team will also explain the benefits of our services, some of which include:
- Reducing Anxiety: The single greatest benefit of sedation dentistry is reducing fear and anxiety. No matter how severe your anxiety may be, there's an option that can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
- Improving Oral Health: Each year, countless individuals put off getting professional dental care because of anxiety. Through our sedation dentistry services, you're able to give your smile the attention it deserves.
- Saving Time: Our advanced sedation dentistry allows our team to perform more complex procedures without having to schedule multiple appointments. This helps reduce the impact on your schedule and gives you more time to focus on what matters most.
Understanding Your Sedation Needs
When you visit our dental practice for the first time, Dr. Vadnal will sit down with you to discuss your overall health history and determine which of our sedation options is right for you. Do you currently take medication for a chronic condition like heart disease? How severe is your dental anxiety? Have you ever been sedated during a dental procedure? We'll also take into consideration your age, as we recommend that patients be at least 18 years old for oral and IV conscious sedation. Finally, our dentist will provide you with a sedation dentistry recommendation.
Our Comprehensive Sedation Options
Over the years, we've improved and expanded our St. Louis advanced sedation dentistry options. As such, you can breathe easy knowing that we have sedation types for routine and complex procedures. No matter what selection we recommend, we'll explain what it entails and what you can expect to experience on the day of your appointment.
Our excellent sedation dentistry offerings include:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Dental nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as laughing gas, is a type of dental sedation that's ideal for children and adults alike. It's typically administered by placing a special mask over your nose that delivers a colorless and faintly sweet-smelling gas into your lungs. Nitrous oxide sedation can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety while also managing pain and discomfort. An additional benefit is that it's safe enough to drive after nitrous oxide sedation.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation offers a higher level of sedation compared to dental nitrous oxide and relies on pills rather than gas. Depending on the situation, Dr. Vadnal may provide you with a pill to take the night before your procedure as well as a few hours before it. Although you'll be conscious during your procedure, it's normal to feel total relaxation and pain suppression. We recommend that you have someone pick you up after your appointment, as the effects of the sedation can take up to 12 hours to wear off.
- IV Sedation: Intravenous (IV) conscious sedation offers a high level of sedation for various dental treatments and procedures. Also called twilight sedation, IV conscious sedation uses a special anesthesia mixture that's administered through an intravenous line. As a result, this form of sedation is popular for how fast acting it is, as well as its predictability. Although you're conscious and able to respond to Dr. Vadnal throughout the procedure, you'll have a reduced awareness of your surroundings.
- Full Sedation: Full sedation is the strongest level of sedation we offer and is administered by an anesthesiologist. While under full sedation, you're unconscious throughout the duration of your dental procedure. Because of the deep level of sedation. we recommend that you have someone drive you home afterward until the full effects of the anesthesia wear off.
Quality St. Louis Sedation Dentistry Services
At St. Louis Smile Center, we're passionate about helping each of our patients have relaxing and pleasant dental experiences. That's why we're proud to offer comprehensive sedation dentistry services. Whether you need a complex dental procedure or your child suffers from dental anxiety, we have the options for you. Call us today to schedule your next appointment and learn more about our St. Louis advanced sedation dentistry!
CALL US: (314) 298-7772 REQUEST APPOINTMENT