Nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation, tailored to your comfort.
Dr. Leroy Loving Jr. can help you get the care you need. If dental fear or anxiety has kept you from treatment in the past, our sedation options are designed to make your visit comfortable, calm and stress-free.
Dental anxiety is not uncommon. Some studies show up to 75% of Americans experience some level of dental-related fear, and 20% avoid dental care because of it. Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, a general sense of worry about an upcoming procedure, while dental phobia is more intense: an overwhelming and irrational fear that can cause patients to avoid care altogether. Our practice is committed to making every visit as comfortable, quick and easy as possible.
Popular methods we use for easing anxiety include:
Our office offers Intravenous Sedation, also called Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or "Twilight Sedation," and it is what sets our practice apart, it is our niche. IV sedation helps you be comfortable and calm during dental procedures. You may not always be asleep, but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep.
IV sedation and anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Loving himself, eliminating the cost of an operating room or same-day surgical facility. A thin needle is introduced into a vein in the arm or hand, attached to an intravenous tube through which medication is given to help you relax. Our goal is to use as little medication as possible, with a constant "drip" maintained and an antidote available at any time to reverse effects if necessary. IV sedation is combined with nitrous oxide and/or oral sedation as needed, tailored to you.
Sedation dentistry is a great option for the elderly, the disabled, or simply the fearful. For elderly patients, oral health becomes more important with age, and sedation dentistry lets Dr. Loving treat conditions while the patient remains relaxed and unaware until "awaking" to an improved oral state. For disabled patients, who may face added challenges maintaining oral health, such as difficulty brushing and flossing, a severe gag reflex, or dry mouth from medication, our practice provides the expertise, equipment and dedication necessary for great care.
Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you breathe. It has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years and is safe, with the patient receiving 50 to 70% oxygen and no less than 30% nitrous oxide. You breathe on your own and remain in control of bodily functions, though you may experience mild amnesia and may not remember all of what happened.
Advantages: the depth of sedation can be altered at any time, there is no "hangover" after-effect, it is safe with no side effects on the heart or lungs, it is very effective at minimizing gagging, and it works rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds, with relaxation and pain-killing properties developing in 2 to 3 minutes.
Reasons not to use it: nitrous oxide should not be used with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are no other major contraindications, though we use caution with emphysema, chest problems, MS, a cold, or other breathing difficulties. You can ask for a brief trial before proceeding.
Patients with high anxiety about dental visits may be candidates for sedation dentistry. Dr. Loving is board certified to administer oral conscious sedation, commonly called "Sleep Dentistry." Advantages include treatment completed while in a more relaxed mood, less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure, the ability to complete multiple treatments or full mouth restorations in the same visit, and less discomfort after treatment.
The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs belong to the benzodiazepine family, such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan, which decrease anxiety by toning down activity in the "fear" receptors in the brain. Patients should never travel home alone after taking these drugs and should always follow the dose their dentist or doctor recommends.
Oral health is important for the health of your whole body. Don't let fear stand in your way of good dental care. Call today to make an appointment at (404) 289-2589.
Ask about sedation options. Call (404) 289-2589 today.