Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the introduction of medication to encourage you to relax during a dental procedure. It is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, although that is not really accurate. You will most often be awake with sedations except for general anesthesia.

The levels of sedation dentistry include:

  • Minimal sedation - You are awake, relaxed, and have no anxiety.
  • Moderate sedation - You could slur your words while speaking and might not remember too much of the procedure.
  • Deep sedation - You are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
  • General anesthesia - You are completely unconscious.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for a sedation dentistry evaluation.

Undergoing a more involved dental treatment, such as a root canal, an extraction, or oral surgery, may be stressful for you. With the addition of sedation dentistry, at the completion of your treatment, you might have no idea of how long it took, any startling noises, or any discomfort you were anticipating. Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is pleased to offer you the option of safe, comfortable, and effective sedation dentistry. You can benefit from sedation dentistry if you have:

  • Any anxiety or fear of being at the dental office.
  • Difficulty sitting still and quiet for an extended period.
  • A challenging time getting and staying numb from dental anesthetics.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows the team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to provide a variety of treatments safely and comfortably if you experience stress or anxiety seeing the dentist. There are a variety of benefits to sedation dentistry:

  • No anxiety or fear during treatment.
  • No sense of time while sedated.
  • No awareness of sounds or smells.
  • No recall of undergoing the procedure.
  • Will reduce your gag reflex.
  • Make the procedure easier and quicker for us.
  • It is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

The Different Dental Sedation Levels

At Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we offer several dental sedations. Our comprehensive options include four levels, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. Your sedation will match the intensity of your procedure. You will most often fall into one of three sedation categories:

  • Mild Sedation- If your foremost objective is to reduce your anxiety, then mild sedation will be the preferred choice. Mild sedation will decrease your anxiety level, and it will also reduce the level of any discomfort associated with the procedure. Often, it eliminates discomfort or pain completely.
  • Medium Sedation- If your procedure is more intensive, then a medium sedation is usually preferred. When you have medium sedation, you enter a deeper state of relaxation. Sometimes this sedation can induce some mild amnesia. If this option is chosen, you will not be driving home after your procedure. It will be necessary to have someone available to drive.
  • Heavy Sedation- Some procedures can be performed better if you are in a deep level of sedation. Anything less would make the procedure considerably more difficult to perform from a practical standpoint. This is heavy sedation. The overall experience for you is like a relaxing, deep sleep. You probably will experience amnesia and be unable to remember any events that happened during the procedure. It will also be necessary to have someone drive you home.

The Types of Dental Sedation

There are various methods used at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to provide sedation for you, including:

  • Nitrous Oxide- Nitrous oxide is quite popular and the mildest application of sedation. The administration process requires using a mouthpiece that delivers nitrous oxide, putting you into a relaxed state. Nitrous oxide reduces anxiety and any discomfort associated with the treatment.
  • Oral Sedation- Oral sedation is slightly more intense. Oral sedation uses medication to place you into a deep state of calm. This effect can last for several hours even after the procedure is finished. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after the procedure.
  • IV Sedation- The most intensive form of sedation dentistry offered at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is intravenous, or IV Sedation. With this approach, you will be put into a state of unconsciousness close to sleep for a longer period. You will experience amnesia before and after your procedure. Because of the intensity of the effects of IV sedation, you cannot drive following the procedure, and you will need to plan to have someone available to drive you home.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700