Undergoing Multiple Treatments? Consider Sedation Dentistry

Patients who experience dental-related anxiety or who have difficulty sitting still can benefit from sedation dentistry. Dr. Danny O’Keefe offers three forms of sedation dentistry: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.

Many of our Flowood, MS, patients seek sedation dentistry to address dental anxiety. Our three sedation dentistry options can help anyone who is undergoing multiple treatments. If you are undergoing extensive treatment, Dr. O’Keefe can explain the many benefits of sedation dentistry.

Are You a Candidate?

Most patients who are undergoing lengthy treatment are candidates for sedation dentistry. Multiple treatments allow our dental team to work efficiently to deliver dramatic results.

Often, there are advantages to combining multiple treatments. Whether you are undergoing cosmetic work or restorative procedures, combining multiple treatments during one visit allows Dr. O’Keefe to reduce your overall treatment time.

Two common lengthy treatment plans that Dr. O’Keefe performs are full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover. Full mouth reconstruction restores form and function to your mouth by addressing damaged, worn, or missing teeth using dental crowns, inlays, and other restorative treatments.

A smile makeover enhances the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic treatment options. In some cases, lengthy treatment plans may combine multiple cosmetic and restorative treatments.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Multiple Treatments

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits. Beyond lowering dental-related anxiety, sedation dentistry can alter a patient’s sense of time. Many of our Flowood patients report that, under the effects of sedation, time seems to fly by. A procedure that takes two or three hours to complete can feel like it elapsed in a fraction of that time.

Sedation also allows Dr. O’Keefe to work more efficiently. If you have restless leg syndrome or general difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time, sedation dentistry can help you sit still so our dental team can safely and efficiently perform your multiple treatments.

How Sedation Works

Sedation acts on the central nervous system and induces a sense of calm and well being. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a tube that runs under the nose. The nitrous oxide is delivered as a steady stream of sedative gas that is absorbed through the lungs. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly once the stream of gas is shut off.

Oral sedation uses prescription medications that are taken before the procedure begins. Oral sedation can leave lingering effects, so patients should arrange for someone to drive them home following their procedure.

IV sedation is administered intravenously, and the effects are typically felt immediately. This form of sedation can induce moderate to deep levels of sedation. IV sedation is typically reserved for lengthy or invasive dental procedures.

Relax Through Multiple Treatments with Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can help you relax through lengthy treatments. If you are about to undergo multiple treatments, ask Dr. O’Keefe if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online or call (601) 936-2526.