New Patients: (812) 801-4078
Current Patients: (812) 273-2388

Sedation Dentistry

Relax Through Any Procedure

Stress – it’s something we would all like to do without, especially when it comes to getting the dental care we need. That’s why My Rivertown Dentist offers a variety of sedation dentistry options to our Madison patients. Anyone, from anxious children to seniors who have a hard time sitting comfortably in the chair, can benefit from our soothing and gentle sedation.

Of course, you can count on Dr. Ashley Lee to keep you absolutely safe and comfortable. She has undergone intensive training and is certified in Conscious Sedation though DOCs Education, one of the most highly respected sedation-dentistry training facilities in the nation. In fact, DOCS Education courses have earned the distinction of featuring America’s Best Dental Faculty for almost 20 years!

OUR SEDATION OPTIONS INCLUDE:

NITROUS OXIDE – often called “laughing gas” or inhalation sedation, this sedation method is gentle enough for children yet powerful enough to relax adults. Even better, nitrous oxide sedation can be quickly reversed with the administration of oxygen so you can drive away from your appointment or return to work without any fogginess or fatigue.

ORAL SEDATION – with this form of sedation, you will be prescribed a small pill to take just before your appointment. This is the ideal choice for patients who have dental phobias, prior dental trauma, fear of needles, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty holding their mouths open for extended periods of time. You will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment because of the medication’s sedative effects.

WHAT STRESS, ANXIETY, OR FEAR DOES TO YOUR BODY

Our bodies are incredible machines that are working all the time to keep us safe and well. Because of this, when stress occurs, all kinds of things take place in our musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as well as with our gastrointestinal function.

  • It starts with muscle tension
  • Then the endocrine system kicks in flooding your system with stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine
  • Once these hormones are released into your body, your liver starts to produce more glucose, a blood sugar boost that fuels the “fight or flight” energy rush
  • Your heart starts pounding
  • Breathing becomes rapid
  • You might perspire
  • Nausea or heartburn could flare up

In short, stress makes you feel pretty terrible. We don’t want that! Especially when you consider that any of these symptoms, especially muscle tension, makes it harder for you to respond to Novocain to achieve desired numbness.

HOW SEDATION DENTISTRY CAN HELP

Because sedation dentistry relaxes your mind and body, your muscles will not tense up during Novocaine injections or during your procedure. This not only helps you while we are working, it also helps you feel better afterwards with less jaw soreness, neck pain, and any other after-effects of tension. Instead of freezing up, feeling nauseated, or experiencing heart palpitations, you can simply lean back, relax, and doze through your visit. It’s just one of the ways we work to make dental care more pleasant for our Madison friends and neighbors.

NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR DENTAL CARE?

Ask us about how sedation dentistry can get rid of stress and anxiety and let you smile through any visit.