Sedation Dentistry
If going to the dentist causes you stress or anxiety, you may avoid treatment altogether, which can cause serious oral health issues.
Dr. Byron J. Nordhus can help you feel comfortable during visits to our Wichita, KS, office by using sedation dentistry.
So what is sedation dentistry?
A Way to Relax at the Dentist's Office
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Sedation dentistry is the process of using medication to help you stay calm during dental work. Our Wichita dental practice offers a wide range of safe and effective sedatives, including oral consciousness, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.
Is It Normal to Be Afraid of the Dentist?
If you suffer from dental phobia, you are not alone. Many patients put off checkups and necessary procedures due to severe anxiety. Our dentistry team understands that dental phobia is a serious and complicated issue and can provide the compassionate care you deserve.
Sedation dentistry is not just for treating fear and anxiety.
Sedation Helps With a Variety of Concerns
Trouble Sitting Still
Many patients find it difficult to sit still, especially when undergoing lengthy treatments. Sedation can make you feel a little sleepy, reducing your impulse to move around and fidget. You may also feel like time is passing much quicker.
Sensitive Gag Reflex
An extremely sensitive gag reflex is uncomfortable and inconvenient during dental treatment. Trying to work around an overactive gag reflex can also lead to injury, especially when treatment involves dental tools. Sedation relaxes both the jaw and facial muscles to improve your physical comfort and keep you safer during procedures.
Low Pain Tolerance
If you struggle with low pain tolerance or highly sensitive gums and teeth, a regular dental exam might be painful. Sedatives reduce your sensory perception and can be used in conjunction with local anesthesia to avoid any pain during your treatment.
Difficulty With Local Anesthesia
In some cases, local anesthesia is ineffective or causes adverse side effects. If you have experienced complications in the past from anesthesia, please let Dr. Nordhus know so we can explore the alternative of pain relief with sedation.
Do You Think Sedation Can Help You? Find Out Today!
Those who struggle with dental care are in good hands at Nordhus Dentistry. Sedation can help you overcome a variety of obstacles that get in the way of good oral health and make dental visits much more enjoyable. To learn more about the types of sedation and whether you qualify, contact our Wichita, KS, dental practice today. You can send us a message online or schedule an appointment by calling:
(316) 721-6730
"They're fast, efficient, friendly, knowledgable, and precise." See Why Our Patients Love Us
Paul Partridge
2021
Nordhus Dentistry was highly recommended to me by our daughter. Must say, after visiting that I see why!! My initial dental evaluation was most thorough, detecting several dental problems that I had been unaware of. A+ grade for friendliness to professional for staff.
View on GoogleJoshua Harvey
2021
Really great experience here. They're fast, efficient, friendly, knowledgable, and precise. They answered all my questions (and I had a lot), they got me in and out quickly, communicated everything clearly and effectively, and in general made the unpleasant task of going to the dentist a bit less frustrating. I'd definitely see them again.
View on GoogleListen to Dr. Nordhus Explain the Benefits
Putting off a visit to the dentist can lead to serious oral health complications. Don't let anxiety keep you from getting the dental care you need. At Nordhus Dentistry, we offer several sedation options to help patients in the greater West Wichita region feel more comfortable at the dentist's office.
Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
While sedation dentistry works for a wide range of patients, it is not suitable for everyone. Each type of sedative we offer at our Wichita practice works differently, so you will first attend a consultation with our dentist to find the right fit for your needs. Certain health conditions, your medical history, and the medications you take can determine which options you qualify for. We will also discuss the different levels of sedation to find a method and dosage that sufficiently treats your concerns.
Types of Dental Sedation
Learn more about the types of sedation dentistry we offer our patients in the greater West Wichita area.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is administered in the form of a pill before your dental treatment. These sedatives belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Depending on the dose, they can have a mild to moderate sedative effect. After consulting with you, Dr. Nordhus will select the appropriate medication and dosage. Then you simply take a pill at a predetermined time before your procedure. You will remain awake during your appointment but feel very relaxed and potentially a little sleepy. With many years of testing and use, benzodiazepines have been deemed safe and effective for most patients with minimal risk of side effects. The effects last for a few hours, so you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been used by dentists for decades to induce a mild state of sedation. Laughing gas is a mixture of nitrous oxide and air, administered through a breathing mask that is placed over your nose. The gas takes effect very quickly, causing feelings of relaxation and euphoria. While you may feel physically lethargic, you will remain awake and able to respond to instructions. Once you stop inhaling the gas, the anesthetic effects wear off quickly. Nitrous oxide sedation can be used with most patients, from young to elderly. Sometimes oral sedation is combined with nitrous oxide sedation.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation induces the most powerful level of relaxation and is typically limited to serious cases. If you are a candidate for IV sedation, it will be administered by a licensed nurse anesthetist for your safety. A small needle is inserted into the top of your hand or your inner elbow to dispense the medication into your bloodstream. The effects kick in very quickly, causing you to feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. This type of sedation can work well for patients in need of extensive dental work and those with problems controlling a sensitive gag reflex. You will still be conscious under IV sedation; however, your memory of the procedure will likely be limited. The effects can linger for several hours, so you should plan to take the rest of the day off and have someone drive you home.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nordhus today to find out which option is best for you.
"They are friendly and respectful of your concerns and needs." 5-Star Reviews From Dental Patients
Arnell B
2021
I received excellent and professional care. They are friendly and respectful of your concerns and needs. I am a retired dental hygienist, so they were under my magnifying glass. Happy to say they passed with flying colors!
View on GoogleJohn Sray
2020
Always a highly professional and caring experience at Nordhus Dentistry. The best dentist and staff I have ever experienced after living in almost every part of the U.S.
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