Sedation Dentistry - Kalispell, MT

Enjoy Your Dental Visit in Total Comfort

Putting Your Mind at Ease with Sedation Dentistry

Do you ever feel anxious about visiting the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety can be a real challenge, often stemming from past experiences that left us feeling uncomfortable or in pain during or after dental procedures. At Flathead Dental Implant Arts in Kalispell, MT, we understand the impact of dental anxiety on your oral health and overall well-being.

Dr. Dave Dodrill and our team are here to help by offering various types of dental anesthesia, and we’ll take the time to discuss each one’s benefits. We aim to create a soothing and gentle dental experience that exceeds your expectations. If you’re searching for sedation anesthesia near you, look no further – you’ve found the right implant center! Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

Any degree of dental anxiety or fear
Overly sensitive teeth or gag reflex
Resistance to local numbing agents
Undergoing multiple or complex treatments
Trouble sitting through lengthy visits
Physical or cognitive issues

Sedation Dentistry Options for a Relaxing Visit

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves a gentle sedative that relaxes your central nervous system, making your treatment remarkably comfortable. At Flathead Dental Implant Arts, we’ll keep the conversation going throughout your procedure, and if you happen to doze off, a gentle nudge is all it takes to wake you up.

This sedation dentistry option can be taken in liquid or tablet form, typically taken about an hour before your appointment. Dr. Dave Dodrill might suggest taking an additional tablet the night before for those with more intense anxiety. It’s essential to know that this type of sedation dentistry may temporarily affect your memory and coordination, so having a designated driver to take you home after your treatment is crucial. Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities throughout your dental experience.

IV Sedation

In Kalispell, MT, IV sedation is like a gentle hand guiding you through your dental appointment. It involves a sedative administered through an IV in your arm or hand, which works by calming anxiety and promoting relaxation. Most patients describe the experience as dreamlike, staying awake but occasionally drifting into a light sleep. Throughout the procedure, we closely monitor your vital signs to ensure you’re comfortable and safe.

One great perk of IV sedation is its amnesic effect, which means you’ll forget most, if not all, of the procedure. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with dental anxiety. However, it’s important to note that there may be lingering side effects, so having a responsible adult to drive you home is a must.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the heavy hitter of sedation dentistry, usually reserved for complex oral surgeries or when dental anxiety is at its peak. Before we dive into a procedure with general anesthesia, Dr. Dave Dodrill sits down with you to discuss everything, from potential risks to pre-op guidelines.

Under this form of dental anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious, feeling no pain, and peacefully sleeping until we gently wake you with a reversal medication. It’s like a deep, dreamless nap. However, it’s crucial to have a responsible adult accompany you, stay throughout the procedure and recovery, and drive you home since the effects can last up to 12 hours.

Am I A Candidate?

Dental Anxieties Toll on Overall Health

Anxiety can create significant obstacles when it comes to seeking dental care. Many anxious patients skip, delay, or cancel their dental appointments, only seeking treatment in severe cases of inflammation, trauma, or infection. Unfortunately, this often results in higher rates of tooth decay, gingivitis, and advanced gum disease among patients with dental anxiety, negatively impacting their dental, periodontal, and overall health. The consequences of poor oral health can take a toll on self-esteem and self-confidence.

Dental anesthesia offers hope, especially for complex procedures like full mouth dental implants. It can effectively minimize or even eliminate the emotional and physical discomfort often associated with dental treatments, making restoring oral health a more pleasant experience. At Flathead Dental Implant Arts, our sedation dentistry techniques can make it feel like your dental procedure flew by in just a few minutes, even if it took a couple of hours. We’re here to transform your dental experience into a comfortable and anxiety-free one, ensuring you confidently prioritize your oral health.