Oral Sedation  /  Anxiety Free Dentistry

Are you apprehensive about going to the dentist?

Have you put off dental care for years because of dental anxieties?

Would you enjoy having all of your dental needs taken care of and afterwards remember very little about your visit?

Research shows that many patients face their dental appointments with some degree of fear and apprehension. In our personalized approach, we offer several ways to assist you in receiving treatment while remaining relaxed.

From topical and local anesthetics for pain free care, to oral medications, we promise to do everything we can to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible when you receive our high quality care.  During your visit, we can discuss these options with you and create your personalized treatment plan for relaxing and worry free dental care.

Oral sedation may be an option for you.  Please ask us how we can help accommodate your desire.  We would like to show you how to have the most relaxing dental experience of your life!

Dr. Kachele is DOCS Certified to administer (oral conscious) sedation, commonly referred to as “Sleep Dentistry.”

Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

  • Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
  • You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
  • Multiple treatments and full mouth restorations can occur at during the same visit.
  • Less discomfort after treatment.
  • Able to achieve light sleep with reduced risk of respiratory complications found with IV Sedation
  • Amnesia effect of procedure is common

Anti-Anxiety Pills 

The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.

There are two different types of Benzodiazepines:

  • Sedative-Hypnotics: These drugs induce calm, including drowsiness and even sleep. This sleep state is actually a form of hypnosis which is a form of physiological sleep.
  • Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are drugs which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation.

While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain which focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain.   In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while in lower doses, they reduce anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disorientated.

When not to take benzodiazepines:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist.  You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis and some other conditions. It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.

Cost

Dr. Kachele & Assocates  understand the fears and anxiety associated with having dental work done.  Whether you may need a small procedure like a cleaning and exam, or you need major dental work like a complete makeover involving cosmetic procedures, dental surgery, extractions, root canals, and dental implant placement, sedation can help you overcome your fear and get you through a procedure, smoothly and without pain.  We charge a minimal fee to help minimize costs and with treatment for major dental work, the fee may be waived.

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