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Sedation Dentistry

You choose the sedation dentistry that is right for you. From intravenous (IV) sedation, to gas sedation, to oral “pill” sedation – the choice is yours.

Dr. Reese’s 3 different dental sedation methods can provide 4 varying degrees of sedation:

Sedation Dentistry in Indianapolis
  • Light Sedation – also known as “Anxiolysis”, which is typically induced by nitrous oxide. This form of gas sedation is the most commonly used method to bring on this type of relaxation.
  • Conscious Sedation – moderate dental sedation can refer to either nitrous oxide or IV sedation. Conscious sedation allows the patient to be awake enough to respond to commands, but will be in a state of extreme relaxation.
  • Deep Sedation – this state between unconscious and conscious dental sedation is where patients will not be able to respond to commands in a consistent manner and may need assistance breathing.
  • Unconsciousness – general anesthesia causes the airway to close. As a result, patients will need assistance with breathing and will not respond to commands. This method of dental sedation is reserved for oral surgery.
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Types of Dental Sedation

IV SEDATION

IV Sedation Dentistry in Indianapolis

“Terrified and Panic Stricken”? Intravenous (IV) sedation allows a combination of sedative and narcotic drug administration to safely and effective allow you to sleep through the appointment! With over 20 yrs. experience in providing intravenous sedation in his office, Dr. Reese has performed thousands of procedures under intravenous sedation that would otherwise have been avoided and led to unwanted tooth loss by fearful patients.

Afraid of the dentist? Fear no more. Once you’ve experienced intravenous (IV) sedation dentistry by Dr. Reese, you’ll never be afraid to return to the dentist again. Much more than ‘a pill and laughing gas’ technique geared to ‘relax’ you, Dr. Reese has been licensed and providing a true intravenous sedation for over 20 years. This technique allows you to comfortably and safely sleep through all your dental appointments.

NITROUS OXIDE “LAUGHING GAS”

You choose the right sedation option for you.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation Dentistry in Indianapolis

“Nervous and Unsettled”? Consider Nitrous Oxide inhalation gas for a soothing, calming effect. This is routinely used for children’s dentistry that have difficulty holding still and ‘tolerating’ the dental procedures. It is very popular among our adult patients as well as it is a convenient and cost effective entry into sedation dentistry.

This ‘laughing gas’ is common and helpful for children and adults who are nervous and anxious about anything from a cleaning to a root canal appointment. The advantage is the immediate ‘reversability’ of the inhaled gas allowing the patient or child to return to home, work, or school with minimal lingering side effects.

Pros:

  • You can drive yourself to and from the appointment
  • Immediate return to a ‘clear head’ after procedure
  • Able to return to work or home very soon
  • No lasting ‘hangover’
  • Least costly of all sedation procedures

ORAL SEDATION

oral sedation indianapolis dentistry

“Anxious and Fearful”? Oral sedation has become a popular and often advertised method of providing sedation dentistry and surgery in many dental offices. It combines nitrous oxide (laughing gas) with a pill form of a ‘valium’-like sedative. The combination provides a very drowsy sleep state that is accompanied by a lack of memory of the procedure or appointment. This can be very effective for many people to provide a comfortable, uneventful, and often ‘unmemorable’ dental appointment that can allow several different procedures or needs to be met in one, longer visit.

This provides an appointment that is soon ‘forgotten’ due to the amnesic effect of the sedative pills. Patients typically ‘snooze’ in and out of the appointment and have little to no recall of what was done so future needs are less apprehensive.

Pros:

  • Great results for those who just don’t like dental appointments.
  • Safe and cost effective when you’ve had dental appointments before but didn’t care for being ‘awake’.
  • The most ‘common’ protocol most other dental offices are offering for Sedation Dentistry claims.
  • Imagine…No sounds, No smells, No pains, No fear!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?

Everything from fillings, crowns, and root canals, to gum treatment, wisdom tooth removal, and even cleanings can be provided while you’re asleep.

WHY IS SEDATION DENTISTRY WITH DR. REESE BETTER?

Since Dr. Reese is licensed and trained to deliver the anesthetics through an IV vs. a pill, the depth of sleep is better controlled and customized for each patient and their metabolism.

Intravenous techniques allow for a deeper and safer sedation than taking a pill allows.

WILL I BE ’EMBARRASSED’ OR ‘SCOLDED’ FOR NEGLECTING MY TEETH?

Never. We understand that bad experiences or memories can emotionally traumatize anyone. You will not be belittled, or thought less of by anyone on the office staff, only attended to and helped to feel good about your smile and mouth again.

I HAVE A HEART CONDITION. CAN I STILL BE PUT TO SLEEP FOR MY DENTAL NEEDS?

Every patient has to be individually evaluated for their health risk and conditions. Most patients who have ongoing health concerns are better served by having a sedation performed for dental needs because it reduces your anxiety and stress to your heart and immune system, in addition to the elimination of your ’emotional’ stress.

Dr. Reese maintains staff privileges at St. Francis Hospital of Indianapolis. Patients with significant health concerns can be appointed in the operating room for a general anesthesia in the instance it is determined that this would be a better and safer experience.

WILL I FEEL ANYTHING?

No. You will be both sedated and numb, so when the procedure or procedures is over you will wake up with numbness to alleviate any discomfort from the dental procedure itself.

IS SEDATION IN A DENTAL OFFICE SAFE?

Absolutely. Dr. Reese has been providing this service to his surgery (implant, gum surgery, and wisdom tooth surgery) patients for over 20 years. Each patient is monitored for their EKG, blood pressure, and respiratory functions during the entire procedure to maintain a safe, controlled experience.

CAN I HAVE SEDATION DENTISTRY BY DR. REESE, AND CONTINUE TO SEE MY ‘REGULAR DENTIST’?

Of course, Dr. Reese is happy to assist patients and their dentists alike to provide certain ‘phases’ of care as they desire.

WHAT IF I HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT NEEDS? I’VE BEEN TOLD I NEED A ROOT CANAL AND CROWN, AND HAVE SMALLER CAVITIES TOO. CAN DR. REESE DO ALL THAT?

Yes, he can.

Dr. Reese has been in private practice for 20 years. He is a Master, Academy of General Dentistry, which means he is trained and qualified to provide many of the specialty type services that are typically sent to a dental specialist.

He often treats several teeth and problems during an extended sedation appointment to not only eliminate a painful tooth, but restore a beautiful smile.

WHAT WILL I FEEL LIKE AFTER THE APPOINTMENT?

Most patients remember waking up on the couch at home. The after effects are few. You will not be allowed to drive a car for 24 hrs. and typically have no memory of the visit to the office at all.

DOES MY DRIVER/COMPANION HAVE TO STAY AT THE OFFICE?

You must have someone drive you to the office and be prepared to drive you home afterwards. During the actual procedure, they are welcome to relax with a cup of coffee in our waiting room, or do some local shopping and errands. Our office is located just north of the Greenwood Park Mall.