If you fear going to the dentist or suffer from dental anxiety, we can help. Dr. Trace Bridges enjoys giving fearful patients a pleasant experience to put them more at ease about future oral health visits. He is highly skilled and qualified and has a kind, gentle personality and touch. Dr. Bridges offers sedation dentistry in Tulsa, OK, to ease the fears of anxious patients.
But knowing Dr. Bridges is a kind, gentle, and skilled dentist will not remove some patients’ fear. Patients with a previous traumatic dental experience may need sedation. We use sedation techniques for some of our patients who get cosmetic and general dentistry services.
Who Benefits from Sedation?
We will often use sedation if you need treatment that may take hours. That way, you won’t feel pain during that time or even recollect your procedure. Sedation is often beneficial for patients with these problems:
- Fear of loud noises
- Poor gag reflexes
- Fear of the dentist
- General dental anxiety
Dental fear and anxiety are common problems. Whether you had a negative past experience at the dentist or fear pain, we’re here to help.
Benefits of sedation include:
- Safe treatment
- Pain management
- Shorter treatment time
- Fewer dental visits
With some types of sedation, you may feel sensation but will not feel pain. With others, you may not remember your treatment. We will ensure your safety no matter the type of sedation.
How We Treat Dental Anxiety in Our Office
We have several recommendations if you or a loved one have dental fear or anxiety:
- Call us for an office tour. We can give you a tour on a day before your appointment. During this tour, you can familiarize yourself with our office, staff, and dentist.
- Ask questions. We will gladly answer any questions about the treatment process or your current concerns. Open communication between patient and dentist helps us meet your needs.
- Bring things to your visit. You can bring headphones and music to listen to during your treatment. Feel free to bring fidget toys or stress balls to help occupy your hands or distract you during treatment.
We don’t want you to worry if you haven’t visited the dentist for years. We’re not here to judge you. Our goal is to help you comfortably get the dental care you need. Sedation can enable you to treat dental problems you’ve avoided. Treating these problems will improve your oral health and self-confidence.
Types of Sedation Dentistry in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Bridges offers three types of dental sedation: nitrous oxide, oral, and IV. He will help you find the best type to meet your needs.
Nitrous Oxide
This sedative gas mixed with oxygen benefits patients with mild dental anxiety. Also known as laughing gas, you will breathe it through a nose mask while Dr. Bridges works on your teeth. It induces a relaxed state that seems to strengthen the Novocain and eliminate the stress of the dental appointment. Under laughing gas, you may feel happy but will still feel calm and able to react to Dr. Bridges.
Laughing gas takes effect and wears off quickly. At the end of the procedure, you breathe pure oxygen for a couple of minutes, and all the effects are completely gone. Nitrous oxide is convenient and has no after-effects. You can return to work or drive home after treatment.
Oral Sedation
If you need a stronger sedative, oral sedation is popular. We will provide you with a pill before your appointment. This will make you sleepy so that you will be completely relaxed and indifferent to the dental appointment. You may not even remember the procedure.
Effects linger past the appointment, so you need to have someone bring you to the office and drive you home afterward. Oral sedation is excellent if you are an anxious dental patient. It enables you to have much dental work done in one appointment.
IV Sedation
The strongest level of sedation we offer is IV Sedation. Dr. Bridges is one of a few dentists with an IV sedation permit and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. The level of sedation is deeper than with oral sedation, though you are still conscious and your protective reflexes are functional.
Under IV sedation, you feel deeply relaxed and may even fall asleep. Most people can still respond to Dr. Bridges but may not remember their treatment. This treatment is not the same as general anesthesia because you will not be unconscious.
Qualifications for Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Bridges has been practicing sedation dentistry since 2004. He is DOCS (Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation) certified, the leading institute in dental sedation instruction. Dr. Bridges also has a special permit for IV sedation and is ACLS-certified.
Your safety is a top priority. As an extra safety measure, we will carefully measure your vital signs with a pulse oximeter during IV and oral sedation procedures. Dr. Bridges follows the standard safety precautions of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Our office will treat you respectfully, and there will be no lectures on the importance of regular dental care.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common patient questions about sedation dentistry services in our Tulsa, OK office:
What type of sedation is for me?
Please let Dr. Bridges know of any medical conditions and your current medications. Breathing problems, problems metabolizing medication, and other issues can affect sedation. Dr. Bridges will find the right treatment for you based on your medical history and conditions.
The most common medical conditions that affect sedation include:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Heart conditions
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Sleep apnea
Some medications can also negatively interact with anti-anxiety medications used in dentistry. This is one of the reasons why we will need a list of your allergies and current medications.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe. We watch your vital signs (like heart rate and oxygen levels) the entire time using medical equipment. With IV sedation or laughing gas, we can adjust the level instantly if needed. Laughing gas is always mixed with oxygen, so you keep breathing normally. At the end, you get pure oxygen to clear it from your system fast. We also use careful doses of oral sedatives based on your age and weight.
Can I get sedation for a dental cleaning?
Most cleanings don’t hurt, so sedation isn’t usually necessary. But if you have severe dental anxiety, we can recommend nitrous oxide. This is the mildest form of sedation and will wear off quickly.
Will I be fully asleep under sedation?
Most dental sedation doesn’t put you fully to sleep. It just makes you super relaxed. You’ll still be awake but feel calm under laughing gas. Under oral sedation, you’ll feel drowsy. If you get IV sedation, you won’t remember the procedure but will not be fully asleep. You’ll only be fully asleep under general anesthesia.
How long does it take to fully recover after sedation?
This depends on the type of sedation you get. You ‘ll feel normal just a few minutes after you get nitrous oxide. Most people can drive themselves home and go back to work or school the same day.
The medicine from oral sedation stays in your system longer. You may feel sleepy or out of it for several hours. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you should rest for the rest of the day.
IV sedation is the strongest option. You may feel groggy for several hours after your visit and should have someone drive you home and stay with you until the sedation wears off. You’ll feel back to normal the next day.
Can I eat or drink after my appointment with sedation?
You can eat and drink right after you get nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Most people feel normal quickly.
After IV or oral sedation you may feel sleepy or a little dizzy after your appointment. It’s best to wait until the numbness in your mouth goes away before eating or drinking. Start with soft foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid hot foods or drinks until you’re fully awake and alert.
Can I go to work or school after sedation?
You’ll be back to normal in no time after laughing gas, so you can return to work or school. It takes time for the effects of IV and oral sedation to fade. We may recommend that you rest at home the rest of the day. Then you should be able to return to school or work the day after.
Will I feel pain under dental sedation?
No, you won’t feel pain and won’t be aware of the treatment in most cases. Dr. Bridges will also numb your mouth before treatment for your comfort. While you may feel sensations under mild sedation, you won’t feel pain.
Receive Comfortable Dental Care
Get on the road to good oral health with sedation dentistry in Tulsa, OK. Schedule an appointment online or call Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry at 918-347-1114. Please let Dr. Bridges know if you have questions. He’ll be glad to help.