Sedation dentist – Upper Arlington, OH
Helping All of Our Dental Patients Relax
Do you have severe dental anxiety that makes even routine dental care stressful? We can take the edge off of your visit with one of several relaxing types of sedation dentistry in Upper Arlington. Under the effects of the sedative, your body’s ability to register pain will be significantly reduced, and time will seem like it passes by much more quickly. Not only does this help soothe your dental fears, but it also makes it easier to sit through lengthy procedures and multiple treatments. Contact Tzagournis Dental Group of Upper Arlington today to see if sedation could help you say goodbye to your dental worries.
Why Choose Tzagournis Dental Group of Upper Arlington for Sedation Dentistry?
- IV Sedation Available for Severe Anxiety
- Relaxing Oral Concious and Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Highly Experienced Dentists and Hygienists
What is Sedation Dentistry?
For many patients, a trip to the dentist can be a source of anxiety or fear. Whether it’s due to a past experience, an overly sensitive gag reflex, or a low pain threshold, dental anxiety is incredibly common. That’s where sedation dentistry can make all the difference. At Tzagournis Dental Group, we offer several sedation options to help you feel calm and confident during your dental appointment, allowing you to receive the dental care you need without unnecessary stress.
Our dental offices in Upper Arlington, OH, and Westerville, OH, are equipped to provide various forms of sedation, tailored to your needs, health history, and the type of dental procedures being performed. Whether you’re a candidate for oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, or another form of sedation, our goal is to deliver compassionate, expert care in a comfortable setting.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who:
- Experience severe dental anxiety or extreme dental phobia
- Have a low pain threshold
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Have an overly sensitive gag reflex
- Require multiple or lengthy procedures
- Are undergoing oral surgery, like wisdom tooth extraction, or other invasive procedures
- Have special needs
- Suffer from conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea
Our team, including Dr. George Tzagournis, Dr. Steve Walton, Dr. Daniel Bell, and Dr. Brandon Simon, is trained to assess your level of sedation needs and determine the right option for your comfort and safety. We’ll review your health history and any routine medications you’re taking before recommending a type of sedation for your dental work.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
At Tzagournis Dental Group, we customize the form of sedation to each patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure. Here’s a closer look at the types of sedation we offer:
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative medication that will put you in a drowsy, relaxed state during your treatment. This type of sedation can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the dose we prescribe. You’ll still be awake, but you won’t be bothered by your surroundings. In fact, some people actually fall asleep during their treatment (although they can be easily awakened with a gentle nudge or shake)—plan on having a friend drive you home if you undergo treatment with oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is often called “laughing gas” because it puts patients in a euphoric state. It’s a good choice for patients with only mild dental anxiety. For one thing, there is little to no preparation required; you simply need to inhale the sedative through a small nasal mask, and the effects will take effect quickly. Additionally, it only takes a few minutes to recover from the effects of nitrous oxide, allowing you to drive home by yourself after your appointment.
Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation
IV sedation, also known as intravenous conscious sedation, is the strongest form of dental sedation that we offer. It’s usually reserved for patients with severe dental fears and anxieties; we may also use it if you need particularly extensive treatment. The sedative is delivered directly into a vein in your arm, meaning the effects take effect much more quickly. We can continually adjust the level as needed to keep you safe and comfortable. By the end of the procedure, you likely won’t remember anything that happened while we were working on your teeth.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are many reasons patients across Upper Arlington, OH, and Westerville, OH, trust Dr. George Tzagournis, Dr. Steve Walton, Dr. Daniel Bell, and Dr. Brandon Simon for safe and effective dental sedation:
- Stress-free dental care for anxious patients
- Ability to complete multiple treatments in a single visit
- Minimized gag reflex and muscle tension
- Improved cooperation for children and patients with special needs
- Increased comfort during lengthy procedures
- Reduced awareness of sounds, sights, and sensations
- Enhanced patient care from a team with advanced training
Whether you’re visiting us for a simple filling or complex oral surgery, we’ll walk you through your options to help you make the best decision for your comfort and overall oral health.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is widely used and has a long track record of safety, especially when administered by trained professionals in a controlled dental office setting. At Tzagournis Dental Group, we follow strict safety protocols and closely monitor each patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure.
Before your treatment, we’ll take the time to discuss your health history, current medications, and any concerns you may have. Our team will always ensure that the type of sedation chosen is the right option for your needs and comfort level.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation
Every step of your sedation dentistry experience at Tzagournis Dental Group is carefully planned to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your dental appointment involving any form of sedation.
Before Your Appointment
We’ll provide detailed instructions about eating, drinking, and medication use prior to your dental appointment. If you’re receiving oral conscious or IV sedation, you’ll need someone to accompany you and drive you home.
During Treatment
Depending on the level of sedation, you may experience lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a deep sense of relaxation. Some patients even fall into a light sleep, but you’ll still be able to respond to gentle instructions. Our team will continually monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
After Your Appointment
Recovery time varies depending on the form of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral and IV sedation may require several hours of rest before you’re fully alert again. We’ll give you aftercare instructions to help with a smooth recovery and continued oral health.
Sedation Dentistry for Children and Seniors
Because our practice serves patients of all ages—from toddlers to seniors—the use of sedation allows us to deliver gentle, effective care for every generation. Children who have difficulty sitting still, seniors undergoing invasive procedures, or anyone with extreme dental phobia can benefit from our customizable levels of sedation.
Our welcoming, family-oriented offices in Upper Arlington and Westerville are designed to put you at ease while receiving high-quality dental care from providers you trust.
How to Prepare for an Appointment with Sedation Dentistry
Preparing for your sedation dentistry appointment is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. At Tzagournis Dental Group, we’ll provide personalized instructions based on the type of sedation being used and your individual health history. Following a few basic guidelines can help set you up for a successful visit.
Follow Pre-Appointment Instructions
For oral sedation and intravenous conscious sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before your dental appointment. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine the day before. We’ll give you detailed instructions tailored to the level of sedation being used.
Arrange for Transportation
If you’re receiving oral conscious or IV sedation, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from our dental office. Sedative effects can linger for several hours, so it’s best to take the rest of the day off from work, school, or any other demanding tasks.
Dress Comfortably
We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your dental treatment. This helps make it easier for our team to monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure, allowing you to relax more fully during care.
Ask Questions
If you’re unsure about any part of the process—from how the sedative medication will make you feel to how long recovery will take—don’t hesitate to ask. Our dentists, including Dr. George Tzagournis, Dr. Steve Walton, Dr. Daniel Bell, and Dr. Brandon Simon, are here to guide you every step of the way.
Find Out If Sedation Dentistry Is Right for You
Still unsure whether sedation dentistry is the right fit for your dental treatment? Let us help. Our compassionate team will walk you through every step of the process, answering your questions and tailoring a dental sedation plan to meet your needs.
At Tzagournis Dental Group, our commitment to exceptional patient care means more than just beautiful smiles—it means creating a comfortable and stress-free experience for every visit. Contact us to schedule an appointment!