SEDATION DENTISTRY
At Laraway Family Dentistry, we offer the following types of sedation:
Antianxiety with Nitrous Gas N2O (Laughing Gas)
Laughing gas is not a sedative but a mild relaxant. You will be fully aware of the surroundings and able to drive home after the procedure. N2O is commonly confused with other inhalation sedatives like Halothane which are used in operating rooms and induce deep sedation.
Conscious Moderate Sedation
Conscious moderate sedation is where you are breathing on your own and may have some recollection of the events. It can be achieved by either swallowing the tablets (oral sedation) or having the sedatives injected into your vein (intravenous).
Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, you are administered pills like Halcion or Ativan which most of the time takes 30 minutes to take effect. This kind of sedation can be unpredictable as the pills can cause either overly or under sedated patients.
Intravenous Sedation
Drs. Michael and Joanna Laraway carry intravenous sedation licenses. During this process, the medication is administered one drop at a time into your bloodstream. Intravenous sedation allows for a much safer and predictable procedure. Both Drs. Michael and Joanna Laraway are also trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and carry Advanced Cardiac Life Support certificates (instead of CPR, which is held by most dentists.)
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation (unconscious) is where you are not breathing on your own during sedation. A breathing tube (intubation) must be inserted into your airways. This type of sedation is practiced in operating rooms during surgeries on major organs. The patient has no recollection of the procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry Holistic?
Yes! All services offered at Laraway Family Dentistry are rooted in a biological, holistic dental approach. Oral healthcare is a significant factor in overall health and should not be avoided. Although, sometimes going to the dentist is easier said than done. At Laraway Family Dentistry, we empathize with our patients and understand that some patients may avoid the dentist due to dental anxiety or phobia. Your oral health is a priority for us and we offer specialized techniques through sedation dentistry to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Inducing a calming state of mind can range from anti-anxiety medications to laughing gas and can be used in routine cleanings or invasive procedures.
Patients with Dental Anxiety, Phobias, and Special Needs
At Laraway Family Dentistry, we strive to do everything possible to preserve and enhance your oral health. If you have dental anxiety, a phobia, or special needs that make dental appointments unbearable, our team of experts can offer conscious sedation. Simply, we turn that unbearable experience into a comfortable and pleasant one. Conscious sedation can be given through laughing gas, an oral medication, or an IV. Many patients report that conscious sedation not only made their experience comfortable, it also made the appointment feel shorter.
Alternative Ways To Relieve Dental Anxiety
As a holistic dentist, we promote the least invasive option first. For mild forms of dental anxiety and phobias, we may recommend a number of alternative ways to overcome your fears. At Laraway Family Dentistry, we promote a relaxing environment with a wall to floor windows of trees in front of every dental chair. If you feel uncomfortable, anxious, or worried at any time during your appointment, simply raise your hand and we will pause the procedure, if possible.
To prepare for your dental visit at home, you can ‘reality test’ your thoughts about the dentist. Is it rational? Additionally, feel free to call our office and discuss your concerns. Is there a procedure or tool you are afraid of? Many of the procedures can be broken into smaller, more manageable appointments. Next, during your appointment picture yourself in a comfortable environment. Perhaps it is a trip to the beach or your favorite camping spot. Next, breath deeply through your nose. With these simple techniques, you can begin to manage and reduce your mild dental anxiety!
Our goal is to make every appointment enjoyable and beneficial to your whole body, physiologically and psychologically. If you have any concerns, worries, or dental anxieties, please call our office. Our expert team will be happy to discuss ways to relieve your worries and help you reach a path of good oral and overall health!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
If you’ve been putting off seeing a dentist due to anxiety or fear, sedation dentistry might be right for you. Contact us to make an appointment and find out more about how we can put your mind at ease while providing the dental care you need.