Questions for Your Nashville Dentist
We certainly don't expect you to be an expert on dental care, which is why we encourage your questions. Being informed about a procedure and why it's necessary helps you feel more confident when making decisions about your family's dental care.
We've shared some of the questions we hear most often, but if you don't see yours here, please give us a call. A member of our team will be happy to find the answer you need or arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors.
Advanced Services
There are many different types of dental appointments; sometimes, you go in for a consultation or to get your teeth cleaned. At other times, you may have a cavity that needs to be filled. However, you may find yourself in a situation where your dental professional recommends sedation dentistry, and you are wondering whether it is safe for you to drive home afterward.
Can You Drive After Sedation Dentistry?
You may feel anxious about going to the dentist, which is normal. Depending on the type of sedation your dentist uses, you may need help to drive yourself home after the appointment. The different types of dental sedation available at Sullivan Dental Partners are:
Nitrous oxide—also known as laughing gas- is administered through a small tube placed under your nose; it allows you to relax during your dental appointment, but you are also aware of what is going on around you, and you are able to talk to the dentist.
You can drive yourself home after a nitrous oxide treatment.
Oral conscious sedation—For this type of sedation dentistry, you will take a pill one hour before your appointment. This way, you will be relaxed when you arrive, and the dentist can administer additional medication at the office if necessary.
You will need a driver after oral conscious sedation.
IV sedation—You may need IV sedation for your dental appointment; this is a general anesthetic that may cause you to go to sleep.
You will need a driver after IV sedation, and you will need to stay home for the remainder of the day.
Are You Worried About Sedation Dentistry in Brentwood, TN?
Contact Sullivan Dental Partners at (615) 373-1012 to discuss your dental needs. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
For decades, Dr. Rick has been helping our patients relax so they can comfortably receive important dental care. If you are apprehensive about dental visits, the professional team at Sullivan Dental Partners can help.
Types of Sedation
We offer two types of sedation. The first and mildest is nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless gas that has been used safely since the mid-1800s. The purpose of nitrous is not to “put you to sleep,” but to help you relax into a calm state.
You will be alert enough to talk to your doctor, and as soon as we stop administering the gas, the effect will dissipate quickly. You will be able to return to your usual activities right after your appointment. All our staff members are trained in the use of nitrous oxide.
Another effective option is oral sedation, where Dr. Rick or Dr. Sully will prescribe a sedative to be taken about an hour before your appointment. The advantage of oral sedation is that when you arrive at our office you will already be in a relaxed state. Please note that if you opt for oral sedation, you must have a driver to get you to and from your appointment.
Are you afraid of dental visits and interested in learning more about our sedation options? Please contact our Brentwood office for more information!
Sedation dentistry is often the answer for patients with dental anxiety and phobias. It allows them to visit the dentist and get the treatment they need without fear.
And before we administer dental sedation in Brentwood, TN, we always make sure it’s a safe option for you, based on your health history and a chat with the dentist.
Our sedation dentistry options include:
- Nitrous oxide — Nitrous is a safe gas delivered through a nasal mask. This option has no lingering side effects.
- Oral sedation — A pill is taken before treatment, so you may not recall your dental procedure.
- IV sedation — Sleep or twilight sedation is delivered intravenously. With oral and IV sedation, you will need transportation as you cannot drive an automobile that day.
Sedation works well for dental phobias, but it is also an excellent option for patients undergoing multiple or invasive dental treatments. It allows you to relax during your procedure and not feel nervous about your appointment.
Talk to Us about Sedation Dentistry in Brentwood
Your mouth is the gateway to your body systems, which means dentistry plays a crucial role in your overall wellness. Give us a call today to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation or if you have questions for our sedation dentist.