Excellence Dental - Tara Jennings Westrick, DDS - General and Implant Dentistry in Stevens Point, WI

Sedation Dentistry

Our practice offers sedation for patients with special needs or dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is not for everyone. In fact, many of our patients with some dental anxiety find they don't need sedation in our office. These patients often tell us that our caring, gentle approach provides them with a relaxing, pleasant experience even without sedation. The choice is really yours.

Oral Sedation

What is Oral Sedation?

Patients who are apprehensive about receiving dental treatment often avoid going to the dentist. Ultimately, this avoidance can lead to advanced disease and the need for expensive treatments that could have been avoided.

Oral sedation provides a safe, effective way to alleviate dental anxiety and provide patients with the treatment they need.

How it Works

Oral sedation makes use of a prescription medication that induces a drowsy, relaxed feeling. This is an oral medication and no intra-venous needles are used. Due to the relaxing effects of the medication, patients must have a friend or family member bring them to the dental office and return them home.

During oral sedation, the patient's vital signs are monitored. Although patients are not completely unconscious, many patients sleep through their dental appointment. Few patients have any memory of their treatment.

IV Sedation

What is IV Sedation?

Intravenous (or IV) sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have severe dental anxiety or extensive dental needs.

How it Works

During IV sedation, the patient is administered medication intravenously. This combination of medications induces a drowsy and relaxed feeling, enabling the patient to remain completely calm and sedated throughout their treatment.

Throughout this process, the patient's vital signs are monitored. Although patients are not completely unconscious, many patients sleep through their dental appointment. Few patients have any memory of their treatment.

Patients who have IV sedation must have a friend or family member bring them to the dental office and return them home.

Advantages of Oral or IV Sedation

Like oral sedation, IV sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have any of the following concerns:

• Dental Anxiety
• Difficulty Getting Numb
• Very Sensitive Teeth
• Extensive Dental Needs

Alternatives to IV Sedation

Our practice also provides oral sedation as an alternative for patients with dental anxiety and other needs. Please contact us to see if either type of sedation may be appropriate for you. We will gladly discuss your needs in an understanding way.