Relax Your Way to a Healthy Smile

Sedation Dentistry at Frankie Neman DDS

At Frankie Neman DDS, located in the heart of Brentwood, we understand that dental anxiety is a real and pressing issue for many individuals. Dental phobia affects approximately seventy-five percent of people in the United States, making routine visits to the dentist a significant challenge for many. Recognizing the importance of maintaining oral health and the difficulties that come with dental anxiety, our practice offers comprehensive sedation dentistry options. These services ensure that all patients, regardless of their level of anxiety, can receive the dental care they need in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

DR. FRANKIE NEMAN -

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry employs medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that term can be misleading, as patients are usually awake except for those who are under general anesthesia. At Frankie Neman DDS, a cornerstone of Brentwood dentistry, we tailor our sedation options to fit the specific needs and comfort levels of our patients, ensuring a serene dental experience.

 

The Impact of Dental Anxiety on Preventive Care

Dental anxiety is not just a discomforting feeling — it can have serious long-term consequences on oral health. Many individuals, out of fear, frequently skip routine dental check-ups and cleanings. This avoidance is detrimental as preventive care is key to catching and addressing minor issues before they escalate

Without regular dental visits, conditions like cavities and gum disease can progress unchecked, potentially leading to severe damage that requires much more invasive and costly treatments. By staying away from the dentist’s chair, patients risk allowing manageable dental problems to spiral into major health concerns, emphasizing the critical need for strategies, such as sedation dentistry, to help anxious patients receive the care they require comfortably and safely.

 

Types of Sedation Offered at Frankie Neman DDS

  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It helps to relax patients by inducing a euphoric feeling within minutes of inhalation. The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the procedure, making it a convenient option for mild to moderate anxiety.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before the appointment. This type of sedation leaves the patient awake and able to respond during the procedure but significantly relaxed and less aware of the treatment, providing a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide. Patients will need someone to drive them home after using oral sedation due to its lingering effects.
  • Collaboration with Anesthesiologists: For patients who suffer from severe dental phobia or those undergoing lengthy or invasive treatments, Dr. Neman collaborates with skilled anesthesiologists to provide deeper sedation options. This approach is customized and may involve more advanced sedative techniques to ensure complete comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, particularly for individuals with dental anxiety or phobia:

  • Overcomes Dental Anxiety: Sedation dentistry is a crucial tool in managing dental phobia, allowing patients to undergo dental treatments they might otherwise avoid.
  • Improves Treatment Efficiency: Patients who are relaxed tend to be less fidgety, making it easier for dentists to work more quickly and effectively.
  • Minimizes Discomfort: Sedation can help control the discomfort that some dental procedures might cause, making the dental experience more pleasant.
  • Prevents Neglect of Oral Health: By removing the barrier of fear, sedation dentistry encourages regular dental visits, preventing the escalation of dental issues into more serious conditions.

 

What to Expect During Your Visit

Choosing sedation dentistry at Frankie Neman DDS means you will receive detailed instructions during your consultation. Dr. Neman will assess your medical history, discuss your fears, and explain your sedation options. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Consultation: You’ll have a thorough consultation to discuss the best sedation options for your specific needs.
  2. Day of the Procedure: If using nitrous oxide, you’ll inhale the gas through a mask and begin to feel relaxed quickly. For oral conscious sedation, you’ll take the medication before your appointment and arrive at the office already feeling relaxed.
  3. During the Procedure: Throughout your treatment, Dr. Neman and her team will monitor your vitals and comfort level, adjusting sedation as necessary to maintain your comfort.
  4. Post-Procedure: After the procedure, you’ll be given time to recover from the effects of sedation. For more potent sedatives, you will need someone to drive you home.

 

Schedule Your Stress-Free Dental Visit Today

If the thought of visiting the dentist fills you with anxiety, sedation dentistry might be the solution you need. Frankie Neman DDS is here to help you overcome your fears and maintain optimal oral health. Contact us today to learn more about how sedation dentistry can transform your dental experience, ensuring that you relax your way to a healthy, beautiful smile.