Hartford Sedation Dentist
If you’re anxious at the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist. It is common, and it is normal. This is especially true when a patient has had a traumatic experience, such as being treated by a dentist who didn’t give them enough novocain.
If you’ve put off going to the dentist because you’re worried about pain, you don’t like the experience of lying back in the dentist’s chair, or you’re embarrassed about your teeth, sedation can help. It makes going to the dentist a calm experience and one that you likely won’t remember afterward. Sedation is safe for most healthy patients.
Dr. Michalski is an experienced, highly trained sedation dentist who enjoys taking care of fearful and anxious patients. He and his staff at Radiant Smiles of Rocky Hill work together to create a calming, relaxing, safe space where you can receive dental care in comfort and security.
An empathetic sedation dentist can help you overcome fear and past trauma so you can get the treatment you need to protect your oral health. Sedation dentistry is so effective at soothing their fears that many anxious patients eventually need less sedation at appointments or none at all.
When Novocain Alone Doesn’t Work
It is common for novocain not to work on very anxious patients. A sedative can overcome that, allowing novocain to be effective. Dr. Michalski understands the relationship between anxiety and pain, and he knows how to make you comfortable during your appointment using either oral or IV sedation.
Sedation makes it easier to tolerate having a lot of dental work done at once since you will likely not be aware of the passing time. It’s also helpful if you’re afraid of needles because you will probably be unaware of the injection.
Oral Sedation Dentistry
Most sedation appointments will involve oral sedation. This is a simple and very effective way to deal with severe dental anxiety, or with highly stressful appointments. With oral sedation, you will take a pill before your appointment. Within an hour, you will feel very relaxed. While it may seem like you are asleep, you’ll be able to respond to requests to open your mouth. This medication interferes with the body’s ability to form new memories and often produces mild euphoria. You probably won’t remember your appointment later. Since you will take the pill an hour before your appointment, you will need someone to bring you to the office and take you home when you are done. It will be several hours before you’ll be able to resume normal activity.
The oral medication has minimal effect on your vital functions such as breathing or heart function. Still, to be absolutely safe, we will be monitoring these vital functions.
IV Sedation Dentistry
For IV sedation, Dr. Michalski works with an anesthesiologist. They will ensure you are comfortably and safely sedated while Dr. Michalski cares for your teeth. The anesthesiologist will place an IV line in your arm and give you medication that will put you in a deeply relaxed, dreamlike state. You will not remember your treatment. You may leave the appointment thinking you have been asleep.
IV sedation is different from the anesthesia you receive during surgery in a hospital. Though you might feel you are asleep, you’ll still be conscious and able to respond to commands and breathe on your own. We will monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels for safety.
Aftercare
You will need someone to take you home after sedation dentistry. You will still be sleepy after the appointment.
Over time, you may find that you fear dental work less and less when seeing a sedation dentist. Appointments will become a positive experience, leaving you free of pain and with a healthier, more beautiful smile. To schedule a visit with Dr. Michalski, please fill out our online form or call (860) 563-4544.
