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Sedation & Comfort Dentistry in Dickson, TN 

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College Street Smiles provides sedation and comfort dentistry in Dickson, Tennessee. Call 615-446-7878 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to medically induced relaxation techniques used during dental procedures. Sedation may be used in a variety of situations, such as when a patient is feeling anxious or if a dental procedure will be particularly invasive.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry provides a variety of benefits for patients and families:

  • Makes the patient more comfortable. Patients who are anxious or nervous about getting dental work can relax through the process.
  • Reduces stress for parents and caregivers. Parents of children who are fearful of going to the dentist and caregivers of older adults or patients with special needs can experience less stress when sedation is used to help the patient relax.
  • Less local anesthesia may be needed. In some cases sedation can reduce the amount of local anesthesia needed to feel comfortable during dental procedures.
  • Represses gag reflex. One of the most common struggles with dental anxiety is a strong gag reflex, but sedation can repress it for a more comfortable experience.
  • Little or no memory of the procedure. With some forms of sedation the patient will not remember much or all of the procedure.

Sedation Options We Offer

We provide the following sedation options for dental procedures:

  • Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe through a mask worn over the nose. It provides a clam, relaxing feeling that takes effect quickly and wears off quickly. Patients often describe a heavy feeling in their limbs and a tingling sensation in their fingers and toes.
  • Conscious oral sedation. Conscious oral sedation comes in pill or liquid form that you take before you arrive at the office for your appointment. It should take effect by the time your procedure begins and may take a few hours to wear off after the procedure. Oral sedation typically makes you feel sleepy or groggy, but you will remain conscious. You may not remember much about the procedure afterwards.

Are You A Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

If you or your child has feelings of anxiety about receiving dental care, sedation dentistry may help. A good candidate for sedation dentistry is someone with good overall health who can safely undergo sedation without any risks. We always get a thorough medical history from patients before administering anesthesia.

You may also be a good candidate for sedation if you are having a complex or invasive dental procedure, such as oral surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth. A deeper level of sedation can make such procedures much easier and more comfortable.

Why Choose College Street Smiles?

At College Street Smiles your comfort is our top priority. We offer a variety of sedation options so that you never have to feel nervous or anxious about dental treatment. Dental anxiety is a very real condition that can be severe enough to prevent patients from getting the dental care they need. Our goal is to eliminate dental anxiety through positive, relaxing experiences.

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Why Choose College Street Smiles?

At College Street Smiles your comfort is our top priority. We offer a variety of sedation options so that you never have to feel nervous or anxious about dental treatment. Dental anxiety is a very real condition that can be severe enough to prevent patients from getting the dental care they need. Our goal is to eliminate dental anxiety through positive, relaxing experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Is nitrous oxide safe for all patients?
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation because the effects wear off quickly and there are minimal side effects. Patients of all ages from children through adults can have nitrous oxide as long as there are no respiratory health issues that would make it unsafe.
Does sedation put you to sleep?
While you are under sedation you are not asleep. Even with IV sedation you are technically conscious, but you may not be aware of it. You may feel as if you are sleeping, even though you are not.
What if my child can’t swallow a pill?
Conscious oral sedation can come in pill or liquid form. Children or adults who have trouble swallowing pills may request a sedative in a liquid.
Will I need to have someone drive me to my appointment if I will have sedation?
Whether or not you can drive will depend on the type of sedation you will have. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly with no residual side effects, so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. Conscious oral sedation requires you to have a loved one or trusted friend drive you to the office and back home again.
How long does recovery take from oral or IV sedation?
If you have oral sedation you will need to rest at home for the remainder of the day after your appointment. In some cases you may need to rest the next day depending on how you feel from the anesthesia and from your procedure.

Contact Us

To learn more, call 615-446-7878 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

320 E. College Street, Suite C
Dickson, TN 37055
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