Sedation Dentistry in Tupelo, MS

Visiting the dentist causes a number of patients to experience anxiety and fear. In fact, people of all ages have real phobias about undergoing dental procedures. At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our team wants every patient who walks through our doors to enjoy positive, comfortable dental visits, regardless of their dental needs or concerns. We are pleased to offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral-conscious sedation dentistry options that can allow you and your family members to feel safe and comforted throughout a dental treatment or procedure. If you have been avoiding the care you need or have deep-seated fear surrounding dental treatments, schedule a visit to talk with qualified general dentists Dr. Richard Caron and Dr. John Kenney to explore your options for sedation dentistry. Our Tupelo, MS team wants to help you improve how you feel about dentistry and actually enjoy getting the comfortable care you need for a healthy smile.

Doctors Caron and Kenney are trained and qualified to administer the following sedation dentistry options:

Nitrous oxide sedation, often referred to as laughing gas, is a common form of sedation that is often ideal for mild dental anxiety.

Oral-conscious sedation uses prescription medication to minimize more moderate dental fears before and during dental visits.

If you suffer from dental fear and anxiety at the mere idea of undergoing dental procedures, then you are likely a perfect candidate for sedation dentistry. As there are effective sedation methods for a variety of situations, doctors Caron and Kenney will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine which option is most effective for you. Sedation dentistry can be effective for patients of all ages but may not be recommended when certain medical conditions are present.

Nitrous oxide sedation, a clear and odorless gas, is inhaled before and throughout the procedure through a small mask placed over the nose. When choosing this option, you can expect to feel relaxed, calm, and euphoric. Our team can adjust the levels of nitrous oxide during the visit to maintain comfort. Since nitrous oxide gas leaves the body within minutes, there are no lingering effects with this form of sedation dentistry.

Oral-conscious sedation is administered by giving you anti-anxiety medication in the form of a pill about one hour before your appointment to help you remain calm before and during treatment. The effects of oral-conscious sedation will leave you feeling very relaxed, and often drowsy, and last for several hours. Undergoing oral-conscious sedation may leave you with little memory of your dental procedure.

At the end of any treatment utilizing sedation, our clinical team will review instructions for care following sedation dentistry services. If you received oral-conscious sedation, you will need to have someone else escort you home following the appointment as the sedative medication will impair your ability to drive for several hours. After the procedure, it is advised that you hydrate and rest. You will likely feel lethargic and drowsy for the remainder of the day, but these side effects will subside in about 24 hours.

Are you awake during oral conscious sedation?
When you receive oral conscious sedation, you will not be asleep during your treatment. Even though you're awake, you should feel minimal discomfort and be relaxed and at ease.

What shouldn't you do before undergoing conscious sedation?
When receiving sedation dentistry in Tupelo, MS, you should not drink or eat anything eight hours before your appointment. You can still take necessary medications, however. If you have questions about how to prepare for your dental appointment, feel free to give us a call.

How long does sedation last?
When receiving nitrous oxide for dental work, you should feel the effects begin to wear off almost immediately. For conscious sedation, you may notice some of the effects to last around 12 hours, including drowsiness, so you should enlist the help of a trusted adult for the remainder of the day.

At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you and your family to get the dental care you deserve without fear or anxiety getting in the way. Nitrous oxide or oral-conscious sedation may be used for a range of dental procedures, from routine cleanings to tooth extractions. If you feel anxious, stressed, or fearful when it comes to visiting the dentist, talk to our caring Tupelo, MS team today to schedule a consultation visit with doctors Caron or Kenney. Get the comfortable treatment you need to enjoy a healthy, happy smile!