Relax at Our Dental Implants Office
It’s not uncommon for dental implant patients to feel nervous or anxious at the dentist. But avoiding your dental implant procedure for an extended time can lead to damage to your overall health. That’s why Dr. Conness and his expert dental team are trained in sedation dentistry. We’ll use this revolutionary service to care for your stunning smile while you relax in comfort.
Explore our dental professionals’ guide to dental sedation below.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering medications that allow your body to relax. This treatment is an essential part of providing implant solutions for our patients. Whether you’re looking to manage anxiety, pain, or your gag reflex during a procedure, we’ll find a solution that works for you.
The symptoms of dental anxiety include:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension
- Restlessness
- Shallow breathing
Any of these symptoms can make dental appointments stressful and uncomfortable, especially during advanced procedures like receiving dental implants. Discuss your options for dental sedation during your consultation at our Ottawa, IL dental office.
Our Dental Sedation Options
Your procedure is as unique as you are, so our dentists offer several solutions to help you remain calm. Together, you and Dr. Conness will discuss any concerns you may have to find the best sedation option for you.
Oral Sedation
A common solution for anxiety and pain during extensive procedures is oral sedation. These pill and liquid sedatives allow you to remain awake and responsive during your procedure. However, you won’t remember much about it afterward nor feel any discomfort during the procedure.
IV Sedation
We also offer IV sedation for patients who prefer a stronger sense of relaxation during their procedure. IV sedation is administered through your arm and lulls you into a deep sleep. During your procedure, two of our trained sedation nurses will monitor your vital signs with cardiac and respiratory monitors to ensure you remain stable and comfortable both during and after the procedure. Many patients choose this option for extensive dental implant procedures, such as full arch restorations. The powerful sedatives allow patients to wake up with their dental implant procedure behind them.
Dr. Conness trained on sedation dentistry through the prestigious DOCS program. We perform a majority of our own IV sedations, but for medically compromised patients, we use Illinois Anesthesia as our sedation partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is a completely safe and convenient way to feel more relaxed during your dental appointments. Dental sedation is especially safe when administered by experienced dentists in Ottawa, IL like Dr. Conness and our nursing staff.
Your safety and health are our highest priorities during treatment. Throughout the entire process, our two nurses closely monitor the patient alongside advanced cardiac and respiratory monitoring technology, ensuring a safe and comfortable sedation experience.
Will I be awake during my procedure while under dental sedation?
A common misconception about sedation dentistry methods is that patients believe they’ll be unconscious under its effects. Rather, patients receiving dental sedation will enter a state of deep relaxation known as “twilight sleep.”
You’ll still be able to respond to verbal cues from Dr. Conness, but you’ll otherwise be completely at ease while the dentist works. Depending on the sedative used, you may also have a difficult time remembering the details of your procedure which can be beneficial for patients with dental anxiety.
How long does dental sedation last?
The length of your sedation will depend on factors determined in your personalized treatment plan, such as which procedure you’re undergoing. However, you can expect the full effects of dental sedation to wear off after 24 hours. Our dental professionals in Ottawa, IL will fine-tune your sedation to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of your dental implant procedure.
During this time, to prevent normal side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness, we administer anti-nausea and anti-swelling medication in your IV line for your post operative comfort. Length of sedation times vary based on the type of procedure and we highly recommend arranging a ride home following your procedure, as driving under the lingering effects of sedation can be dangerous.
Do you feel pain with sedation dentistry?
Regardless of the method of dental sedation you receive, you won’t feel any pain or stress during your dental appointment. Dr. Conness will administer a local anesthetic to numb the targeted site and surrounding areas, while a dental sedative will be administered to put you at ease. Dr. Conness is the best implant dentist in Ottawa, IL when it comes to a painless dental implant placement.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort once the numbness fades, but any pain should subside after a few days. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any soreness. Be sure to follow all of Dr. Conness’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful implant procedure.
Note: We do not use opioid narcotics for post-surgical medication. We use a combination of prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and over-the-counter Advil (Ibuprofen) & Tylenol (Acetaminophen).
Who’s eligible for dental sedation?
Dental sedation is available to patients who are nervous about an upcoming appointment. However, patients may be ineligible for dental sedation if they have*:
- Thyroid disorders
- Conflicting medications
- Liver or kidney diseases
- Diabetes
- Respiratory problems
At our Ottawa dental office, we understand that dental anxiety is a common barrier preventing patients from seeking the dental care they need. That’s why we’re proud to offer dental sedation methods to help patients receive the gold standard in restorative dentistry. Learn more about your options during your dental implant consultation with Dr. Conness.
*The sedation visit will be coordinated with your primary care physician for proper adaptation of the medications that are going to be used along with current meds for a pleasant and successful IV sedation experience.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Conness
Sedation dentistry makes your dental implant procedure a breeze. With two different sedation options, you’ll find a solution that works best for your health and peace of mind. Dr. John Conness has practiced extensively with sedation, so you can trust him and his expert team to ensure your safety.
Find out more about dental sedation during your dental implant consultation. Contact our Ottawa dental office at 815-324-2550.