A significant number of Americans do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they are too fearful or suffer from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation only work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.
Sedation dentistry is popular because most sedatives can be taken by mouth, meaning no injections, no anxiety and no pain. Some sedatives work so effectively that even the smells and details of the procedure cannot be recalled afterwards. Safety and compliance are two important aspects of treatments, so sedation dentistry offers both the individual and the dentist the best alternative.
The most popular types of dental sedatives are nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Different levels of sedation (mild, moderate and deep) can be utilized depending on individual needs.Before administering any sedative, the dentist must analyze the full medical history of the patient, taking note of any current medications.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is used as a mild sedative. It is delivered through a nose hood, and is administered throughout the entire procedure. Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure. In addition, some tingling and numbness may be felt. There are few side effects associated with nitrous oxide, and it has been safely used in dentistry for many years.
Intravenous sedation is a moderate type of sedation. Patients who have previously experienced IV sedation often report feeling like they slept through the entire procedure. Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn. This is why it is important to bring a designated driver for the drive home.
Most of the drugs used in sedation dentistry are classified as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and seizures. Each medication has a different half-life, meaning that the effects last for varying amounts of time. The estimated length of the procedure determines which type of drug is going to be most effective.
Versed This sedative has the shortest half-life and is therefore less commonly used. It alleviates anxiety in much the same way as nitrous oxide, and is used for visits that will take less than 30 minutes.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 63 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMacKenzie Gran
a year ago
Alexis is such a personable, professional and efficient hygienist! Very caring and wonderful with my three year old. She makes you feel comfortable from start to finish. The whole team is wonderful, but Alexis really stands out.
Ken LaVoie
a year ago
Our family has been privileged to use Kennebec Valley Dental Arts for the past few years. What we like most about them is their knowledge, efficiency and organization. Tracey and Cliff are excited about their practice and it shows with their continuing education, introduction of new techniques and the care and attention we receive. As much as I detest "going to the dentist", KVDA makes it easy.
William J. Bois
a year ago
Very professional staff, explained diagnoses and treatment plans.
Tara Weaver
2 years ago
The hygienists are so great. They know their stuff and they are very efficient. The dentists are also wonderful. They are honest, gentle and patient.
frank beans
2 years ago
always a pleasant experience and polite staff ( :
Steve Mather
2 years ago
.nice people they work hard to get things right
John Marden
2 years ago
My first visit here was nothing but great or amazing. the entire staff, professional, polite . Building clean, well maintained, plenty of parking.
Steve Letourneau
2 years ago
Terrific service, friendly, and professional!
Karen Andrus
2 years ago
Excellent care as always. Very impressed with new safety measures for both staff and clients. Thanks Candace!! The entire staff is always helpful, courteous, and friendly. Kudos!!!!!
Mitch Donar
2 years ago
I would not recommend the Kennebec Valley Dental Arts to anyone for multiple reasons: despite how early I arrive they are always 10-15 minutes late, rude customer service, high hygienist turnover so you never establish rapport with one, and if you do not follow through on the recommendations made by Dr. Glinko, she takes it personal and will kick you out of their establishment! I respectfully declined to move forward with a procedure and I received a letter in the mail informing me that my dental needs would be better met at a different practice. The place is a joke and as long as Glinko is there, you're better off going elsewhere.
J & J Mosher
2 years ago
Our family has always loved Candace! She has great chairside manner and cleans teeth thoroughly. The two dentists we see are both excellent!
Nobody
2 years ago
I can't say enough about how great this office is. I found Dr. Glinko by a random search online and made the dreaded phone call. I am petrified of the dentist and had only been twice in the last 10 years. From my first visit it has been nothing but awesome, and I mean that. They have made my dental visits so enjoyable with great conversation, and have taken all my dental anxiety away. They are the BEST! I tell everyone about them and I think nothing about the almost hour drive to get to them. CL
Ronnie
2 years ago
I had an appointment this morning for teeth cleaning. The Covid protocols were very professional and ensured safety for everyone involved. Candace is an excellent hygienist. Professional and very personable! Glad to know she's my new hygienist and look forward to my next appointments. I have had some in the past, not in this office, that had been less then gentle. I would highly recommend anyone who needs dental work from people who are professions, personable and trusted.
Ella Plaisted
2 years ago
Dr. Ginko and staff are amazing. They were so patient and kind.
Doris Smith
2 years ago
Very professional and friendly staff. Very impressed w/Dr. Glinko's exam and her approach to dentistry. Would highly recommend their practice.
Stephen Mccarron
3 years ago
Kennebec Valley Dental Arts does the best work. All about quality not quantity. When leaving this office you can rest assured that you received the best possible dental work. Clean, professional, courteous, timely, and friendly are just a few ways to describe this Practice. Highly recommend.
Nobody
3 years ago
I can't say enough about how great this office is. I found Dr. Glinko by a random search online and made the dreaded phone call. I am petrified of the dentist and had only been twice in the last 10 years. From my first visit it has been nothing but awesome, and I mean that. They have made my dental visits so enjoyable with great conversation, and have taken all my dental anxiety away. They are the BEST! I tell everyone about them and I think nothing about the almost hour drive to get to them. CL
J & J Mosher
3 years ago
Our family has always loved Candace! She has great chairside manner and cleans teeth thoroughly. The two dentists we see are both excellent!
Heather Hussey
3 years ago
KVDA is amazing! My kids and I love it. We wouldn't go anywhere else.
Ronnie
3 years ago
I had an appointment this morning for teeth cleaning. The Covid protocols were very professional and ensured safety for everyone involved. Candace is an excellent hygienist. Professional and very personable! Glad to know she's my new hygienist and look forward to my next appointments. I have had some in the past, not in this office, that had been less then gentle. I would highly recommend anyone who needs dental work from people who are professions, personable and trusted.
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