Fear and anxiety are commonly experienced by many dental patients, especially when an invasive procedure, such as oral or jaw surgery, is involved. As part of our commitment to patient comfort, Dr. Andrew R. Glenn is certified in the administration of intravenous (IV), or general, anesthesia. In fact, we offer a range of sedation dentistry and anesthesia services at our Lincoln office that can help you overcome dental anxiety so you can receive the treatment necessary to improve and preserve your smile. To undergo a consultation to determine which type of sedation is right for you, schedule an appointment with us today.
Sedation & Anesthesia Options
Regardless of which type of sedation you choose, the goal remains the same: to make your patient experience wholly pleasant, and free of pain and worry. Our services available on-site include:
- Local anesthesia — The most commonly used anesthesia in dentistry, which blocks nerve signals involved in sending and receiving pain to a small, localized area and its surrounding tissues.
- Nitrous oxide — Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is delivered using a face mask and provides a pleasant, euphoric feeling when it travels to the brain, helping patients to relax during treatment.
- IV/General anesthesia — Administered through a vein, IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide, but still allows the patient to remain conscious, responsive, and fully in control of vital processes like breathing.
Choosing the Right Method
During a consultation, Dr. Glenn will perform a thorough examination, including a review of your medical history and any current health issues, before helping you choose which type of sedation is right for you. The condition of your oral health, the severity of your fear and anxiety, and the extent of surgical treatment required will all help determine the appropriate sedation method.
Before Sedation and Surgery
Before the day of your surgery, Dr. Glenn and our caring staff will provide you with specific pre- and post-operative instructions. For most oral surgery and sedation dentistry cases:
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least eight hours before your appointment.
- Bring a responsible adult who can remain in the office during surgery and drive you home afterward.
Although our sedation options are extremely safe, to further minimize risk, please let us know all medications that you are currently taking before the day of your surgery.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
Don’t let fear and anxiety stop you from receiving the care your smile needs and deserves. To learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry and anesthesia options during your treatment, contact our office today.