Sedation Dentistry
What Is Dental Anxiety?
If the thought of undergoing treatment at a dentist's office is stressful and causes you to panic, you may have dental anxiety. If your anxiety is severe and you are unusually fearful of anything related to dentistry, you may have dental phobia.
Patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia may avoid dentists for years or never seek treatment. Avoiding dental care can put your oral health at risk, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr. John Starr, Jr., and the staff at Golden Triangle Periodontal Center understand visiting the dentist's office can cause great amounts of stress for some people, so we offer sedation dentistry to keep you calm and relaxed through any of our dental treatments.
We Can Ease Your Fears Call Now to Learn More About Our Sedation Options
Avoiding the dentist's office can affect your oral health and overall wellness. If visiting the dentist's office gives you anxiety or you have pain in your teeth, Dr. Starr can put you at ease with sedation dentistry.
Dr. Starr has been providing dental care since 1984, specializing in periodontics and dental implants. Your comfort is his priority.
To learn more, contact Golden Triangle Periodontal Center today.
Call:
(662) 329-2696
How Dental Sedation Works
"Sedation is best described as a state between relaxed consciousness and being very sleepy. While under sedation, patients won’t feel stress or anxiety about the procedure. Local anesthetics will ensure there is no pain."
Why Columbus and Starkville Choose Us
Extensive Experience
Dr. Starr has specialized education in periodontics and has performed thousands of successful dental implant placements since 1989. He is also a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners, the American College of Dentists, and other dentistry organizations.
Two Convenient Locations
Golden Triangle Periodontal Center has a dental office in Columbus, MS, and another in Starkville, giving patients more flexibility on where they can receive their treatment. By choosing the office closest to you, your driver can get you home faster to rest after your procedure.
Performs Complex Procedures
Dr. Starr specializes in dental implants and uses the latest laser periodontal therapy to treat gum disease. If you need to undergo a complex dental procedure, consider sedation dentistry to help you keep calm and still. A relaxed patient will make involved, multi-step treatments faster and safer.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When a highly qualified dentist like Dr. Starr administers sedatives, there is a very low risk for patients. Sedation is safe for people who have medical conditions that make it hard for them to sit still, like cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease.
Safety During and After Your Visit
Golden Triangle Periodontal Center provides personalized sedation treatment after reviewing your overall health.
During your visit, our team will closely monitor your vitals and heart rate, making sure you are not experiencing any adverse side effects. Due to the lingering effects of sedation medication, you will need to arrange a ride home with a friend or family member from our Columbus or Starkville, MS, offices.
Who Shouldn't Be Sedated?
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We don't recommend sedation for patients who are pregnant or have certain allergies that could cause a negative reaction. If you do have allergies or medical conditions, please discuss them with Dr. Starr before your procedure.
Your Sedation Options At Golden Triangle Periodontal Center
Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas that is administered through a mask. You will remain awake but in a euphoric state while pain is minimized and your gag reflex is relaxed. Once the laughing gas is turned off, the sedation effects should wear off within a few minutes, and you'll be able to drive yourself home.
Oral Sedative
This gentle sedative is administered in pill form and is taken before you come to our Columbus or Starkville, MS, offices. You'll feel groggy but remain awake throughout the procedure. You will be relaxed but drowsy and able to respond to Dr. Starr. Since you will be in a state of near-sleep, you will need a ride to and from your appointment. Patients have little to no memory of their time at the dentist's office and may still feel slightly sedated after their treatment. The effects should wear off after you sleep or relax at home.
Intravenous (IV) Medication
This effective, fast-acting sedative is administered directly to the bloodstream through a vein in your arm. You won't be completely asleep, but you will probably not remember anything during your office visit. IV sedation is a great option for patients who have dental anxiety and are undergoing multi-step procedures like dental implants or gum disease treatment.
Depending on your level of anxiety, Dr. Starr can combine sedative solutions so you achieve a more relaxed state.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry ranges from $50 to $250 at our practice. Your price will depend on which form of sedation you receive. Some sedation options are a better fit for you depending on your level of anxiety, your medical history, and which dental procedure you are undergoing. We can also take pricing into account when determining the right option for you.
During your consultation, Dr. Starr will review these factors and discuss which option will make you feel comfortable.
Enjoy Peace of Mind During Your Appointment
"Someone under sedation or general anesthesia will not feel pain during the treatment and will likely have no memory of what happened during it."