Sedation Dentistry in Lafayette, LA

Have you ever felt anxious about visiting the dentist? Does the thought of dental treatment make you nervous you?

Unfortunately, fear of the dentist is widespread, which means many people don’t receive the dental treatment they need to keep their smiles healthy. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, also known as “DOCS,” estimates that dental-related anxiety keeps up to 30 percent of Americans from getting routine dental care. That means that nearly one in every three people is actively avoiding their dentist!

When patients feel anxious about visiting the dentist, they skip their regular dental exams and cleanings and put off treatment until something hurts. Typically, once a tooth hurts, the procedure to fix the problem will be much more involved and expensive. More involved treatment means more visits to the dentist and even more dental anxiety!

At Drs. Smith and Domingue, we think it’s time to change this vicious cycle. We believe that every person deserves to have a healthy smile, regardless of their fears about the dentist.

If you’re the dentist because of your anxieties, we offer a solution. Our IV sedation dentistry in Lafayette, LA provides a way for you to get the care you need while keeping you calm and relaxed. We explain more about this incredible service and provide answers to some commonly asked questions on this web page.

If you have specific questions or concerns for our treatment team, contact your Lafayette dentists today at (337) 205-7309!

• What is IV sedation dentistry?
• Is IV sedation dentistry right for me?
• What are the benefits of IV sedation dentistry?
• How soon can I start using IV sedation dentistry?

What Is IV sedation dentistry?

You may have heard of IV sedation dentistry, but you may not know what the process entails. There are several different types of sedation dentistry, including IV sedation dentistry, and each treatment has its benefits and unique characteristics. 

Laughing Gas

The most well-known type of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Patients who receive nitrous oxide breathe the gas in through a mask, and the gas then acts as a mild sedative and produces a sense of calm and well-being. Laughing gas reduces pain and helps patients completely relax while in the dental chair. The effects of laughing gas are temporary and will wear off as soon as the patient removes their mask.

Oral Sedation

A different type of modern sedation dentistry is oral sedation. Oral sedation refers to using prescription anti-anxiety medication before a dental appointment or procedure. These medications can help patients relax and feel at ease, although they do not entirely put a patient to sleep.

Sedation Dentistry

The type of sedation dentistry our Lafayette, LA dentists use is IV sedation dentistry. With IV sedation dentistry, our dentists administer a calming medication intravenously. This medication hits the bloodstream very quickly, which means patients will feel the calming effects almost instantly. For patients afraid of needles, we also offer a topical anesthetic that we can apply to numb the area.

Sedation dentistry minimizes discomfort during dental procedures. Some of our patients even fall asleep after we begin their IV administration! We believe sedation dentistry is a fast, simple, and effective way to treat dental anxiety and help our patients visit the dentist without focusing on their fears.

If you have questions about IV sedation dentistry in Lafayette, LA, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable clinic team by calling (337) 205-7309.

Is IV sedation dentistry right for me?

Some patients need IV sedation every time they visit the dentist. Others only want IV sedation for dental procedures, such as root canals or cavity fillings.

The good news is that we can use IV sedation dentistry as often or as infrequently as you need it. Whether you want to be sedated every time you have a dental cleaning or only if you need dental work done, we can work with you.

Our job is to make sure every one of your dental appointments is stress-free and comfortable. Wherever you are on the “dental fear spectrum,” we can use IV sedation to make things easier.

IV sedation dentistry is a helpful tool for many of our patients. The best way to know if IV sedation dentistry in Lafayette, LA is right for you is to schedule a dental appointment with us before you decide on any treatments or dental procedures.

At that time, we can assess your level of anxiety and determine what approach would be best for you. Our caring dental team is always available to meet with you and discuss your thoughts and concerns. We will always provide you with all your treatment options, including IV sedation if it’s a good fit for your situation.

To schedule your initial IV sedation dentistry consultation, please call our dental office at (337) 205-7309 or make an appointment using our website. 

What are the benefits of IV sedation dentistry?

For patients who have a fear of the dentist, there are many benefits of IV sedation.

Although all forms of sedation dentistry have their advantages, IV sedation has specific benefits over other types. Some of these benefits include:

• A controlled gag reflex
• Fast onset and immediate results
• Customization and the chance to adjust dosages based on your needs
• Impaired memory of the time spent in the dental chair, which can help reduce future dental anxieties

Of course, the most significant benefit of IV sedation is that it allows us to provide dental treatment to patients who genuinely need it. So many people would not regularly come to the dentist’s office if it weren’t for IV sedation. We are proud to offer IV sedation dentistry in Lafayette, LA because it gives every patient access to the dental care they need.

IV sedation dentistry helps you stay current on your dental treatment. When you stay current on your dental treatment, you are investing in the long-term health of your smile.

Every time you come into our dental office for a routine cleaning or check-up, we examine your mouth for signs of cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease. Our dentists can only monitor your smile when you come to your dental appointments, so it’s essential to visit us at least twice each year so we can check for any problems.

Because IV sedation makes it easy to visit the dentist, there’s no reason for you ever to miss another dental appointment. If you’re behind on your dental cleanings, call us, and we can schedule your next exam with IV sedation dentistry. Because the effects of IV sedation can linger even after your dental treatment, you will need to make sure you have a ride home from our dental office.

How soon can I start using IV sedation dentistry?

We can schedule you for a dental appointment with IV sedation dentistry immediately! Once our dentists approve you for IV sedation, you can receive the treatment the next time you come into our dental office.

Contact Our Lafayette Dental Clinic

To get the process started, please contact our front desk at (337) 205-7309. We will get your dental appointment on the calendar with either Dr. Smith or Dr. Domingue and get you on your way toward a healthier smile in no time!