We get to know our patients. We take our time with our patients. We’re not in a big hurry and sometimes we’ll try a small procedure just to see how they do and see if they… I’ve had people travel for two hours and think they want the anesthesiologist and wind up just doing it the old-fashioned way. You can give us a trial on something small. And, you know, on one tooth we can do a filling or whatever it is we’re going to have to do, see how you do and how you like it that way, sometimes with just local, sometimes with local and the gas, and just see how you do.
And we have some procedures where you don’t even have to be numb. Like, veneers or making a tooth look better with veneers or bonding, that you don’t even have to be numb for. So that’s how we meet you for your exam and x-rays which are not that invasive. Some want to give it a try with us and see if we can keep them calm and well rested and relaxed during the procedure and most of the time they do. And then we have the anesthesiologist if you need that. It’s not, like, mild or moderate sedation. It’s deep sedation. It’s always going to work every time all day.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
You shouldn’t have to white-knuckle through your dental appointment, which is why we offer different sedation options to help you find calmness for your care. Sedation is particularly beneficial if you experience:
- Severe dental anxiety or phobia.
- A sensitive gag reflex or difficulty getting numb.
- Low pain tolerance.
It can also be helpful if you have extensive dental work planned and would like to get through more of it in fewer appointments or if you have other medical complexities that make traditional treatment difficult.
Your Options for a Peaceful Experience
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is ideal for milder anxiety or smaller procedures, as it allows you to remain awake and relaxed during your treatment while inducing a sense of calm to eliminate any anxious feelings.
Deep Sedation
For those with severe anxiety or who have planned major treatment, we also offer hospital-grade IV sedation, with the next nearest comparable option in Nashville. For this, you are completely unde, which is why we also call it sleep dentistry. During the procedure, you will have a licensed dental anesthesiologist who will stay in the room to monitor you continuously while Dr. Hay focuses on your dental work.
We Meet You Where You Are
The best dental care starts with a real conversation about where you are in your anxiety, to make you feel heard and supported at every turn – it’s what allows Dr. Hay to give a personal touch to his care, because he truly cares.
Before Any Treatment Starts
Dr. Hay will ask you a few questions to get to the core of your fears and get a clearer picture of your history with dental visits. Here, he’s not just planning the clinical work; he’s creating a personalized sedation plan to make sure you’re able to get the care you need.
You will also meet with our licensed anesthesiologist to review your medical history and receive clear guidance on how to care for yourself before and after your appointment. We want to remove any “unknowns” so you can arrive feeling confident.
On The Day of Your Treatment
You will be welcomed by our team, who are specifically lovely with patients who feel anxious, who will also move at your pace. If you have chosen deep sedation and feel nervous about the process, we can even provide medication before the IV is placed to ensure your anxiety is eased from the very start.
The best part of the process is the finish! You will wake up only once everything is complete, with absolutely no recollection or sensation of the work that’s been done. While you emerge from your nap, we’ll review your recovery instructions with your support person to ensure you have a peaceful afternoon of rest at home.
Let’s Have a Conversation
Reaching out and getting the help you need is usually the hardest step. We want you to know that your comfort is important to us, and there’s no judgment here. Our team just wants to help you feel like yourself again. If you’d like to find out more about how sedation can improve your dental experience, give us a call.
Yes, it’s entirely safe. The effects of nitrous oxide are mild and wear off quickly. Our deep sedation is also administered by a licensed dental anesthesiologist whose only job is to monitor your vitals and manage your comfort.
One of the best benefits of nitrous oxide is that it leaves your system almost immediately after we switch to pure oxygen at the end of your visit. Most patients find they can drive themselves home and return to their normal day. Deep sedation, however, requires a longer recovery time, and you will need a trusted friend to drive you home.
If you choose deep sedation, yes, you will be fully unconscious. You will simply wake up with your treatment finished! However, if you choose nitrous oxide, you will remain awake and able to communicate with us, but you will feel a deep sense of relaxation.
Absolutely. We meet you where you are, so if the thought of a routine cleaning causes you distress, sedation is a simple way to help you stay proactive about your oral health without the anxiety.