Sedation Dentistry
Does the thought of visiting the dentist make your heart race or cause you to cancel appointments? Dental anxiety affects millions of people, preventing them from receiving the care they need, leading to an unfortunate cycle of worsening dental problems and further anxiety.
At Whitehouse Family Dental, we deeply empathize with your feelings. We prioritize patient comfort and offer tailored sedation dentistry options to help you feel at ease and get the crucial care you need. Our options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia administered by trained professionals.
Your Safety Is Our Utmost Concern
Our doctors have received specialized training in sedation delivery and emergency management. They carefully review your complete medical history, current medications, and any allergies before recommending appropriate sedation. Throughout your procedure, our team continuously monitors your vital signs, oxygen levels, and overall condition to ensure your safety and comfort.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Peace of Mind When Scheduling
Complete Multiple Treatments
Better Lifelong Oral Health
Frequently Asked Questions
The reasons for anxiety around dental visits vary, but typically include one or more of the following:
- Fear of Pain — Modern anesthesia techniques ensure pain-free procedures. Sedation adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing you to relax completely while we work.
- Past Traumatic Experiences — We acknowledge that negative dental experiences can create lasting anxiety. Our gentle approach and sedation options help you develop new, positive associations with dental care.
- Fear of Needles and Injections — With sedation, you'll be so relaxed that you won't feel anxious about injections, and topical numbing gel further minimizes any discomfort.
- Vulnerability and Loss of Control — Sedation helps you feel calm and in control while still allowing you to communicate with our team throughout your procedure.
- Embarrassment Over Dental Condition — Our judgment-free approach, combined with sedation, helps you feel comfortable addressing oral health issues without shame or embarrassment.
- Fear of the Unknown — We thoroughly explain what to expect during your procedure, and sedation helps you feel relaxed about the process.
- Tooth Sensitivity — Sedation reduces your overall sensitivity to stimuli, making treatment more comfortable even if you typically experience sensitivity.
Our experienced doctors carefully evaluate each patient's specific anxieties and medical history to recommend the most appropriate level of sedation for optimal comfort and safety.
Breaking the Cycle of Dental Avoidance
Sedation dentistry in Whitehouse, OH, enables you to receive the care you need without fear, breaking the cycle of avoidance and setting you on a path to optimal oral health.
Sedation Dentistry Options in Whitehouse, OH
Dental anxiety comes in many forms, so we take a personalized approach when making sedation recommendations. With a full range of options and a thorough understanding of your concerns, we can tailor our approach to your comfort level.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This option involves breathing a safe mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nose mask. You'll feel completely calm and relaxed, but fully conscious and able to respond to our team. Because the effects wear off quickly after we remove the mask, patients can typically drive themselves home safely.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Our doctors prescribe a calming sedative to take an hour before your appointment. You will remain conscious and responsive throughout treatment, but may have little memory of the procedure. Oral sedation effects last several hours, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
Administered directly into the bloodstream, IV sedation is delivered by a dental anesthesiologist and provides the deepest level of conscious sedation. You'll be extremely relaxed and may drift in and out of sleep, though you'll still be able to respond to our team. Recovery takes several hours, and you'll need transportation home.
In-Office General Anesthesia
For complex procedures or severely anxious patients, we offer in-office general anesthesia also administered by a visiting dental anesthesiologist. You'll be completely unconscious and comfortable throughout the procedure, with no memory of the treatment. This option requires the most extensive monitoring and recovery time.
Our Team
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Dr. Kristen Shumate
Dr. Shumate founded Whitehouse Family Dental in 2014, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a dentist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery cum laude from The Ohio State University ...
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Dr. Richard Shumate
Dr. Rick Shumate has owned and practiced at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2016, bringing his expertise in implants, grafting, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry to the community. A 2011 graduate ...
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Ready to Get Started? We're Here to Help!
If dental anxiety prevents you from getting the care you need, sedation dentistry in Whitehouse, OH, could be the solution you need. Call us at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an appointment so we can discuss your concerns and create a plan to get your oral health back on track.
We proudly serve patients from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, Maumee, and surrounding communities, helping them achieve healthy smiles in complete comfort.