Sedation Dentistry In Norman, OK

Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. It is also very useful for comfortable surgical procedures. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

No memory of undergoing the procedure
No sense of time while under sedation
No sense of smell or sound
No fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?

There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice, as sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law. Our anesthesiologist is licensed by the state and has extensive experience in providing general anesthesia for Dr. Blum and Dr. Tinsley’s procedures. Drs. Blum and Tinsley have many years of experience in conscious sedation.

There are three sedative states at which Dr. Blum, Dr. Tinsley, or our anesthesiologist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of a combination of medications that when given orally prior to the appointment results in a deeper sedation. With this sedation, you will remain conscious throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation finding it easy to sleep throughout the procedure. You are constantly monitored with pulse oximetry. It is required that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to and from appointments.
Deep Sedation — Patients that request deep sedation and general anesthesia will be provided for by an anesthesiologist. You will have an IV and airway. You will be unconscious for your appointment. Patients have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands during the procedure. It is required that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to and from the appointment.

How are sedatives administered?

Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription, which taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
IV and Inhalation — Provided by an anesthesiologist.

Ambulatory Anesthesia Service

Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or a complex procedure, Blum & Tinsley Dental Clinic offers the option of full anesthesia right from the comfort of our Norman, OK dental office. Partnering with Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates, Drs. Blum and Tinsley work to minimize the discomfort you may normally feel at the dentist.

In-office general anesthesia is an option for:

Those with high dental anxiety
Young children who experience restlessness or hyperactivity
People with physical or developmental disabilities
Individuals with mental or emotional challenges
Residents of nursing homes and hospitals

Giving You Peace of Mind

No hospitals or surgery centers: With Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates, you can experience your dental procedure under anesthesia right here in our office.
Care from a provider you trust: Your regular dentist, not a stranger, performs your procedure while Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates ensures your comfort.
Reach your dental goals faster: We are able to combine multiple complex dental procedures into a single visit, helping you spend less time away from work and family.

Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates far exceeds the required standards of the American Dental Association and the State of Oklahoma for the application of anesthesia services. Your anesthesia associate constantly monitors your condition during treatment, leaving Dr. Blum or Dr. Tinsley free to provide uninterrupted care.

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.