Your Sedation Dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL

Does the thought of visiting the dentist cause knots in your stomach? Have you ever avoided having the dental treatment you needed because of fear or anxiety?

If this is the case for you, knowing you’re not alone is important! Millions of Americans struggle with fear, anxiety, and sometimes even phobia about their dental appointments. 

The problem is that avoiding the dental care you need results in even more significant issues requiring more complex treatment that causes more anxiety. It’s a catch-22!

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we understand this, and that’s why we offer several levels of sedation dentistry in Tuscaloosa to help our fearful patients take care of their smiles.

Nitrous Oxide for Light Relaxation

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide provides a light level of relaxation that our dentists can use with most procedures. It’s safe for adults and children and doesn’t tend to leave lasting side effects. Most patients can continue their normal daily activities after a dental procedure with nitrous oxide.

Our dentists deliver nitrous oxide through an inhalation mask you wear during your procedure, and it immediately provides calm and relaxation. Once we remove the mask, it quickly leaves your body.

Patients who want or need a more profound relaxation that almost feels like sleeping might be interested in oral conscious sedation. Oral sedation occurs through medication that our dentists prescribe, and you take it an hour before your appointment.

Because this is a deeper level of sedation, you will need a ride to and from your appointment and need to rest and recover for the rest of the day.

While you will be conscious and responsive throughout your procedures, you won’t have any memory of treatment due to the nature of the medication.

IV Sedation Provides Our Deepest Level of Relaxation

Patients who require deep dental sedation will be glad to know that Dr. Vandervoort is licensed and certified to provide IV sedation. Delivered intravenously, this is the deepest level of sedation we offer, and it’s ideal in these situations:

• For patients with medical or physical special needs
• For those with a severe gag reflex
• For patients who have trouble sitting for long periods
• For those needing multiple complex treatment procedures and want to complete them during one appointment
• For those with severe dental anxiety or phobia

Dr. Vandervoort can adjust the medication to your needs throughout your procedure while he constantly monitors your heart rate and vital signs.

Contact Vandervoort Family Dentistry

We’re committed to helping our patients receive the dental care they need in the most comfortable manner.

Contact our team at (205) 345-7755 to learn more about your options for comfortable dental care with dental sedation in Tuscaloosa.