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.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Tuscaloosa
Dental sedation can help patients receive much-needed dental care in a comfortable manner. Here are some other benefits of sedation dentistry.
Efficiency
Spend less time in the dental chair when you complete multiple procedures during one appointment with dental sedation.
Anxiety Relief
You don't have to fear visiting the dentist when you know sedation dentistry makes getting treatment comfortable.
Improved Oral Health
When you can complete routine dental appointments without fear, you can avoid common problems and emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we understand that it's not always easy for patients to visit their dentist, especially when they feel fearful or anxious due to a bad experience in the past.
We know these patients require some extra special care, so we offer several options for dental sedation in Tuscaloosa to help our patients receive the treatment they need most comfortably for their needs.
Three Levels of Dental Sedation to Meet Your Needs
We offer three different levels of sedation dentistry at Vandervoort Family Dentistry, and our dentists can help you determine which would be best for your needs if you feel that dental sedation could be helpful for you.
Nitrous Oxide: Our Lowest Level of Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, combines nitrous oxide and oxygen to "take the edge off" and help you feel more relaxed in the dental chair.
We deliver it through an inhalation mask, which quickly leaves your system once the mask is removed, making it safe for you to go on with everyday activities.
Oral Conscious Sedation: A Deeper Level of Relaxation
Oral sedation comes to you through medication you take about an hour before your dental procedures. It helps you feel deeply calm and relaxed, almost like you're sleeping, yet you're still responsive.
IV Sedation: Our Deepest Relaxation
IV sedation is delivered intravenously, and Dr. Will monitors your vital signs and heart rate the entire time, adjusting the medication as needed.
Both IV sedation and oral sedation require you to have transportation arranged to and from your dental appointments.
A dental implant placement is a simple surgical procedure that is not painful because we use anesthetic to ensure you don't feel anything during your treatment. We also offer options for sedation dentistry if you feel that would benefit you during your procedure.
Sedation Dentistry during Dental Implant Process
We offer three levels of sedation to help you relax during procedures like dental implant surgery.
- Nitrous oxide: Also called laughing gas, takes the edge off with no lingering side effects
- Oral conscious sedation: Medication you take an hour before your procedure. Deeper relaxation that feels like sleeping, yet you're still responsive.
- IV sedation: A deep sleep-like sedation is achieved by delivering medication intravenously.
If you feel that sedation dentistry would benefit you, our dentists can help you determine which level is best for your needs.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority at Vandervoort Family Dentistry
Our team goes above and beyond to ensure that we provide an exceptional patient experience. Our dentists are gentle and highly skilled.
Dr. Will is extensively trained in many fields of dentistry, so we can offer a wide range of comprehensive services so our patients can rely on working with our team that they're already familiar with and trust.
Oral Conscious Sedation for Deeper Relief in Tuscaloosa
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.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. William M. Vandervoort
Dr. William M. Vandervoort was born and raised in Anniston, Alabama. He completed his undergraduate studies with honors at The University of Alabama in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science ...
Dr. Ally Mizerany DMD
Dr. John Roberson DMD
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IV Sedation
IV sedation provides the deepest level of relaxation for patients who suffer from severe anxiety or have special needs. Dr. Will is licensed and certified to provide IV sedation at our Tuscaloosa dental office so you can receive your treatment feeling comfortable and at ease.
The medication is delivered intravenously during IV sedation. Dr. Will can adjust it throughout your procedures while monitoring your heart rate and vital signs the entire time. Patients enjoy relaxation that feels as if they're sleeping, yet they're still responsive.