Quell your dental fear, and receive the treatment you need with safe, state-of-the-art sedation dentistry from your Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby Carmen. Read about your options for a pain-free, calm experience.
Yes, pain-free dentistry is real
Your dental work can be comfortable and relaxed. Worry about pain, gagging, dental sensitivity and even claustrophobia disappears with sedation options from your skilled Norman dentist.
Dr. Bobby Carmen is fully certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He and his assistants offer more than simple pain shots. In fact, Dr. Carmen delivers 3 dependable choices, depending on what the patient desires, what his or her health history is and what dental treatments are required.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, more commonly called laughing gas, helps an anxious individual feel at ease but also stay awake and responsive to commands during dental treatments such as fillings and root canal therapy. Given through a comfortable nasal mask resembling a paper cup, nitrous oxide causes a giddy, euphoric feeling– hence the name “laughing gas.”
This tried and true medication may be increased or decreased during the procedure, and it wears off right away when the doctor stops it. Individuals occasionally feel a tingling sensation during use of laughing gas. Patients can drive home by themselves after having nitrous oxide.
Oral conscious sedation
Given as a pill before the dental appointment, oral conscious sedation is a tranquilizing drug such as Halcion, Vistaril, Versed and Valium. These medications totally relax the person but allow him to respond to commands if necessary. He wakes up easily with a gentle tap on the shoulder. Some individuals even nap in the dental chair. Upon awakening, they may not remember having their dental work done and always must be driven home by a friend or loved one.
IV sedation
Dr. Carmen uses intravenous, or IV, sedation for deep relaxation. He partners with a local board-certified anesthesiologist to administer the drug and monitor the patient. Useful for long or multiple procedures, IV sedation goes into a patient’s vein via needle and is continually monitored. The dosage is adjusted up or down as necessary. As with oral conscious sedation, the patient may experience amnesia afterwards, and a friend or relative must drive him home from the dental office
Part of the patient care plan
Dr. Bobby Carmen formulates a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for each of his patients. It includes findings from oral examination and x-rays, as well as needed restorations and the patient’s aesthetic concerns. The Norman sedation dentist includes a medication plan for controlling anxiety and discomfort.
So, be assured that your dental care with Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff will be a pleasant experience. If you have questions about sedation dentistry, contact the office team for a consultation today!