Sedation Dentistry – Kittanning, PA

Relax During
Your Next Dental Visit

Are you anxious whenever the time comes to visit the dentist? Have you missed critical appointments out of fear? With sedation dentistry in our Kittanning, PA dental office, you can let your worries go and look forward to a relaxing experience during your next visit to Voller Dentistry, PC. We’ve worked with many anxious patients over the years, so we know what it takes to help people feel at ease and overcome any phobias they might have about dental care. Give us a call today to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you!

Why Choose Voller Dentistry, PC For Sedation Dentistry?

  • #1 Gentle Nitrous Oxide for Patients of All Ages
  • #2 Oral Conscious Sedation for Powerful Relaxation
  • #3 Friendly, Understanding Dental Team Focused On Your Comfort

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Closeup of equipment used for nitrous oxide sedation in Kittanning

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a form of sedation best used for people who are only slightly nervous about going to the dentist. It is mostly used for regular hygiene checkups. A mask is placed over the nose, and the patient only needs to breathe normally. After about a minute, the gas will take effect, giving them a warm, relaxing sensation. Many people say it feels like they are floating. After the procedure is finished, the mask is removed, and a patient should feel normal within a minute.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Closeup of patient pouring out pills for oral conscious sedation in Kittanning

If a patient experiences a lot of anxiety when visiting the dentist or needs to undergo invasive procedures, Dr. Voller may choose to use oral conscious sedation. For this, he will prescribe them medication to take on the day of their procedure, most likely in pill form. On the day of their visit, the patient will take the medication at home so that by the time they reach the dental office, they will be completely relaxed mentally and physically. They will still be conscious and able to follow the doctor’s instructions, but they will not feel any pain and time will fly by quickly.

How Oral Conscious Sedation Works

Overview shot of patient holding a glass of water an oral conscious sedation pill

If you are interested in discovering if oral sedation is right for you, Dr. Voller will meet with you and discuss your candidacy based on your medical history and current medications. If you’re a good fit for oral sedation, he  will select an appropriate anti-anxiety or sedative drug for you to take at a pre-determined time before your appointment. These safe, widely prescribed drugs diminish anxiety and help patients relax.

Your anxiety level will help Dr. Voller determine the dosage, which in turn determines your consciousness level during the appointment. Some patients become so relaxed they drift off into a restful sleep during their dental procedures. Throughout your appointment, we will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. When you choose oral sedation, you must have a responsible adult who can drive you to and from your appointment and spend some time with you after the appointment until the sedative wears off completely.

The Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation

Dental patient sharing healthy smile after dentistry treatment with oral conscious dental sedation

Oral conscious sedation offers many benefits for patients who experience emotional or physical discomfort while sitting in the examination chair. This form of sedation is more powerful than nitrous oxide sedation, helping patients achieve a deep state of relaxation. No needles or masks are needed since the medication is taken by mouth, making it arguably the easiest form of sedation to benefit from. Furthermore, the sedation is taken at home before the appointment, so you will likely feel very relaxed and content by the time you reach our office.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Young man with healthy smile after oral conscious dental sedation

Visiting the dentist can cause some people severe anxiety and stress. Other patients experience discomfort in their back, neck, or jaw while in the dental chair. Because of this, many patients often forego necessary dental care. Unfortunately, this can cascade into further oral health problems, which in turn can require more extensive dental care. If you find yourself feeling panicky at the thought of having your teeth worked on, you should know that a safe, comfortable relaxation method exists. Sedation dentistry is often a great choice for those who:

  • Experience anxiety or fear when faced with dental instruments or environments
  • Put off or cancel  important dental treatment because of anxiety
  • Have an overactive gag reflex or very sensitive teeth
  • Have trouble feeling numb after receiving local anesthetic
  • Cannot rest comfortably in a dentist’s exam chair due to neck or back problems