Sedation dentistry in Tulsa

Sedation makes dental treatment comfortable for people who find it difficult, whether that is because of anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or simply a bad experience somewhere in the past.

Dr. Hanna completed a one year general practice residency in sedation and oral surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center. Sedation is a routine part of how this office works rather than something arranged specially.

Nitrous gas

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed through a small mask over the nose. It takes effect within minutes and leaves you relaxed while still awake and able to talk to us.

Its main advantage is how quickly it clears. Once the mask comes off you return to normal within a few minutes, so you can drive yourself home and go back to work. Patients use it for everything from a cleaning to an extraction, and it is a good starting point if you have never had sedation before.

Oral sedation

For heavier anxiety or longer appointments, oral sedation is a prescribed medication taken before your visit, usually the evening before and again on the morning of the procedure.

It produces a much deeper level of relaxation, and most patients remember very little of the appointment. It has to be arranged in advance, and you will need someone to drive you both ways, because the medication takes hours to wear off.

Deciding what you need

Your medical history and medications are reviewed first, because they affect what is safe. Dr. Hanna will recommend the lightest option that will get you comfortably through the appointment.

Sedation is also not the only tool. Nitrous, a therapy dog, blankets, iPads, and simply being told what is about to happen before it happens all help, and many patients find they need less sedation than they expected once the office is somewhere they trust.