Conscious Sedation

Dr. Conklin understands that some patients experience a very real sense of fear and anxiety at the dental office. It can be so debilitating that patients sometimes miss years of important oral maintenance. Dr. Conklin is so committed to you and your oral health that he offers the option of conscious sedation for your dental treatment. This is what sets out office apart from other dental practice; it is out niche, if you will.

What is conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness that allows you respond to commands and breath on your own, while also placing you in a relaxed, sleeplike state. Your pain and anxiety will be completely eased as Dr. Conklin performs necessary treatment essential to your oral and overall health.

How does it work?

Dr. Conklin offers inhalation sedation. This method of conscious sedation uses nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to place you in a moderate state of relaxation. You will be asked to breathe into a mask producing the gas, which will almost immediately begin to take effect and calm you. After Dr. Conklin performs your dental work, you will recover quickly from the sedation. You are able to drive yourself home, and can resume normal activities immediately.

Is inhalation sedation safe?

Nitrous oxide and inhalation sedation dentistry is very safe and effective. Dentists have used it for years to provide anxiety and pain relief. Throughout the process, Dr. Conklin has complete control of the level of sedation, which can be altered moment to moment depending on your reactions. This control makes inhalation sedation the safest form of sedation dentistry available.

Sedation dentistry is a great option for the elderly, the disabled,
or simply - the fearful!

Sedation Dentistry for the Elderly

As we age, our oral health becomes more important than ever. Periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss, which affects nearly every part of our daily lives. To lead full and active lives, we need our teeth and gums. They allow us enjoy food, support speech and good conversation, and facilitate digestion. Dr. Conklin is dedicated to treating elderly patients with care and commitment to comfort and health.

Elderly patients as a group tend to avoid dental visits for a variety of reasons, including: more pressing medical concerns, anxiety about treatment, the hardship of transportation, or fixed incomes. Once their oral health has reached an unmanageable point, fear and embarrassment further keep these patients away from the dentist.

For elderly patients embarrassed or fearful of their current oral state, sedation dentistry provides the opportunity for Dr. Conklin to treat these conditions while the patient remains relaxed and unaware until “awaking” to an improved oral state!

Sedation Dentistry for the Fearful

Dental phobia is a real, often overwhelming reality for thousands of people. Negative previous dental experiences, fear of needles or drills, and severe gag refluxes are just some of the reasons people feel extreme anxiety when thinking about visiting the dentist.

If you suffer from dental phobia- fear no more! At William T. Conklin D.D.S., we are committed to understanding the very real nature of your fears. Not only will our staff treat you with delicacy and care, but IV sedation will allow you to experience dentistry in a whole new way. While engaging in a pleasant sleeplike experience, Dr. Conklin will be hard at work making sure you “wake up” with the results you desire.