Standing out with sedation dentistry: How our unique expertise fights dental fear
At Wes Park Family Dentistry, we stand out with our sparkling approach to care. But we also distinguish ourselves from other dentists’ offices in Perry, Georgia, and beyond with our considerable on-site technical expertise and capabilities. Notably, Dr. Bryce Westmoreland has invested in the training to become qualified to administer IV sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
If you have anxiety or apprehension about visiting the dentist, sedation may be in your future. Our team ensures that your experience at our office is a comfortable and positive one. Sedation-assisted dental care plays a vital role in this fundamental feature of our practice. Dr. Westmoreland safely and predictably provides this “helping hand” to calm patients before their procedure. After all, fear should not be a barrier to getting the services necessary to support an attractive and healthy smile.
How does IV sedation work?
IV stands for intravenous and refers to how the relaxing sedative is administered. During your appointment, Dr. Westmoreland painlessly places an IV and introduces a carefully selected sedative to encourage you to relax very deeply. Afterward, you should have little to no memory of any potential “triggers” for dental fear or anxiety. With our level of skill and safeguards, sedation dentistry allows us to safely, optimally, and efficiently combine many procedures into one convenient visit.
How will it feel?
You should feel nothing except your cares floating away! Sedation is associated with minimal discomfort and almost no recollection of the procedure afterward. Also, you stay conscious and able to respond to us throughout treatment.
How safe is sedation dentistry?
Very! When administered by a qualified provider like Dr. Westmoreland, you know that the treatment will be safe. Sedation also helps to make treatments safer, as calm and collected patients are less likely to fidget and exhibit other behaviors that could present challenges to risk-free and efficient treatment.
When does it wear off?
It depends on factors such as your sedative dosage and your body’s metabolism. You may continue to feel drowsy after treatment, so it is important to arrange transportation. Also, do not consume alcohol or operate machinery afterward.
Am I right for sedation dentistry?
Children and adults who have difficulty getting the dental care they need may be good candidates for sedation. These challenges include a bad gag reflex, sensitivity to clinical smells, and a history of severe tooth sensitivity that could interfere with the treatment process.
As true partners in your oral health journey, Wes Park Family Dentistry assesses your suitability for these medications, our allies in the fight against dental fear – and so much more. Call our Perry, GA office at (478) 488-3561 to learn more about how you or a family member can benefit.
Bryce Westmoreland, DMD
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland earned his BSA in Biological Science with Honors from the University of Georgia and completed his DMD at the Dental College of Georgia, where he also served as Chief Resident during his General Practice Residency. He specializes in implant placement surgeries and restorations and has furthered his expertise through the AAID MAXI course. He and his team are known for their friendly, gentle, and empathetic care, creating a welcoming atmosphere where patients receive the highest quality treatments.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.