Sedation Dentistry
Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation, also referred to as Dental Intravenous Anesthesia, or “Twilight Sedation”, for their dental treatment. Dr. Starkey is a full time IV Therapy practice.
He is trained in providing anesthesia specifically for dental patients and was the fourth dentist in Nebraska to obtain a parenteral permit for sedation. He has safely provided sedation for over 3,000 patients since 1985 and is qualified to provide a pre-anesthesia evaluation so you avoid the cost and time of other doctor visits.
Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Your treatment will be completed for you under intravenous sedation.
Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed. It will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you.
IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.
If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Starkey, therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same-day surgical facility.
How is the Sedation Administered?
We use the Stanley Malamed’s Stress Reduction Protocol which means, the patient starts preparing for the appointment the night before by taking an oral sedative and another one the next morning an hour before the appointment.
This is designed to relax the patient before they arrive at the office. In most cases, the patient is allowed to have a small snack that morning like toast and coffee. This is because the medications are highly safe. For some diabetic patients and those in the habit of having a morning snack, having a light snack actually reduces appointment anxiety.
After the patient has settled in at the office, a thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable.
Some patients may be asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. Dr. Starkey uses the sedation medication most used world wide, Propofol.
It is a safe, non narcotic medication that dissipates as soon as it is turned off. This medication aide is quick recovery for the patient so they don’t feel tired after the appointment.
The patients sedation needs will be specifically tailored for them. In addition to the oral medication and IV sedation, nitrous oxide analgesia may be used. Once again, all modalities are administered and monitored by Dr. Starkey in the safety and comfort of our office environment.
Sedation dentistry is also 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 to enjoy food, support speech and good conversation, and facilitate digestion. Dr. Starkey 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. Starkey to treat these conditions while the patient remains relaxed and unaware until “awaking” to an improved oral state!
Dental sedation can help you get the care you need without the discomfort! Call us or request an appointment today.
Sedation Dentistry for the Disabled
It may be especially difficult for people with disabilities to obtain access to proper dental care. They must find a dentist who is skilled and compassionate, and who can provide services for which some dentists may not be qualified.
At Starkey Sedation Dentistry, we provide the expertise, state-of-the-art-equipment, and dedication to assisting special-needs patients necessary to ensuring great oral care for our patients.
Disabled patients may face added challenges in maintaining their oral health. Their disability may make it difficult to brush or floss regularly; they may also suffer a severe gag reflex, or dry mouth as a result of medication.
Dr. Starkey meets these challenges with sedation dentistry for the disabled. Dr. Starkey is skilled in anesthesia for special-needs patients, and can ease the fear associated with out-of-control oral hygiene with one visit.
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 reflexes 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 Starkey Sedation Dentistry, 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 sleep-like experience, Dr. Starkey will be hard at work making sure you “wake up” with the results you desire.