Sedation Dentistry Knoxville, TN

Are you looking for a compassionate dentist that can work with your dental anxiety?

Dental fear and anxiety are common reasons for poor oral health. Avoiding the dentist for routine preventive dental care because of dental fear is all too common. Dr. Cain often works with patients who suffer from dental anxiety in Knoxville, TN. We do not pass judgment and foster a caring and understanding dental environment. Fear of the dentist does not have to come at the cost of your oral health. Today’s Dentistry in Knoxville, TN offers two types of non-IV conscious sedation for a pain-free and relaxing dental visit.

Sedation Dentistry Options in Knoxville, TN

Sedation dentistry can be life-changing! We enable patients to maintain, restore and enhance their smiles without stress and anxiety. For patients who desire more than a local anesthetic, Dr. Cain offers non-IV-conscious sedation options that will enable you to be alert and responsive.

You can experience pain-free dentistry without memory of the procedures after your visit. There are three options for conscious sedation. We will work with you to determine the most effective for your needs and overall health.

  • Oral sedation: Administered as a pill, oral conscious sedation may begin with an at-home dose to calm you before your visit. Although, this type of sedation takes time to become effective and to wear off. Because of this, we will require you to have someone else drive you to and from your dental appointment. The pill and instructions will be given to you during a consultation with Dr. Pamela Cain.
  • Nitrous oxide: Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small cannula placed beneath your nose. Nitrous oxide takes effect immediately and wears off just as quickly. This makes it possible for you to drive yourself to and from your appointment without worrying about still being medicated. You can resume your routine shortly after your procedure in most cases.
  • IV conscious sedation: Our surgical partner and trusted local periodontist, Dr. Robert Cain, is certified in providing IV conscious sedation. He has been helping patients who suffer from severe anxiety, or are having multiple procedures, gets the dental treatments they need. IV conscious sedation means that patients are relaxed but in control of their bodies and responsive during treatment.

Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?

Most commonly, sedation is used for patients that have a fear of the dentist. Some fear may be so paralyzing that patients don’t even want to come into the office. Sedation allows them to get the regular dental care they need while being relaxed and comfortable. We have multiple different sedation options, and when we talk to you, we’ll help determine which options are best for your needs.

But anxious patients aren’t the only ones that can benefit from dental sedation. There are some patients that suffer from movement disorders, and it can be hard to provide care for them safely. Dental tools can be sharp and hurt when there’s a sudden movement the dentist isn’t ready for. Sedation relaxes these involuntary movements so that we can provide dental care safely.

This is also true for patients that have bad gag reflexes. Essentially, the gag reflex is fighting the dentist as they try to clean or examine your teeth. It’s incredibly uncomfortable and something that can drive patients away from the dentist. Sedation also helps relax this reflex, making treatment more comfortable for both the patient and the dentist.

Lastly, when patients have a fear of the dentist, they often avoid the office for regular dental treatment. Without regular care, you’re more likely to have more extensive dental problems. Sedation is also ideal for more intensive treatment and for when you need to receive multiple dental treatments at one time. It relaxes you enough for a long stint in the dental chair.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is dental sedation the only way to treat dental anxiety?

No. There are many ways you can combat dental anxiety before going to the dentist, and during your dental visit. You can bring your favorite music to listen to, bring a good friend to support you, seek mental health assistance, and more! Call our office for more ideas to help you get the dental treatment you deserve without feeling stressed.

Which dental sedation option is best for me?

Many patients ask this question. All dental sedation options are safe for most patients. We can guide you to which is best for your specific needs with a detailed dental exam and consultation. With our recommendation, you will then be able to determine your oral sedation preference.

Can dental sedation permanently solve my anxiety issues?

No, dental sedation is just one step you can take to alleviate your dental anxiety. It is not the complete solution, but more like a bandage that helps while at the dentist.

Schedule A Dental Exam Today

If you have been away from the dentist and want to address your dental health or cosmetic-related concerns, we welcome new patients in our Knoxville, TN, dentist office. Dr. Cain provides compassionate, consultative care for all of your dental health needs.

We work diligently with patients who are restoring a healthy smile while overcoming anxiety and fear of the dentist. Contact us at (865) 276-7173 or request an appointment online. Getting back a smile that feels and looks great will positively impact all aspects of your life, including your sense of self-confidence.