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Sedation Dentistry

Truly gentle, positive dental care in Battle Creek, MI with sedation dentistry

Fear or anxiety over visiting the dentist is common. You shouldn’t be embarrassed. And at the office of Earl E. Gaball, DDS in Battle Creek, MI, we don’t take it personally. We are so delighted with our ability to put fearful patients at ease and keep all patients comfortable and relaxed that the phrase “gentle dental care” is featured prominently on this website. “Gentle dental care” is an integral part of who we are; it’s not an empty catchphrase. We provide air abrasion and anesthesia wands, for instance, as alternatives to dental fear “triggers”: drills and needles. Sedation dentistry is also an option to help you remain calm during visits. 

Sedation explained 

For starters, it is essential to make a distinction between anesthetic and sedation. Anesthetic primarily has a pain-relieving effect. It helps to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. So, you don’t feel anything during procedures. 

Sedation broadly refers to medications that induce a calming or relaxing effect. There are different “levels” of sedation. We partner with our patients to decide on the most appropriate sedative option for them, based at least partly on the nature of their treatment and the severity of their dental fear. 

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative and appropriate for patients across a broad age spectrum. You may know nitrous oxide as “laughing gas”; it’s the calming gas administered through a small nasal mask. Neutralized by oxygen, laughing gas wears off quickly and with no lingering drowsiness. Also, patients like that they don’t have to arrange for someone to drive them to and from the office. 

Oral sedation is another way of referring to a calming medication prescribed to you before treatment. We will provide instructions on when to take these pills. Since they are associated with lingering drowsiness, it is a must to arrange transportation. 

Both methods mentioned above are characterized as “conscious” sedation. You remain awake and able to respond to questions. There may be sleepiness, but we do not “knock you out.” Afterward, patients have little to no recall of treatment, which can be triggering. 

We value our patients’ relationships and are honored that they trust their smiles and health to us. We urge you to contact us with any concerns you may have about visiting the dentist. Let’s change your mind about dentistry! Call us at (269) 883-1674. Our Battle Creek office proudly serves Marshall, Kalamazoo, Athens, Climax, Albion, Charlotte, Jackson, Hastings, Galesburg, and communities throughout southern MI.