While visiting a dentist is a necessary part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there can sometimes be a fair amount of anxiety involved. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or more invasive dental work, some patients have a significant fear associated with leaning back in the chair and having a professional work their magic. Thankfully, for residents of Kalispell, MT, Leslie B. Anthony, D.M.D. practices sedation dentistry when needed, giving all visitors a calm and anxiety-free experience.

These variables factor into what sedation type is used:

• Light Sedation: Light sedation is typically administered by a low, inhaled dose of nitrous oxide. Patients remain awake during any dental work but are calmed by the effect of the gas.
• Moderate Sedation: Moderate sedation is a state of extreme relaxation usually administered by a high dose of nitrous oxide or through an IV. Patients can respond to basic questions and commands but will need assistance to perform more complicated tasks.
• General Anesthesia: Patients are completely put to sleep during general anesthesia, and basic functions, such as breathing, are closely monitored and assisted. This form of sedation is only normally only used for oral surgeries.
• Deep Sedation: Deep sedation is a powerful form of relaxation that makes it necessary for the patient to have assistance with basic tasks and breathing, depending on the situation. This is normally used during invasive dental work such as implants.

No matter what sedation type or how it’s administered, the techniques offer invaluable relaxation for patients who are anxious about their dental work. At Leslie B. Anthony, D.M.D., patient comfort is an extremely high priority, and all forms of sedatives are given by the highly trained staff. For more information about their services or to schedule a visit, call (406) 752-8161, or visit the website.