Sedation Dentistry Can Ease Fear and Anxiety

Patients often associate a trip to the dentist with a negative, painful experience and often put off important treatment because of a fear of dentistry. Serving patients at two convenient locations in Billings, MTand Boise, ID, Dr. David Casagrande offers various forms of sedation dentistry to help patients feel confident and comfortable about their treatment. We offer both oral conscious and intravenous (IV) sedation to meet the varied needs of our patients.

What is Dental Phobia?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, dental phobia is a very real and extremely prevalent anxiety among adults. In a survey of almost 2,000 patients, fear of the dentist was the most common phobia alongside a fear of heights and a fear of spiders. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Dr. Casagrande and his compassionate team are here to help you feel at ease by providing you with different sedation dentistry options during your procedure. 

Forms of Sedation

When you think of sedation, you may think of being completely unconscious as your only option. However, varying levels of relaxation can be achieved using different forms and levels of medications.

Oral Conscious 

If you require a mild to moderate level of sedation, we may recommend oral conscious sedation. These medications are administered 30 minutes to one hour prior to the beginning of your scheduled procedure. This simple form of sedation is taken in pill form, meaning it is often a good choice for patients with a fear of needles. 

Dr. Casagrande can tailor your sedation to address your level of anxiety or discomfort, and he offers a full range of sedation options to help you undergo treatment confidently. 

IV Sedation 

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, can be used to achieve an effect known as "twilight sedation" because patients are somewhat awake and responsive during their procedure; however, they often have no recollection of the treatment following their appointment. We will administer IV sedation through a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. 

To alleviate your dental anxiety and help make your visit to the dentist a relaxing experience, Dr. Casagrande is certified to administer IV sedation.

General Anesthesia 

General anesthesia also uses IV sedation and is the deepest form of sedation. Dr. Casagrande prioritizes patient health and safety and coordinates care with a certified anesthesiologist. During treatment, the doctor will use medications to help ease you into a controlled level of unconsciousness. You will remain asleep even while invasive or complex procedures are underway. Due to the complete loss of consciousness, patients who choose general anesthesia often need assistance with breathing and cardiovascular function during the procedure. Our team is specially trained to respond to any complications stemming from anesthesia, and patients should feel at ease knowing the risk of complications from anesthesia is very small. 

Are You a Good Candidate for Sedation? 

All patients are different, and so are their anxieties about the dentist. There are several conditions or worries that can be alleviated by sedation: 

  • Fear of dental instruments
  • Dental issues that require complex procedures
  • Traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty controlling movements 

Prior to your procedure, please notify Dr. Casagrande, or a member of our team, if you suffer from any pre-existing health or medical conditions.

Why You Should Consider Sedation 

Sedation has several benefits for patients who have anxiety about going to the dentist. If you have put off necessary visits to your dentist because of your nerves, sedation dentistry can help you get the treatment you need and avoid more costly, restorative procedures in the future. Sedation can make even the most dreaded procedures a comfortable, relaxed experience and help you enjoy your healthy smile without fear.

Call Us Today

Do not let anxiety get in the way of the dental treatment you need and deserve. Dr. Casagrande can tailor your sedation to address your level of anxiety or discomfort, and he offers a full range of sedation options to help you undergo treatment confidently. Call River Valley Advanced Dental & Implant Center at (800) 874-4667 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. 

Dr. David Casagrande

River Valley Advanced Dental & Implant Center

Dr. David Casagrande is a renowned prosthodontist who has been caring for the most complex cases for more than 40 years. He is a member of various professional organizations:

  • Montana Dental Association
  • American Dental Association
  • American College of Prosthodontists
  • The Academy of Osseointegration

To discuss your oral health concerns with our team, request a consultation online or call us at (406) 656-2000.

Message Our Staff

When you go to Dr. David Casagrande, you are treated with the utmost respect. They make sure everyone is comfortable and really accommodate the needs of their patients. I am so grateful I have such a wonderful Prosthodontist office so close by.

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Ste 100
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403 S. 11th St.
Ste 200
Boise, ID 83702

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