Dr. Forbes at the Center for Advanced Dentistry in Nashville knows that when a person has experienced trauma that affects how they view going to the dentist, it is important to process that trauma and provide the option of light, moderate, or unconscious sedation dentistry. His approach to patient care is meant to help people overcome their concerns about dentistry and appreciate the benefits of a comprehensive solution.
“We treat the whole patient, not just their teeth,” Dr. Forbes says. “We take many factors into account including fears, concerns, hopes, and dreams. Clinically.”
If you have longstanding fears about visiting the dentist, please contact the Center for Advanced Dentistry online or call (615) 383-6787 to book an exam and consultation with our skilled, creative and compassionate Nashville sedation dentist Dr. Forbes.
Your Sedation Dentistry Options
In addition to performing quick, minimally-invasive treatments, Dr. Forbes offers three types of sedation for people who struggle with fear and anxiety around visiting the dentist. This type of emotional discomfort can affect people of any age or socio-economic background.
Thanks to Dr. Forbes’ easygoing chair-side manner, he will go above-and-beyond to understand the nature of each patient’s dentistry wound or trauma before suggesting sedation. It also helps that our treatments are performed in a comfortable, relaxing, boutique style setting.
After evaluating sedation dentistry candidates individually, Dr. Forbes will determine the best course of action. Our sedation options include:
- Light Sedation: Nitrous oxide is a safe, effective option for patients who simply need a little help relaxing during their dental procedure. Sometimes called “laughing gas,” this sedative is mixed with oxygen and then administered through a mask. This approach is not designed to put the patient to sleep and patients are generally alert and even chipper during their treatment. Another benefit of nitrous oxide is that its effect wears off almost as soon as the mask comes off.
- Moderate/Oral Sedation: This pharmaceutical option provides the dentist with the flexibility to address particular symptoms related to dental anxiety and adjust how and when the sedative is administered. It is especially well-suited to patients who associate a visit to the dentist with physical pain, or who struggle with belonephobia, the fear of knives and needles.
- IV Sedation: As a highly experienced dentist, Dr. Forbes can perform several patient procedures very quickly in the course of a single visit. When a patient is scheduled to receive several treatments at once or when a procedure is more invasive, Dr. Forbes might suggest what is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although it is more properly known as deep sedation. This is for patients who prefer to be unconscious during their visit.
Let Us Help
Dr. Forbes is sensitive to the fact that patients who seek out sedation dentistry have a very specific reason for doing so. He can provide the skilled dentistry you need while also taking into consideration your emotional well-being.
When you are ready to talk with Dr. Forbes about sedation dentistry, please contact the Center for Advanced Dentistry at (615) 383-6787.