While we do our best to make visits to the Cormier Family Dentistry offices a pleasant experience for all of our patients, anxiety about going to the dentist may still persist. Whether your anxiety stems from a poor experience in childhood–or simply too few trips to the dentist throughout your life–dental anxiety can prevent your from receiving the oral care that you need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

We are happy to offer patients in the Minden, Stonewall and Keithville areas the option of sedation dentistry to help ease anxieties and make necessary trips to the dentist possible

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation is available to any patient who experiences fear or anxiety about dental appointments. Patients fear the dentist for many reasons. We have had patients seek sedation as result of fear of pain. Patients also seek sedation if they experienced a traumatic dental experience in the past, find the sounds and smells of a dental office nauseating or off-putting, or to complete multiple procedures when oral health has been neglected. Some of our sedation patients utilize the service due to physical limitations such as a strong gag reflex or highly sensitive teeth that might otherwise prolong or impede dental care.

Does sedation mean that I am unconscious?

Patients in our Shreveport office remain conscious and are able to communicate fully with the dentist and staff as well as breathe on their own. The sedation process simply creates a deep state of relaxation during treatment.

How long will I be sedated?

Depending on the amount of sedation necessary for the procedure and an individual’s metabolism, the effects typically last between two to six hours. Because of this we require sedation dentistry patients to arrange for alternative transportation on the day of their procedure.

Will I be monitored?

We are focused on your health and safety during all procedures, especially when using sedation methods. Someone on staff will remain with you at all times to monitor your progress and your vitals.

What are the longterm effects of sedation?

There are no long term effects of sedation. Patients typically feel groggy and tired after their procedure, but this feeling disappears after a few hours. While patients remain conscious during sedation, many patients do not remember the details of their procedures once the sedation has worn off. We ask you to refrain from driving while still under the effects of sedation.

What procedures can be performed under sedation?

Patients at our Shreveport office benefit from sedation for nearly every procedure from routine teeth cleanings to root canals. The sedation process does not affect the procedure itself, it is merely a method to control anxiety related to the procedure.  Discuss your options for sedation with Drs. Adam & Jana Cormier to learn if sedation is right for you.

How many appointments will I need to complete my dental work?

We will need to evaluate your health history at an initial appointment to ensure that sedation is a safe option for you. Once determining your candidacy for sedation dentistry, we will schedule your actual procedure at a time that is convenient for you. Sedation dentistry often allows us the ability to complete multiple procedures in a single appointment, reducing your time in the dentist’s chair. Some procedures may require a follow-up visit to evaluate progress and results.

Does insurance cover sedation?

Typically insurance providers do not cover sedation dentistry. However, we will evaluate your individual dental coverage so you understand your costs. If your insurance does not cover sedation, we are able to offer you a financing plan to make sedation more affordable.

If you are interested in sedation dentistry, please give our Shreveport office a phone call at 318-868-4072 to set-up an appointment for consultation today.