Sedation Options

If you are a patient with dental anxiety, Dr. John Potter provides safe and simple solutions. When you walk through our doors into our beautifully appointed space, you will not even feel like you are at the dentist. Dental anxiety is an all-too real problem for many and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We have a full range of sedation options to calm your anxiety such as sedatives, conscious sedation, and nitrous oxide. To encourage relaxation and provide a comfortable environment, we provide blankets, pillows, ear plugs, shaded eyewear, wifi, and TV. We will work together to find a solution that works best for your needs.

IV Sedation (conscious or twilight sedation)

Conscious sedation is a safe, controlled and reversible option for the reduction of anxiety, memory and time perception during a procedure. It is administered intravenously and produces a shallow state of sedation whichallows the patient to maintain control of safety reflexive functions and cognitive response. At Dr. Potter’s office each of our patients receives the most safe and gentle sedation treatment options available from a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

At your initial consult, we will review your medical history and review any anxiety triggers to determine if IV sedation is the right option for you. Then, during the procedure, we will give you a combination of medications that minimizes how much you remember. Your 2-hour appointment may only seem like it takes 20 minutes! We will make you totally comfortable, and we will minimize swelling and discomfort post-procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Also commonly referred to as laughing gas, this method is ideal for those requiring quick recovery following a procedure. Nitrous oxide can be administered and quickly flushed out by oxygen within minutes. Following a nitrous oxide treatment, the patient will leave Dr. Viechnicki’s office as alert and bright-eyed as upon arrival.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

When used during dental treatment, anti-anxiety drugs make it possible for a nervous patient to relax in what would otherwise be a stressful situation.

Valium/Xanax (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are two of the most common medications prescribed. Dr. Potter will do a thorough medical history assessment to customize your plan prior to any procedure.

Though these oral medications aren’t intended to “knock out” patients, some patients feel so relaxed that they fall asleep right in the chair during treatment. Others remain conscious but have no memory of the procedure.

With Dr. Potter and his team, from the moment you make the first point of contact until the time you leave the office, we specialize in making the anxious patient feel comfortable!

Periodontics Implantology | John L. Potter, DMD | 2018 Main Line Parent LOVE Award Logo
Periodontics Implantology | John L. Potter, DMD | MainLine Today Top Dentist 2018 Award Logo
Periodontics Implantology | John L. Potter, DMD | 2018 Top Dentist Suburbanlife Award logo
Periodontics Implantology | John L. Potter, DMD | 2016 Readers Choice The Morning Call Award logo
Periodontics Implantology | John L. Potter, DMD | Select Dentist Award logo
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