Many patients suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, which can interfere with their ability to undergo necessary procedures. To put patients at ease and maximize their comfort, Dr. J. Eric Herrington offers sedation dentistry at his Meridian, MS, practice. We offer both oral conscious sedation, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation, to meet our patients' unique dental needs and preferences. Dr. Herrington is a DOCS certified oral sedation dentist and has received advanced training in IV Sedation Dentistry at University of Alabama School of Dentistry. As a result, you can feel confident that Dr. Herrington will provides safe, effective sedation tailored to your treatment.
Types of Sedation We Offer
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures, ranging from simple cleanings and exams to dental implant surgery. At our practice, we offer two sedation options:
- Oral Conscious Sedation
- This form of sedation is administered as a pill. We may instruct you to take this medication 30 minutes to one hour prior to treatment, or the evening before your appointment. We can adjust the dosage depending upon the extent of your treatment and anxiety, as well as your weight. With this method, you will still be conscious and able to respond to instructions, but you should have little to no memory of your procedure.
- IV Sedation
- If you receive IV sedation, we can administer medication directly into your blood stream through your vein. This form of sedation is different than general anesthesia. Similar to oral sedation, you will still remain conscious during treatment, but in a deep state of relaxation. We can easily adjust the level of medication throughout the procedure to maximize your comfort.
Whether you receive oral conscious or IV sedation, you should arrange for a ride home from a loved one following your appointment.
