Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry

People who avoid seeking dental care because of fear or anxiety can now have their mouth rehabilitated in a few dental visits with no pain, anxiety, stress, and little or no memory of the visit later. This is all thanks to the revolutionary treatment of sedation (sleep) dentistry, offered at our Franklin practice.

Most people are to some degree made anxious by the prospect of a dental visit. However, for others it is extremely difficult or impossible to cope with the fear. The reasons for this fear can be numerous, usually due to a traumatic experience during childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related diseases.

Dental phobia is quite different than simple fear of dentistry. The classic sign is "avoidance behavior." The afflicted person does everything to avoid the situation. This results in neglected mouths that are often painful. These patients sometimes have a low self-esteem due to an unpleasant smile or oral malodor. This can be accompanied by diminished chewing ability and associated problems.

If you suffer from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer for you. At Dr. Blourchian’s Nashville suburb office, several patients have successfully completed dental treatment using this state-of-the-art and effective technology.

Dr. Blourchian and his caring staff take your situation seriously. Your comfort is our top priority and we will help you get the treatment needed to make your smile radiant.

How We Can Help

At our practice, the goal is to provide you with sedation (sleep) dentistry so you don’t experience pain, anxiety, or fear when undergoing a dental procedure. Patients can rest assured that Dr. Blourchian will listen to your needs and keep you informed of all your options, so your treatment is successful.

Inhalation Sedation

This sedation (sleep) dentistry treatment offered at our practice involves a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) inhaled by the patient through a rubber mask. This gas produces a feeling of well being and relaxation, without complete loss of consciousness. Nitrous oxide is perfectly safe, simple, and commonly used on children. The effects of gas wear off quickly after the mask is removed.

Oral Sedation

The use of oral sedative drugs has a long history in dentistry and it is an effective sleep dentistry treatment used on several of our patients. This procedure involves taking medication one hour before your appointment. You will be completely relaxed and comfortable as you walk into the treatment room. Patients usually return home and fall asleep after the treatment. It is common for many to wake up and remember little or nothing about the procedure.