At Cowlitz River Dental, we emphasize preventive dentistry for the care and maintenance of your natural smile, but we also know that to meet the needs of all our patients, we have to offer exceptional restorative and cosmetic dentistry services as well as meeting the needs of the whole family including patients with dental anxiety. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team are also here to help your family in case of emergency. Whatever your dental care needs, let the superior dentist near Longview, WA put a smile on your face. Call our Castle Rock, WA office to schedule an appointment today.
Certified Sedation Dentistry in Castle Rock, WA
If you dread, fear or avoid going to the dentist, you may be suffering from dental anxiety. At Cowlitz River Dental, we help patients like you overcome their fears every day. For some patients, our welcoming environment and dedication to patient comfort and education are enough to put them at ease and restore their trust. For patients with more severe dental anxiety or those who need extensive restorative care, we offer sedation dentistry. Dr. Kennington is a licensed sedation dentist, and has advanced cardiac and basic life support certification. He and his dedicated team will ensure your health throughout your procedure, and we offer 3 sedation levels to meet your needs.
Nitrous oxide sedation: Nitrous oxide has been used as a sedative for more than a century, and is still one of the preferred sedation methods for patients with mild dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflex, gums, or teeth, or those who need minimally invasive restorative care. Nitrous oxide is administered during your procedure by inhaling the nitrous gas and oxygen mixture through the nose. Dr. Kennington has full control of your dosage throughout the procedure, and best of all, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly so you can drive yourself to and from your visit and resume daily activities right away.
Oral Conscious sedation: This sedation method is recommended for patients with extreme dental anxiety because it can be taken before you leave your home. At a prior visit, Dr. Kennington will prescribe a sedative to be taken orally about an hour before your procedure. The effects of these sedatives vary between patients, but you will need to have a friend or family member drop you off and pick you up from your appointment. You should plan to have between 8 and 12 hours of recovery time as the effects of the sedative wear off. While most patients remain awake throughout their procedure, some dose, and most patients report not remembering their visit.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation: IV sedation combines the ability to monitor dosage in nitrous oxide sedation with the increased relaxation of oral conscious sedation. Patients who choose to undergo IV sedation will be monitored throughout their procedure, the dosage can be adjusted for the patient’s specific needs, and during their treatment patients can dose peacefully in a dreamlike state. This form of sedation is ideal for patients with extreme anxiety who need complex dental therapy, and for any patient in need of numerous or complex treatments.
Your Emergency Dentist Near Longview, WA
If we could plan for dental emergencies, they wouldn’t be emergencies anymore. At Cowlitz River Dental, we are here for you when dental disaster strikes. We offer our patients same day care for major dental emergencies, and will work tirelessly to preserve your natural dental structure. If you have a dental emergency, call our office immediately, and see our emergency dentistry tips to find out more about our emergency dental care.
Call Cowlitz River Dental to Find Out More
Dr. Kennington and his knowledgeable staff are always here to help. Whatever your preventive, restorative or cosmetic dentistry needs. We’re available to help you restore your smile when you need us, and we’ll help you relax and enjoy every dental visit. The Cowlitz River Dental team will make you look forward to visiting the dentist. Call to schedule an appointment today. Our Castle Rock, WA office is located near Longview, and welcomes patients from other surrounding areas including Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, and Toutle.