For sedation dentistry in Gillette, Wyoming, Big Horn Dental Clinic offers IV sedation for eligible procedures to help you feel more comfortable during treatment. If dental visits make you anxious, we’ll listen to your concerns and explain your options before you decide how to proceed.
Led by Dr. Clint Lee and Dr. Steve Nichols, our practice cares for individuals and families in Gillette and beyond. Your health and the procedure you need will shape the comfort options we discuss with you, and you will have room to ask questions before treatment begins.
You’re Not Alone: Dental Anxiety Is Common
At Big Horn Dental Clinic, our goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible. We know that you, like many people, may be fearful of going to the dentist. Putting off care can let a small problem grow into a bigger one, so to make your visit more comfortable, we offer the following options:
- IV Sedation: With IV sedation, you are kept comfortable during procedures. We are one of the few dental offices in Gillette licensed to perform IV sedation.
- Virtually Pain-Free Injections: We use DentalVibe, a patented technology that allows for virtually pain-free dental injections.
Telling Us What Worries You
You can tell us what concerns you, whether it’s the procedure, an injection or a past dental experience. We’ll listen without judgment and explain the comfort options relevant to your visit. TVs and videos are also available to help you feel at ease.
IV Sedation in Gillette
IV sedation is a comfort option we offer for eligible dental procedures. We’ll discuss whether it fits your treatment and health needs before making a plan.
How Does IV Sedation Help You Feel Comfortable?
IV sedation puts you into a state of deep relaxation. You aren’t fully asleep, but you stay comfortable, time seems to pass quickly, and you likely won’t remember the procedure afterward. You still receive a local anesthetic where we are working, so the treatment area stays numb.
With IV sedation, the dosage can be adjusted as needed during your procedure. We review your health history and medications before recommending it.
Virtually Pain-Free Injections with DentalVibe
DentalVibe is one way we help make local anesthetic injections more comfortable. If injections are a particular source of worry, tell us so we can address that concern before treatment starts.
DentalVibe and Local Anesthetic
Local anesthetic numbs the area being treated. DentalVibe is a patented device designed to help make the injection virtually pain-free, though each person’s experience is different. We’ll explain what we’re doing and check on your comfort during the visit.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation?
Patients who feel anxious about dental care may benefit from discussing IV sedation with us when their procedure is eligible. Suitability depends on both the patient and the planned treatment.
Procedures Eligible for IV Sedation
Almost all of the major dental services we offer are eligible for IV sedation, including:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Tooth extractions
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Dental implants
We’ll review the treatment you need and your individual health needs before recommending sedation.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
Follow the instructions we give you for your scheduled procedure, and arrange your ride in advance if you’re having IV sedation. Your care plan will include guidance specific to your visit.
Following Your Pre-Visit Instructions
IV sedation usually requires a period of fasting, with no food or liquids before your procedure. We’ll go over the eating and drinking requirements with you ahead of time. Read your instructions before your appointment and contact us if anything is unclear.
Arranging a Ride Home
You’ll need a ride to and from your treatment, since you will likely be a bit groggy after IV sedation. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you before your procedure day.
If this is your first appointment with us, see your first visit for what to bring and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during IV sedation?
No. IV sedation puts you into a state of deep relaxation, but you aren’t fully asleep. You stay comfortable, and you likely won’t remember the procedure afterward.
Is IV sedation safe?
We review your health history and medications before recommending IV sedation, and the dosage can be adjusted as needed during your procedure. Ask us about risks and preparation at your consultation; we’ll answer your questions before you decide.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. You’ll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment, since you will likely be groggy after IV sedation.
Which procedures can be done with sedation?
Almost all of our major dental services are eligible, including wisdom teeth extractions, other extractions, cleanings, fillings, crowns and implants. To ask whether sedation fits your treatment, call (307) 228-7920 or request an appointment online. We’re at 4403 Running W Drive, Gillette, WY 82718, open Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM–5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
