What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of anesthetic medication to help patients relax and remain comfortable during dental procedures, especially those involving surgery or dental anxiety. At Mobile Oral and Facial Surgery, Dr. Christopher Mullenix and Dr. Aaron Wallender offer a range of anesthesia options tailored to each patient's needs, including local anesthesia to numb specific areas, IV sedation for deeper relaxation while remaining conscious, and general anesthesia for complete unconsciousness during more complex procedures. This personalized approach to sedation ensures a safe, less-stressful experience while delivering the highest standard of oral surgical care. To learn more, contact our Mobile, AL office.
How Does Anesthesia Work?
Dental anesthesia works by blocking pain signals to the brain or inducing a state of relaxation or unconsciousness, allowing dental procedures to be performed comfortably and safely. Different types of anesthesia are used based on the complexity of the procedure and patient preferences. Here's what to expect with each option:
- Local Anesthesia: Numbs a specific area; you remain awake and aware but won't feel pain in the treated region
- IV Sedation: Delivered through a vein; you'll feel deeply relaxed and may not remember the procedure, though you're technically conscious
- General Anesthesia: Induces complete unconsciousness; used for complex procedures or patients with special needs
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a mask; it creates a calm, euphoric feeling and wears off quickly after the procedure
After Sedation Dentistry
Before administering sedatives at our Mobile, AL practice, Dr. Mullenix will explain what to expect after your session and give you any crucial aftercare instructions. In the event that you received orally taken or IV tranquilizers, it's important to bring someone you trust to drive you home following the completion of your appointment. Our staff advises that you rest and stay hydrated following sedation dentistry treatments at Mobile Oral and Facial Surgery. You can expect to be drowsy and have low energy for the next few hours; however, these outcomes usually disappear by the next day.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Anesthesia?
Dental anesthesia provides several important benefits that make dental procedures more manageable and comfortable for patients, including:
- Assists with care for those who have special needs
- Lessens the discomfort of dental visits
- Reduces memory of the procedure for men and women with dental trauma
- Enables multiple procedures in one appointment
- Lessens dental anxiety and fear
- Offers a feeling of time going quickly
- Inspires regular dentist visits for preventive care
- Limits gag reflex throughout the visit
- Aids patient cooperation and positioning
Anesthesia Reviews
This is the most professional place I have ever been too. I always get very nervous about going under anesthesia and getting my IV put in. The lady that put mine in did so well I hardly felt it. Dr. Mullinex come in starts asking me about school and next thing I know the surgery is over and I am WALKING out! I was in and out in an hour. What really set this place over the top for me was the personal phone call I received from Dr. Mullinex himself asking me how I was feeling just hours after the surgery. I would give this place a million stars if I could and will recommend to anyone!!!
Dr. Mullenix is The High Wizard of Oral Sugery. He deserves a trillion stars. In my opinion, every oral surgeon in the world should come and watch him at work! The man's hand are magical wands. He is super kind and understanding as well. Not my first time having oral surgery with him. I was nervous because it was several teeth this time and always had a deep fear of anything dental due to being severely traumatized as a child by a dentist.I had six removed Thursday morning Dr. M.It was like I went to sleep, and immediately woke up by his nurse lightly saying to me "you're all done!". AND Thought once my face woke up from anesthesia was going to hurt real bad. Nope! Minimal pain, very small. Then once my face completely woke up, I got a bit curious and gently tapped the surgical spots with my tongue. Like I said, Wizard. The sutures were absolutely perfect. Like a spider had woven the sutures. AND the surgery was over in a tiny bit more than an hour my mom said (she was the one to sit for me and take me home, even mom was blown away by Doc and mom ain't easy to please lol) Dr. M even called me the night of my surgery to check on me! I was so happy with the whole process. Yet again! Thank God for Dr. Mullenix! And if I could give a trillion stars I would! And that is truth! I had to replace my consult review with my post surgery review which is so much more important, and wanted anyone with a deep fear of anything dental to see this, and they can get help! I truly truly Thank The Lord for Dr. M!
Staff was very pleasant and professional. Doctor Mullenix explained what needed to be done and how he would do it. Removed a Posterior molar under local anesthesia in 20 minutes. Absolutely no pain. Minimal swelling and mild postop discomfort relieved by Tylenol. I think he is excellent. No one could’ve done better. Hi give him five stars. Melville sternberg
Update 08/13/24:My mother’s procedure went extremely well. Again everyone I spoke with at the office was incredibly supportive and kind. Dr. Mullenix also followed up personally about my mom’s procedure after hours yesterday. Post procedure my mom was calm and pain free, which given the reasons why we pursued sedation dentistry for her work, was incredibly comforting. Thanks to the entire team here!Original Post: My mother has some pretty significant health issues that have unfortunately impacted her teeth and her comfort with seeking out dental care. Everyone that I have spoken with at Dr. Mullenix’s office has been kind, understanding, and supportive. Her consultation visit went extremely smoothly thanks to all staff involved and we are currently getting her scheduled for additional work. It is a great comfort to know she is in excellent hands!
Was able to get in on a Monday afternoon for a cracked molar as a first time patient thru Northcutt Dentistry. I was treated great by the administrative staff, and then meet with the oral surgeon, great to talk to and very informative, said I can get you in tomorrow to get that tooth out and then explained everything to me about the procedure. Was sent home with clear preparation instructions and returned back the next morning. I was taken right back to the procedure room in only a couple of minutes and everything was explained to me again and I was asked if I had any questions. The surgeon then said he was going to start some anesthesia for me and he'd see me in a little bit. Sure enough I woke up 15-20 minutes later (could have been a week 😅 ) feeling refreshed from my nap and with a mouth full of gause and none the worse for the wear. Been following the post operative instructions to the letter and everything and everything is going great. Return trip to check the wound site is scheduled for 2 weeks and can't wat to go back to see them ! Very knowledgeable and professional staff and very friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE !!July 16,2024 Back to see Dr Mullinix for implant procedure. Amazingly fast, no pain, and had no need for pain medication at all. By no pain I mean the only thing I felt was a little twinge as he was injecting the novacaine. It was a walk through the park !! I will continue to see Dr. Mullinix for my oral surgery needs.Back for checkup on implant 10/28/24. Dr Mullinix checked it and said everything looks great and now for the crown. Great to see him again as usual.
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Average Rating
Safe, Gentle Sedation Options
If dental anxiety or discomfort has kept you from getting the care you need, it's time to experience the difference dental anesthesia can make. At Mobile Oral and Facial Surgery, Dr. Christopher Mullenix and Dr. Aaron Wallender offer a full range of sedation and anesthesia options to ensure your visit is as relaxing as possible. Whether you're preparing for surgery or simply need extra comfort, our team is here to help you feel confident and cared for every step of the way. Call our Mobile, AL office today to learn more or schedule your consultation.