Imagine undergoing complex dental treatment like an extraction or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?
There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times.
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and we offer two sedative states at we can administer your treatment: mild sedation and moderate sedation.
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures or a gag reflex. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is a form of mild sedation that results in relaxation during treatment. Another form is administered orally. Most patients are relaxed throughout the procedure and most fall asleep. You are able to breathe on your own the entire time. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete.
- Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of oral or IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you will be in a deep state of relaxation. Patients who receive conscious sedation must have a parent, spouse or friend accompany them to appointments to drive them home.
How are sedatives administered?
- Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately, including driving yourself home.
- Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, to help you relax by the time you get to our office.
- IV — Intravenous (IV) sedation is an additional technique where medication is administered through an IV. Typically used for more complex dental procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants or complex extractions.
Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.
