We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective oral sedation dentistry and Nitrous oxide. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of dental treatment
- 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:
- Little to no memory of undergoing the procedure
- Less sense of time while under sedation
- Lowered sense of smell or sound
- Lowered 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 there are three sedative states at which a dentist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation. At this clinic, mild sedation is offered with an oral prescription pill. Inhaled nitrous oxide can also greatly decrease anxiety and is offered at this clinic. We do not offer moderate or deep sedation at this time.
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild to moderate anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from mild sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
- It is recommended that patients who receive mild sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
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.
- 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, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
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.