Sedation Dentistry
- Is dental fear or anxiety preventing you from achieving a healthy mouth or the smile you desire?
- Has it been a long time since your last dental appointment due to fear?
- Do you have sensitive teeth and gums, difficulty getting numb for dental procedures, or a strong gag reflex that makes dental visits difficult and uncomfortable?
- Do you have a lot of dental work that needs to be done, and would like to minimize the number of appointments?
- Would you like to relax and/or sleep through your dental visit, and have little or no recollection of the procedure?
If your answer to any of these questions is YES, oral conscious sedation may be a good option for you.
Nitrous Oxide Analgesia
We offer nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for patients that want to feel more relaxed during treatment, but still be alert and aware. The gas is administered through a small mask that covers the nose. Nitrous oxide leaves the body very quickly, so patients will feel back to normal shortly after removing the mask and can safely drive themselves to and from the appointment.
Conscious Sedation Dentistry
For patients requiring a deeper level of sedation, conscious sedation may be a good option.
Who may benefit from conscious sedation dentistry?
- Adults with anxiety about dental visits who may have put off dental care for many years due to dental phobia
- Adults who want to have all of their dental care completed in a minimal amount of visits
- Adults with a strong gag reflex that makes dental appointments uncomfortable and difficult
- Adults who have difficulty getting numb for dental procedures
- Adults who want to be treated in a relaxed, caring and comfortable environment
What To Expect from Oral Conscious Sedation
You will need to schedule your sedation visit on a day when you have no other commitments, as you will be sleepy for the majority of the day. We prefer to do early morning appointments for sedation visits since you will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment.
You will be given a pill to take one hour before your dental appointment so you will be relaxed upon arriving at our office. You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment, and to remain with you after your visit for several hours.
We will be continuously monitoring your vitals throughout the entire visit. Medication will be given orally to achieve a mild to moderate level of sedation. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” may be used in addition to oral medication during parts of the procedure.
You will be conscious and responsive during the appointment, but you will be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were asleep.
Most patients have little or no recollection of their dental visit.
If you are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry or want to learn if you are a good candidate, call our office today to schedule a free consultation.