Conquer Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry?

For the comfort of our patient experience, our practice offers several sedation options.  Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is most often used for patients who are anxious or nervous about dental treatment. It eases their fears so that they can relax and receive treatment comfortably and safely. Nitrous oxide is administered by placing a small mask over the patient's nose. As the gas begins to work, the patient becomes calm. Most patients remain awake and can talk while under this type of sedation. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wears off almost immediately.

Oral conscious sedation can be combined with nitrous sedation or used independently during dental procedures. With Oral conscious sedation, sedatives are prescribed and administered for the dental procedure. Most patients will remain awake and responsive during treatment with sedation and will not feel any pain. It is likely that the patient will not remember details of their dental appointment while under sedation.

Why might you benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

There are a few reasons for needing sedation dentistry. You might have severe anxiety attacks or suffer from panic attacks when coming into the office. Likewise, you might have issues sitting still for treatment. Regardless of your current problem, sedation can help to improve your experience with us in the office.

Who would benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is customized to meet the needs of each of our patients. For this reason, it is safe for the majority of our patients coming into the office. Even children can benefit from sedation, as it helps to relax them during otherwise scary appointments. We will go over all health and medical history before offering any sedation to you or a family member.

What happens during Sedation Dentistry?

The first step is to consult with you and determine what type of sedative is right for your needs. We will then work on providing you with the treatment that is right for you. Nitrous oxide is a popular option that involves breathing in a sweet-smelling gas that puts you into a deeply relaxed state. Oral sedation is ideal for patients who want to simply take a pill prior to their appointment that works to calm them down. Deeper sedation, known as IV sedation, is best for our patients who are undergoing oral surgery. IV sedation is safe, effective and can help to put you into a sleep-like state while in the office.

If you would like to learn more about how sedation dentistry works, contact our office today so that we can get you in for a convenient consultation appointment.