Sedation Dentistry
We specialize in Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry, treating people with dental phobias and anxieties, offering a number of different types of sedation dentistry. These include administering oral sedation, a pill, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). We will talk with you to understand your concerns and determine what will best meet your needs in order for you to feel comfortable and receive the best possible dental care that is safe and free of stress.
What is Sedation Dentistry or Sleep Dentistry?
The patient is given oral medication about one hour before your appointment. The medicine puts you in a light state of sedation and you sleep through your dental appointment. It is Safe! When you awaken your dental treatment is completed.
You may need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Once you arrive, you are allowed to rest comfortably in a warm, quiet room under a cozy blanket. During the entire time you are here, we will closely monitor you to ensure your safety.
Complex dental treatments that often require six or more appointments can be done in as little as one, all while you sleep!
Oral Conscious Sedation
If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. Oral conscious sedation is as easy as taking an aspirin and you will feel relaxed and at ease. Oral conscious sedation does not “knock you out” like some other forms of anesthesia. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part, or all, of your procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and easy. It is much less expensive than other forms of sedation, and you will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure. It also makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the office if you use oral conscious sedation for your safety.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide, known to many as laughing gas, is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by your doctor. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated.
Nitrous oxide sedation is very safe and effective. Once the procedure is over the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly, and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.
You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. If you have been worried about your next dental visit, it’s time to stop! Ask us about sedation dentistry and schedule your appointment today.
Don’t wait any longer to have the necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about oral conscious sedation to see if it is right for you.