Sedation Dentistry

OUR OFFICE DOES NOT OFFER IV SEDATION. 

A significant number of Americans do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they are too fearful or suffer from dental anxiety.  Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free, dental experience to most patients who are afraid of the dentist.

Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep.  In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure.  Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide and oral conscious only work to calm most anxiety throughout the dental visit.

Sedation dentistry is popular because most sedatives can be taken by mouth. Safety and compliance are two important aspects of treatments, so sedation dentistry offers both the individual and the dentist the best alternative.

Whatever the form of sedative, it is required to be accompanied by a driver. 

Here are some advantages associated with sedation dentistry:

• Anxiety is alleviated.
• Few side effects.
• More can be accomplished during each visit.
• Perfectly safe.
• Procedures seem to take less time.

What kinds of sedatives are available?

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is used as a mild sedative.  It is delivered through a nose hood, and is administered throughout the entire procedure.  Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being.  Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure but we can not guarantee this for every patient.  In addition, some tingling and numbness may be felt. There are few side effects associated with nitrous oxide, and it has been safely used in dentistry for many years.

Oral Conscious Sedation (Valium)

Oral medication is provided prior to treatment for anxiety purposes only. Though oral sedatives do not cause sleep, they usually dull the senses.  This means that most patients cannot remember the pain, smells or noises associated with the procedure.  Usually, a dose of medication is taken prior to the appointment. We can not guarantee that oral sedation will completely take anxiety away as every patients needs are different. We Do Not Offer IV Sedation. We do recommend using nitrous oxide with oral sedation for extreme apprehensive patients. A DRIVER IS REQUIRED DURING THESE PROCEDURES WHEN USING VALIUM.

If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, please contact our office.