Sedation Dentistry

Dental Anxiety Sufferers

If the thought of sitting in the dental chair fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Many people experience dental phobia, which can prevent them from getting essential care. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax deeply, helping you overcome your fear and making it easier to maintain your oral health.

Individuals with Low Pain Tolerance or Sensitive Gag Reflex

Patients with a low pain threshold or sensitive gag reflex often find even routine dental care uncomfortable. Sedation eliminates the discomfort, ensuring a smooth, painless experience for all types of treatments. It’s an ideal solution for those who may have previously postponed care due to physical sensitivity.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the most popular and mildest forms of sedation dentistry. It’s inhaled through a small mask, helping you feel calm and relaxed while remaining conscious and responsive. The effects wear off quickly after the procedure, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For patients with moderate dental anxiety or undergoing more extensive procedures, oral sedation may be a better option. You’ll take a prescribed pill before your appointment, which will help you relax deeply, but you’ll still be awake and able to communicate. You’ll feel drowsy, and some patients may not remember parts of the procedure.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing long, complex procedures. Administered intravenously, this type of sedation allows for rapid relaxation, and you’ll be closely monitored throughout the process. While you may be able to respond to verbal cues, most patients feel as though they’re asleep and remember little to nothing afterward.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is typically reserved for complex dental procedures or patients with severe anxiety. This method induces a state of complete unconsciousness, ensuring that patients remain unaware and pain-free throughout the entire procedure. Administered by a qualified anesthesiologist, general anesthesia allows for extensive dental work to be completed in a single visit. It is closely monitored and can be an excellent option for those requiring extensive treatment or unable to undergo dental procedures with other sedation techniques.

Depending on the type of sedation dentistry you choose, we may provide specific instructions to follow before your appointment. For oral or IV sedation, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before your procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward if you’re receiving oral or IV sedation.

Once you arrive, our team will ensure you’re comfortable and explain the sedation dentistry process in detail. With nitrous oxide, you’ll breathe through a small mask to start feeling relaxed. For oral or IV sedation, we’ll administer the medication and monitor you closely throughout the procedure. You’ll feel calm, and while you may be awake, you’ll likely have little to no memory of the treatment.