Sedation Dentistry
Preventive Care | Oral Cancer Exams | Digital X-rays | Gum Disease | Fluoride | Fillings | Sealants | Root Canals | Extractions | Emergency Dental Care | Sedation Dentistry | Night Guards/Bruxism | TMJ-TMD
We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective inhalation/oral sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
Nitrous Oxide Anxiolysis
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an anxiety reducing gas. It is used to make dental treatment more comfortable. It is safe and effective for most people. The gas is administered via a mask that allows you to breath in/out through your nose. At the completion of your dental procedure, you will be given pure oxygen to breathe for 5 minutes to dissipate the effects of the nitrous oxide and return you to a normal state.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.
It is necessary to have a responsible driver/care-giver to transport you to and from your dental appointment. During the procedure, your pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels and blood pressure are constantly monitored. Sedation patients are not allowed to drive to or from their appointments. They should not care for small children, cook, climb stairs or engage in tasks that require mental sharpness for 48-hours after their appointments. Sedation patients must not drink alcohol or take other sedatives within 72-hours of their appointments.
Sedation is a great alternative for most people. However, not all patients are good candidates to receive this type of sedation. The dentist will discuss your medical history and medications in detail before recommending this type of dentistry. Sedation is absolutely contraindicated if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. The dentist will answer any questions that you may have with regard to oral sedation.