Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry provides a calming and anxiety-free experience for certain people receiving dental treatment. It enables individuals too afraid to go to the dentist to receive the dental care they need while avoiding the common apprehensions known as dental phobia. It also allows those too busy to take care of extensive dental needs to combine procedures, lessening the appointments needed to complete their treatment plans.

When sedation dentistry is performed it is normal for patients to wake up and ask, "Are you done already?"" even after hours of treatment.


There are many reasons to consider sedation dentistry. Here are the most common…

People who:

Have high fear Have had traumatic experiences Hate needles and shots Have difficulty getting numb Have very sensitive teeth

Have complex dental problems Are afraid or embarrassed by their teeth Have limited time to complete dental care Hate the noises, tastes, and smells associated with dental care

This is the most commonly requested type of sedation performed and is provided by a person who is licensed to provide you with IV (intravenous) sedation.

The benefits of IV sedation include:

Painless, Amnesia Effect

• Just wake up at the end of your procedure. Nothing to remember, nothing to fear!

Safety

• The dosage can be completely customized to your needs.
• Additional medications, such as antibiotics can also be administered throughout your body, greatly reducing your recovery time.
• If the need arises, other medications can be given, which reverse an intravenous sedation.

Speed

• Because the effects of IV sedation are so quick, there is less time for apprehension.
• With an intravenous line, adjustments can be made during treatment to make sure you are properly sedated throughout the entire procedure.

Conscious Oral Sedation: There are a number of common drugs that, when prescribed appropriately, will provide you with the comfort of relaxation, inhibit your fears and allow you to rest easy as your procedure is done. Once relaxed, your procedure will go by in no time, often with no recollection by you. Stress free.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide (also known as laughing gas) has been widely used for decades and is very effective in producing a calming and sleepy effect in patients. It is especially effective in apprehensive children. The biggest advantage to using this method is that once the gas is turned off, you regain your consciousness immediately and do not have any residual grogginess associated with other sedation methods.