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Sedation Dentistry
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is also called relaxation dentistry. You won't actually be asleep, but when we provide you with sedation, you will feel very sleepy, comfortable, and very little to no pain while we provide you with the treatment you need. Sedation is effective and extremely safe. Our team is specially trained to offer you sedation and closely monitors your progress during your dental treatment.
Sedation Options
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is most frequently to numb the area being worked on. The Dentist can give it to you by injection or swabbing a topical anesthetic gel on the injection site. Depending on the type and amount, you may feel numb for as little as five minutes up to three hours after your treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
With nitrous oxide, we place a small inhaler over your nose. At first, this provides pure oxygen for you to breath. After a few minutes, we'll introduce nitrous oxide into the oxygen flow. Most patients say that nitrous makes them feel light-headed and comfortably warm throughout the appointment.
While we treat you, you'll be completely conscious. The Sedation Dentist or our team will ask you questions about how you feel, so we can adjust the flow of nitrous. At the end of our treatment, we'll give you oxygen again and after we're done, you can leave clear-headed. Please note there is additional fees involved which may or may not be covered by insurance.
Oral Sedation
If you don't want to remember your visit or if we need to perform complex treatments, we may provide oral sedation. At your fisrt visit (consultation) the doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for oral sedation. If you are a good candidate for oral sedation we will prescribe a sedative. You should take this an hour before your visit prior to the dental procedure. Someone will need to accompany you to our office, as you will be very drowsy when you arrive. From there, we will escort you to our opertory and place you on a monitor to watch your vital signs. While you won't be completely unconscious, you probably won't realize when the appointment has started. Once complete, your companion can escort you home to relax. Oral sedation selection is on a case by case basis. The doctor will review your medical history prior to approving this specific treatment. If no contraindications/ or medical complications, procedures can be done in the office. If you have medical conditions or other complications that could put you at risk for this procedure you may be referred to specialist to complete treatment. Pleases note there is an additional fee that may or may not be covered by insurance.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe and works well. Before we can give you any sedation, however, we need to discuss your medical history with you. We will ask whether you or anyone in your family has had difficulty with sedation or anesthetics. We also want to know if you are pregnant, taking steroids, or on any medication.
Am I a good candidate for sedation?
If you have had a past traumatic dental experience, difficulty becoming numb, a bad gag reflex, very sensitive teeth, or complex dental problems, sedation might be right for you. Sedation eliminates anxiety by helping patients stay calm and relaxed. Most patients have little to no memory of the dental procedure. If you need extensive or complex dental treatments, sedation may reduce the number of appointments necessary to accomplish your treatment plan. Finally, by helping patients decrease their overall anxiety, many patients don't need sedation during their next visit. In addition the doctor will review your medical history prior to this procedure. If you are in good physicaly and mentally health procedure may be approved for future dental appointments.
If I need treatment and want sedation, what happens during the initial visit?
When you schedule a visit with the sedation dentist, we will first have you come to our practice for a consultation appointment. During this visit, the sedation dentist will review your medical history, measure your vital signs, evaluate if you are a good candidate for sedation, and discuss the options you have to achieve the level of relaxation that will make your experience in the dental office very pleasant.
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