Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions.
"Laughing Gas"
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
"Oral Conscious Sedation"
How it works:
Hours will seem like minutes. Fortunately, sedation medications have an amnesic effect. That means you’ll have very little, if any, memory of the sights, smells or sounds of your visit.
Step 1
Making your first appointment
This is difficult for many nervous people, so we try to make this as easy as possible.
Step 2
Welcoming Visit
We gather information regarding your health and discuss with you your wants and desires. If you’re comfortable, we’ll take x-rays and evaluate your mouth. But you will never be judged or embarrassed.
Step 3
Preparing for your sedation visit
We’ll prescribe you a sedative to take the night before your appointment to guarantee a good nights sleep and to make sure you wake up relaxed.
Step 4
Arriving for Treatment
You will need a driver to bring you to the office. Additional medications will be provided to create the ultimate in relaxation. Your experienced sedation team will monitor you throughout your entire visit.
Step 5
Going home with your new smile
Your driver will take you home and stay with you until you’re completely recovered from your sedation medication. During this time you should relax and drink plenty of fluids. The Dr. will call you the same evening to see how you are feeling.
Step 6
The next day
Most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the dental visit and you’ll be thrilled with all the compliments you will get.
"I.V. Conscious Sedation"
How it works:
I.V. Conscious Sedation has very similar effects to Oral Conscious Sedation. However, the difference is that the medication is not prescribed. The medication is administered via I.V. the day of your treatment. You will have no memory of your visit, but you will still be conscious and will have the ability to communicate with the Dr.