Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide Inhalation

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a sedative gas that is mixed with oxygen. You simply inhale the gas during your treatment to help you feel more relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off within just a few minutes after we stop the flow of gas.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking an oral medication before your treatment. By the time of your appointment, you will feel calm and at ease. If you have chosen oral sedation, please be sure to have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment.

IV Sedation

IV sedation begins with the administration of a mild anti-anxiety medication using an IV. You will not actually be put to sleep. Instead, you will remain conscious and be able to understand and respond to your dentist. You will be in a deep state of relaxation and feel like you are drifting in and out of sleep.

Oral and IV Sedation

Is Sedation Safe?

The risks of Oral IV Sedation are quite low thanks to the advancements that have been made over the last few decades. Patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain other health problems might be at a higher risk for complications, but overall such occurrences are quite rare. We’ll have to carefully evaluate your general health history to figure out your personal risks when it comes to Oral and IV Sedation. In some cases, we might have to get in touch with your regular physician to get medical clearance before moving forward with the procedure in question.

How Can I Plan for IV Sedation?

Make arrangements for a trusted adult to drive you home while the effects of sedation are still wearing off; you should not plan on driving (or operating any sort of heavy machinery) for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid eating or drinking for at least six hours before the procedure. Make sure you wear loose clothing so that we can place the appropriate monitoring equipment. Let us know beforehand if you have a cold, sore throat, upset stomach, or any kind of illness.

What Are the Advantages of IV Sedation?

You have other options for sedation, of course, but IV sedation has several benefits of its own that help it stand out.

It takes effect within seconds of being administered, instantly putting you into a deep state of relaxation.
We’re in complete control with how much sedative you receive at any given time. You’ll receive small doses until you reach the desired state of relaxation, at which point we cut off the medication. Further doses can be administered if you start to wake up.
It allows even the most anxious patients to comfortably undergo the procedures that are essential for maintaining oral health.

What Side Effects Should I Be Aware Of?

Nausea commonly occurs after procedures with IV sedation, but there are steps you can take to avoid the sensation. Loss of short-term memory about the procedure also occurs, although that can be considered a benefit for patients with strong dental phobias. And of course, you can expect to experience drowsiness that requires you to rest for the remainder of the day. Some patients might react differently to the medication – after all, everyone’s body is different. If you’ve had previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia of any kind, let us know so that we have a good idea of what we should expect ahead of time.

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