Sedation Dentistry
Conquer dental fear and anxiety with sedation options
If some form of fear, anxiety, or apprehension holds you back from completing necessary dental treatment, we’re able to offer different types of oral conscious sedation to create a comfortable dental experience customized for each patient.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is the mildest sedation option. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an inhaled anesthetic used as an effective means of managing pain and anxiety during dental treatment. If you experience apprehension when it comes to dental treatment, nitrous oxide is a safe, gentle, and virtually side-effect-free method of taking the stress out of your appointments.
What to expect?
- Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas, inhaled through a small nasal mask, which results in a warm, floating feeling of relaxation throughout the body. It might feel like a tingling sensation in the fingers, toes, cheeks, lips, and tongue.
- Nitrous oxide takes effect rapidly and, once discontinued, wears off in seconds. Patients can drive themselves home after their appointment, without any groggy after effects.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
- Children should be evaluated for their suitability to experience nitrous oxide, but in general, it’s a very safe method that helps children avoid developing lifelong fear of dental treatment. For kids who need extensive work completed, nitrous oxide will allow them to feel more comfortable, resulting in overall less appointments since more can be accomplished in one visit with the assistance of sedation methods.
What might exclude someone from receiving nitrous oxide?
- Pregnancy
- COPD or lung disease
- B12 deficiency
- Bowel obstruction
- Middle ear surgery
Oral Sedation
Oral sedatives are an additional option to elevate the level of relaxation that can be achieved. Oral medications are prescribed and taken before the dental appointment and can be used in combination with nitrous oxide.
What to expect?
- Patients who take oral sedatives remain conscious and aware of their surroundings; however, the sights, sounds, and sensations of the dental appointment are significantly reduced.
- You’re not actually asleep, but you experience insensitivity to pain without the loss of consciousness.
- Patients require transportation to and from appointments.
