Sedation

Dental phobia and a fear of the dental office causes millions of Americans to avoid the dental treatment they need each year. Sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized, including conscious sedation with sedatives, inhalation nitrous oxide sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. These sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.

In our office, we can work with you to address your fears and anxiety by a number of methods. On your initial visit, we will discuss your medical history, your concerns and worries and determine the best sedation option for you and your dental case.

Often a patient with mild or moderate anxiety can be fully relaxed with simply using one form of conscious inhalation sedation, nitrous oxide gas (also known as laughing gas). Nitrous oxide gas will induce a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in combination with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate pain. Most patients are able to drive themselves to and from that appointment.

Some patients have a deep fear and are extremely anxious. In those cases we have been successful using oral conscious sedation along with nitrous oxide gas. The patient is awake and able to respond to commands, but will be in a state of extreme relaxation. Oral sedative medications such as ativan will be given 30 minutes to an hour before the dental appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so an injection of local anesthetic will also be administered. The patient will have to arrange for someone to drive them to and from the dental appointment.