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Are you a Nervous Patient?

Many people are anxious and fearful of dental appointments and procedures. Rather than avoid dental care altogether, consider Sedation Dentistry. This procedure will not put you to sleep but will relax you and cause calmness and drowsiness. You will be unfazed by what is happening in the dental chair and may have no memory of your dental work being done. During any dental procedure a local anesthetic is anyway necessary. You will need someone to drive you home after this procedure.

We offer two alternatives of Sedation Dentistry: IV Sedation and Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous Oxide & Conscious Sedation

Nitrous Oxide, known to many as laughing gas, is very safe and effective and is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed.

IV sedation (intravenous sedation) dentistry

With this type of sedation, medications are administered directly into the blood stream. The greatest advantage is that if someone is not sedated enough, the Anesthesiologist can administer more medication and the effects are instantaneous. The drugs used for IV Sedation Dentistry are more effective than the same drugs taken orally.

Are there side effects in dental sedation?

It is not common that dental sedation produces side effects, however, these could be some of them:
• Not remembering what happened during the procedure
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Light dizziness
• Nausea

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Can Sedation Dentistry be used for all dental procedures?

Yes. It can be used for routine check-ups and dental cleanings or for more intense procedures, such as root canals, oral surgeries or tooth extractions. Sedation Dentistry can also be used for patients who wish to enhance their smiles through cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, dental implants or dental crowns.

Why do you give local anesthetic with IV Sedation Dentistry?

Pain and fear of pain are two different things. An analgesic like aspirin blocks pain but does not help with anxiety. We always give a local anesthetic to block the pain receptors in the treatment area. If you are nervous or fearful, we can help with that by giving you a sedative.

Does Sedation Dentistry mean I will sleep during my dental procedure?

No. You’ll be not be asleep but will be in a very relaxed state. The sights, sounds and smells of the dental office will become less noticeable, and you will be able to respond to any requests made.

Is Sedation Dentistry used only for those who fear the dentist?

No. Sedation Dentistry can also be beneficial for people who:
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Do not respond well to numbing treatments
• Have several dental treatments they want to complete in one visit
• Have physical limitations in their jaw, neck or back

What are my preoperative instructions for Sedation Dentistry?

• Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to the appointment
• Only small amount of water or Gatorade can be sipped until 3hrs before the appointment
• Stop taking anything per mouth (other than your medication) in the 3 hours period before the sedation
• A probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your pulse and oxygen continuously while you are sedated. It does not work well on nail varnish or fake nails. Therefore, they will have to be removed before your appointment.