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Sedation Dentistry

If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can help!

Most forms of dental sedation allow patients to remain conscious but relaxed, which helps ease the tension of undergoing dental procedures.

Methods of Sedation Dentistry

There are several methods of sedation dentistry available:

Nitrous oxide is a common form of dental sedation. We place a small, comfortable mask over your nose, and you inhale the nitrous throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide helps with mild to moderate dental anxiety and provides a feeling of calm and relaxation during your dental procedures. Nitrous oxide wears off moments after the mask is removed, and you can go back to your usual activities immediately after your dental appointment.
Intravenous or IV sedation consists of a sedative administered directly into your bloodstream, and you will feel the effects immediately. You may feel like you slept through your appointment or don't remember much of what happened. IV sedation stays in your system for several hours, so you will need a designated driver as it is normal to feel drowsy and groggy afterward.
Oral sedation is used for mild to moderate dental anxiety. We will prescribe a sedative that you should take approximately an hour before your appointment. Oral sedation leaves you feeling very relaxed, and you may not remember much or any of the procedure itself. You will need a friend or family member to drive you safely to and from your appointment as the sedative takes several hours to wear off.

Trained and experienced dental team members will monitor you during your sedation to ensure your comfort and safety.

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation dentistry offers several benefits:

Allows anxious patients to receive the important dental care they need
Helps your dentist complete your dental work in fewer visits
Relieves your anxiety and leaves you relaxed after your procedure

If you are interested in sedation dentistry or have questions or concerns, please contact our dental office for more information. We will be happy to help you decide what's right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go back to work after my appointment?

Excluding nitrous oxide, most forms of sedation dentistry will leave you drowsy and groggy for several hours after your procedure. For this reason, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. We recommend that you do not return to work until the next day.

Is sedation dentistry safe for everyone?

For most adults with no serious health issues, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe. We will review your medical history to determine if sedation dentistry is an option. You will be closely monitored throughout your visit to ensure you are safe and comfortable during sedation.

Will I be “knocked out” or unconscious during my dental procedure?

No. Most forms of dental sedation will leave you drowsy but conscious and able to voluntarily move and speak. Dental sedation will put you into a deeply relaxed state. You may find that time passes faster, and you may not even remember parts of the procedure when it is over, but you will be conscious the entire time.