Sedation dentistry is a term that refers to the use of anesthesia during dental procedures such as tooth implants, root canals, tooth extractions, crowns, bridges and treatment of gum disease. Dental sedation is often used during procedures that require an extensive amount of time, as well as for patients who exhibit dental phobia or have difficulty controlling their movements.

There are four types of sedation that can be used during a dental visit:
•  Nitrous oxide
•  IV sedation
•  Oral sedative
•  General anesthesia

Our office employs nitrous oxide and/or oral sedative conscious sedation.

Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia
It is estimated that approximately 30 to 40 million Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental anxiety or dental phobia. People with dental anxiety have fears that are often greatly exaggerated. Dental phobia is a more serious condition. People with this condition are terrified and panic-stricken when it comes time to see the dentist. They often avoid the appointment altogether. If they do force themselves to go, they often do not sleep the night before or may become sick in the waiting room.

Am I a candidate?
You may be a candidate for dental sedation if you exhibit any of the following characteristics:
• Dental phobia
• Dental anxiety
• Difficulty controlling movement from conditions such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease

Patients who are on other medications should consult with their dentist before taking sedatives. Previous allergic reactions to other drugs should also be reported to the sedation dentist.

New, safe oral dental sedation techniques mean that you can have dental treatments done quickly with little or no discomfort. If you are nervous or fearful about dental treatment, sedation can help relax you, making your experience more pleasant and pain free.

What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not intended to put you to sleep but to relax you to the point that you may fall asleep and easily spend three, four, five or more totally comfortable hours in the dental chair and wake up not even remembering you were there. This form of sedation is call “conscious sedation” since you can be aroused very easily to go to the bathroom or have a drink.

Is dental sedation safe?
A study performed by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research found that dental sedation is safe if administered in the recommended doses by trained sedation dentists.

Does it hurt? Are there any needles?
Patients who have been sedated and have extensive dental treatment usually experience little discomfort the next day. Because your reflexes are still functioning normally, we still use local anesthesia -–you just won't remember it.

Are there any side effects?
Drowsiness the day of your appointment is to be expected. Some feel slight nausea, but that is due to the fact that they have not eaten. Normally, patients feel fine after eating and taking in some fluids.

Will I be able to drive?
You should not drive until 24 hours after your dental appointment. We require that someone bring you to our office in the morning and take you home after your appointment.