Sedation Dentistry

By nature, periodontal procedures may be more complex, delicate, lengthier, and unfamiliar to our patients. Because of this, we understand why undergoing treatment may be stressful and worrisome. Also, each patient brings with them their own unique experiences with past dental care, some of which may have led anxiety and fear of undergoing periodontal procedures. Our goal is to deliver the best periodontal care and to also make sure our patients have a good experience while in the dental chair. That’s why we provide a variety of safe, effective sedation techniques for overcoming the anxiety that may prevent patients from receiving care they need.

We offer different types of safe sedation: IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide. The type of sedation used in your case will be determined by the treatment, time, medical history, and past experiences.

Types of Sedation

Moderate Conscious IV Sedation

Sedative medications are delivered directly via an IV line. This type of sedation has the quickest onset and is most effective at achieving the desired sedation level. As the name implies, patients remain conscious which allows you to breathe on your own and respond if needed. However, the medications make you forget anything that happened during the appointment. In fact, most of our patients fall asleep during the sedation, but even those who don’t forget most of the appointment.

Oral Sedation

You will take a pill in the office at a designated time before your appointment. Oral sedation avoids having to start an IV, but the sedative effect is usually less. Like moderate conscious sedation, you will not be able to drive after you take the pill so you will need to find someone to bring you to the appointment and take you home afterward.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” it is the mildest form of sedation and allows patients to calm their nerves quickly. Since it is inhaled, your body gets rid of it by way of breathing soon after your appointment is done. However, you still may want to have someone escort you home from our office out of an abundance of caution.

We are happy to answer any specific questions that you may have about your sedation options, so feel free to call our office and speak to one of our staff members about this topic.