Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia.  We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible.  Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas” is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable.  This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation.  Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.

Oral Sedatives

This medication can be given to a patient the night before a dentistry procedure or 30 minutes to an hour prior to 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.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation and Intravenous Conscious Sedation

IV Sedation techniques provides relaxation medication through a small catheter inserted in your hand or arm.  IV sedation is considered by many the "gold standard" in sedation due to its effectiveness and long standing record of safety.  Intravenous sedation allows patients to be awake but in an extreme state of relaxation with little or no discomofort. Many patients have little or no memory of the procedure. In addition, an M.D. Anesthesiologist is available.