Sedation Dentistry

Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment with the least amount of anxiety and stress. And when your treatment is complete, you have little or no recollection of the time it took, the discomfort, the anxiety, or the stress you were expecting.

We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

• Fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
• Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
• A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows us to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when they visit the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

• Minimal or no memory of undergoing the procedure
• Minimal or no sense of time while under sedation
• Minimal or no sense of smell or sound
• Minimal or no fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious; what levels of sedation are available to me?

There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you will find we are both respectful and professional at all times.

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which we can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

• Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is commonly used for mild sedation. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few minutes after the procedure is complete. Mild sedation can also be administered orally using mild anti-anxiety medication.
• Moderate Sedation — This is used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and those who need longer or more complex procedures. Conscious sedation often refers to the use of oral medications. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments, because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
• Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands, even if they are awake at times during the procedure. It is recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments, because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe. 

How are sedatives administered?

• Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities almost immediately.
• Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription which Dr. Raina or Dr. Noresh will instruct you how to take before your appointment. It will have you relaxed at your appointment.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.