What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is designed to make you feel calm, relaxed, and at ease during dental procedures. It involves a moderate level of sedation, meaning you remain awake but feel very carefree. Often referred to as conscious sedation dentistry or "twilight sleep," it induces a state of temporary amnesia, allowing you to experience insensitivity to pain without losing consciousness.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can be advantageous for individuals of all ages, including children. It is especially beneficial for those who have:

• Dental anxiety
• Fear of visiting the dentist
• An overly sensitive gag reflex
• Fear of needles (aichmophobia)
• Extreme teeth sensitivity
• Feelings of claustrophobia in the dental chair
• Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
• Difficulty controlling movements
• Special needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral)

Types of Sedation We Offer

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a mask or nosepiece. Its calming effects begin within three to five minutes. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation and adjust it as needed during your procedure. After your treatment, you'll receive pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide from your system, allowing you to drive yourself home shortly afterward.

Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral conscious sedation, you'll take a sedative medication, usually in pill form, about an hour before your procedure. Common medications include triazolam (Halcion®), which is related to diazepam (Valium®), and others such as zaleplon and lorazepam. For children, liquid sedation like midazolam oral syrup is often used.

Oral sedation can make you quite drowsy, and you may even fall asleep, but you'll still be able to respond to your dentist. Since oral sedation affects your memory and motor skills temporarily, you'll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV sedation is the most profound form of conscious sedation available in a dental office. It involves administering sedative medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. Throughout the procedure, your dentist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, adjusting the dosage as needed and using reversal medications if necessary. Most people under IV sedation fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure. This option is ideal for those with severe dental anxiety or who require extensive dental work.