Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate since patients are awake, they just don’t care what is happening. There are so many different types of sedation, if you want to be as sedated as possible go with IV Sedation!

“Everyone acts differently under sedation, some people are snoring and some are eyes wide open. The general idea is that it relaxes you and puts you in a different place. It has changed lives because our patients finally get to fix what they have been fearful for their whole lives” Inhaled Minimal Sedation: Breathing nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) combined with oxygen through a mask that helps you relax. Oral Sedation: Can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill about an hour before the procedure. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. IV Moderate Sedation: You receive the sedative drug through a vein, which works more quickly and allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.

People with a fear or anxiety of dental work Patients with a low pain threshold Those who require a large amount of dental work Patients with a gag reflex that interferes with dental work Anyone who doesn’t want to know what’s going on and wants to fast forward to completion!

When administered by experienced dentists, sedation dentistry is generally safe. However, there are always risks with sedation, particularly for people with certain medical conditions like obesity or obstructive sleep apnea. We don’t like to oversedate, not too little, not too much!

The duration of sedation depends on the type of sedative used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral sedatives can last for hours.

Sedation dentistry reduces consciousness level to a degree that prevents pain and discomfort during the procedure. In most cases, patients don’t feel pain and may have limited memory of the procedure.

If you receive nitrous oxide, you can drive after the procedure. The minute you stop the nitrous, you’re back to normal. However, if you receive oral sedation or IV sedation, you will need someone else to drive you home.

We’ll give you a pill the night before to relax, and then another 1 hour before you get here. No food / drink for 8 hours. Wear a t-shirt and loose clothes. We’ve got you!

Side effects depend on the type of sedation. They can include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, or nausea. Most side effects are minor and short-lived. Mostly, happiness that you took the step in the right direction!

Coverage varies depending on your dental insurance plan and the reason for sedation. Some insurance plans may cover sedation for certain procedures, but not for others. We typically just have a flat fee, it’s more important that you get the care necessary vs. charging for every little thing.

We know you’ve been hesitant to visit the dentist. Dental anxiety is real. We’ve seen every possible scenario, and our patients love us and are glad they came. Drop in and say hi just to talk! See you soon!