Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Some people avoid dental care and suffer dental problems, sometimes all of their lives, due to dental fear. In keeping with our desire to provide the best possible dental care for all patients, our doctors offer conscious sedation for those who suffer fear or a high level of anxiety and those undergoing intensive oral surgery.

Conscious sedation is different than general anesthesia because you do not fully lose consciousness, your vitals rhymes such as heart rate and breathing remain at near normal levels such as those related to when you sleep. However, although you will remain "awake" during treatment and able to respond to verbal instructions, conscious sedation will allow you to feel relaxed and comfortable. You will be constantly monitored for proper administration and safety throughout your procedure. Our office utilize s heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, oxygen saturation levels and we also utilize reverse sedation drugs that eliminate the sedative state of the patient before they leave if necessary.

Oral sedation is very safe and quite effective. It allows you to undergo treatment for a more extensive period of time during a single visit, which can result in fewer visits being necessary for the completion of multiple procedures. It is also very beneficial that oral sedation is not just safe but is also effective for a number of hours even after the appointment, allowing you to remain in a restful, relaxed state if you wish.

Oral sedation may be utilized by itself. However, nitrous oxide may be used along with oral sedation. If the doctor decides this combination is right for you, you have the option of its use in order to enhance your state of relaxation and allow you to experience your entire procedure as pleasant and comfortable.

Nitrous oxide is another form of conscious sedation. A number of benefits are offered by the use of nitrous oxide. It allows complete awareness/consciousness throughout treatment. It takes away fear and lessens anxiety. Nitrous oxide can also lessen your anxiety regarding injections and often can itself replace an injection of local anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide allows you an increased sense of control. It allows an increased level of comfort throughout your procedure and raises your level of relaxation. Also, it diminishes the gag reflex and saliva flow so that the procedure progresses more smoothly. Finally, two of its primary benefits are that it allows the adjustment of sedation requirements throughout your procedure and that its effects are fully reversed within a sort period.

Whenever we administer any type of conscious sedation you will be properly monitored to assure your safety!