Conscious Sedation, Oral Sedation, and Nitrous Oxide

Regardless of age, regular dental care is necessary to maintain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile.

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 good dental care for all patients, our doctors offer conscious sedation for those who suffer fear or a high level of anxiety.

Conscious sedation is different than general anesthesia because you do not fully lose consciousness. 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.

You'll also be happy to know that conscious sedation does not have to require a needle. If your fear of dental treatment is in regard to injections, the doctor will be able to offer conscious sedation in the form of pills. This is known as oral sedation.

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.

Oral sedation generally gives the sensation that you have slept through your dental procedure.It's important that someone accompany you to your appointment. Since the effects of oral sedation continue to last for a while after the appointment, it is required that you have someone with you to drive you home when the doctor feels you are ready to leave our office

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, it will be used in order to enhance your state of relaxation and allow you to experience your entire procedure as pleasant and comfortable.

Nitrous oxide (also known as "laughing gas") 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.

Whatever type of conscious sedation is chosen, you will be constantly monitored by our doctors for proper administration and safety throughout your procedure.

We understand your concerns. Please don't allow fear to stand in the way of getting the dental care you need and deserve.

Let us help you begin your return to good dental health and a great smile. Talk to our doctors or anyone on our team about conscious sedation today.