For our patients that are a little uneasy in the dental chair or are fearful, we do provide Inhalation Sedation with Nitrous Oxide or IV Sedation services.
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
Intravenous Conscious Sedation (IV Sedation) is the use of an anti-anxiety drug administered through the blood system during dental treatment. It is also referred to as “twilight sleep”. Sedation dentistry significantly reduces fears and discomfort, allowing patients to feel at ease during dental appointments.
You may benefit from IV Sedation if you experience one or all of the following characteristics: fear, stress, or anxiety going to the dentist, fear of needles, hard to numb, dental phobias or bad dental experiences in the past, painful or sensitive teeth, bad gag reflex, and/or people with limited time to get a lot of dental work completed.
IV Sedation is very effective for moderate to severe dental anxiety. The onset of action is very rapid and the level of sedation can be adjusted easily to keep the patient comfortable. The drugs used for sedation produce an amnesia effect, so the patient will remember very little about the procedure or nothing at all. Most patients feel as though they have slept through the appointment, but in reality, the patient is conscious and is able to cooperate and follow directions given by the dentist and staff.
Key things to know if you think IV Sedation is right for you:
- Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your appointment.
- Must have an escort to take you home after the appointment and stay with you until you are alert.
- No driving the rest of the day.
- Must rest and take it easy afterwards.
- No alcohol.
- Take any medication as directed by the dentist.
- Should be able to resume normal activities the following day.
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Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)
Nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe administered through a special nose mask. It has no color or smell and does not irritate the senses. Usually within 5 minutes of inhaling nitrous oxide, the patient experiences a pleasurable feeling. Typical feelings include tingling in the fingers and toes, floating sensation, and/or a feeling of well being.
Nitrous Oxide is very effective for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. It is also very helpful with patients who experience a needle phobia. It can strictly be turned on to relax the patient just for the injection and then turned off. Nitrous Oxide is also tolerated very well by children and sometimes anesthetic is not even needed.
There are many advantages to Inhalation Sedation, also known as “Laughing Gas”. It works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. The patient will begin to feel relaxed and pain relief within 2-3 minutes. The depth of sedation can be altered as needed by the patient. It is easy to increase or lessen the effects of the gas. We are able to use Nitrous Oxide for the exact time span needed and it is eliminated from the body within 3-5 minutes once shut off. There is no need for an escort to and from the appointments. Laughing gas also is deemed very safe with no ill effects on the heart, liver, lungs, kidney, or brain. |
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