We understand not everyone is a fan of going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is a real condition affecting between 9% and 20% of all American adults. That’s why we offer a variety of dental sedation options for treatments at our offices. If you’re concerned about what you can expect from dental sedation, including side effects and recovery time, we have all of your answers.
Gentle Dental Sedation
We recommend nitrous oxide as a gentle sedation option for those with mild anxiety. Commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a face mask. The effects are immediate, causing a euphoric sensation that reduces pain and fear. These effects also wear off quickly, allowing the patient to feel completely normal by the end of the treatment.
Medium Dental Sedation
For more advanced cases of dental anxiety, we offer oral conscious sedation. This is taken in a pill you receive by prescription. You take it before your appointment. The effects of oral sedation will cause a lessening of anxiety, but may also lead to drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, headache, and dry mouth. These are all temporary and should subside within hours. Nevertheless, we recommend you have a friend or relative drive you to and from your appointment for safety.
Heavy Dental Sedation
If you’re a patient with debilitating dental anxiety or are extremely sensitive to pain, and for those undergoing complex procedures, we offer IV sedation and sleep sedation options. IV sedation will be administered through the veins and helps you stay completely relaxed. Side effects include pain at the injection site, bruising, and sleepiness. Sleep sedation, or general anesthesia, will put you completely under for the duration of your procedure. Side effects include grogginess and confusion, but should resolve within hours of your treatment. You must arrange safe transportation to and from your appointment for these heavy sedation options.
Stress-Free Dental Care for the Entire Family
No matter how great your anxiety, we want to help! Don’t be afraid to let us know that you are sensitive to pain and interested in sedation options for your upcoming treatment. We will talk you through your options and find a path that works for you.