Sedation Dentistry

There is so much dentistry can do these days to make your mouth healthier and your smile more beautiful. Yet many people choose not to take advantage of this because of a long-standing fear of dental treatment. If you experience dental anxiety, rest assured that we can provide an experience that is free of anxiety and pain. We can do this by blocking your sensations of pain with local anesthetics or by providing you with medication that can help you relax. Sometimes, both are needed to ensure maximum comfort.

Before recommending any particular sedative to you, we will first need to obtain your complete health history, including any medications you are currently taking — both prescription strength and over-the-counter, and alcohol or tobacco use. On the day of your treatment, you may need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment as certain medications take time to wear off.

Ways to Relieve Anxiety

Oral Sedation | Oral sedation is a popular option for many people because it does not require the use of needles. Oral sedatives are either swallowed whole in pill form or can be dissolved under the tongue. Both methods work in a matter of minutes. A variety of oral sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-dissolving) medications have been developed through extensive research to ensure you experience comfortable & relaxing dental treatment. Commonly prescribed medications include: Valium®, Halcion®, Sonata®, Ativan®, Vistaril®, and Versed®.

Inhalation Conscious Sedation | Nitrous oxide, a sedative you inhale, has been used in dental offices for nearly 100 years. It is an excellent pain reliever that can be used by itself or in conjunction with anti-anxiety medication. It is administered through a nasal hood, which resembles a small cup that is placed over your nose. The oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide provides a light-headed, or euphoric feeling. All bodily functions remain normal during the use of this sedative, which is very safe.
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