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Oral Sedation
Sedation dentistry can offer the perfect solution for maintaining your dental health while assuring complete relaxation. People typically experience various degrees of anxiety in anticipation of dental procedures, but few are aware of the simple solution of ‘conscious sedation’. Local anesthesia can effectively numb specific tissues prior to a procedure and traditional analgesics can effectively relieve post-procedural pain. But, these methods alone are often not enough to eliminate anxiety. Traditional sedatives along with anti-anxiety agents such as nitrous oxide eliminate worry, while maintaining your responsiveness to voice and touch. You simply receive a tablet orally, and then relax comfortably throughout your entire visit. If you are concerned about how to handle an upcoming visit, please ask about Conscious Sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a sedative gas (also called laughing gas) and is one of the safest forms of sedation available today.
There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide
• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or
decrease sedation
• There are no after effects on your body
• You awake and can communicate during your treatment
• Very effective in minimizing gagging
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds
Reasons not to use Nitrous Oxide
There are no major contraindications to using nitrous oxide. You should tell us if you have emphysema, chest problems, Multiple Sclerosis, a cold or other difficulties with breathing.
I.V. Sedation
We also offer the special option of Intravenous (IV) sedation for maximum comfort. This level of sedation is ideal if you want to complete several treatments in one visit. A friend or family member will be required to drive for you. Remember, sedation is not pain medication, so you may still require local numbing, depending upon the treatment.
Just for You
We believe the most important factor in overcoming anxiety is good communication. We can start by sharing that you are not the only one who asks us for assistance… that’s what we are here for. We also have chair warmers, blankets, and DVD screens. We encourage you to bring a movie you enjoy or your own CD player and listen to your favorites. We launder blankets after each use for your protection. We believe patient comfort directly impacts the treatment experience, so we make every effort to ensure that you feel calm and secure. Please let us know if we can do anything to increase your comfort.
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