Sedation Dentistry

Dental Anxiety Solutions

Sedation is most commonly used during extensive dental procedures, especially for patients with dental phobias or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), oral sedatives, and general anesthetic.

Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps, or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require some sort of sedation. Sedation dentistry is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell us about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, we will talk to you about the process of sedation and provide pre-and-post sedation instructions.

Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to us during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous oxide is turned off, and oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects although some patients may experience minor nausea. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and-post sedation instructions.