Types of Sedation Options
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. This provides a sense of relaxation and euphoria, allowing you to remain awake and responsive throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for patients with mild dental anxiety and is easily reversed, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your appointment. It is even safe for you to drive a vehicle when you leave an appointment where nitrous oxide was used.
Anxiolysis
Anxiolysis by definition means the reduction of anxiety. It can be achieved by taking a pill such as Xanax an hour before your appointment. Patients can expect to remain awake for the entire procedure and have full memory of the appointment. This can be done alone or in combination with nitrous oxide to help mild-moderately fearful patients tolerate dental treatment. A driver to and from the appointment is mandatory.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill called Triazolam 1 hour before your dental procedure. This type of sedation induces a moderate level of sedation, and although you will remain conscious and be able to respond to questions or commands, you may have limited and sometimes no memory of the treatment. Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures or longer appointments. It is essential to arrange for a companion to drive you home and be with you after your appointment, as the sedative effects may take several hours to wear off.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream through a vein, allowing for a deeper level of sedation. With IV sedation patients have the option to go completely to sleep ensuring that they will have no memory of the procedures. This type of sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, those with special needs, or those undergoing extensive dental procedures. We partner with Premier Dental Anesthesiology, a group of medically licensed anesthesiologists, to ensure that our IV sedation patients are receiving the safest and most efficient care possible. This allows the anesthesia team to keep you comfortable and monitor your vitals during the procedure while also allowing our dental experts to focus solely on giving you the best dental care possible. As with oral conscious sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and be with you following your appointment.
IV sedation is a wonderful tool for many people. Due to the fact that these procedures are being performed in a non hospital setting we follow strict guidelines to determine who can receive IV sedation in the dental office. Please see below for these general guidelines. These guidelines are in place for the safety and well being of our patients. Each patient is individually evaluated by both the anesthesia and dental team to determine if they are a candidate for IV sedation in this setting.
Who Is a Candidate For In Office IV Sedation?
See our Patient Guidelines.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
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- Alleviates Dental Anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps patients overcome dental anxiety, ensuring they receive the necessary dental care to maintain a healthy smile.
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- Increased Comfort: Sedation options can help alleviate discomfort during dental procedures, providing a more comfortable and pain-free experience.
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- Enhanced Treatment Experience: By eliminating fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry allows patients to feel relaxed and at ease during their dental treatments.
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- Time Efficiency: Sedation can enable us to perform complex or multiple dental procedures in a single appointment, saving you time and minimizing the number of visits required.
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- Improved Patient Cooperation: Sedation can help patients with special needs or those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods, ensuring they receive the dental care they need.
Conclusion
Sedation dentistry is a powerful tool that can transform your dental treatment experience by alleviating anxiety, ensuring comfort, and promoting a relaxed state. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you are interested in learning more about sedation options and how they can benefit your dental treatment plan, schedule a consultation with a member of our knowledgeable team.
