Sedation Dentistry
Up to 15% of Americans avoid the dentist every year due to dental anxiety or phobia. This avoidance opens patients up to an array of dental issues that go unattended. Sedation dentistry is a practice that utilizes varying forms of medication to create a calm and relaxing dental care experience depending on your needs.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
At Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart, we offer two types of sedation dentistry: Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation.
Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild form of dental sedation. It creates a sense of calm and reduces sensitivity to pain. Regardless of age, Nitrous Oxide is safe for virtually any patient. After the treatment, oxygen will dissipate the effects of the Nitrous Oxide, leaving you capable of driving yourself home.
Oral Conscious Sedation offers a stronger level of sedation than Nitrous Oxide. This means it offers a deeper form of relaxation. However, while you are coherent, side effects can remain for up to 24 hours after the treatment, and you may experience minor loss of memory of the procedure. So, you will need to arrange a ride home prior to your appointment.
Oral Sedation
- Administered by pill (i.e. Valium or Xanax)
- Patient is still conscious and recalls fragments of the procedure
IV Sedation
- Needle inserted in to the vein with the sedative fluid
- Vital and sedation levels regulated by staff
- Deep state of consciousness
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- Odorless and colorless gas where patients are sedated by mask
- Deep relaxed state of consciousness
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the dental practice of putting patients in a “relaxed” state throughout their appointment. Patients will be provided with a sedative before their scheduled procedure begins. This type of “sleep” dentistry alleviates patients who have dental anxiety.
Benefits
Relaxes nervous/anxious patients
Conscious or deep conscious state of mind
Fewer visits than a typical procedure
