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What is Sedation ?

A visit to the dentist can cause fear and anxiety. Patients who experience dental phobia may postpone or avoid vital dental treatment, and multiple dental visits are out of the question. Neglecting your oral health can lead to tooth loss, disease, and overall health problems. However, you can overcome dental fear with sedation dentistry.

The main types of sedation are: IV Conscious Sedation, Oral Conscious Sedation, Nitrous Oxide Sedation, and General Anesthesia.

IV Conscious Sedation allows us unprecedented control over relaxation levels, so we can tailor the sedation to your specific needs. Depending on the amount of sedative you receive, you will feel extremely relaxed, drowsy, or you may fall asleep completely. Typically, patients remain conscious and can respond to questions but do not experience extreme nervousness or discomfort, remembering little about the appointment afterwards.

Oral Conscious Sedation involves a medication taken orally prior to your visit. This method allows patients to feel relaxed in the dental chair, while remaining conscious and able to answer the dentist’s questions. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist’s chair. The effects of the sedative typically subside the following day.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation involves a colorless, odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask. Many people know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. We will control the amount of nitrous you receive to ensure your safety. Once you begin breathing the gas, you will feel relaxed, so Dr. Holden can perform your dental work while you stay completely comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide subside once we remove your mask, so if nitrous is the only sedative you receive, you will be capable of driving yourself home following the visit and can continue your normal daily activities.