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DENTAL PROCEDURES

Sedation Dentistry

Woman with a healthy smile looking comfortable at the dentist

We spend a great deal of time considering patient sedation options. It’s extremely important to our team to provide a positive patient experience in our office. We offer a range of sedation options so that you can receive your treatment without fear, anxiety, or discomfort.

If you have struggled with dental anxiety in the past, reach out before your next appointment to discuss your options. A pleasant dental appointment is within your grasp, and we’ll do whatever we can to deliver that experience. Our team takes a gentle, open, and communicative approach with every patient.

Oral Sedation

patient receiving oral sedation at the dentist's office

Oral sedation is a medication that is prescribed prior to your dental appointment.

  • You take this medication at a specified interval before your appointment so that you’re relaxed and comfortable by the time you’re in the dental chair.
  • The medication is typically one in the Valium family and will likely come in pill form.
  • There are also liquid oral sedation options available for pediatric patients.
  • Patients receiving oral sedation should note that they will need to arrange for a ride to and from their appointment as it takes time for the effects of the sedation to wear off, and it is not safe to drive. Don’t use a rideshare; it’s important for your safety that you have a trusted individual to see you safely home.

Oral sedation is popular because it is effective, straightforward, and easy to ingest.

Nitrous Oxide

woman breathing in nitrous oxide in the dental chair through a nose mask

Nitrous is a long-running form of dental sedation that is inhaled through a small mask worn over the nose.

  • The patient begins breathing nitrous once in the dental chair, and treatment begins once they are sufficiently relaxed.
  • The nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, and the level of nitrous is carefully controlled throughout your appointment.
  • At the end of treatment, the mixture is switched over to pure oxygen so that you can return to normal.
  • Patients receiving nitrous are able to drive themselves home because nitrous leaves the system quickly.

Nitrous oxide is popular because the effects can be carefully controlled, and wear off immediately after treatment has been completed.

NuCalm

NuCalm logoNuCalm is a comprehensive sensory system that places dental patients in a pre-sleep relaxation state in 3-5 minutes.

  • You will chew natural tablets containing nutraceuticals to reduce adrenaline
  • Your hygienist will apply a patch behind each of your ears. These patches provide subtle microcurrent stimulation, quickening the onset of relaxation.
  • You will put on noise-canceling headphones that play calming music combined with subconscious neuroacoustic sounds.
  • You will put on dark glasses to remove visual stimuli and allow you to more easily remain in a soothed state of mind.
  • NuCalm is not hypnosis; it does not induce sleep. You will remain aware while in the dental chair, and simply deeply relaxed. At the end of your dental treatment, you will easily return to a normal mental state, while feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, experiencing a sense of mental renewal.

NuCalm is ideal for patients looking for a drug-free sedation option.

What does sedation feel like?

Different forms of sedation have slightly different effects, and each individual’s personal experience also varies. The general sensations while sedated may include:

  • Feeling drowsy or groggy (although you will still be able to communicate and respond to cues)
  • Feelings of giddiness or euphoria
  • A sense of calm, without stress or anxiety
  • A sense of things moving more slowly
  • Delayed reflexes / slightly impaired motor skills
  • Potential tingling sensation in the limbs

These sensations will wear off shortly after your appointment (faster with nitrous oxide than oral sedation).

Sedation vs. Anesthesia

Sedation is used to relieve anxiety. Local anesthesia is used to prevent pain in the treatment area. Anesthesia will always be used during your treatment to numb the teeth and gums and prevent discomfort; sedation is an optional add-on for those struggling with dental anxiety.

Sedation is also ideal for those with a fear of needles so that you can feel calm while you receive your shots of anesthesia.

If you’re interested in sedation for your next appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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