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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is an anxiety-free approach to dentistry. No longer will you need to fear a trip to the dentist’s office. Instead, you will finally be able to relax in the dental chair. Sedation has been used by physicians for over 50 years to perform operations or treatment on any part of the body, so why not the mouth? There are a variety of dental sedation options available, ranging from mild sedation to general anesthesia. Above all else, the goal of dental sedation is to achieve relaxation during routine and emergency dental procedures. If the idea of dental surgery makes you or your family members apprehensive, nervous or anxious, we can help. Working together with you, we create a personalized sedation plan to help you relax and rest easy while we perform your dental surgery. Your comfort is our priority.

What are my dental sedation options?

DC Perio & Implants offers patients a variety of dental sedation options, including:

  • Valium/Ativan
  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
  • Oral and IV Sedation

Key Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

  • Comfort: Dental Sedation Can Reduce Anxiety
  • Reduced Pain: Sedation Dentistry Can Lower Discomfort
  • Recovery: Recovery Time Can Be Quick
  • Safe: Dental Sedation Is Safe

Next Steps

What is Valium/Ativan

Valium is an anti-anxiety medication (diazepam) that is taken orally before a dental procedure. When under the effects of valium sedation, patients describe feeling “loopy” and uninterested with whatever procedure is being performed despite being aware of what is happening. Ativan is also an anti-anxiety medication (Lorazepam) that produces a calming effect and impairs memory formation. Since the effects of valium and Ativan can linger, a driver will be needed to drive you home.

Oral sedation medication is delivered by mouth involving a pill or liquid. Depending on the dosage, the level of sedation can range from minimal to moderate. When receiving oral sedation, you can expect to be drowsy and fall asleep. We will be able to wake you, talk to you at times. We wake you when we are using a lot of water or checking your bite. Oftentimes, patients that undergo oral sedation have little to no memory of their procedure. The effects of oral sedation will continue to linger after the procedure, so you will need a driver and someone to stay with you until the sedation has worn off.

Commonly known as “laughing gas” for its production of euphoric feelings, nitrous oxide is a form of inhaled sedation. When receiving nitrous oxide sedation, you can expect to have a small mask placed over your nose. As soon as you begin inhaling nitrous oxide gas, you will feel your body relax, but you will remain conscious. In some cases, you may fall into a light sleep. Once you stop inhaling the gas, you will quickly return to normal. Since nitrous oxide is only effective when being inhaled, you will be able to drive and return to your normal activities after undergoing nitrous oxide sedation.

IV sedation also known as twilight sedation is delivered through the vein, which makes it easy to control the amount of sedation you receive. IV sedation is used to achieve a mild to moderate level of sedation. Patients will be completely relaxed, anxiety-free, may sleep, but will be responsive to simple directions. Milder than general anesthesia, twilight sedation leads to a shorter recovery period after surgery. Since the effects of IV sedation linger after the procedure, you will need a driver and someone to stay with you until the medication wears off.

Sedation dentistry has been proven to be a safe and effective way for many patients to receive dental treatment. In fact, it may be safer than without! Without sedation, blood pressure tends to rise during treatment. With sedation, studies show that surgery becomes safer by reducing blood pressure during the procedure.