Sedation Dentistry

“Sedation dentistry” encompasses various techniques that can safely and comfortably reduce anxiety, create amnesia, and eliminate a gag reflex in patients during dental care. The benefits of sedation dentistry include:

• No memory of undergoing the procedure
• No sense of time while under sedation
• No awareness of smells or sounds
• No fear or anxiety during treatment
• A relaxed and stress-free dental experience

Patients who have experienced a dental procedure using sedation dentistry often describe it as a simple, relaxing way to undergo dentistry.

At our practice, there’s no need to be nervous about undergoing sedation dentistry. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you’ll find that we maintain a respectful and professional environment at all times.

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

• Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis): This is the lightest form of sedation and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, shorter procedures, or less complex situations. It can be achieved using an oral sedative (like Halcion) and/or Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The goal is to relax the patient or induce drowsiness while they remain awake during the dental care. Recovery from anxiolysis sedation is usually quick, typically within a few hours after the procedure is complete.
• Moderate Sedation (Conscious Sedation): This technique is used for patients with moderate dental anxiety, longer appointments, or more complex procedures. Conscious sedation is often achieved through light IV sedation, where patients remain awake but in a deep state of relaxation. For conscious sedation, it’s essential to have someone accompany you to and from appointments, as the effects can take several hours to wear off, and driving afterward is unsafe.