Who sedation dentistry helps
Sedation is not only for people with a fear of the dentist. Patients ask us about it for many reasons, and every one of them is a good reason:
- Anxiety or fear that has kept you away from the dentist
- A hard time getting numb, or staying numb, with local anesthetic
- Trouble sitting still or keeping your mouth open for a long appointment
- A lot of treatment to finish, such as implants or full-mouth rehabilitation, that you would rather do in fewer visits
Your three options
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
You breathe nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a small mask over your nose. Within a few minutes you feel calm and a little light. You stay awake and can talk with us the whole time, and we can turn the level up or down during the visit. When the mask comes off, the effect fades within minutes, so most patients drive themselves home and go back to their day.
Oral sedation
For deeper relaxation, your dentist prescribes a sedative pill that you take about an hour before your appointment. You stay conscious but deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little of the visit afterward. You will need someone to drive you to and from the office.
IV sedation
IV sedation is the deepest level we offer. A visiting certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or anesthesiologist places a small IV line in your arm, gives the medication, and monitors you from start to finish while your dentist works. It is a good fit for significant anxiety and for longer procedures like implant surgery, multiple extractions or several teeth treated at once. You will need a driver.
What a sedation visit looks like
Consultation
We review your medical history and medications, talk through your worries, and plan the treatment you need.
Choosing a level
Together we pick the lightest option that will keep you comfortable. Sedation is not right for every health situation, and we will tell you if that applies to you.
Treatment day
Follow the instructions we give you before your visit. You are monitored throughout the procedure.
Recovery
We keep an eye on you until you are alert and ready to go home with your driver.
Fewer visits for part-time residents
About half of our patients do not live in Summit County full time. If you are here for a few weeks at a time, IV sedation can let us combine treatment into one longer appointment instead of spreading it over several trips. Tell us your dates when you call and we will plan around them.