SEDATION DENTISTRY

For many, even the thought of having their teeth cleaned makes their entire body tense with fear.  They would rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist's office.  A lot of people are so phobic about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment until it's too late.  Three words are the answer:  ORAL SEDATION DENTISTRY.  For people who avoid dentists like the plague, oral sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety.  Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning.  How it's used depends on the severity of the fear.

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures.  It's sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate.  Patients are usually awake.

One type of sedation used in dentistry is called inhaled minimal sedation.  You breathe nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose.  This gas gives you an incredibly relaxed, enjoyable feeling.  Your anxiety is totally released.  Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas wears off quickly once your procedure is over.    This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Another type of sedation is called oral sedation.  Depending on the dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate.  For minimal sedation, you take a pill.  Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it's usually taken about an hour before the procedure.  The pill will make you drowsy, although  you'll still be awake.  A larger dose may be given to become groggy enough to actually fall asleep during the procedure.  Patients usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.  There are no intravenous tubes or needles, just a pill.  Total relaxation.  If my patient knows they will toss and turn all night just thinking about their appointment, I will prescribe an extra pill at bedtime so they will have a great night's sleep.

The best part is you will have little memory of the entire experience, as the sedative pill has an amnesic property.  I promise you can be relaxed and confident in a dental chair.  The power of advanced dentistry is AMAZING!!!