Are you a Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?

If you have any of the following:

Fear of dental treatment
History of traumatic dental experiences
Difficulty getting numb
Very sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening
Extremely sensitive teeth
Limited time to get your dental care completed
Complex dental problems; or a need for surgery
Above average disdain for “getting numb”
Embarrassment about your teeth
In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable
Have not received professional dental care in many years, perhaps decades
Go from dentist to dentist, or doctors, to renew painkiller prescriptions for dental problems
Often make and then cancel dental appointments
Make numerous, lengthy phone calls to the dentist's office
Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests

…then yes, you are a candidate!

If you hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care and offices and you can’t block them out (even in an office with as many comfortable distractions as ours such as candles and fresh baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies), then you may want to experience “twilight sleep” while we do the work.

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care was fear! That's right, not time, not money, but fear! Yet dental decay and periodontal disease do not take exceptions!

Sedation dentistry has several forms, so let's get these straight first.

Conscious sedation involves the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. We talk more about that here.

Oral sedation involves taking a pill to help control anxiety. This is also discussed on the relaxation dentistry page.

Finally, IV sedation is what we will discuss below this. It is the deepest of all three, and both Dr. Smith and Dr. Roy are very comfortable working with each of these.

IV Sedation

We work closely with an excellent dentist anesthesiologist with 20+ years of professional experience. He makes sure that you have a pleasant experience!

How Sedation Works

With safe and proven techniques, patients receive sedative drugs which work rapidly to create a relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout treatment. Beyond creating an optimal environment for you, the patient, dentistry with IV Sadation also allows us to complete multiple procedures in one appointment..

An IV is started by the anesthesiologist allowing all medications for relaxation to enter your body. You will not remember or be aware of any procedures or especially “getting numb.” You breathe on your own. This is not like the hospital anesthesia where a machine breathes for you.

Sedation Facts:

It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.
You will have little or no memory of the experience.
You won't remember any sounds or smells.
You can relax for up to five to six hours after the IV sedation (or the anti-anxiety pill if you choose). The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment and type of anesthesia delivered.
Complex dental treatments that often require multiple appointments can often be done in as little as one or two! All while you relax.
People who have difficulty getting numb will have no problem when relaxed.
Sadation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

Well, what do you think?

FAQ’s:

Will I feel any pain?

You will feel almost nothing! We even numb the back of your hand prior to starting the IV.

How long will I be relaxing?

Depending on your needs, from two to six hours. You will rest for 3-4 hours when you get home also, most likely.

Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.

Will I be monitored?

Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

Is IV Sedation safe?

In our office, the dentist anesthesiologist is ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified and both Dr. Smith, Dr. Roy and all of their assisting staff are basic life support certified. Dr. Roy also has past IV sedation experience and ACLS certification, so you won’t have to worry about who is around you while you are relaxing.

Dental Professionals