Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers patients who are having anxiety anticipating an endodontic procedure the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the endodontic procedure, a patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular dental visit. With some sedation dentistry methods patients may feel more at ease post-operatively as they have no memory or little recollection of the actual moment-to-moment endodontic procedure.

We are committed to creating a comfortable and caring environment for our patients. While we always use a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the treatment area, so that you will not feel any discomfort, some patients may feel they need an additional option to reduce their anxiety and have a more relaxed experience.

For these patients we offer three options:

• Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. As the nitrous oxide begins to work, you will feel less nervous. When the procedure is coming to an and the nitrous oxide is turned off, the effects wear off very quickly.
• Oral Sedation means that you will be given a prescription for an oral medication prior to you appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your appointment, this medication allows you to fully relax by the time your procedure begins.
• IV Sedation with our anesthesiologist involves a sedative that is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. It is indicated when deeper sedation is required. This type of sedation can be quickly modified to your state of consciousness and can be continued as long as necessary for the procedure.