Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

At The Practice, we understand that dental anxiety or fear can hinder many individuals from seeking the dental care they need. That is why we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry services to ensure our patients a comfortable and relaxed dental experience. 

In collaboration with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) from Mid-South Anesthesia, our team provides three types of sedation options: oral conscious sedation, intravenous, and nitrous oxide sedation. Let us guide you through the techniques we offer and answer some common questions to help you better understand the benefits.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

What is nitrous oxide sedation?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a popular sedation option for patients of all ages. It is administered by inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over your nose. 

Nitrous oxide induces a pleasant, euphoric feeling and helps alleviate anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. One of the significant advantages of nitrous oxide sedation is that the effects wear off quickly, allowing you to resume your daily activities without any lingering drowsiness.

How does nitrous oxide sedation work?

When you inhale nitrous oxide, it enters the bloodstream and reaches your brain. Nitrous oxide induces deep relaxation while allowing you to remain conscious. The effects wear off once the mask is removed, and you can resume daily activities with no lingering effects.

Is nitrous oxide sedation suitable for everyone?

Indeed, it is an excellent option for patients of all ages. It is a safe and gentle method that can be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. Our dental team will evaluate your medical history and discuss your concerns to determine if nitrous oxide sedation is appropriate.

Intravenous Sedation

What is intravenous sedation?

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a deeper level of sedation that provides greater degree of relaxation. It involves the administration of sedative medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein. 

IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety or for complex and lengthy procedures. The sedative effects are rapid, and our CRNA from Mid-South Anesthesia will continuously monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. You will remain conscious but deeply relaxed, and most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.

How does IV sedation work?

During sedation, a CRNA will monitor and control the dosage of medication administered through an IV line. This allows for precise control, ensuring your safety and comfort. While under IV sedation, you will be in a deeply relaxed state but still able to respond to verbal cues.

Is IV sedation safe?

When administered by professionals in a controlled environment, IV sedation is safe and effective. Our team has extensive experience and follows strict protocols to ensure your safety and well-being. Before the procedure, we will evaluate your medical history to determine if IV sedation is appropriate.

Oral Conscious Sedation

What is oral conscious sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is an effective method to help patients relax during dental procedures. It involves the administration of an oral medication before the appointment to induce a state of deep relaxation.

The medication is selected based on the patient’s medical history, anxiety level, and the type of procedure. While under oral conscious sedation, you will remain able to respond to instructions, but you will experience a heightened sense of relaxation and reduced awareness of the treatment. The sedative effects can last several hours, so it is essential to have someone accompany you to and from your appointment.

How does oral conscious sedation work?

Before the appointment, you will be prescribed a medication to ingest at a specific time. The medicine will make you feel relaxed, allowing you to remain conscious but tranquil. It is essential to arrange transportation to and from the appointment, as the effects of the sedative may linger for a few hours.

Is oral conscious sedation recommendable?

It is an excellent option for individuals with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy procedures. Our team will assess your medical history and discuss your concerns to determine if oral conscious sedation is the most suitable choice.

In conclusion

At The Practice, we are committed to providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience for all our patients. Our sedation dentistry services, in collaboration with Mid-South Anesthesia, allow us to create a calm environment where you can receive the dental care you deserve. 

If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact our office. Don’t let fear or anxiety hold you back from achieving optimal oral health. Experience the benefits of sedation dentistry at The Practice today!