Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Nelson receives countless referrals from patients who have found their experience with sedation dentistry to be positively life changing. Sedation dentistry allows a patient to be calm and drowsy while still remaining in control. Your level of comfort, sedation, and vitals will be continually monitored with medical equipment so that your visit is completely safe.
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry is a term that refers to the use of anesthesia during treatment to put patients into a relaxed state, almost like sleep. Candidates for Sedation Dentistry include patients with a fear of needles or other dental anxiety, as well as individuals who require complex treatment and would like their treatment performed during a single, pain-free visit. If you are afraid to go to the dentist, you can now relax! With Sedation Dentistry, you’ll probably only need one or two appointments to correct years of dental problems. Within hours you can start enjoying the confidence that comes with a bright new smile and good dental health.
Dr. Nelson will thoroughly review your medical history, and then monitor you closely during your conscious sedation dental treatment. The oral medications used for Oral Conscious Sedation in dentistry are from a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. Not only do these medications have a sedative effect, most people also experience some degree of amnesia. Patients remember little or nothing about their dental appointment.
Oral Sedation Dentistry is often used during procedures that require an extensive amount of time in the treatment chair. While Sedation Dentistry implies that patients are unconscious, this is not the case. Some forms of Sedation Dentistry simply alleviate anxiety or put patients in a sleep-like state, so that little is felt or remembered from the dentistry procedure. In Oral Conscious Sedation treatment, patients are given a sedative tranquilizer to take one hour prior to their dental appointment. The patient must have an adult companion drive them to their dental therapy appointment and an adult companion drive them home following the procedure.
Inhalation Conscious Sedation Dentistry
The use of Inhalation Conscious Sedation (nitrous oxide and oxygen) has been a mainstay of sedation techniques in dentistry for generations and still represents the most frequently employed technique. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide-oxygen is used by more than 35% of all U.S. dentists.
An advantage of this technique of Inhalation Conscious Sedation is that most people receiving it recover promptly and may be permitted to leave the dental office unescorted and resume normal activities immediately.
Inhalation Conscious Sedation is most effective with mild to moderate degrees of dental anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry if:
- Involved dental treatment that normally takes several appointments can be completed in as little as one visit.
- You are someone with a stressful lifestyle, high anxiety, or a busy schedule and wish to complete treatment comfortably in fewer visits.
- You have a sensitive gag reflex.
- You have an aversion to dental sounds.
- You need a lot of anesthetic to get you numb.
- You have anxiety about seeing dental instruments.
- You've had negative dental experiences in the past.
If this sounds like you, call our office for more information about how conscious sedation can literally change your life.
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
Yes, it's very safe when your care is provided by a dentist like Dr. Nelson, who has extensive training in the technique. Oral conscious Sedation Dentistry has been used for more than 15 years with great success.
Will I feel any pain?
No, that's what makes Sedation Dentistry such a good option for people who are fearful of pain or who need extensive dental work.
How do you make sure that I'm all right during treatment?
We monitor your vital signs during your treatment, and you are never left alone. Either Dr. Nelson or one of his team members remains with you at all times.
Will I be unconscious during my treatment?
No, just in a drowsy, light-sleep state. Sedation Dentistry allows a patient to be calm and drowsy while still remaining in control. You will stay warm under a soft, cozy blanket and will constantly be monitored.
Can my family or driving companion stay at the dental office during my procedure?
Yes, our office is designed for your comfort and your family's relaxation. Your family or friend may stay here at the office during your procedure in the receiving room, stocked with beverages, light snacks and terrific reading materials. Internet connection also is available upon request. We have found that our patients relax more knowing their loved ones are near. Dr. Nelson and his team strongly believe in individual attention and time for each patient. He and his team schedule and see only one patient at a time for complete undivided attention and care.
