Does the thought of seeing the dentist make you afraid? You’re not alone. Dental visits are a common cause of anxiety for millions of people. For patients who experience dental anxiety, require complex treatment, or are undergoing oral surgery, we offer a full range of sedation options. Dental sedation refers to the use of medications to help patients relax, prevent pain, or fall asleep during dental procedures. Here are the options we offer at Wave Dental Specialists:
Laughing gas is a type of inhaled minimal sedation that combines the gas with oxygen. The sedation is administered through a small mask placed over the nose, allowing the patient to breathe it in. This sedation method helps you feel relaxed and at ease throughout the procedure, and the effects wear off quickly once your treatment session is complete.
The effects of oral sedation range from minimal to moderate depending on the dosage administered by your dentist. Oral sedation can be taken in liquid or pill form and makes you feel relaxed and drowsy without losing consciousness. This type of sedation is typically administered 30-60 minutes prior to your procedure and its effects can last 2-8 hours, depending on the dosage given.
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves receiving the sedative drug through your vein. By injecting the sedative into your bloodstream, it goes to work faster and can be easily monitored and adjusted by your dentist throughout your procedure. This is a moderate form of sedation, so you will be deeply relaxed and drowsy but may not lose consciousness.
This is a form of deep sedation that is administered by a trained anesthesiologist. You will receive the sedative medication prior to your procedure, at which time you will almost or totally lose consciousness. While under general anesthesia, you will be closely monitored by our team to ensure your safety and well-being throughout your procedure.
Our experts strive every day to provide comfortable, cutting-edge specialty dentistry that fits your smile, schedule, and budget.