Sedation Dentistry
Wouldn't it be great if you could take a pill, go to sleep in the dental chair, wake up, and all your dental care was complete? And you didn't remeber any of it? You can at Sierra Crest Dental! We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- Fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows a doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when they visit the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
I am nervous about being unconscious; what levels of sedation are available to me?
There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at Sierra Crest Dental. We are well trained and licensed You will find we are both respectful and professional at all times.
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law. There are two sedative states at which our office can administer your treatment: mild sedation and moderate sedation.
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild-to-moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
How are sedatives administered?
- Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild-to-moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
- Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
Dr. Delaney is licensed in both inhalation and oral conscious sedation. Please contact Sierra Crest Dental to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.
