SEDATION DENTISTRY

WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?

Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment such as a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. 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

LEVELS OF SEDATION

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which Dr. Beckman can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

MILD SEDATION

Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry. It 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.

MODERATE SEDATION

Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry. It 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.

DEEP SEDATION

Patients who receive deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure. It is recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.

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.