What Types of Sedation Are Used at the Dentist?
At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we understand that dental phobias and anxieties are real issues that keep countless people from receiving the oral care they need. We also realize that some individuals don’t respond well to traditional dental anesthesia. In addition, not everyone has time in their busy schedules for an extensive treatment or procedure that may take up a large portion of the day. Regardless of whether you desire a routine cleaning or a full smile transformation, Dr. Deborah Klotz and Dr. Rob Schlossberg offer three sedation dentistry options that can help make your visit to the dentist as comfortable and efficient as possible. These methods are designed to ease fear, enhance comfort, and improve treatment outcomes. This trio of techniques includes:
- Nitrous Oxide – More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is absorbed by your body as you breathe through a small rubber mask. This popular conscious sedation method helps to keep you relaxed during treatment, and since the gas exits your system quickly after the procedure, you are typically able to drive yourself home after your appointment. Nitrous oxide is often ideal for patients with mild anxiety, children, or those undergoing short, simple procedures. Its gentle and fast-acting effects make it a favorite among patients and dental professionals alike.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – Administered in the form of a swallowable pill, oral conscious sedation can help you feel totally at ease throughout the entirety of your treatment. Although this technique may not put you completely to sleep, you will usually need somebody to drive you home to rest and relax for the remainder of the day, as you may feel a bit groggy until the effects wear off. This form of sedation can be great for individuals with moderate dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still, or a sensitive gag reflex. It allows patients to remain conscious but deeply relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure.
- IV Sedation – Intravenous (IV) sedation can provide a completely anxiety-free experience for qualified patients. Administered directly into your bloodstream, this common sedation method can help you sleep peacefully throughout your treatment, awaking with little to no memory of your visit. Following your procedure, a close friend or family member will need to drive you home and care for you until the sedation has worn off completely. IV sedation is often recommended for patients with high levels of dental fear, those undergoing complex or lengthy procedures, or individuals who prefer not to be aware of the dental work being performed.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for patients with dental phobia. It can also benefit those with a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or medical conditions that make it difficult to sit comfortably in the dental chair. It can be especially useful for individuals undergoing multiple procedures in one visit, helping reduce the need for multiple appointments and limiting overall time spent in the office. Patients who have had negative experiences in the past or simply feel uneasy about dental care often find sedation dentistry to be a life-changing solution that restores their confidence and comfort.
Your Safety Comes First
No matter the technique utilized, our experienced dentists and highly skilled team will closely monitor your level of sedation to ensure your treatment is conducted as safely as possible. We take every precaution to evaluate your medical history, current health, and specific needs before recommending any sedation option. During your appointment, we use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to track your vital signs and ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry, or if you have any further questions about our available options, please contact our office today. We’re here to help make your dental visits more comfortable, efficient, and anxiety-free.