Sedation Options![]() What is Sedation?Sedation involves the use of specific techniques that are designed to help you relax, whether you are having a simple dental cleaning and exam or having implants placed. Depending upon your specific needs, there are a few different types of sedation:
Nitrous OxideNitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a form of minimal sedation. A mask is placed over your nose, and you breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The amount of nitrous that you take in can be controlled by your breathing. Nitrous goes to work quickly and wears off quickly once the mask is removed. You will be back to your normal self within minutes and can get back to life as normal. Oral SedationOral sedation is a form of moderate sedation. This particular type of sedation is taken by mouth. We provide you with a prescription medication that you take approximately an hour before your procedure. It is important that you have someone drive you to (and home from) your appointment. How quickly the medication goes to work depends upon several factors. In general, it takes effect within 30 minutes. Once your procedure is over, it can take a while for the effects to wear off completely. IV SedationIV sedation encompasses deep sedation and general anesthesia. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream via a needle and goes to work almost immediately. We can monitor and control the amount of sedative given. Again, much like oral sedation, the effects linger for a while after your procedure is over, so it is important to have someone with you who can drive you home. Are You a Candidate?Sedation can benefit many types of people:
If the thought of going to the dentist, whether it’s for a cleaning, a root canal, or something else, causes you to break out into a nervous sweat, sedation can help. Contact Fusion Dental Specialists at (503) 653-2299 today to learn more. |
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