Sedation Options
 Brushing and flossing every day are crucial elements to keeping your mouth healthy. However, these are only a part of the equation. Even if you follow a strict oral hygiene routine, there are still areas of your mouth that can be missed. This is why regular dental visits are important. However, for many people, the thought of going to the dentist causes anxiety and fear, even for something as simple as a cleaning. At Fusion Dental Specialists, we offer sedation, allowing you to get the treatments you need to be done.
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:
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Minimal sedation. The lightest form of sedation, you are kept fully conscious, but completely relaxed.
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Moderate sedation. Slightly stronger than minimal sedation, moderate sedation can make you drowsy. You are still conscious, but you may experience temporary amnesia, unable to recall parts (or all) of the procedure.
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Deep sedation. Stronger still, this type of sedation puts you right on the edge of consciousness. There is even a chance that you may fall asleep.
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General anesthesia. This is the strongest form of sedation and puts you to sleep throughout the procedure. |
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous 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 Sedation
Oral 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 Sedation
IV 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:
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You are anxious or nervous about your procedure.
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You find it difficult to sit still, even for short periods of time.
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You have a low pain threshold.
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You have exceptionally sensitive teeth.
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You need much work done, or your procedure is going to take a while. |
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 today to learn more. |
