SEDATION DENTISTRY
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Sedation Dentistry
Calming Nerves With Sedation Dentistry
An estimated 9-20% of Americans avoid getting the dental care they need because of anxiety or fear. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve dental anxiety! First and foremost, please feel free to communicate your fears with us and we will be happy to discuss them with you, and adapt our approach as necessary. Other great tips include choosing a low-stress appointment time, bringing headphones and music, and practicing relaxation techniques and breathing. For our most anxious patients, we are happy to offer several comfortable and simple sedation services here at K Family Dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives, anesthesia, and other medications during dental procedures. At our practice, we combine laughing gas with a local anesthetic to help our patients achieve a state of comfort and calm. We offer sedation to patients who experience dental anxiety, have health conditions that make it difficult for their muscles to relax, or have other care needs that can make dental procedures strenuous or uncomfortable.
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Sedation is also offered to help patients relax during a variety of routine or non-invasive procedures for a more pleasant experience. If you think sedation is right for you, discuss your needs with our team!
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
Known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide has pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties, and often leads to feelings of euphoria and extreme relaxation. When using nitrous oxide as a sedative, we carefully adjust the precise amount required for each patient and procedure. When used alone, patients can typically head out the door immediately after their appointment due to its short-lived effects. However, when used in combination with sleep sedation, patients require someone to drive them home as well as supervision for 24 hours after the procedure.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
IV Sedation
We also offer intravenous sedation, in which sedatives and other drugs are administered through the vein. IV sedation has very few risks but many benefits for very anxious patients, or patients who need to undergo a large dental procedure. Depending on the level of sedation desired, it can induce varying stages of consciousness from moderate to deep sedation, and also blocks pain.
*Please note, we use IV sedation exclusively for tooth extractions only.