Sedation Dentistry

IV Sedation / Relaxation Dentistry

If you are one of the many people who put off going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety, we can help! At Amerident we are dedicated to providing a safe and anxiety-free dental experience just for you. You don't have to be afraid of the dentist anymore!

Would I benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
What are my choices for Sedation?

• Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas")
• Oral Sedation
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Why should I choose Sedation Dentistry at Amerident?

Would I benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you would benefit from sedation dentistry:

• Do I have extreme fear or anxiety about receiving dental treatment?
• Am I getting dental treatment for the first time in many years?
• Do I have a history of bad dental experiences?
• Do I experience extreme tooth sensitivity?
• Do I have complex dental problems?
• Is it difficult for me to get numb during treatment?
• Is it difficult to relax during dental treatment (for example, my heart beats fast and my hands get sweaty)?
• Do I suffer from TMD/TMJ or other medical conditions that make it difficult or uncomfortable to keep my mouth open for long periods?
• Do I have a hyperactive or severe gag reflex?
• Or some people just want to have as much dental work done in as few appointments as possible. Sedation dentistry can allow for more treatment to be done in less time – and more comfortably.

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What are my choices for Sedation Dentistry?

At Amerident we have a choice of sedation methods:

• Inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”)
• Oral conscious sedation
• Intravenous (IV) conscious sedation

You and your doctor will review many factors like your individual medical history to decide which one is right for you. The historical safety of these methods and medications gives us great confidence in using them. And we also have a medication available in the office to reverse the effects of the oral and IV sedation.

Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas")
/ Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is the most common method of sedation that dentists use during dental treatment. A small rubber inhaler is placed over your nose to administer a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. The ratio of oxygen to nitrous is adjusted and monitored throughout the procedure so that you become relaxed and comfortable. You will be able to respond to the dentist during the procedure and you will be aware of the treatment, although you will remain relaxed.

Inhalation sedation is a good option for mild to moderate levels of dental anxiety. It also reduces or eliminates gagging in patients who have an extreme gag response.

Oral Sedation
With oral sedation our goal is create a relaxed, comfortable and safe experience for you, with little or no anxiety and little or no memory of the appointment. Our goal is not to create sleep, however with oral sedation you may feel like you slept through the entire appointment since the medication has an amnesic effect. You’ll have little or no memory of your time in the dental chair.

During your sedation interview you and your dentist will discuss which oral medication will work best for you, taking into account your medical history, the dental procedures scheduled and the length of your appointment. You will receive written instructions to follow before and after your appointment that will help you have a safe and effective sedation experience. And most importantly, you will need a responsible companion to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you at home until you are completely recovered (usually 4-10 hours).

To ensure your safety, while you are medicated you will be continually monitored for vital signs. Baseline readings are taken at your first visit so we know what is normal for you.

The most common side effects of oral sedation are dry mouth and hiccups. The hiccups usually last only a few moments while you are sedated and the dry mouth wears off with the medication.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation
During Intravenous (IV) Sedation an anti-anxiety drug is administered into the bloodstream. You will be completely relaxed and at ease with little to no discomfort; however, we will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. As with oral sedation, you will have little to no memory of your treatment.

IV sedation is extremely safe when delivered by a specially trained dentist or anesthesiologist. At Amerident, all of our anesthesiologists are board-certified and have years of experience in IV conscious sedation.

A critical benefit of the IV sedation program at Amerident is that the dentist is free to concentrate on your dental treatment while the anesthesiologist focuses on your sedation and relaxation level while closely monitoring your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The dentist/anesthesiologist team works together seamlessly so that everything is done with your safety and comfort in mind.

You will need to have a responsible adult drive you to and from your IV sedation appointment and stay with you for 24 hours. You will receive additional written instructions during your sedation consultation and it’s important that you follow them all for your safety.

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry.

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Why should I choose Sedation Dentistry at Amerident?

At Amerident, we consider addressing your dental fears an important part of treating your dental needs. We also believe that going to the dentist should not be a painful or uncomfortable experience.

Our dentists and entire staff have additional training and skills in all aspects of sedation dentistry, as well as emergency procedures. You will remain relaxed, comfortable and anxiety-free throughout each visit. (Click to read 12 Benefits of An Amerident Sedation Dentist and more Testimonials)

Our mission is to provide you with optimal dental care in the most stress-free way possible. Join the thousands of formerly fearful patients we’ve been helping relax since 1990.

For further information about sedation dentistry, or to schedule an oral health consultation with one of our sedation dentists, please give us a call or request an appointment online.

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