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Sedation Options at Artistic Dentistry

Many people experience dental anxiety before and during dental procedures. It’s normal to feel nervous or even fearful when anticipating an appointment. We understand that each patient is different and aren’t all the same. We have many methods available to provide you with a relaxed and comfortable dental experience.

The most common forms of dental sedation used are inhaled, oral, and intravenous (IV) sedation. While sedation dentistry makes the procedure more tolerable, it is important to understand that they are not painkillers and will require a dental anesthetic.

Oral Sedation

This method creates a deeper level of sedation than with nitrous oxide. Drs. Nimri and Zingalis will prescribe a medication for you to take before your appointment to help reduce anxiety. A wide variety of medications are available for this type of sedation. Drs. Nimri and Zingalis will discuss your individual needs to carefully determine which works best for you. All of these medications are classified as anti-anxiety medications and achieve the same result: reducing and even eliminating the anxiety of dental treatment.

In addition to making your experience more comfortable, oral sedative medications can help reduce your memory of the experience. It allows us to complete your treatment in less time and with fewer appointments. While your treatment is performed, Drs. Nimri and Zingalis will carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure your utmost safety. Another advantage is that it can safely be used with nitrous oxide for a deeper state of relaxation. The effects of oral sedation last longer than nitrous oxide, which is why you will need someone to bring you to your appointment and drive you home after.

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is an excellent way to combat anxiety for most dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, the mildest form of sedation that we use,  flows through a comfortable mask that rests over your nose. Laughing gas is odorless and used in combination with pure oxygen to induce a feeling of relaxation and well-being during treatment. Laughing gas often creates a pleasant feeling of euphoria that can make ordinary things seem funnier. We can easily customize the level of sedation for each patient, which takes effect within minutes.

Being a mild sedative, you won’t experience any short-term memory loss as you might with other forms of sedation. At the end of your procedure, the sedative effect caused by laughing gas will dissipate almost immediately. You will be able to return home with zero lasting effects. In fact, you don’t even need an escort to or from your appointment if you are using only laughing gas for sedation.

IV Sedation

Some dental procedures may require a deep level of sedation for anxious patients. When other sedation methods aren’t quite enough, IV sedation is a good alternative. During IV sedation, an anti-anxiety drug is administered through the blood system while treatment is completed. This makes the medication more efficient and allows you to achieve a deeper level of relaxation. You will probably not remember much (or anything at all) about the procedure due to short-term amnesia.

As with oral sedation, complex procedures will seem faster and can usually be completed in one appointment. You’re always properly monitored for your safety, and will require a ride home since there will be some lingering effects. Due to the advanced monitoring  during IV sedation, we work closely with specialists trained and equipped to make your experience as safe as possible. We are happy to discuss your sedation needs and customize a plan for you. If IV sedation is indicated, we will get scheduled with a specialist who can make treatment possible.

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