We utilize specialized equipment specifically engineered for sedation dentistry to ensure our patients safety. For instance, we employ cheek retractors and devices that help our patients open their mouth wider without having to consciously do so. We also have special monitoring devices which continuously track our patients blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels throughout the appointment.

Sedation Medication

We’re highly trained with four oral sedation medications that include Midazolam, Triazolam, Diazepam, and Hydroxyzine. We also offer inhaled minimal sedation medication– laughing gas or nitrous oxide. Laughing gas is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after a procedure. We typically administer oral sedative medications through a sublingual administration by crushing them up. This ensures our patients receive the full dose without having to worry about taking pills or receiving painful injections. IV Sedation medications are administered directly through the bloodstream throughout the appointment, giving the dentist more control of the level of sedation achieved. No matter the level of sedation, we also always use a topical anesthetic before any injections in order to decrease pain or discomfort during a procedure.

Different Levels of Sedation Dentistry

Depending on the procedure, the duration, and our patient’s past experience with dental procedures, we determine what proper level of sedation the patient should undergo:

• Nitrous Oxide sedation: patients are minimally sedated and awake through the visit, remember everything but remaining relaxed.
• Oral Conscious sedation: patients are moderately sedated by being given enough sedative medication to forget the procedure but remain conscious enough to speak to our staff.
• IV sedation: patients are put to sleep by being given a calming medication delivered directly into the bloodstream throughout the appointment. Unlike oral sedation, your dentist will have control over your level of sedation throughout your appointment, increasing or decreasing it to keep you comfortable. You will remain conscious but dreamy and may even fall asleep. As with oral sedation, you will need to have a driver to and from your appointment. You should stay home and rest for the remainder of the day.