Dental sedation can be used to relax patients during routine or restorative dental procedures. There are different forms of dental sedation that offer varying degrees of sedation ranging from minimal sedation to deep sedation. Dental sedation options offered at Park City Dental include:
Inhaled Sedation
Inhaled sedation delivers nitrous oxide through a small mask that fits over the nose. Within seconds of inhaling nitrous oxide gas, patients will experience feelings of relaxation and calm. Nitrous oxide can also produce feelings of euphoria, which is why it is sometimes known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide sedation is used as a conscious sedation technique that keeps you awake, but calm.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation uses one or more sleeping pills taken the night before and/or the morning of your procedure. Oral sedation offers a moderate level of sedation that may cause you to fall into a light sleep. However, oral sedation allows you to be easily awoken.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses an intravenous catheter to deliver sedative medications directly to the bloodstream. It can be used to achieve a moderate to deep level of sedation. With IV sedation, you may fall into a light sleep or you may be completely unconscious, depending on the level of sedation.
Did You Know?
Before nitrous oxide became a popular dental sedation method, it was used recreationally by the British upper class. Starting around 1722, some households would even host laughing gas parties.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental sedation?
You may be a candidate for dental sedation if you:
- Have dental anxiety
- Are undergoing a long or invasive procedure
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
In order to determine if you are eligible for dental sedation and to determine which sedation method is right for you, Our doctor will need to consider your age, health, and current medications. To find out if dental sedation is right for you, schedule a consultation with Park City Dental today.
What can I expect when having dental sedation at Park City Dental?
When having dental sedation at Park City Dental, your exact expectations will vary depending on the type of sedation you are having. Generally speaking, you can expect to receive sedation before your procedure so that you are completely relaxed before the procedure begins. You may feel relaxed or sleepy, and you may even fall asleep. These feelings can linger after your procedure, depending on the type and level of sedation used.
What can I expect after having dental sedation?
Your expectations after receiving dental sedation will also vary depending on the type of sedation. After having nitrous oxide sedation, you should be able to drive yourself home since the effects of the gas cease as soon as you stop inhaling the gas. After having oral or IV sedation, however, you will need to have someone drive you home and will likely feel some residual effects throughout the day. Generally speaking, the deeper the sedation, the longer the residual effects will last.
