Dentistry doesn’t have to be scary anymore. If you get nervous before your dental appointments you’re not alone. Some studies suggest that 75% of US adults experience some degree of dental fear or anxiety! Dental Phobia ranks in the top 3 phobias in adults. Some of these patients are worried that they will not get numb before their procedure or they are frightened by the idea of local anesthetic injection. Other people have had bad dental experiences as children. Some people are ashamed of their strong gag reflex. Still others find it difficult to keep their mouths open and sit still while in the dental chair. Whatever your reason, we want to help break the cycle of avoidance. Patients often choose sedation for longer restorative procedures and oral surgery procedures. Advances in sedation dentistry have completely changed the way that dental care can be provided. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax, sit comfortably, and can make your dental visit more enjoyable. There is no need to fear or avoid your dental care with modern treatment techniques such as Sedation Dentistry.
Here at Iroquois Dentistry, we offer 3 levels of sedation:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
- Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS)
- IV Sedation (Conscious or Twilight Sedation)
Nitrous Oxide Sedation:
Also commonly referred to as laughing gas, this method is ideal for those requiring quick recovery following a procedure. Nitrous oxide can be administered and quickly flushed out by oxygen within minutes. Following a nitrous oxide treatment, the patient will leave Iroquois Dentistry as alert and bright-eyed as upon arrival. This level of sedation is perfect for small procedures requiring a light level of sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS):
Oral Conscious Sedation is given in pill form and brings about a minimally depressed level of consciousness. Oral conscious sedation is not sleep. Patients are able to make meaningful responses throughout the procedure, but usually have limited or no recollection of the appointment. With this level of sedation a review of your medical history is performed and a unique sedation regime is tailored to each patient.
We typically prescribe a medication for you to take the night before your appointment to ensure a good night of rest. Upon arrival for your appointment, settle into a comfortable chair with a pillow and warm blanket. Monitoring equipment will be placed and additional oral medications are given to achieve a desirable level of sedation. At least one member of our team is with you monitoring your well-being at all times.
Because oral conscious sedation causes drowsiness, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation (Conscious or Twilight Sedation)
The most comprehensive – and safest – sedation procedure. IV moderate sedation is a drug-induced state of reduced awareness. By having direct access to your circulatory system, we can take you to a deeper level of sedation by using modern sedation medications, such as Versed, Fentanyl, and Toradol, etc. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood are continuously monitored by the Iroquois Dentistry Team. IV sedation is not sleep. Patients are able to make meaningful responses throughout the procedure, but usually have limited or no recollection at all of the appointment.
Upon arrival for your appointment, settle into a comfortable chair with a pillow and warm blanket. Monitoring equipment will be placed and the doctor will establish an IV line (usually in the arm). Sedative medications are then titrated directly into the bloodstream to achieve a desirable level of sedation.
Because IV moderate sedation causes drowsiness, you will need to have someone with you to drive you home from your appointment.