Sedation dentistry allows you to feel relaxed during your periodontal treatment at Smiles by Specialists. It can be used for patients with all levels of dental anxiety, resulting in a more positive dental experience.
Patients who choose sedation dentistry tend to have a fear or anxiety at the dental office, find it difficult to sit at the dental office for a prolonged period of time, strong fear of receiving dental anesthesia, or have a strong gag reflex.
Types of Sedation
(Should you select either option, we ask that you stop eating and drinking TWO HOURS prior to your dental procedure.)
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a non-toxic gas that you breathe in through a nosepiece. Many patients report that the gas reduces pain and induces a pleasurable feeling. Within a few minutes of inhaling the gas, you may feel lightheaded and/or feel tingly in your fingers and toes. Some patients say that their entire body feels heavy. Nitrous oxide is NOT meant to put you to sleep during dentistry. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests. The effects will wear off when the laughing exposure is turned off, and the mask is removed. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be used in conjunction with oral sedation and local anesthetics.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is administered in the form of a pill (Triazolam). When you arrive at our office ONE HOUR prior to your dental appointment, we will provide you with the appropriate dose of the pill. It allows you to be in a relaxed state while being fully conscious. The effects last for several hours, and you should not operate any machinery for the rest of the day. A responsible driver will be required to bring you home as well as listen to all of our post-operative instructions and prescriptions.
Instructions and Consents for Sedation
Dr. Lin has years of experience providing sedation dentistry to our periodontal patients. If you think you could benefit from sedation, please ask our team about these options.