Sedation Dentistry
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can help! Sedation dentistry keeps you comfortable during dental procedures. It's beneficial for people with dental anxiety or for those who are undergoing lengthy treatment.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry
People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. The Henderson Dentist often recommends this option for patients with:
Dental anxiety
A fear of visiting the dentist
An overly sensitive gag reflex
A fear of needles
Extreme teeth sensitivity
Feelings of claustrophobia while in the dental chair
Difficulty controlling movements
Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
Special needs (including physical, cognitive and/or behavioral).
Methods of Sedation Dentistry
There are several methods of sedation dentistry available:
- Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas", is a common form of dental sedation. We place a small, comfortable mask over your nose, and you inhale the nitrous throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide helps with mild to moderate dental anxiety and provides a feeling of calm and relaxation. At the end of your procedure nitrous oxide is flushed out of your system with pure oxygen allowing you to go back to your usual activities immediately after your dental appointment. You will be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Oral conscious sedation is used for mild to moderate dental anxiety. We will prescribe a sedative that you should take approximately an hour before your appointment. Oral sedation leaves you feeling very relaxed, and you may not remember much or any of the procedure itself. You will need a friend or family member to drive you safely to and from your appointment, as the sedative takes several hours to wear off.
- Intravenous or IV sedation consists of a sedative administered directly into your bloodstream, and you will feel the effects immediately. We at The Henderson Dentist use a registered Dental Anesthesiologist that is trained specifically for dental procedures. You may feel like you slept through your appointment or don't remember much of what happened. IV sedation stays in your system for several hours, so you will need a designated driver as it is normal to feel drowsy and groggy afterward.
Benefits of Sedation
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits: 
- Allows anxious patients to receive the important dental care they need
- Helps your dentist complete your dental work in fewer visits
- Relieves your anxiety and leaves you relaxed after your procedure
If you are interested in sedation dentistry or have questions or concerns, please contact our dental office for more information. We will be happy to help you decide what's right for you!
