Increasingly, patients understand the importance of periodontal treatment for their dental and overall health. Despite this awareness, patients may face anxiety about the actual procedure. Thankfully, recent advancements in dentistry eliminate nearly all the discomfort involved, and sedative procedures are available to assist in reducing anxiety and facilitating treatment.
Conscious Sedation
For those patients that feel more comfortable with conscious sedation, we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas that makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Although you will be awake, you will not be aware of your surroundings. Conscious sedation will calm you during dental procedures without the risk of general anesthesia.
Safety of Sedation
Conscious sedation has a very high margin of safety, and our staff members are all highly trained and experienced in sedation. We will be present throughout your procedure to closely monitor your wellbeing. We take every precaution, and use equipment such as an automated blood pressure cuff and oxygen sensor to ensure your safety at all times.
What Medication Do You Use?
The most commonly used medications are Halcion, Ativan, or Valium. In small doses, these drugs produce a relaxing effect, and in larger doses they induce sleep. We administer enough so that you are still awake, but extremely relaxed. All of these drugs have a very low incidence of side effects.
After Your Procedure
After treatment, you will need a responsible party to drive you home. It is not safe to drive until the medication has completely worn off, which may take up to 4 hours after it was administered.
Dedicated to Your Comfort
Your comfort during treatment is one of our highest priorities. If you have questions about sedation or other comfort measures, please let us know.