Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. At East Madison Dental Dumont, this is what you can expect from your experience, thanks to the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry.
Our team can provide sedation dentistry to help ease the following conditions:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Difficulty getting or staying numb from anesthetics
- Special healthcare needs that make it difficult to comfortably receive dental care
What is Sedation Dentistry?
At East Madison Dental Dumont, sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably to help ease dental anxiety and discomfort. The many benefits of sedation dentistry include:
- No memory or reduced memory of the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- Reduced sense of sound or smell
- Reduced fear and anxiety during dental treatment
East Madison dental patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
What Levels of Sedation Are Available to Me?
Our team is here to reassure you there is no need to be nervous about experiencing sedation dentistry at our Dumont dental practice. We are licensed by the State of New Jersey, and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times throughout your visit!
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three levels of sedation at which we can administer your treatment:
Mild Sedation
Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Inhalation sedation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
Moderate Sedation
Typically sedation for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
Deep Sedation
Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure. It is recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
How Are Sedatives Administered?
At East Madison Dental Dumont, dental sedatives are administered with the following methods:
Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Oral Sedation — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
IV Sedation - After gently placing an IV, the sedative medication is given through the IV. Your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. It is important for someone to accompany you for your appointment. You also must not eat or drink 6 hours prior to the appointment.
IV Sedation
We recognize that some of our patients may feel anxious or apprehensive about receiving dental care. Our doctors and staff work hard to make sure that you have a comfortable, positive experience, and that's why we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry for those patients needing a little extra comfort before receiving treatment. Feeling anxious about receiving dental care should never prevent you from having the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
It is important NOT to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your appointment. You will need someone to accompany you to your appointment because you will not be able to drive. When you arrive at our practice, our staff will be waiting for you and will escort you to a private room where you'll be treated.
Your doctor will gently place an IV and administer medication to help you into a deeper state of relaxation. Once your treatment is complete, you will wake up with little or no memory of the appointment and a beautiful new smile. Using sedation dentistry, we may be able to complete many different procedures, including complex smile makeovers, in just one visit to our Dumont dental office!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry:
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for many patients to receive dental treatment. Before starting your treatment with IV sedation, your doctor will help you decide if IV sedation is right for your treatment.
How long will it take the sedation to wear off?
The time it takes for the sedatives to wear off depends on the dose you've received, how long your treatment is, and how quickly your own body can recover. Because sedation causes drowsiness, it is recommended that you have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Any patient, from child to adult, who experiences dental anxiety is a good candidate for sedation dentistry. If you have any of the following fears or concerns, ask your doctor about sedation dentistry as an option for your next dental treatment:
Experience Enhanced Comfort with Sedation Dentistry
Are you looking for a more comfortable, anxiety-free dental treatment? Are you set to undergo oral surgery? Our safe sedation dentistry services can help. Contact us today to learn more about adding sedation dentistry to your next visit!
