Sedation Dentistry
It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30% are afraid of the dentist. Dr. Nima and team are committed to making sure each and every patient has a comfortable and positive dental experience. To that end, we offer several safe, effective and convenient options and forms of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. Nitrous Oxide has been the the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 10-70% nitrous oxide with no less than 30% oxygen. The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment. There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide:
- The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
- There is no after effect such as a "hangover".
- Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
- Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
- It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.
You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.
You may want to ask your dentist for a "5 minute trial" to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.
Oral Sedation
Commonly referred to has the "happy pill"; oral sedation is where the patient is given a sedative-hypnotic drug just before their dental appointment. The most common drug is Triazolam (Halcion). It takes approximately 25–30 minutes for it to start to take affect and therefore you will be instructed to come to your appointment early. Halcion has a sedative effect that makes it a requirement for patients to have an escort to and from their dental appointment. Oral Sedation works well for patients that have a mild to moderate level of fear and anxiety and have had oral sedation dentistry in the past. One problem associated with oral sedation is that it can be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair. Basically, you don’t know how well the drug will be absorbed from the stomach. The inability to customize the amount of drug to give each patient "titrate" minimizes the advantages of oral sedation.
Intravenous Sedation (IV Sedation)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation, also referred to as IV Sedation for their dental treatment. With IV Sedation, you would be "put under". A consultation is required first with us. We would go over concious sedation vs IV sedation. We would cover financials and coordinating an anesthesiologist to come to our office for your treatmnet (as there is usually a few week waiting period).