At Today’s Dental, we understand that dental procedures can be a source of anxiety for many patients. That’s why we offer a variety of sedation dentistry options designed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your visit. Whether you’re dealing with dental anxiety or preparing for a more complex procedure, our sedation solutions ensure you can receive the care you need without worry.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s safe, effective, and tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you need a routine cleaning or an advanced procedure, we’re here to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation – medicines are injected into your body to help you relax and not feel any pain during a procedure. Today’s Dental is certified in IV sedation dentistry. IV sedation can be used for everything from a dental surgery to helping with severe dental anxiety. You will need someone to drive you home from your procedure after IV sedation.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – your dentist will prescribe a medicine to take by mouth before your procedure. You’ll be awake, but the medicine will help you feel very relaxed and calm during the appointment. You need someone to drive you to and from your appointment when you take a sedative medication.
- Nitrous Oxide – sometimes referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling gas you breathe in right before your procedure. You will be awake but feel calmer and more relaxed. Unlike other forms of sedation, the effects of nitrous oxide usually wear off quickly so you can return to your normal activities later that day.
Sedatives are used during a dental visit for many different reasons, including dental visit anxiety. Your dentist will discuss the different sedation options with you. Together, you can decide on a plan to meet your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals. At Today’s Dental, we follow strict protocols to ensure your safety and comfort.
Will I be unconscious during sedation?
Most sedation options keep you awake but deeply relaxed. However, IV sedation may cause you to drift into a light sleep-like state.
Will it hurt?
We take every precaution to minimize discomfort during your treatment. We use local anesthesia to numb the area we’re working on, and we also offer sedation options if you’re feeling anxious. We’ll check in with you throughout the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable.
Can I drive after sedation?
The safety of our patients is our top priority. For your well-being, we strongly advise against driving after any form of sedation dentistry. Sedatives can impair your reaction time, judgment, and coordination – all essential for safe driving. You’ll need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your appointment. Please discuss any concerns you have about sedation and post-appointment care with our team. We’re here to ensure you have a comfortable and safe experience.
Do you knock people out? Do you have laughing gas?
We offer various sedation options to help you feel comfortable during your treatment, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety and oral conscious sedation for more significant relaxation. We also work with a board-certified anesthesiologist for IV sedation in cases requiring deeper sedation or general anesthesia. We can discuss these options and determine the best approach for your needs and preferences.
Can I drive after nitrous?
While nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a milder form of sedation, it can still affect people differently. To ensure your safety, we generally recommend waiting a period of time after your procedure and receiving clearance from our dentist before driving. This allows the effects of the nitrous oxide to completely wear off. Our team will monitor you closely and advise you when it’s safe to drive home.
Do I need to get numb/the shot?
We recommend local anesthesia for most procedures to ensure your comfort. However, we can discuss your specific needs and preferences and determine the best approach for your treatment.
It is hard to get numb.
Being hard to numb can happen in some cases. We have techniques and options available to help manage discomfort during procedures. Please communicate your concerns to our team.
How do I prepare for sedation dentistry?
Your dentist will provide detailed instructions before your appointment. Be sure to arrange transportation if needed.
I am allergic to Novocain.
Thank you for letting us know about your allergy to Novocain! We take allergies very seriously at Today’s Dental. We have a variety of alternative local anesthetics available that we can use to ensure your comfort during any procedure. To help us best prepare for your visit, could you please share some details about your allergy? For example: What type of reaction do you have to Novocain? (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) Have you had successful dental procedures with other anesthetics in the past? If so, which ones? This information will help us choose the safest and most effective option for you. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your care at Today’s Dental.
What can you do to help my anxiety about going to the dentist?
Our goal is to provide a calm and comfortable environment for your dental care. We offer headphones for music, warm blankets, and aromatherapy to help you feel calmer. If these methods are not enough to help you relax, there are sedation options that may be appropriate for you.
Is it normal for an adult to be nervous about seeing the dentist?
Yes, it is very normal, and we see it every day! In fact, nearly 1/3 of the population experiences anxiety about seeing the dentist for various reasons.
Does your office offer IV sedation?
Yes, we have sedation options that include IV sedation. For specific questions on the sedation options available to you, please discuss with your dentist.