Sedation Dentist – Find a Sedation Dentist Near You

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to make dental procedures more comfortable. It reduces anxiety and allows complex dental treatment to be completed in fewer appointments.

For many people, just thinking about a trip to the dentist causes their heart to race and their palms to sweat. This type of anxiety is common and can lead to serious consequences.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety and mild pain. It is administered through a nosepiece and works quickly to make patients feel calm. Unlike general anesthesia, it does not put patients to sleep and they can still respond to questions or instructions. It is a good choice for children and adults with anxiety or who dislike needles.

Nitrous Oxide reaches the brain in less than 20 seconds and inhibits pain receptors in just two minutes. It is a great option for nervous or anxious patients, and can be used with other sedatives to increase their effectiveness. It is also a great option for special health care and medically compromised patients.

After the procedure is over, nitrous oxide is switched off and patients breathe pure oxygen for five minutes to flush the drug from their systems. They should not drive after this time and should arrange for a friend or family member to take them home.

Oral conscious sedation

Sedation dentistry can be a lifesaver for people who have severe dental anxiety or fear. It can even help with routine procedures, like a tooth cleaning. However, sedation dentist Raleigh isn’t available for everyone and it can be expensive. It’s important to find a dentist who is experienced with sedation and has the proper equipment for safety.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication before your procedure to help you feel calm and relaxed. The dose of the medication can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you will take a pill, typically Halcion or a member of the Valium family, about an hour before your procedure. This will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. Moderate oral sedation can cause you to fall asleep during the treatment, and it may be difficult to wake you up.

The sedatives used in oral conscious sedation are benzodiazepines, which have a long history of safe use in dental care. They are effective in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, and they have few side effects. Most patients tolerate them well and do not experience discomfort or memory loss.

IV sedation

When patients are very anxious, we offer IV sedation dentist Raleigh. Our sedation dentists are highly trained in this procedure, and they will monitor your vital signs during your treatment to ensure that you don’t have any side effects. We will place a small intravenous port in your arm. This can be a bit uncomfortable, but we will work with you to overcome this fear. Once the sedation is administered, we can easily control the dosage.

The sedative drug we use for this method is dexmedetomidine. This is a powerful sedative that can make you very drowsy, and in some cases, put you to sleep. This is a great option for patients who need extensive dental work. It will also help you forget about your procedure.

This form of sedation has the added benefit of rapid effect onset. However, it is important to note that the sedation can impair your judgment and reflexes. Therefore, it is important to have a trusted friend drive you home after your procedure.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity at the fear receptors in your brain. Typically prescribed to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia, and seizures, they can also be used as sedation treatment at a dental office. This is one of the more powerful types of sedation dentist Raleigh available, and can be used to achieve deep sedation or even general anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask placed over your nose to help you relax. It is safe and easy to administer, and doesn’t affect memory or motor skills. It wears off quickly, so you’ll be able to drive home after your appointment.

Oral sedation uses a small pill to produce minimal or moderate drowsiness, depending on the dose. You will need a friend or relative to drive you home afterward, as oral sedation dentist Raleigh causes grogginess and can make it difficult to communicate. It can also be dangerous to mix with certain pain medications and alcohol.