Dental Sedation

Light conscious sedation by I.V. administration or Oral administration is a safe technique used to reduce anxiety related to dental treatment. The patient is awake and able to respond to verbal instructions, but is relaxed enough to go through the treatment he/she might otherwise avoid.

Deep I.V. sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist in our office. The doctor will place a small needle in the back of the hand. Medicine will be administered continually throughout the procedure. The medicine used is Propofol. At times, this will be supplemented if necessary with Valium or a similar class of sedative.

General Anesthesia is administered with Sevoflourane inhalant. The patient will be completely unaware of any of the procedures being performed. The Anesthesiologist will use a mask that will cover the patient’s nose and mouth until the patient is relaxed enough to place an I.V. The patient will receive a saline drop throughout the entire procedure.

Nitrous Oxide is one of the lowest forms of sedation available in our office. It is an inhaled gas that is administered with oxygen. It is administered to the patients through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. For children the mask is scented to make the experience more pleasant. The flow of the gas is monitored by the doctor at all times.

All sedation patients should understand that dental appointment time under general anesthesia is in high demand, and it is very costly to the practice should an appointment be missed. They should be sure to follow the requirements listed below and understand that if they do not, the appointment will be canceled.