Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry

Nitrous Oxide
 
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. 
 
Conscious sedation is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal commands.
 
Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is breathed through a nose mask; its effects will disappear as soon as the mask is removed from your nose, so you can drive yourself from to and from the office.  A small fee is charged for this service.
 
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide:
  • Rapid onset
  • Drive yourself to and from your dental appointment
  • Very few side effects
  • You can return to normal activities immediately
  • Works well for mild to moderate anxiety
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
 
Think it is impossible to relax at the dentist's office?  Reliable intravenous (IV) sedation techniques let you rest comfortably while receiving the dental care you need and want.  If fear of the dentist keeps you from necessary treatment, as us about IV sedation to ease you through any procedure.
 
IV sedation can alleviate severe anxiety and phobias associated with dentists, needles, and drills to make any dental porcedure pleasant.  In addition, patients with sensitive gag reflexes and those with TMJ or other neuromuscular disorders that make it hard to keep their mouths open for long periods of time often benefit form IV sedation.  Dr. Fasnacht will work with a licensed Anesthesiologist to evaluate what would work best for your individual needs.  The licensed Anesthesiologist can administer on-site IV sedation for patients with any of these needs:
 
  • Fear of Needles
  • Fear of Pain
  • Fear of the Dentist
  • Gagging
  • General Anxiety
  • Sound of the Handpiece