Sedation Dentistry, sometimes called Relaxation Dentistry, refers to the way dentist's manage pain and anxiety during dental appointments. 

There are two ways that Sedation is administered in our Sisters dental office:

 
IV Sedation
 
IV Sedation also known as Deep Conscious Sedation is usually used by Oral Surgeons and dentists such as Dr. Porter who have specialized training and special certification. With this type of sedation, medications are administered directly into the blood stream. The greatest advantage of IV Sedation is that if someone is not sedated enough, the doctor can administer more medication and the effects are instantaneous. IV Sedation is not used commonly in most dental offices because of the specialized advanced training required and the requirements for certification by the State Board of Dentistry. The drugs used for IV Sedation are more effective then the same drugs taken orally. There is a more profound amnesia associated with this technique.

Download Pre-Operative / Pre -Sedation Instructions 

Download Post IV Sedation Instructions

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is used for its calming effect. It's a colorless, almost odorless gas that is combined with oxygen, then administered to you through a small mask that covers your nose. It can help to relax you, ease your fear and make you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide also helps increase your tolerance for lengthy dental procedures, and while it doesn't make any part of your mouth numb, it can decrease your perception of discomfort. There are a few situations where we can't use nitrous oxide, such as if you are pregnant or have an inner ear infection. 

The more deeply you breathe through your nose, the more you'll feel the effects of nitrous. We can also adjust the levels to make you more comfortable. Your normal reflexes will all be intact, and you will be able to communicate with us during your treatment. Nitrous oxide is not a replacement for a local anesthetic. When we turn the nitrous off, and you are receiving pure oxygen through your mask, the effects of the nitrous will quickly subside. You can safely drive after your dental appointment; the area in your mouth that will be affected by the treatment will still need to be numbed. 

 
Nitrous Oxide & Children

Nausea is an occasional side effect of nitrous oxide in children. If you anticipate that your child will need nitrous oxide, please ensure that they have little or no food prior to treatment. Be sure to tell us if your child: is prone to motion sickness, has a respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult or is taking medication.  

The Effects of Nitrous Oxide  

• Mild tingling in your hands and feet.
• Warm sensations throughout your body.
• The feeling of drifting or floating.
• A disconnection from what is going on around you.
• A dreamlike state. 
   

Contact our Sisters dental office if you have any questions or would like to know if sedation dentistry is right for you.