Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of medical sedatives to ease the dental experience for patients who suffer from debilitating fear or anxiety.

Dental phobias can make it challenging to get proper care for your smile. They can leave some patients unable to sit still long enough for Dr. Gottam to safely perform a procedure, while for other patients, the fear of going to the dentist can make them avoid dental care entirely.

For patients whose dental fears are affecting their oral health, sedation dentistry can give them a healthy smile that they deserve.

What are some examples of sedation dentistry?

NRH Family Dentistry offers two types of sedation:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas that you inhale through a mask before and during your procedure. The mask fits just over your nose, leaving your mouth open and available for dental work. 

Nitrous oxide is odorless and begins temporarily alleviating your anxiety within minutes. Some patients even get the giggles, which is why it’s commonly known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedative, so it puts you in a deep state of relaxation, but it doesn’t fully put you to sleep.

When Dr. Gottam is finished with your dental treatment, she pumps pure oxygen into the mask, which helps flush the nitrous oxide from your system and make you feel normal again. 

IV sedation

IV sedation is a sedative that’s administered through an IV drip, so it goes directly into your bloodstream, where your dentist or anesthesiologist can precisely control the amount. IV sedation works quickly and is stronger than nitrous oxide, but it’s still a conscious sedative, so it doesn’t knock you out entirely. 

Even though it doesn’t put you to sleep, IV sedation has a more amnesiac effect, and you won’t remember much about your procedure. You might also be slightly groggy after your treatment, so you’ll need to arrange somebody to drive you home.

NRH Family Dentistry usually only offers IV sedation for specific procedures, like tooth extractions and wisdom tooth extractions.

Is sedation dentistry for me?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent solution for anybody who’s looking to calm their nerves during their dental treatments. Dr. Gottam can give you a more thorough examination to determine whether you’re healthy enough to receive sedatives during your appointment. 

Get the dental care you need by scheduling a sedation dentistry consultation with NRH Family Dentistry today. You can book your visit by calling the office or scheduling with the online booking tool.