Sedation Dentistry
We offer advanced sedation dentistry for various in-house services to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed during any dental treatment or procedure. Our team will closely collaborate with you to identify any fears and determine a treatment option you feel comfortable with.
The Purpose of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation is a medical solution that helps to reduce physical pain during dental treatment and minimizes anxiety, allowing you to feel more relaxed while receiving dental work. This makes the experience more pleasant and enables our staff to perform their duties more effectively. At Warwick Dental, we offer different types of dental sedation, such as laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and deep sedation.
- Laughing Gas
- Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a sedation method administered through the nose. Upon inhalation, patients will feel relaxed and have a reduction in sensation.
- Oral Sedation
- This sedation type gives patients a more relaxed and “fuzzy “experience during their appointment. Patients will take medication anywhere from 12 to 1 hour before the appointment. By the time of the appointment, patients will be awake but very sleepy and have no pain sensation.
- IV Sedation
- IV Sedation is considered the safest method of sedation as the medication can be customized to suit each patient’s requirements quickly. During the procedure, the medication will induce a deep sleep, causing them not to recollect the treatment.
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What is laughing gas, and what does it do?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas used as a local sedation method. It works quickly and is safe to use, as it can be easily reversed. Laughing gas is a widely considered safe dental sedation method that is used to alleviate pain and anxiety during dental procedures.
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What types of anesthesia are used for dental work?
Three common types of anesthesia are used in dental procedures: local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia involves injecting a numbing medication directly into the treated area, typically the gums around a specific tooth. General anesthesia is used for more intensive procedures like tooth extraction, dental implants, or surgery. During general anesthesia, the patient is unconscious and usually has no memory of the procedure. IV sedation is a deeper type of anesthesia that provides brief sedation and little memory of the surgery.
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Do I need a driver?
It is essential to have a driver before and after the procedure for IV sedation. You will also need someone to assist you in getting home and to stay with you for a few hours after the procedure. The medications used in IV sedation can be dangerous if you attempt to drive afterward.
However, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas sedation, is a safe and fast alternative. You can drive yourself to and from the dental appointment if you choose Nitrous oxide sedation.
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Will I be awake? What will I hear?
For laughing gas sedation, also known as nitrous oxide, you will be able to hear everything that is going on around you. However, the effects of the laughing gas will help you relax, and you may not care much about the noises. This sedation method takes effect quickly and wears off too rapidly.
On the other hand, you won’t be able to hear any of the sounds that occur during the procedure under IV sedation. This is the highest level of sedation, and you will have little or no memory of the procedure.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about dental sedation and the procedures used by Warwick Dental, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
