Sedation Dentistry – Newington, CT
Breeze Through Your Next Dental Treatment
Does the prospect of visiting your dentist in Newington make you a little nervous? Or do you even feel paralyzed by fear? You are far from alone — many individuals experience some form of dental anxiety. We understand that, which is why we always go the extra mile to make our patients feel welcome. In some cases, though, a caring atmosphere is not enough to soothe anxiety. Therefore, we offer a few sedation dentistry options, including both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. They provide a safe and effective way for you to breeze through your next dental treatment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet taste that we administer through a nasal mask. As soon as you breathe it in, it begins to produce a relaxed, somewhat giddy feeling. It is easy for us to adjust your nitrous oxide levels throughout your procedure so you remain calm. After your treatment is over and we remove your mask, the nitrous oxide will wear off very quickly. In fact, you will even be able to drive yourself home from your appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is suitable for almost all patients, including those who:
- Are nervous about undergoing dental treatment.
- Have a strong gag reflex.
- Find it difficult to sit still for extended periods.
- Are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- Need to undergo multiple treatments simultaneously.
Due to its mild nature, nitrous oxide is safe for practically any patient, including young children. Many pregnant women who are past their first trimester are also eligible for nitrous oxide sedation. We will perform a thorough screening prior to sedating you so we can make an accurate determination of whether this provision is a fit for your unique case.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Since nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask, there is no need to worry about uncomfortable injections. After we place the mask on your nose, we will administer a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within just a minute or two of when you start breathing it in, you may start to feel very relaxed. You might also experience a giddy or floating sensation.
We can adjust your level of sedation throughout your procedure. Once we finish working on your smile, the nasal mask will be removed, and you should start to feel like yourself again within just a few minutes.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
The effects of nitrous oxide tend to wear off quite quickly, but we will still ask you to stay in our office for a few minutes so we can monitor you. If you experience any side effects, they should be mild and temporary. For example, some patients feel a bit nauseated or experience a light headache.
Nitrous oxide should not prevent you from resuming your normal activities after your dental appointment. However, if you underwent an invasive procedure, you may need to go home and rest for a day or two. It is important that you follow post-op instructions so your body can heal properly.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you will swallow a pill shortly before your treatment begins. As the pill takes effect, you will begin to feel very calm and relaxed. It is unlikely you will fall asleep, but if you do, we can easily awaken you with a gentle shake. You will still be able to respond to any questions we may ask you during your procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is quite powerful, and its effects can linger for some time. That is why you must have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment. In some cases, oral conscious sedation stops patients from remembering their procedure.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation does not require the use of any needles or masks. Rather, all you have to do is swallow a prescription pill soon before your treatment is scheduled to start. The medications used for this purpose can vary, but some common options include Valium, Ativan, and Halcion. The effects usually start within 15 minutes or so and can last for several hours. Oral conscious sedation is more powerful than nitrous oxide and is often used for individuals with moderate levels of dental anxiety.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation can make you feel very calm and relaxed. It may also induce feelings of drowsiness, though if you fall asleep, it should be easy for our team to awaken you. You may not remember anything that happens during your appointment; many patients like this because the sounds and sensations of dental treatment make them feel uncomfortable. Our team will closely monitor you during your procedure as a safety precaution.
After your appointment, you should have a trusted adult available to drive you home. Within a day or so, you are likely to return to feeling normal.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation might be suitable for you if:
- You suffer from a degree of dental fear or anxiety.
- You have a strong gag reflex.
- You require multiple procedures at once, or you are undergoing an invasive treatment.
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- You have a condition that makes it very challenging or even impossible for you to sit still in the treatment chair for any length of time.
- You went through dramatic dental experiences in the past.
- You dislike the needles and masks that are used in other forms of sedation.
- You do not have any allergies or medical conditions that would make oral conscious sedation unsafe for you.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Most patients with dental anxiety are candidates for sedation dentistry. Sedation may also be right for you if you have physical limitations that make it uncomfortable for you to sit still for long periods of time. We often recommend sedation for individuals who are undergoing multiple procedures at once. Your comfort is one of our top priorities, so if you are interested in sedation dentistry, do not hesitate to speak up!
During your consultation, it is important that you are forthright with us about any medical conditions you have. We want to help you choose a form of sedation that will be effective and safe for you.
To learn more about sedation dentistry and how we may be able to use it to help you, contact Family Dental Practice of Newington today.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation is very safe for most patients.
The lowest-risk option is nitrous oxide. It is well-tolerated by most people, and its effects wear off soon after exposure to it ends.
Other forms of sedation are also very low-risk as long as they are administered properly. Our team will thoroughly screen you for any medical conditions or allergies that might make sedation unsafe for you. If our screening reveals any potential issues, we may explore options outside of sedation to make your dental care experience as comfortable as possible.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?
Sedation is generally not recommended for pregnant individuals. That is because the sedatives could pass through the placenta and affect the fetus. During the first trimester, the use of sedation may adversely affect a baby’s development, whereas third-trimester sedation could encourage premature labor.
Sedation is safest during the second trimester, but if you must be sedated, it would be better to wait until after you have given birth.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
You may remember some details about your procedure after being sedated by nitrous oxide. Oral conscious sedation is more powerful and therefore more likely to induce mild amnesia. Many patients like this side effect because the sights, sounds, and sensations of dental care make them uneasy.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
The sensations you experience will depend on the type of sedation being used.
With nitrous oxide, you may feel a tingling sensation along with body-wide relaxation. Some patients feel euphoric and even get a case of the giggles. (That is why nitrous oxide is sometimes called “laughing gas.”)
Oral conscious sedation is more powerful. You may feel very drowsy and relaxed. You could drift off to sleep, but you should remain easy to awaken with gentle stimuli. Many patients notice that their body feels heavy when under the influence of this type of sedation. Time may also seem to pass more quickly.
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after the nasal mask that administers it is removed. That is why we continuously provide it during procedures. Once your procedure is over, the mask will be removed, and you should soon feel alert enough to drive yourself home and go about your other routine activities.
Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, may last for several hours (or up to a full day) after your procedure. You should avoid driving or doing any other potentially dangerous tasks during that time.