Sedation dentistry can help you relax in the dentist’s chair so you can get the dental care you need for a healthy smile. The Bedford Dental Care team can help you explore your options for sedation dentistry so you have peace of mind.
SEDATION
IS SEDATION DENTISTRY RIGHT FOR ME?
Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you have:
Anxiety Or Phobia About
Dental Treatment
Extensive Dental Needs, With
A Limited Amount Of Time
A Very Sensitive
Gag Reflex
Difficulty
Getting Numb
A Fear Of
Needles
Sensitive
Teeth
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,
Or Dementia
There are several sedation options for sedation. We would be more than happy to speak with you either on the phone or in person to determine the very best choice for your own unique needs.
WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?
Sedation dentistry is a branch of oral care that specializes in giving patients relief from stress and pain through sedation. Depending on your situation, you and your dentist may decide on any of the three sedation tactics which include laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. All three methods have their place within sedation dentistry. However, your medical history and other unique factors will determine the right choice for you.
Laughing Gas (also known as nitrous oxide) is safe for patients of all ages because you are aware and awake during the procedure. If you have a dental phobia, your dentist may recommend laughing gas to help you relax in the chair. We’ll gently place a mask over your nose and tell you to breathe deeply. It only takes a few moments for the laughing gas to start working.
Unlike other types of sedation dentistry, laughing gas is quick to wear off. This means that you’ll be able to drive yourself home or return to work. If your child has had laughing gas, they’ll be able to return to school after their appointment.
Laughing gas carries the least risk compared to other sedation methods. Any side effects stop once the mask is removed. Laughing gas can be used for everything from teeth cleanings to root canals. However, keep in mind that invasive procedures will need more than laughing gas to dull the pain.
ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION
A Bedford Dental Care doctor will write you a prescription if oral sedation is your best option for your upcoming procedure. Since oral sedation makes you feel drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from our office.
Your safety is always our first priority, which is why we give you thorough instructions so you will know what to expect. Depending on the medication you’re prescribed, you may have to abstain from food and drink 8 hours before your appointment. For this reason, many patients schedule their appointments in the morning.
Oral sedation may make you drowsy enough to fall asleep. However, we’ll be able to easily shake you awake if we need you to cooperate with the dentist.
IV SEDATION
For IV sedation dentistry, we have contracted with a medical anesthesiologist, Dr Ben Grudinus. He will insert an IV line which will provide a steady flow of medication that ensures your for the entire procedure.
You can feel safe and secure while in the dentist’s chair, knowing that you are receiving quality dental care without the stress and pain. We closely monitor your vital signs and ensure you are breathing properly through an oxygen mask.
The Bedford Dental Care team wants to make sure each patient feels safe and comfortable during your visit with us. Give us a call and we would happy to further discuss which sedation options would be the best choice for you so that you can get the care you need and deserve.