HIGHEST QUALITY EXPERIENCE

SEDATION DENTISTRY

PEACEFUL DENTAL CARE

Ignoring the need for treatment can mean a significant worsening of the condition and the need for more invasive treatments. However, some patients are fearful or anxious about the idea of dental treatments. Even knowing the consequences of their specific issues is not enough to get them in the chair for treatment. At Oregon Periodontics, we can help. If you are feeling nervous or anxious about a necessary periodontal procedure, we can provide you with conscious sedation.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

When you experience issues with your mouth, the idea of needing a dental procedure can be nerve-wracking. Some patients experience mild anxiety, while others may experience extreme fear. Sedation provides a way for anxious and fearful patients to get the treatments they need while allowing them to remain completely calm and relaxed. With conscious sedation, you get these benefits while remaining conscious.

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reasons to opt for sedation

Conscious sedation can also be used if you experience unpleasant symptoms or have any of the following traits:

  • Have a very low pain threshold.
  • Your teeth are extremely sensitive.
  • You have a bad gag reflex.
  • You find it difficult to sit still in the dental chair.
  • You need a significant amount of work or your procedure will be lengthy.

Sedation Dentistry Options

Nitrous Oxide

You may be more familiar with nitrous oxide under the name of laughing gas. This type of sedation is considered minimal and is the lightest form of sedation available. There are no medications to take or needles to insert. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled gas, which is administered via a small mask secured over the nose. When you arrive for your appointment, the mask is placed.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a type of moderate sedation. It involves the use of a prescribed medication that is taken an hour orally before your scheduled procedure. It usually takes about 30 minutes for the medication to start working, although the exact time varies.. For this reason, you must have someone drive you to your appointment.

I.V. Sedation

IV sedation is another type of moderate sedation. This sedation is administered through an IV, directly into the bloodstream. The effects of IV sedation take effect within seconds. Moderate IV sedation has similar effects to those of oral conscious sedation, and you will need to have a driver take you home as the effects of sedation can take several hours to vacate your system.