Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Many people avoid simple preventive dental care such as routine checkups and cleanings because of dental phobia. At GEMS Dental, Dr. Saliba and his team want you to feel comfortable and confident while receiving dental treatments and offer mild to moderate sedatives to help you relax during your appointment. In addition to ensuring your physical comfort, sedation dentistry also alleviates your stress and anxiety.

What kinds of sedation treatments are available?

GEMS Dental offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation to help you relax and feel confident during your dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a mild sedative delivered in gas form through a small nose mask during your dental treatment. As the nitrous oxide takes effect, you may either fall asleep or feel a deep relaxation. Dr. Saliba controls your nitrous oxide throughout your procedure, and the effects wear off soon after Dr. Saliba removes your mask. Nitrous oxide is very safe, and most patients don’t even feel groggy after it wears off.

Oral sedation

If you opt for oral sedation, you take a pill before your dental treatment that helps you relax during your appointment. Oral sedatives are part of the benzodiazepine family, which subdues your fear receptors. Oral sedation is long-lasting enough for a full mouth restoration to be completed in a single visit. You’ll also find that oral sedation minimizes any post-treatment discomfort.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

IV sedation is the most effective option available, so an anesthesiologist monitors your IV sedation throughout your dental treatment to ensure its effectiveness and your safety. The sedative is fast-acting, as it enters your bloodstream directly. While Dr. Saliba and the anesthesiologist use the smallest amount of medication necessary to ensure your comfort, you may sleep throughout your appointment and feel slightly groggy for the rest of the day.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

If you have a dental phobia or anxiety about dental treatments, sedation dentistry helps you stay relaxed and comfortable during your appointment, whether you have a routine cleaning or a more invasive procedure. Additionally, children, senior citizens, and patients with special needs may benefit from sedation dentistry.

If dental anxiety is preventing you from having essential preventive care, call GEMS Dental or make an appointment online to find out how sedation dentistry can help you feel more confident about going to the dentist.