Sedation Dentistry
Your Comfort is Our Priority
Some patients are apprehensive or phobic about dental procedures, especially if they have experienced dental pain, trauma or have had extensive work done in the past. Dr. Edwards practices Conscious Sedation Dentistry, which offers the option of having dental procedures completed in-office under oral sedation.
Oral sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “relaxation” dentistry. These are the terms many patients use to describe the feelings they experience during oral sedation dentistry.
Using this approach, patients are sedated with an oral sedative medication that places the body in a deep state of relaxation. Unlike general anesthesia, they are able to breathe on their own and respond to verbal instruction.
Oral Sedation Dentistry - How it Works
Before your appointment – We will give you a prescription for a sedative to be taken prior to your appointment.
Arriving for treatment – Your companion will bring you to our office, where we will make you comfortable with a cozy pillow and blanket in our treatment area.
During your appointment – Dr. Edwards will monitor you throughout your entire visit. We will complete your dental treatment while you are sedated, and you will be able to respond to Dr. Edwards as necessary.
After your appointment - Your companion will take you home and stay with you until you have fully recovered from your sedation medication.
The next day – Most patients feel no discomfort or residual effects from the dental visit. Often, oral sedation medications have an amnesic effect – patients remember they went to the dentist, but not much about the dentistry itself.
Should I Consider Sedation Dentistry?
If you experience a high level of fear when visiting the dentist, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. We have also seen positive results with patients with the following dental histories and needs:
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb, or become very frightened about needles and shots
- Severe gag reflex
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Extensive restorative needs and limited time for multiple appointments
- Chronic or acute jaw soreness
- Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
Our dental treatment areas are also equipped with Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) for a mildly relaxing temporary effect during dental treatment.
