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What Types of Sedation Are Used at the Dentist?

Posted in Sedation Dentistry

At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we understand that dental phobias and anxieties are real issues that keep countless people from receiving the oral care they need. We also realize that some individuals don’t respond well to traditional dental anesthesia, and not everyone has time in their busy schedules to set aside for an extensive treatment or procedure that may consume a large portion of the day. Regardless of whether you desire a routine cleaning or a full smile transformation, Dr. Klotz and Dr. Schlossberg offer three sedation dentistry options that can help make your visit to the dentist as comfortable and efficient as possible. This trio of techniques includes:

  • Nitrous Oxide – More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is absorbed by your body as you breathe through a small piece situated over your nose. This popular conscious sedation method helps to keep you relaxed during treatment, and since the gas exits your system quickly after the procedure, you will be able to drive yourself home after your appointment./li>
  • Oral Conscious Sedation – Administered in the form of a powder placed gently under the tongue, oral conscious sedation can help you feel totally at ease throughout the entirety of your treatment. Although this technique may not put you completely to sleep, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home to rest and relax for the remainder of the day as you may feel a bit groggy until the effects wear off.
  • IV Sedation – Intravenous (IV) sedation can provide a completely anxiety-free experience for qualified patients. Administered directly into your bloodstream, this common sedation method can help you sleep peacefully throughout your treatment, awaking with little to no memory of your visit. Following your procedure, a close friend or family member will need to drive you home and care for you until the sedation has worn off completely

No matter the technique utilized, our experienced dentists and highly skilled team will closely monitor your level of sedation to ensure your treatment is conducted as safely as possible. If you are interested in sedation dentistry, or if you have any further questions about our available options, please contact our office today.