Sedation dentistry uses a wide variety of drugs to help you feel safer and more comfortable throughout your appointment. At Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr. Aaron T. Ward and our team understand that dentistry can be intimidating.
Whether you suffer from dental anxiety or you’re just nervous because you need a complex dental procedure such as All-on-4 Implants, sedation dentistry can help you get through your appointment with less stress. To learn more, contact us for a consultation with Dr. Ward and our team.
Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas” is a great choice for most patients. In nitrous oxide sedation, Dr. Ward will place a mask over your nose, and you’ll breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas. This will leave you feeling calm, “floaty,” and disconnected from what’s happening around you. However, you’ll be fully conscious and can respond to commands and questions.
Nitrous oxide wears off fast, too. You can get back to your normal routine within about five minutes after your appointment. This also means that, unlike with other methods of sedation, you can drive yourself to Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants and drive yourself home after your appointment, too.
Oral conscious sedation uses sedative pills to provide a deeper level of sedation compared to nitrous oxide. Once your sedation takes effect, you’ll feel really groggy and sleepy. You may even fall asleep during your appointment, and forget most of what takes place at our office.
This makes oral conscious sedation a great option if you have dental anxiety, or want to relax during a more complicated dental surgery. The side effects do last longer, though, so you’ll need someone to take you to and from our office. You’ll also need to take the rest of the day off of work or school to recover at home.
IV sedation uses the same drugs as oral conscious sedation. However, they are delivered through a needle right into your veins, which makes the effects stronger. With IV sedation, you’ll be able to sleep through your entire appointment. However, you will not be unconscious, and you can still breathe on your own.
General anesthesia is related to IV sedation. It typically uses a mixture of gas and IV-based drugs. Unlike the other sedation methods on this list, general anesthesia will make you completely unconscious. This is the deepest level of sedation. However, it’s the most complex and expensive, and also requires the use of a machine to help you breathe during your treatment. General anesthesia is usually only recommended for patients with very complex, challenging oral health issues.
Full arch implants are also known as All-on-4 Implants, and are the best treatment option to replace a full set of missing teeth. With this procedure, the upper or lower set of teeth can be replaced with four implants that serve as a permanent foundation for your new teeth. It’s a comprehensive solution for natural, comfortable teeth that can last a lifetime.
Do you have questions about dental implants? We’ve got answers! Find some of the most frequently asked questions below, or contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any other inquiry you have.
Yes. Sedation dentistry uses medicines and treatment techniques that have been used with success for decades, and complications of any kind are extremely rare. However, to ensure your safety, we will meet with you and review your medical history, medications and supplements you’re taking, and other information before you’re approved for dental sedation at Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants.