SEDATION DENTISTRY

NITROUS OXIDE:

Also referred to as laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide is a safe, effective sedation option inhaled through a mask placed gently over your nose. Within minutes, you are in a relaxed state but fully awake and able to respond to questions from your dental team. The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed and you are able to drive to and from your appointment on your own.

ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION:

With this option, a sedative medication is prescribed to you to be taken one hour prior to your appointment time. You will need a ride to and from your appointment as you will be very relaxed by your appointment time. Although you are conscious and able to respond to your dental provider, many patients find they are so relaxed they feel as though they slept through their visit. This option minimizes awareness of outside stimuli to the patient such as sounds and smells common to a dental office. Additionally, you are able to complete more treatment in a single visit resulting in fewer visits to the dentist!

IV SEDATION:

IV sedation is another option available to our patients. Dr. Scott is certified and trained through the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry to keep patients comfortably sedated through an entire appointment. IV Sedation is another form of conscious sedation offering all the benefits or oral sedation and more! With IV sedation, your dentist is able to better control the amount of sedation administered increasing or decreasing it specific to each patient’s needs.

IS IV SEDATION FOR ME?

IV sedation is wonderful and incredibly effective for most healthy adults. For many, it is the answer they have been looking for all their life. Discuss sedation with Dr. Scott if any of the following sound like you:

• You are uncomfortable in a dentist’s office
• You are too scared to even call the dentist and make an appointment
• You can’t stand the smell and sounds of a dentist office
• You are delaying treatment you know you need
• You are in pain when you eat, but too anxious about the dentist to take care of it
• You are unable to find a dentist that you feel you can trust
• You have trouble getting numb – the anesthetic doesn’t seem to work on you
• You are afraid to smile
• You are concerned about how many dental appointments you know you’ll need
• You are looking for a way to have the work of several appointments done in just one or two
• You remember bad experiences with a dentist in your past
• You need your wisdom teeth removed
• You have sensitive teeth
• You have a strong gag reflex, especially when the dentist is working in your mouth
• You have trouble with jaw soreness when you have to keep your mouth open
• You have back or neck pain when you sit in a dental chair

WHY CHOOSE SEDATION DENTISTRY?

• 100% Painless Dentistry: While in a deeply relaxed sleeping state, you won’t even remember the sound of the drill (let alone your dental work!)
• 100% Easy Appointment: You can complete all needed dental treatment in fewer visits (including cleanings!)
• 100% Stress-Free Dental Care: Relaxing comfortably through a dental appointment eases anxiety

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM IV SEDATION?

There are many different medications and sedation techniques, so it is best to come in for a consultation with Dr. Scott. Since you will be receiving sedative medication, you will need a companion to drive you to the appointment. Dr. Scott will begin by monitoring your vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, to make sure that you stay completely safe through the procedure. If you are concerned about getting a needle, Dr. Scott has techniques to make you comfortable before the IV is started. The dentistry will all be performed while you are relaxed and totally comfortable. When it is safe for you to travel, your companion will take you home.

IS IV SEDATION SAFE?

IV sedation is very safe as well as effective. Dr. Scott has received advanced training specifically designed to increase the safety and effectiveness of the sedation, and has been certified and licensed by the state. One of the many benefits of this sedation option is that Dr. Scott is able to fully control administration of the medication increasing or decreasing it, specific to each patient’s needs. Your vital signs will be constantly monitored from the moment you arrive at the office through the appointment, and until Dr. Scott is certain you are ready to leave. In fact, he and the whole dental team are highly trained in safety and emergency procedures, making the dentist office one of the safest places you can be!